How to love your getaway
Your bags are packed, the hotel is booked. But how to keep the good vibes going on a romantic trip? Alyssa Shelasky shares tips.
for a short period of time I had two boyfriends in two different cities: east and west. Both were new, commitment-free relationships. The problem was, I didn’t know which I liked better. So I tried the ultimate relationship appraisal: a romantic weekend away. Travelling is unnerving for all couples, even married ones, but skipping town with a new partner is ultra-precarious. So much can go wrong! I soon discovered that ‘East’ wasn’t really big on daily showers (is that too much to ask?) but that ‘West’ – who smelled like Sunlight green bar soap, bless him – and I were the definition of compatibility, from sleeping to eating. We were so in sync that we’re still dating, one year later. Here are a few tips on navigating a weekend vacay, whatever the stage of your relationship.
1 Manage your expectations
Even in the best-case scenario, there will be issues. A fender bender on the way, a migraine, a lost wallet. You can’t prepare for these bumps in the road, but if you’re gearing up for the best weekend ever, you’ll take the hit harder. So remind yourselves that you’re hoping for a ‘nice’ escape. That way, when trouble finds you, you can say, “No big deal” and get back on track.
2 Talk money in advance
Have an honest conversation about the division of financial responsibilities before you go. It won’t be sexy, but it will save you stress when the bill arrives. Maybe you split everything or your partner pays for the hotel and you’ve got the meals.
3 Have a code word
We all have annoying habits. And our quirks will be amplified in a hotel room the size of a Mini Cooper. Come up with a code word for when you’re driving each other nuts. And make it funny, like ‘tonsil!’ This way, no one is fuming and you might even catch a free laugh.
4 Beware of overscheduling
Sure, romance is alive, but you’re really going away to relax. Netflix and chill in the huge hotel bath! The museum will be there next year. If the two of you have different ideas of downtime, propose a deal, like, “I’ll hit the hotel gym in the morning while you sleep in.” Taking a little break from each other doesn’t make the weekend togetherness any less legit.
5 Get some fresh air
It’s essential to hike, bike, swim or whatever the climate allows for. Nothing is more enchanting than playing around together in the great outdoors.
6 Bring along gratitude
Travelling with a partner you’re compatible with is one of life’s sweetest pleasures, especially if it’s someone you love to kiss. Don’t take it for granted. And if the person isn’t super appealing at the end, that’s when you thank the hotel gods for creating minibars.