The Benefits of Traveling Together

K: If you can’t tell by now, we love to travel. In fact, one of the main reasons we started this blog was to keep a document of our travels (we’ve got big things planned). When we were dating, Brandon and I both decided that we wanted travel to be a priority for us. We knew that we wanted to save money so that we could take the trips we want to, before children come along. The downside to travel is that it is expensive, which means that you really have to prioritize it in order to make it happen. Here are six reasons why we believe that you should invest in travel and include it in your relationship:

1. You Grow Closer and Learn New Things

You may think that you know everything about your spouse, but maybe you didn’t know that they always get seasick on a boat until you’re 100 miles off shore and they’re politely trying to tell you that they’re going to be sick (sorry Brandon). The point I’m trying to make is that you can easily get yourselves into situations while traveling that will allow you to learn something new about the other person. With that, you grow closer and form a tighter bond.

On this last trip, Brandon and I learned that we’re really good kayakers together but we absolutely hate kayaking with others. We took a nighttime kayak ride through the mangrove forest in an attempt to see the bioluminescent waters of Puerto Rico. We navigated like pros compared to others who continually kept bumping into trees. We loved discovering that we worked well as a team on the water and felt closer because of it. Side note on the tour: sadly, the water did not glow for us but we did get to see a spectacular sunset.

2. You make amazing memories

This is an obvious one but extremely important to consider. When I think back to my childhood, many of the memories that I cherish took place when I was on vacation with my family. Similarly, in our marriage, many of the moments I look back upon happened when we were traveling. You’re guaranteeing yourself the chance to make amazing memories that you will cherish forever. It’s so special to take a trip with your spouse and revisit those fantastic moments many years later. I know Brandon and I will be thankful for the fact that we prioritized travel for the two of us.

3. You Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Traveling always has the ability to get you out of your comfort zone in one way or another. For us, it was that nighttime kayak ride, as mentioned above. We had to rely on each other and our teamwork to make it out of the mangrove forest, but we learned a lot in the process. Even if it’s something like trying an exotic food, stretching yourself to try a new activity, or maybe traveling in general is out of your comfort zone; whatever it is, doing it together will hold value on your relationship.

4. You Talk More and Therefore, Communicate More

A trip or a vacation forces you to talk and communicate with your spouse. Brandon and I seem to have some of the best conversations while we’re traveling. Maybe it’s all of that airport/transportation wait time, or a dinner that stretches on for hours, but we always take advantage of time to talk. Even in navigating the streets of Old San Juan, we had to talk and communicate about where we wanted to go and how we could get there. Communication is such a vital part of your relationship. Why not build it up more with travel?

5. You Share a Common Goal

On any trip, you’re going to find that you have a common goal. It could be as simple as: relax and rejuvenate as a couple, or as intricate as finding the best restaurant on the island. Our travel goals remain pretty simple at this point. We always want to go in with the goal of creating meaningful memories, enjoying time with each other, finding great food, and exploring a city and its culture. We accomplish these goals in so many different ways but sharing that overall purpose bonds us together and makes sure that we’re seeking the same things on any trip. Before you leave, try to nail down what your common goal is and keep it in mind when you travel.

6. You Live in the Moment

The last factor of importance in traveling together is that you’re completely and utterly happy living in the moment. I loved getting to see Brandon completely content, just reading a magazine on the beach. The simplicity of this was perfect. We always try to embrace any new culture, city, or journey, knowing that living in the moment of wherever you are is so rewarding. It’s easy to get anxious when traveling (will you make your flight? What if the hotel isn’t that great? What if you get lost navigating the city?). Instead of thinking of everything that could go wrong, just enjoy where you are right then. By living in the moment on your vacation, it makes the memories that much sweeter.

On Katherine: J. Crew dress, also love this one and this one, Mythologia sandals (on sale now!), Ray Ban sunglasses, Michele watch

On Brandon: Zara shirt (sold out, similar here), J. Crew shorts, Sperry shoes, Persol sunglasses