1. Before you go: Talk, ask questions, figure stuff out
Do you get carsick? Is there something you absolutely must do? Is there something you absolutely won’t do? Are you going to have (or seek out) internet access? Are you going to want dedicate time to working out on vacation? Make sure you’re on the same page.
2. Be reasonable about what you’ll get done
If you plan 20 things every day, you’ll constantly be thinking of where to be next, you won’t spend as much time doing anything as much as you should, and you’ll probably fight about this. Let’s lower the bar. If you only have a few goals every day, anything else will be icing on the cake, and you can enjoy the whole thing as you go with the flow.
3. Bananagrams
Bring Bananagrams. Just do it. It will make time fly, you can bring it anywhere, and you won’t get bored of it. The only caveat is that you might miss a flight or train if you’re too engrossed in the game. Kind of pay attention a little.
4. Snacks
They’re not for you, they’re for your boyfriend, who acts like a cranky toddler when he hasn’t eaten in 3 hours. A freak-out meltdown over getting lost can be assuaged with a handful of Beef Jerky or jelly beans (or a Snickers bar). Whether you have snacks or not might determine whether or not you are going to murder each other in a time of duress.
5. Always have your own cash money
You don’t know when the hell the next ATM is going to appear. And if you’re in a foreign country, you really don’t want to get stuck. There’s nothing worse than having to ask your boyfriend for €5 so you can buy a pretzel—especially if you two are already sort of on the edge.
6. Do something separate
This is a requirement. It’s the absolute best idea ever to spend time apart. You’ll be able to breathe, and you’ll have something to talk about when you find each other again.
7. Remember that this is not YOUR vacation
If you want it to be all about you, then go by yourself. But you’re with someone, and that is the whole point. You will probably do something you do not want to do. Your boyfriend will probably do something he does not want to do. Isn’t this fun?! (No seriously, it is.)
8. Don’t give a sh*t about getting lost
I think only bad people become irate about maps and directions—that is a huge red flag. You’re on vacation, not at work. This is the one time in your life that getting lost is okay. And remember: getting lost is awesome. I’m obviously not talking about if your vacation is trekking Everest or if you’re late for a flight or something. But don’t fret if you’re lost on city streets or driving around.
9. Take a moment
Look at you! You’re in a new, exciting place with someone you love! Nothing should bring this down, nothing. Think about your friends stuck at their work desks, your mom stuck in Ohio, everyone else who isn’t you right now. You are on vacation, goddamit. You will regret it if you waste any of this awesomeness being stressed or unhappy. You’ll later wonder, “why was I so stressed?” That is a promise.
10. Chill!
If you’re a control freak or a planner, you are going to have to learn to just shut up and smile. It might be hard for some people at first, but you will have more fun in the end going with the flow than fighting for your way, then getting it. Plus, you won’t learn anything or get as many awesome new experiences if you are controlling the whole trip. That’s the #1 bonus about traveling with someone else—they help guide the trip to a place you didn’t know it could go.
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