Planning a trip with your partner should be exciting, but what if you have completely different interests? Maybe you’re all about museums and city tours, while they’d rather go hiking and find the best street food. Instead of stressing over differences, use them to make your trip even more memorable.
Here are some tips for planning a trip with a partner who does not share your interests:
1. Talk about what you want—before you book anything
Before booking flights or hotels, sit down and have an honest chat about what each of you wants from the trip. Are they craving adventure while you want relaxation? Do they love packed itineraries while you prefer spontaneity? Knowing these things upfront helps avoid frustration later.
2. Make a “must-do” list for each person
Each of you should pick a few must-do activities. Maybe one day is dedicated to their love of surfing, and the next is all about exploring the city’s markets and coffee shops. Having a mix of both your interests makes the trip more balanced.
3. Split up sometimes (and that’s okay!)
You don’t have to do everything together. If one of you wants to sleep in while the other takes a sunrise hike, go for it! Taking a little time apart means you both get to enjoy what you love, and you’ll have plenty to talk about when you reunite.
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4. Choose a destination with variety
Some places are naturally better for couples with different interests. A beach town with both water sports and cute cafés? A city with both historical sites and nightlife? Pick a place that gives you both options.
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5. Take turns being ‘in charge’
One great way to keep things fair is to take turns planning. Maybe you plan the first day, and they take the lead on the second. This way, you both get to share what you love without one person feeling like they’re compromising the whole time.
6. Find the middle ground
There’s always something you can do together. If they love nature and you prefer to relax, how about a beach day or picnic? If they love history and you’re more about food, why not do a cultural food tour? Look for experiences that blend both interests.
7. Keep an open mind
You might discover something unexpected when you try your partner’s favourite activity. Maybe that museum tour turns out to be a highlight for you, or maybe you actually enjoy snorkelling more than you thought. Being open-minded can make your trip even better.
8. Plan for downtime
Even the best trips can be exhausting if you don’t take breaks. Schedule some chill time—lazy mornings and afternoon naps are just as important as exploring. You don’t want to burn out.
9. Handle conflicts with a sense of humour
Travelling can be stressful, especially when you have different expectations. Instead of arguing, try laughing it off and remembering why you’re on the trip together. This may take some mindful practice to get right, but a little patience and humour go a long way.
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