What To Do When Your Partner Doesn’t Like Traveling (But You Do)

What do you do when your partner doesn’t want to travel? This article will show you four straight-forward things you can do if your partner doesn’t like traveling.

It can be difficult for us, travel addicts and adventure lovers, to understand why not everyone sees our lifestyle’s appeal. Who wouldn’t love to see new sights every day, to see a different country each week, or to meet new people from all over the world? As hard as it may be for us to relate, many people just don’t enjoy traveling. 

If you are in a relationship with someone who doesn’t like traveling, this can cause a few issues. However, there are still ways to make things work for both of you! In this guide, we have explored what to do when your partner hasn’t caught the travel bug!

1. Test the water with a short getaway together

partner doesn't like to travel

If your partner has never traveled before or traveled very little, he might have preconceived notions of what it is like. He may have the idea that travel is not much fun , tiring, or boring. While this may simply be a matter of opinion, he might have simply never had the chance to try it!

There are plenty of things that I assumed I wouldn’t like until I was persuaded to try them. I’m sure you can think of examples where this has happened to you. For instance, until I was twenty-one, I thought I hated electronic music . Since reluctantly agreeing to tag along with a friend to see a techno set at a festival in Spain , I’ve been a regular raver and end up dancing on a podium with glow sticks at least once a month!

If your partner has low expectations of traveling, you might be able to prove otherwise. You probably shouldn’t dive straight into a months-long expedition with them. Still, you can probably persuade them to test the waters a little. Why not start with a short day trip with a romantic picnic surrounded by nature? Or a week away somewhere a little more adventurous than they are used to can give your partner a taste of the travel life without asking him (*see note on gender) to make a big commitment. 

This exact thing happened to me with my current partner: when we met, he had never traveled abroad, and the idea had never appealed to him. However, when we went for our first weekend trip together, it was a real eye-opener for him. I made sure that we chose a destination with things that he liked (such as good BBQ restaurants and craft beer breweries) and we took it very easy—mainly chilling and having short walks while enjoying the small provincial town.

On the second day of our trip, my partner was already showing initiative himself and making suggestions of things to see and do. After that trip, our weekend getaways became frequent, and we went on a week-long trip together that we both enjoyed. In fact, we’re currently planning a month-long tour around Europe next year!

2. Talk to him about his traveling worries

partner doesn't like to travel

There may be personal reasons that your partner is reluctant to go traveling. Working out what these reasons are can help you to find solutions.

He may have the idea that traveling is tiring, and think that all he wants is a beach holiday . This is not a huge obstacle! If this is the case, why not plan a trip somewhere where there is the option of either relaxing on a beach or taking part in more adventurous activities? That way, he can decide what he wants to do at the time. 

Don’t panic if you don’t always want to do the same thing. You can compromise by taking it in turns to choose the activity, or even take a few hours apart every now and then to pursue your own interests. If you prefer more active time, you can always have short day trips yourself while he is chilling under the palm trees with a book and a cold beer!

He may have a misconception about traveling. He may believe that it is more dangerous than it actually is or is always very expensive. He may have heard horror stories from friends, family, or in the news, and believe that this represents the danger of traveling in general. If this is the case, you can debunk some of the myths and explain how to avoid these potential pitfalls. Share your own experiences with him, tell him your travel stories, and show him photos and videos , and he might change his mind. 

In rare cases, he may have been traveling before and had a bad travel experience . Depending on the severity of this experience, it may be inconsiderate to be too pushy when trying to convince him to go on a trip together.

He may also suffer from anxiety problems and find it difficult to leave his comfort zone and experience unfamiliar places and situations. Again, this doesn’t mean that you should necessarily give up on the idea of him ever traveling with you, but it definitely means you need to show understanding and empathy to help overcome travel anxiety . Showing understanding, encouragement, and support at the same time is the best way to strengthen your bond and trust in you.

Ask what aspects of traveling do not appeal to him and see if you can find a compromise. Don’t be pushy, and try to convert him into a nomad in a day. Respect his views and needs and try to see if you find any common grounds for traveling.

3. Ask yourself if it is a deal-breaker for you

partner doesn't like to travel

If you are in a long-term relationship,  you have probably discussed your future goals and expectations in life. However, it is best to touch upon them every now and then to see if anything has changed for either of you. This relates to traveling as much as any other aspect of life. 

If all you want is to live a nomad life cruising in a van across South America , and your partner sees himself in his current job and apartment for the rest of his life, finding a compromise could be tricky. However, this is an extreme example, and most couples will be able to compromise through healthy discussion. 

Although my current partner has come to love traveling sometimes, he is still a lot more of a “ homebody ” than I am. While I would quite happily live the nomad life all year round, he needs plenty of time to recuperate and recharge with home comforts before heading out traveling again. We managed to come to an understanding that suited both of us. We go on a few short trips a year, one larger trip once every year or two, and I have been on a few short solo trips without him when I really felt the wanderlust kick in.

For most couples, having a home base and going on a few trips a year is ideal. Here’s why .

4. Enjoy your solo time while apart

partner doesn't like to travel

If you decide to head out on solo trips while your partner stays at home, this does not need to lead to a conflict. Healthy relationships include both trust and personal space, and spending a little time apart every once in a while is no bad thing.

Traveling solo can give you and your partner some much-needed personal space . Make the best out of your solo trips: meet people, make new friends, and have fun . Traveling solo has a notable advantage—you don’t have to compromise with anyone on where to go or what to do. If you feel like an impromptu mountain hike, you don’t have to convince anyone. If, on the other hand, you decide at the last minute you would rather have a day on the beach than do any planned activities, the choice is yours and only yours. Traveling solo offers a sense of freedom that no other pastime can match.

There is some truth in the common saying, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” While your partner might relish the chance to relax on his own for a while, it probably won’t be long before he starts to look forward to having you around again. During your time away, you will miss each other, and it can even improve your relationship in the long run! When you come back home after your trip, you will have stories to tell, photos to show, and some presents for your partner will surely melt his heart.  

When I returned from a two-week trip to Chile last year, coming home to my partner was one of the highlights of the trip! While spending time alone was great, missing him made me eager to share stories with him and made me appreciate having him in my life even more. He told me that a week of playing video games and eating pizza on the couch was more than enough (I choose to believe him!), and he was thrilled to see me when I came in through the door!

While different traveling views can cause obstacles in a relationship, these obstacles are usually by no means impossible to overcome. Even if you spend some time apart, you can still have fun in each other’s company while not traveling.

If you have always dreamed of having a partner who shares your love of traveling and accompanies you every step of the way, you should assess the relationship and determine if not being able to travel together is going to work. For most people, this is not likely to be a deal-breaker. If you want to persuade your partner to join you on your adventures , it is important to be open to compromise and to listen to his suggestions as much as you hope he listens to yours.

Emma Jones enjoys observing and exploring the world around her and writing about her discoveries. Human relationships are her favorite topic, and she likes to analyze them from a psychological perspective. She is a contributing author at Thought Catalog, GoDates , and several other media outlets.

* Note: In this article, she referred to a partner as “him” since she wrote from her own perspective. Nonetheless, her tips apply to everyone and anyone that has a partner, regardless of gender. Click here to go back up and keep reading.

partner doesn't like to travel

partner doesn't like to travel

What To Do When Your Spouse Doesn’t Like To Travel

By: Author Robyn Robledo

Posted on Last updated: January 29, 2024

We’ve been traveling the world for 8 years now. My husband doesn’t (or at least didn’t) like to travel. It caused a lot of stress on our relationship because I wanted to travel and he didn’t. Now, he loves it. In this blog I am sharing steps you can do when your spouse doesn’t want to travel with you.

Hey! I’m Robyn and if this is your first time to our website, back in 2015, we decided to sell everything but our sports gear in order to travel. But not just travel… it was with the main purpose of adventure travel.

I love outdoor adventure and don’t mind taking some risks. Climb 5000 feet in a hike … love it! Get scared on a rock wall … love it!  A new town to figure out and learn … love it!  A bottle of wine and sheep cheese from a local farmer … love it!  Paddle out into a new break with overhead waves and nail only one epic ride … sooo love it!  A narrow windy dirt road that I may have to back down for a mile if another car comes in the opposite direction … love it!  Can’t sleep at night because I have way too much adrenaline pumping through my veins … love it (somewhat).

My core values are challenge, newness, and adventure but I started dating Victor when I was just 17 years old and didn’t really know or show that these were my values at the time.

We got married young, had 5 kids, opened a business at age 20. We were too busy to think about values, core desires, purpose, or discovering our true selves.

My husband had a very different upbringing than me. He hates being uncomfortable. He’s kinda like Goldilocks. Too hot … not having it. Too cold… get me outta here. Chaffers … hell no. He’s looking for that sweet spot that just may not exist.  BUT, and it’s a big BUT, he loves me .

So he’ll hike, even though it makes his heart rate too high . He’ll climb, even though it scared him to death . He’ll surf, even if he misjudged a wave and almost loses an eye . 

Put him under a squat rack or in someone’s guard, and you will have no sympathy for him. Put him with the one person who he’d prefer to spend all his time with, and you’ll beg him to find another passion , anything but follow his wife into this abyss of adventure travel that they’ve created for themselves. 

The reality is that opposites attract and when you put little stress on a relationship, you don’t always see the differences. 

Stay in a relationship long enough and one of you is bound to go down the path of change, self growth, self exploration faster than the other. And often one of the things we want when we discover that we’ve been living a life out of alignment, is the desire to travel and see the world.

But in a world that has programmed us to live in fear, constantly chase security, and to never defy the norm, that can make it so that one person in the relationship is ready to hop on a plane to Timbuktu and the other would rather sit on the couch and watch sports.

Does that mean we shouldn’t push? We shouldn’t learn about our true selves? We shouldn’t expose our weaknesses?

In my opinion, absolutely not. 

We do crazy, and dumb, things for the person we love and compromise is the only answer, regardless how vague of a term that may be. 

Almost every trip we’ve taken over the past 8 years has been stressful on our marriage.

For two people who’ve never had a single fight in the first fifteen years of marriage to all of a sudden find themselves bickering over where to sleep, what to eat, and whose turn it is to “deal with” the kids was exhausting and frustrating.

But anyone who’s ever made a choice in life, especially big ones, knows you can’t just turn around and go back to what was . You have to move forward and find the next path.

Victor and I did that. We committed ourselves to doing the hard work, the inner work, and now we get to share how we arrived at a new path.

No Wonder My Spouse Doesn’t Like To Travel

When we traveled the first time to Europe (for six months), there were four things that put a lot of stress on our relationship. 

  • Constant movement. I like being on the move and need very little time to adapt to a new city and be ready to move on. Victor needs a few days to get his bearings and adjust. 
  • We were in a 22ft motorhome . It’s amazing that we all managed to squeeze in there for four and a half months and if you mention the word ‘McLouis’ to our oldest son Daniel, he may start crying. Besides being small, there were no doors. No privacy. 
  • Money, lack of it.  We were on a tight budget and we don’t know what job we will do next or where we want to move to when we are ready to get rooted again. 
  • Exercise, mainly the wrong type.  My husband is a meathead and needs to lift heavy weights in order to be happy. Hiking, climbing, and surfing don’t do it for him like they do for me. 

Solution When Your Spouse Doesn’t Like To Travel

The solution was to :

  • Clear expectations
  • Open mindset
  • Facing fears
  • Make request, be reasonable & renegotiate
  • Spend more & have a mishap fund
  • Put pride aside

1. Get Clear On Expectations

They say the secret to happiness is low expectations and if you knew my husband you’d agree.  Happiest guy…very low expectations. I’m not sure if I should be worried or flattered.

The fact is, all this crazy road tripping and adventure travel is my obsession and he’s happy that he’s the one I choose to drag all over the world.

With that being said, just because it’s your dream to explore, we can’t expect that our spouse is going to fall in love with it . But we shouldn’t settle or give up our dreams either.

We all need a dose of adventure in our lives, but adventure can also be code word for hardship, uncomfortableness, and confronting fears.  

Travel can also be a huge opportunity for connection when done right and aligning your spouse’s desires and values will make it so that you both love to travel.

Take our quiz and get our couple’s communication workbook which will help you hone in on each of your desires and values.

I think the best thing a should do before deciding where to travel to is to sit down and talk about what they expect from themselves, from each other, and mostly from the experience itself.

Tip : Get really clear and detailed on what your travel days will look like.

partner doesn't like to travel

2. Start With An Open Mindset

No one thinks they have closed mindset but in coaching people for 30 years, a person’s ability change, compromise, and be happy, is a direct reflection of their willingness to see life from multiple perspectives.

An open mindset allows us to be curious and wonder, “Could I be the one standing in my own way?”

If you are in a relationship and you can’t say, “Hey, I’d really like to travel more and I’d love to travel with you, can we sit down and discuss options for traveling together?” then you need my throat chakra coaching.

The hard truth is that a lot of people weren’t taught that they were worthy of their dreams or how to effectively communicate their thoughts and so their minds became aloof and closed off to possibility.

Hence, the next step…

3. Face Your Fears

From a young age, everyone received some message of unworthiness, fear of pain, self-doubt, fear of rejection, inability to trust, or overall feeling of lack.

We all have some belief running in our subconscious that keeps us in a state of fear. But few are willing to shine a light on these shadows and even fewer are willing to do the work it takes to rewire old beliefs into new, self-empowering ones.

It was only when we both were willing to see our past hurts that we were projecting onto each other that we could heal and show up for one another in a more compassionate way.

We had to really hone in on what each one needed to feel successful, fulfilled, and happy in order for us to both love to travel together.

Typically, when one spouse doesn’t like to travel, it’s because they are wired for more fear than the other.

As a parent, worrying comes with the territory. Victor and I both used to worrying about getting lost on a hike, getting attacked by animals, being bitten by poisonous spiders, bears crawling into our RV while we were sleeping. Most fears are irrational.

Modern life rarely gives us the chance to figure things out.  When you travel, mishaps occur. But remember, you are inventive!  When put in stressful situations, rise to the occasion, develop a plan, and act bravely. You are capable of more than you think.

As Bear Grylls says, “Being brave isn’t the absence of fear.  Being brave is having that fear but finding your way through it.”

Everyone grows at a different rate and often that rate of growth is directly linked to how many of our fears we are ready to address.

You can do it.  Address your fears .  Accept them as normal human emotions.  Get to the root of what the actual fear is that you are struggling with.  Logically decide if it’s a real risk or a phantom one.  If it’s something that is unlikely to happen, set it aside, and go be brave . 

You’ll be amazed at what you’ll discover!  

Related Blog: How To Create an Adventure Mindset

4. Request, Be Reasonable, & Renegotiate

I’d start my adventures early, driving late into the night for a morning arrival, frustrating Victor. Camping in Europe and New Zealand often meant setting up tents in dark, rainy conditions, making travel tough for my spouse.

In hindsight, communication was lacking; we had alternatives but didn’t discuss them enough. My early expectations weren’t fair. Understanding our core desires—my intensity and Victor’s neglect of his needs—allowed us to renegotiate our travel style.

Now in our RV, using campgrounds and occasional Airbnbs, we’ve eased stress. Slower travel, shared interests like mountain biking, and accommodating Victor’s need for workouts have made compromises possible. Exploring all options and aligning with core desires helps find a balanced way to travel.

5. Spend More & Have A Mishap Fund

Victor wished for a bigger budget, while my frugality sometimes led to skipping meals or pushing fuel limits.

On your first trip, plan a higher budget for comfort. Allocate funds for unexpected challenges like flat tires or sudden hunger.

Rather than solely preventing discomfort, budget to push boundaries, with reserves for emergencies.

6. Put Your Pride Aside

Some individuals resist travel due to a reliance on self-sufficiency. Venturing into the unknown can discomfort those uncomfortable with uncertainty. During our travels, we faced challenges, from struggling to park our trailers to a surfing injury in France. Despite initial hesitations, Victor learned to trust and accept help, revealing the kindness of strangers.

Next time you are in a bind, put your pride aside and ask for help if you need it .  You never know, you just might find your next friend for life!

Awesome! Now you are both ready to travel and explore but inevitably triggers are going to arise. When they do, remember to treat yourself and each other with compassion.

Little things like feeding yourself so you don’t get hangry or irritable, allowing yourself to trust the world, acting brave and capable, and remembering your why for being there in the first place will go a long way in preventing mid-travel blow-ups.

Everything that’s happened in my life has started with desire. With a “why” and I think that’s the biggest step. The what and the how naturally follow once you know what you are waking up excited for. 

It takes a lot of work to be on the same page, but when you are both there, things start clicking again and being time-rich in gorgeous locations around the world feels magical.

Related Blog : How We Live In An RV Full Time

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Megan Reamsnyder

Friday 9th of February 2018

My husband has a different travel style than me, so it definitely takes compromise! I love a good road trip but he HATES them, so now I will drive out with the kids and take my time, and pick him up at the airport when we get there lol. Love what you mean about not being able to go back to what was, that is so true! http://misadventureswithmegan.com/

What If Your Partner Doesn't Want to Travel? But You Do!

partner doesn't like to travel

This article may contain affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission on any purchases at no extra expense to you. Read our disclaimer & privacy policy here.

We all know this story. Whether we lived in, heard about it or maybe are stuck in it now, it’s a pretty common situation for travel lovers. When you’re in a relationship and 1 wants to go and the other doesn’t, what do you do? You're probably left with thoughts like, how do I convince my boyfriend to go on vacation with me? Or, insert girlfriend, husband, or wife into the mix and it's all the same messy concoction.

Rewind to 2012 and this was me. I was in a serious relationship with my college boyfriend and honestly thought he was the “one.” *Spoiler- He wasn’t. He wasn’t even close* I had just been accepted into the Peace Corps upon graduation and was counting down the days until I left. He was too but for other reasons.

See, he had 0 desire to travel. Sure, we went on weekend getaways to the mountains or the beach but he really couldn't have cared less about experiencing new cultures, languages and food- all the things I was genuinely passionate about. We were young and naïve and thought we would get through those 18 months I'd be abroad. I thought long distance wouldn’t be a problem, my travel bug would die and I’d go contently back home when my service ended. Although breaking up before a trip wasn't in my mind, we did end up breaking up during it. Let me tell you now, our relationship ended because I was wrong about all of those things, long distance only being one of them.

We’re not a regular travel blog; we’re a collection of women living around the world, all with different backgrounds, jobs, desires, & nationalities. What do we have in common? A passion for life abroad. Each article is written from the 1st-hand perspective of a woman who has actually done or experienced what she writes about. Learn more about the author by clicking her bio pic at the start or end of each article.

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partner doesn't like to travel

For me, the more I saw the more I wanted to see.

My time abroad didn’t kill my bug, it made it grow into an all consuming monster (but a really cute monster that I continue to love and nourish every day).

So, I’ll be honest here:

Sometimes it really comes down to that .

You chose: your partner or your spirit. Maybe that seems dramatic to some but to me, that’s what it felt like. Travel fuels me more than most things can and I just wasn’t willing to swallow it. *Spoiler 2- I met and married a wonderful man while we were both working abroad in Panama that values travel and adventure just as much as I do. And he’s sexy, smart and kind. So it does exist!*

couple exploring waterfall in lush green jungle

But sometimes it doesn’t have to be one or the other.

‍ There are plenty of highly functioning, happy, supportive relationships out there that are able to make it work. But how?

I see posts daily on various travel groups I’m a part of asking strangers for tips on what to do in this situation. Typically they want to travel but their S/O isn't into it or even worse, is guilting them about their desire.

In my opinion this is something so very personal and not anything someone else can tell you what to do in black & white but some outside guidance can definitely help.

You guys saw how I handled the situation in the past and I promised myself I’d never even go on a date with someone who didn't share this view with me. But that doesn’t mean that’s how it should be for each one of us.

Tips

I recently connected with Mara, a really awesome girl who joined our community and reached out for a chat. Mara (say “Hi” to her on insta! ) is a nomad at heart but her partner is more risk averse and isn’t as excited by the unknown.

Here are some highlights from our conversation and from chatting with a few other travel-minded friends. *For length purposes, I’m solely focusing on when one person in the relationship wants to move abroad or travel extensively, not just a small trip or weekend getaway.*

two happy women laughing together on a vacation

Tips to get your partner excited to travel:

1. take baby steps.

Before making the jump, try going on a shorter trip to get your partner use to the lifestyle. Take a road trip in your home country or go on a week-ish trip abroad. Stay in accommodations that you would be able to afford for your long trip. Don’t go to a resort if you plan on backpacking and staying in hostels during the real thing. Give your partner a true sense of what the experience will be like. You could talk about something for hours but to really get a sense of it, just do it. The idea of it could be a lot more intimidating than the real thing.

Also, make sure that first plane ride, especially if it's a long one, is a comfortable one. Show your partner that a long flight doesn't have to be something you dread but instead can be a platform to building excitement and resting up for the trip. Find out some of my flight essentials are that I never travel without!

2. Plan Your Work

If you plan on working online, get prepared. Learn a skill, build your brand and even find some clients. If your partner is nervous about the travel life, don’t add a new job at the same time. On the other hand, if you prefer to work in person, figure out what kind of job you’re suited for. While it's a tougher way to go than deciding to work online, it is possible to land your dream job abroad . There are so many options out there and many will hire you before you even step foot in the country. Ease some of the anxiety and at least know where your paychecks will be coming from.

Use your LinkedIn account to start connecting you with companies in countries you're interested in. Take some tips from someone who has worked around the world, all thanks to LinkedIn.

3. Have a Home Base

Regardless of the job you chose, consider building a home base. Traveling for an extended period of time is exhilarating yet exhausting. After years of the backpack life, I got tired. My husband and I both still love planning trips but we’ve chosen to have a “home base” to travel from. A years ago we lived in Seoul, last year we were in Ho Chi Minh and then we moved to Da Nang before going full on nomad.

‍ HCMC is an amazing base for travelers. It’s centrally located in SE Asia so flights are short and cheap. Rent and living is also affordable so even if you just use it to take some breaks between trips it won’t blow your budget. It’s really nice to get home from a long vacation, take your pants off, lay on a couch (that you know is yours) and just not think about your next move for a bit. Your partner will get the comfort he/she desires while you’re still actually abroad, fueling your sense of curiosity just outside your door.

Trust me when I say there are so many female expats out there. What you're suggesting to your partner might not be the typical route but you absolutely aren't the only people taking advantage of this lifestyle.

4. A Break from “Normalcy” is a Good Thing

Maybe you want to move permanently abroad but maybe you’re just trying to convince your partner for a year or so out in the world. Remind them it’s a good thing professionally!

‍ Some people fear that taking a year off will destroy them in the job market when they come back. I’ve yet to meet anyone who has transitioned back and felt hindered. All of your hard work doesn’t go out the window when you leave.

Actually just the opposite, travel is something you can easily market. It shows you’re open minded , willing to adjust and probably have a different viewpoint than those who have never gotten out. Sell it! Plus, I guarantee you’ll learn more about yourself abroad than you ever would have in your routine. ‍

A couple, holding hands, overlooking a city from a look out point

5. Express Your Opinion

Don’t be shy with your partner. Tell them, openly and honestly, how important travel is to you. Most partners want to make their S/O happy so tell them how. Don’t suppress your desire and build up resentment. At the same time, ask for them to tell you their fears or uncertainties and LISTEN.

6. Compromise is Key

When you start the conversation from #5, be ready to compromise. And I’m sorry, but if compromise is not an option, your relationship has a bigger issue than travel. Work with your partner to see what they are willing to do . Maybe they don’t want to move abroad but are willing to go on extended trips. Is that enough for you? This isn’t something anyone else can tell you how to handle. It’s so personal and depends deeply on both of your personalities and priorities.

7.  Doing Things Solo is OK

As part of compromising, if there is something that you can't agree on or resolve together, it may be possible to do something on your own in a way that's still respectful of your shared life together.

I believe you can travel solo when part of a couple if necessary, as long as you do so with respect to and for your partner.

‍ A few examples: if you're saving for goals together you want to be conscious of the money for your trip not taking away from those goals. Your partner may be okay with you being gone for a month or two, but a year may be out of the question. Maybe your partner needs a daily check in, or photos, or maybe is fine with checking in less often. Setting those rules and compromising where you can makes sure you have a great trip while also keeping your S/O happy.

Solo traveling is equally as rewarding as traveling in a couple, just in completely different ways. It's an experience I think people both in relationships and not have a lot to gain through traveling solo. Check out the top 10 things traveling solo taught me to see what you could also learn.

8. At Least You Tried

Before you go, let your partner know that nothing has to be permanent. Listen and reassess a few months in to see that you both are happy in your current abroad situation. Realize you can change your travel plans, move to a new city or even go back home. It’s not a failure if it just isn’t for you. But, do give it an honest shot. Be open to new experiences, roll with the punches and get ready for the ride of your life! ‍

Happy couple in the pool at Anantara Quy Nhon Villas

Now, when your S/O gets home, open a bottle of wine, breech the conversation and start the course, Is moving abroad right for you? to find out where you both stand. It'll help you understand what will work for both you and what steps to take to get there. You got this!

Don’t hesitate to reach out, I’m always available for a chat. Send me an email !

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A lot of effort went into making this amazing piece of journalistic genius. If it helped you out, send us a quick thanks by buying us a coffee. All the money donated through Ko-Fi goes towards keeping A Way Abroad awesome. Big thanks!

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partner doesn't like to travel

partner doesn't like to travel

What to do if your partner doesn’t want to travel

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Recently updated on August 14th, 2023 at 11:38 am

It can be frustrating when your other half doesn’t share all the same interests as you. Even more so when one of your passions is travel – after all, isn’t exploring the world something you’re supposed to do as a couple? Is it ok to travel alone even if you’re in a relationship? Read on to discover how it really is possible to travel without your partner.  

Attitudes to solo travel are changing. After two years in a pandemic and so many of our big dreams being put on hold, many of us are rethinking the way we see the world. And that means relooking at how we travel and who we travel with. So, your partner doesn’t want to visit the same places as you? Maybe it’s time to take the leap and (after talking to them about it first, of course – we’re not looking to ruin relationships here) go it alone.

Make sure you talk about travelling solo first  

It’s likely that your partner is already aware that you don’t share the same love of travel. But if you’re thinking of embarking on a bout of solo travel, your first step should be to sit down and explain your plans to your partner. Make it clear that you don’t resent them, the last thing you want is to go off on a trip and leave behind bad blood. You need to set off on your new adventure with positivity and the knowledge that all is good at home.  

Explain that solo travel is a positive thing for your relationship – you get to fulfil your dream of seeing the world, while your other half gets to focus on something they want to do while you’re away. The likelihood is this isn’t for a long stretch of time – 7, 10, 14, even 30 days out of a relationship isn’t long in the great scheme of things. See it as a chance to recharge your relationship batteries when you travel without your partner.  

Get inspired: The top 10 ‘travelling solo’ myths debunked  

partner doesn't like to travel

Understand your solo travel options  

Once you’ve talked your partner through why you want to travel solo, the next step is to understand your options – and there are a lot available to solo travellers. While the most obvious is to book yourself a single person trip, this isn’t your only option. A guided tour can offer you the best of both worlds (more detail below) and you could also try travelling with a friend or family member who has the same travel interests as you (make sure you explain this to your partner as they might be peeved that you’re travelling with someone else after you’ve said you want to go it alone!).  

With a friend, you don’t have to stick together like glue – you can still explore solo travel and take single experiences and excursions. For female travellers in particular, travelling with a best female friend or in a group of women is very freeing and can feel very different to travelling with your partner.   

Get inspired: Reasons to travel solo by Trafalgar guests who’ve done it

partner doesn't like to travel

Why guided tours are great for solo travellers  

Guided tours are a great option for solo travellers and can provide you with the best of both worlds, especially for those travelling solo for the first time. While you’ll get the freedom to explore and see the world without your partner for the first time, you will have the support of destination experts 24/7 so that you’re not totally on your own. There’s also the option of having a bunch of ready-made travel friends on hand to share the experience with and to relax with in the evening if you do fancy a chat. And who knows, you might even make a lifelong travel soulmate.  

On a Trafalgar tour you get all that, plus an experienced Travel Director who will be there to ensure you feel safe and comfortable and who will look out for you every step of the way.  

Get inspired: Find out more about travelling solo with Trafalgar

partner doesn't like to travel

Find experiences that you and your partner can do together  

It may not be that your partner doesn’t want to travel at all… maybe you just want to see different parts of the world. If so, there are ways to ensure you can still have a travel buddy even if you want to go to different places. Try to choose destinations that are close with connecting borders, or why not plan to meet up in a neighbouring country or city? That way you can each do one part of your trip solo before you meet up halfway.  

Alternatively, many holiday companies operate split destination tours that cover more than one country with a handful of days in each – this could be a great compromise if you can find one that visits the places you both want to go. You could even try solo experiences and excursions that let you spend days apart doing different things, before meeting up for dinner together in the evenings.  

Get inspired: Explore multi-destination trips with Trafalgar  

Have you travelled solo while you’ve been in a relationship? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below.  

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I Want to Travel but I’m in a Relationship

‘I want to travel but I’m in a relationship’ – ah, what a dilemma. It’s something that I’ve dealt with myself, with my current partner, who is about as opposite to a backpacker as you can be. ‘ I want to travel but my partner doesn’t ,’ I’d say to my friends, hoping that they could somehow magically come up with a solution. But what is the solution if you want to travel but you’re in a relationship? How do you know if you’re making the right decision? I am a member of several Facebook groups about travel, specifically solo female travel . While most of the posts in the groups are about whether a destination is safe or what the best things to do there are, questions that I see time and time again are:

  • How do you choose between a relationship and travel?
  • What do I do if I want to travel but I’m in a relationship?
  • My boyfriend doesn’t want to travel WITH me but ALSO, said boyfriend doesn’t want me to travel WITHOUT him – what do I do?

Usually these posts come from people slightly younger than myself who are finishing up with school and have been yearning to travel for as long as they can remember, but their high school sweetheart (or someone they just started dating) just point blank refuses. And it’s a real dilemma. As someone who grew up dreaming of travel, where my travel dreams bordered on obsession, I totally get how, for some people, travel is a need and not simply a want. I’m also a hopeless romantic, and so I also understand the desire to find that one perfect person who you spend the rest of your life with, and not wanting to end things with somebody in case they are that person and you end up regretting it. So, what do you do? Well, there is no one-size-fits-all answer I’m afraid. Every relationship is different, every set of circumstances are different, and I can’t sit here and make your decisions for you. With that being said, I can give you some possible solutions, compromises, and the kind of advice that I am much more able to give at age 29 then I would have been at 18 or 19.

travel verses relationship

Table of Contents

I Want to Travel but I’m in a Relationship – What Should I Do?

One of the first things to address is whether you travelled before you met your partner, whether you have always dreamed about travel, or whether your wanderlust is a more recent thing. The reason I say this is because I believe that these three scenarios are all very different. For example, I have been travelling for over 4 years. I have not spent longer than a couple of months in my home country since I was a student, and have been what you would call ‘nomadic’ for most of my adult life. When I met my current boyfriend, I was upfront right from the beginning.

I wanted him to know exactly what he was getting into and be aware of the fact that I have no intention of changing my lifestyle anytime soon. I told him that I understood if this was a deal breaker for him but that this is me and he can take it or leave it. The point that I am making is that if you are already travelling and you meet somebody that wants you to stop for them, then you are entitled to politely tell them to F off and not to let the door hit them on the way out. If, however, your travel dreams have always been just that – dreams – then unfortunately you do have to take your partner’s feelings into consideration. It’s only polite after all.

travel verses relationship

What does travel mean to you?

The first thing you need to do is establish exactly what you mean by ‘travel.’ Do you want to embark on a 3 month backpacking trip around Southeast Asia and then return home to focus on your career? Do you want to move to China for 12 months to teach English ? Do you want to buy a camper van and drive around Europe indefinitely? Do you want to do multiple short trips that will allow you to balance work and travel? Do you want to move to Italy and build a life as an expat? All of these ways of travel are completely different and some of them will definitely have more of an effect on your relationship than others. If you want to embark on one single backpacking trip somewhere, from anywhere between 3 – 6 months, then I don’t see why it has to spell the end of your relationship.

If you are planning to spend your entire life with this person then a few months should not matter. Many, many people take a few months out of their ‘real lives’ to travel while their partner continues on as normal back at home. With the ever-improving technology that we have, long distance relationships are becoming easier and easier, and if your relationship is strong then it should be able to survive a few months apart. If you’re sitting here reading this and thinking ‘ but my boyfriend doesn’t want me to travel without him!’ then I’m sorry to break it to you, but you have bigger issues in your relationship then whether you should go travelling or not. Anyone in a healthy, secure, non-controlling relationship should be able to go and travel for a couple of months without the relationship falling apart. If your partner doesn’t want you to travel without him, I’d wager that this won’t be the last control issue that you’ll have in your relationship.

a couple arguing

If you want to do long-term travel then this may post more of a challenge. If, like me, you want to backpack indefinitely and without restrictions, then having a partner who doesn’t want to travel at all will be an issue. If the two of you can’t come to a compromise (you travelling in shorter bursts or him coming with you for some of the time), then it might be time to end things. If you want to actually move to another country and create a life there then your partner has the choice to either come with you, be long distance indefinitely (not what I would recommend), or part ways.

If your idea of travel is going on short city breaks whenever you have the free time, but remaining based in the same city as your partner, then there is no issue at all! If your partner doesn’t want to join you then you can go alone or with friends. If your partner won’t ‘allow’ you to go on travel without him then as I mentioned earlier, you need to get another partner.

travel verses relationship

Travel vs. relationship – why not have both?

As I have tried to show, you don’t necessarily have to choose between travel and your relationship. Travel and relationships are not mutually exclusive things. You can have both. It’s a hell of a cliché, but relationships really are about compromise, and if you partner is the one for you then they will be more than happy to discuss the ways in which you can still achieve your dreams without turning your back on the relationship. It might not be an ideal situation, but ultimately you should be able to come to an agreement whereby both of you are happy. If your partner is the one for you then you will manage to make it work.

This may mean long distance. It may mean being flexible. It may mean you staying put a little longer than you’d like, and your partner travelling a little more often than they would like. But somehow it will work. Alternatively, perhaps you are the right people who met at the wrong time. There is nothing wrong with putting the relationship on hold for a little while and then coming back to each other in the future to try and make it work. Maybe too much time has passed and you no longer feel a connection, or maybe you will be able to be together fully with nobody having to adjust their life to make the other happy. If your partner is not supportive of your dreams at all, or even gives you an ultimatum and asks you to choose between travel and the relationship, is that really someone that you want to be with? I would say no.

Hell, if your partner sees themselves living a completely different lifestyle to you, is it not better to end things now? From my experience, travellers (and people that want to travel) have similar traits. People who don’t like to travel also have similar traits. While they like comfort and routine, you like adventure and unpredictability. While they like security, you like the unknown. While they prioritise their career, you prioritise travel. While they may be more financially motivated, you are all about creating memories. None of the qualities that I have just mentioned are bad. In fact, you could definitely argue that the qualities a person without wanderlust has are ‘better’ than those that an avid traveller has!

However, while differences in a relationship are a given, if you are fundamentally different in so many ways, then perhaps you are not meant to be in the long run. Perhaps the person for you is currently camping in the Sahara desert or teaching people to dive in Malaysia . Perhaps the person for your partner is actually in an office right now, or curled up on the sofa with a takeaway and a good Netflix series. There are more than 7 billion people on the planet . There is a good chance that there is somebody out there whose lifestyle is more compatible with yours who is just waiting for you to find them and fall in love with them.

travel verses relationship

How my boyfriend and I worked it out

When I met my boyfriend, he was working an office job in Manchester and I was visiting home from where I’d been living in Sicily . I told him, upfront, that I would not stop travelling for anyone, and so, after a few months together during lockdown in rainy Manchester, he said that he would give Sicily a go. We went there, but he hated it more or less right away. Palermo is not for everyone, and I understand that. We then spent about 6 weeks backpacking, but he wasn’t keen on that either. I won’t lie, I worried a LOT about what this would mean for our relationship. However, we eventually reached a compromise. He wanted to base ourselves somewhere for at least a year, and I agreed, but said that wherever we were had to be outside of the UK, and with great weather. Enter, Valencia .

We are now 7 months into our 12 month lease and we are both super happy here in Spain. He feels better having a base, and now that restrictions are loosening, he is enjoying flying back home frequently to see his family and work in the office from time to time. We’ve spoken about what happens if I want to go travelling, and he said that if I wanted to go off travelling for a month at a time, it’s fine by him (as long as I still pay my share of the rent!). We’ve also talked about weekend trips and short city breaks that we can do together. It might not be the usual way of doing things (he is currently in Ireland for a month working, and I am here alone), but it works for us, and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters. I’m compromising by having a base and giving up my nomadic lifestyle, and he’s compromising by settling down in a place that he never imagined he would. It works.

If you DO have to choose, choose travel

With all that being said, I know that for some couples, a compromise just can’t be reached. I am a travel addict. I know that wanderlust is a hunger that will grow and grow until you feed it. I know that your yearning for travel will not cease to exist if you try and repress it. It will do the opposite. It will get to the point where you look at your partner with resentment. You will blame them for you deciding not to travel and become bitter about your life together. You will feel as though you are a character in their life rather than the protagonist of your own. And that’s if you stay together.

What if you break up after a few years and you now have commitments that don’t allow you to travel? You have a car, a pet and a mortgage. You can’t just up and leave like you could have done 10 years ago when you initially wanted to travel. You will have to live with the regret of having not travelled when you were as free as a bird, when life wasn’t so complicated. Unfortunately, the odds of you and your partner staying together forever are slim. This isn’t me being a pessimist – I meant it when I said I’m a hopeless romantic – this is me being real with you. While you might think that you and Brad from college are soulmates, you probably aren’t.

I thought my college boyfriend was my soulmate. We were crazy about each other and I couldn’t imagine my life without him. He told me that he felt the same and that we would get married and grow old together. Needless to say, I was single before I turned 19 and my GOD am I thankful for that. Mr College Boyfriend was not the one for me, and I would have missed out on SO much life experience if I’d stayed with him. I wouldn’t have lived on a beach in Cambodia or backpacked through the Balkans. I wouldn’t have worked in hostels and met some of my best friends in the world. I wouldn’t have had travel romances that have been exciting and magical and fun.

travel verses relationship

“But won’t I be single forever if I travel?”

I think one of the main reasons people are afraid to travel is that they fear being single. They worry that a life on the road will prevent them from creating and maintaining fulfilling relationships and figure that staying with their current partner and missing out on travel is better than being perpetually single. First of all, F. THAT. Being single is the BEST. Everybody should be single for a prolonged period at some point in their life. Being single and travelling is even better. You can choose where to go, how long to spend there, what to do when you’re there and if you want to kiss a cute boy on a pub crawl then you can bloody well do so.

You don’t have to rush back to the hostel to call your boyfriend before he goes to bed, or fight about that dude that tagged you in an Instagram picture. You can be truly selfish in the best possible way, and trust me when I say that your heartbreak over Brad will disappear quicker than a bottle of Bintang on Khao San Road. That being said, travel doesn’t prevent you from finding love. I would go so far as to say that you are more likely to find somebody compatible with you when you’re travelling verses when you’re not. First of all, they are living the same lifestyle as you, so that’s a start. Second, travel romances are so pure and beautiful. You know the butterflies and excitement that you used to get in high school before ghosting and mind games and situationships took over?

Welcome to the world of travel romance. I know plenty of people who have fallen in love and formed successful relationships on the road. My best friend met a guy travelling and dated him for 3 years . I know people in Cambodia that met while backpacking and proceeded to open businesses, get married and have babies together (while still travelling!). I know other couples that embrace ‘van life’ culture and see the entire world together. Travelling does not mean singledom. Travelling has never affected my romantic relationships. Romances that have fizzled due to distance are romances that were never going to work anyway. Travel just helped me find that out quicker.

travel verses relationship

I Want to Travel but I’m in a Relationship | Final thoughts

Ultimately, I can’t tell you what to do. I’m just a stranger on the internet who is incredibly biased towards travel. That said, I think the fact that you are thinking about this in the first place answers your question – if this person was truly the one for you, it would be a non-issue. You would either forget about travelling entirely because you’ve found something that matters more to you, or you would make it work. If you are already trying to decide between travel and your relationship, then unfortunately I think that says it all. What do you think? Do you agree with me or do you think that saving the relationship is more important? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below! xoxo

If you liked this article and would like to support my work, please click the button above to donate a couple of bucks and buy me a coffee. The ad revenue that I receive on this website is minimal, so support from my readers enables me to keep creating content that you (hopefully!) love to read.

I Want to Go Travelling but My Boyfriend Doesn't - What should I do? How do you choose between a relationship and travel? I've broken it down in this article.

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6 thoughts on “i want to travel but i’m in a relationship”.

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This is exactly what I needed (and wanted) to hear, thank you for the inspiration I needed to pursue my dreams! Great blog.

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This makes me so happy! 🙂

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Love this blog!

I think my boyfriend would be up for travelling though thank god but even then if he didn’t this blog was quite inspiring ! I would be away and he wouldn’t have a say! Deffo you should always do what you want to do in life! It is yours for the taking! xD

I really want to travel after I graduate but I’ve always wondered about career stability/ finances if I was to take a year out though I shouldn’t let this hold me back! I would then just be worried if my boyfriend couldn’t afford it but wanted to come travelling. then I would have to decide whether to go without him which would be mean or have patience till he can pay or I could help him pay! Or maybe working holiday visas would be the way to go in this situation. 🙂

Ever heard of a situation like this?

Can’t wait to spend my first proper wages on travelling when I can!

Thanks so much!

I don’t think that you should be worried that taking a year out would impact your career too much. If anything, jobs LOVE knowing that you have travelled, especially if you have done bits of volunteer work along the way or have other cool stories to tell about skills that you’ve picked up (like sailing around Europe or helping out an an elephant sanctuary or taking a cooking class in Italy!).

As for your boyfriend and his finances, I personally wouldn’t advise that you help him out, unless you’ve been together for years and years and you KNOW that he could (and would!) pay you back. Even then, I wouldn’t advise it. If he really wanted to go but needed a few extra months to save up, then wait for him for sure 🙂 if he doesn’t take saving up the money seriously and you end up waiting longer and longer – screw it, go without him! If your relationship is strong enough then a few months apart won’t be the be all and end all, and maybe he could even meet you out there after a couple of months! Volunteering in exchange for bed and board is also a great option – I have a long article all about working in hostels which you might find interesting!

Working holiday visas are also a great idea, so many people have that experience in Australia and love it 🙂

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Hi Jez, I know I’m the wrong age group for this blog, but I’ve been that person who grew up traveling (around the world twice by age 10, in 1967, when this was not done), was bitten by the bug, and wanted it for the rest of my life. I only did small spurts because I couldn’t manage my own life until after college. 3 weeks in Ecuador at 15, 8 weeks in Greece at 22, then trying to figure things out with grad school and early jobs. I married my husband chiefly because I thought he was a good traveler. He was in Russia for a semester when we were first engaged, met me in Italy when I had a Fulbright for a summer. But ultimately, he wasn’t a good traveler for me. Now I’m planning retirement; my kids are grown. [I’ve helped them become brilliant travelers, by the way!] I figure I will rent my house out and go. As a 65-year-old woman alone, I want to do the “harder” trips now, and the easier trips (Europe again) when I’m old. I am a little worried about being a woman alone, but I’ve never had problems I couldn’t handle. At least not yet.

Amazing! I’m sure you have so many wonderful adventures to come!

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partner doesn't like to travel

I love to travel. There's practically no place on the planet I'm not curious to see. But even an enthusiastic and laid-back traveler like me still has their quirks. For example, when I'm on vacation, I want to relax. Yes, I also want to see some sights, but I prefer a loose schedule. What that means for me is that I don't vacation well with folks who prefer to wake up super early and follow a carefully crafted itinerary to the letter. Easy answer. However, it gets more complicated when you and your partner don’t travel well together and you have differing vacation philosophies. After all, the point of having a partner is to share in life's adventures with them, right? But if you drive each other bananas any time you attempt a romantic getaway, that can be a real problem.

Is being incompatible travel partners a deal-breaker for the relationship? Or is this a problem with a solution? To figure out how to deal, I reached out to relationship experts, and here's the good news: There is hope in finding a middle ground, but it will take some work. "It’s not an issue to be resolved — it needs to be managed," Anita Chlipala , licensed marriage and family therapist and author of First Comes Us: The Busy Couple's Guide to Lasting Love , tells Elite Daily. "Each partner has their own preferences and values. When they’re at odds, it can seem like a couple is incompatible, but it really comes down to a couple’s ability to understand each other, accept each other, and compromise."

What does this "compromise" actually look like in practice? Here's what the experts say to do if you and your partner don't travel well together.

According to NYC relationship expert and love coach Susan Winter , the first step to becoming better travel companions is to find out in advance what activities are most important to one another on the vacation. “I always ask the following question before a trip: What three things do you need to do to make you feel that you've had a great vacation?” she tells Elite Daily. Then, she says, you make sure to prioritize those things. “In truth, when we're getting our needs met, we're less grumpy with our travel mate. Most of the friction comes from not getting our ‘must-do’ and then feeling resentment and anger,” explains Winter. Often this small adjustment is all you need to become more compatible vacationers.

Once you know what's most important to each of you on vacation, Chlipala suggests keeping things balanced by taking turns selecting the activities. “Alternate. You can honor both of your preferences by alternating trips. It shows your willingness to do the things that are important to your partner, and can make them feel accepted and appreciated,” she says.

Occasionally there will be items on your priorities lists that one or the other of you really have no interest in. In that case, you don’t have to automatically sacrifice one of your must-dos. Instead, Chlipala says plan to spend some time apart. “Do the activity that you want to do — without your partner. If you want to have a day at the beach but they want to go on an excursion, then spend the day separately. You can meet up for dinner and discuss your day,” explains Chlipala.

It really all comes down to recognizing where your travel styles differ and reflecting on those differences while finding middle ground. Just because you aren’t totally on the same page, that doesn’t mean you can't overcome this difference. The key to this, says Chlipala, is to “honor who you are” and who your partner is. “If you prefer to be at the airport two hours ahead of your flight's departure, and your partner prefers to roll up as people are boarding the plane, leave for the airport without them,” she advises. “Waiting around for them could give you anxiety and create a fight, and can start your travel plans off with both of you in a bad mood.”

The fact is that traveling, although exciting, can be stressful, which is why Winter says if you’re not natural travel companions, the key is to try and keep an open mind. “Traveling upsets our normal rhythms of waking, sleeping, eating, and exercise. If your partner likes to be out dancing late into the night and you want to be in bed at 10 p.m., you'll need to creatively think of a day-time schedule that works for both of you,” Winter explains.

There is one more option for couples who struggle to travel well together, says Chlipala, and that's not to force it. “Go on separate vacations,” she suggests. “If your partner loves to ski but you don’t get any enjoyment out of it, they can go with their friends. If you love the beach but your partner feels restless, you can go with friends who also share love of the sand and sun.” After all, there is no rule that you have to take all your vacations together!

The reality is, Chlipala says, that these differences aren't going to magically go away. “A couple needs to figure out how to accept each other and where they can compromise. Each couple needs to discuss why their way of travel is important to them and identify the needs, values and dreams that underlie their preference,” she concludes. If you can do that and then respect and adjust your style of travel to one that addresses both of your needs, you may discover that you really are each other’s perfect travel companion after all.

partner doesn't like to travel

When Your Partner Does Not Want to Travel

Summer Hull

Rewind 10 years ago and I was a single 25-year-old freshly off finishing grad school at NYU who was moving to start a new chapter and a new job in Austin. I loved snowboarding, my friends, my dogs, and of course, travel. I shortly thereafter met Josh (he was actually my roommate!) and we started dating. Well, it didn't take long before I had another trip coming up, and that presented a challenge.

partner doesn't like to travel

We were in that stage of "dating" where we wanted to do everything together, only he didn't fly and didn't really enjoy travel. He had experienced previous panic attacks on flights, hated the "cattle type" travel experience, and at 6'2+ was uncomfortable in the tiny airplane seats. Since we both wanted to go on the trip together, he did his best to be brave, and I did my best to make the trip, and especially the flight, bearable for him.

We had a great time on that trip and that slowly led to more trips. However, once we got a little past the we.have.to.do.everything.together stage, travel became a bit more of a negotiation. He was not, and will not, ever be a natural-born nomad. He would usually prefer to be at home, or out on some land cutting things down, or on a lake fishing, or several other activities, rather than standing in line to board a flight.

However, we usually had fun on trips once we got there, so there was incentive to find a way to make it all work for both of us - which got even more challenging as kids started to be added to the crew. I know this difference in travel patterns/habits/desires is something that other traveling couples face, so I was more than happy to recently chat about how we overcame (or, really found a way to manage) this difference for an article by Scott McCartney in The Middle Seat column of The Wall Street Journal.

I encourage you to read the article if you can since there are some fun stories and tips from some of my other favorite traveling couples including Pizza in Motion , but here are my three top tips I share to those who want to get a travel reluctant spouse on board. Pardon the pun...

Go Where They Want to Go

partner doesn't like to travel

One way I really got Josh on #teamtravel was to design many of the trips, especially at first, around what he wanted to do, even if it wasn't my first choice. I wanted him to have ample motivation to get beyond the parts of the travel process he really dreaded so he would see those parts really don't have to be that bad, and that the payoff is worth it.

This meant trips to see his beloved Kansas City Chiefs, a factory in Tennessee where they make boats, and planning our first major international trip to the place he had always wanted to go, Ireland. Okay, one t hat wasn't much of a sacrifice!

I wanted to make the entire travel process as comfortable as possible so he would keep wanting more, and that meant upgraded seats when possible, nicer rooms and suites, fancier rental cars, etc. Sometimes this required more miles or money, but since the alternative was a partner who didn't really want to leave our home zip code, it was well worth it.

The only downside to this approach is that they may come to expect "five star" treatment on every trip, even when it isn't really feasible or possible.

partner doesn't like to travel

Know When to Divide and Conquer

While traveling with those you love is often better than hopping around the world alone, this doesn't mean your partner who has different travel desires has to come with you on every trip. In fact, it is probably better if they don't. We eventually developed a pretty good pattern of when to travel together, and when to give him a few days of fishing, making bonfires, etc. at home while I logged some miles in the sky solo, with friends, or with my Little C.

This did get a little trickier with young kids in the house, but once Little C was about 3.5 she was old enough to travel just with me and have it actually still be fun, or stay behind without being too much work for just one parent at home. We aren't there again yet with Baby S, but within a few years we will again more easily be able to divide the trips with the kiddos sometimes heading on an adventure with mom or staying at home to chill with dad.

Until then I'm thankful we have found a way to make travel work even though we will always have somewhat different travel styles and preferences!

partner doesn't like to travel

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I love to travel but my reluctant partner is holding me back

The last time we went away, he spent much of the time complaining. I love him dearly, but feel I am missing out on adventure

I have a taste for adventure , but my partner would rather stay at home. We have just returned from a short break, during which he spent much of the time complaining . We have been together for 12 years, I love him dearly and our relationship is fantastic. However, I feel I have missed out because of his reluctance to travel. I would love to have cycled across Europe, for example. I don’t want to go alone and my friends are in relationships and I don’t fancy gatecrashing family holidays or romantic breaks. Is anyone else in the same boat ? If so, what do you do ?

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What to do when your partner doesn’t share your love of travel​

Your idea of the best vacation ever is traipsing on any of our Rome tours in search of history and the perfect gelato. Your partner’s take on a wonderful week off goes no further than the backyard or the beach. What do you do?

Going solo on a guided tour, asking a friend along, or making the trip into a family vacation are all great ways to fulfill your travel dreams. Keep reading for six ways you can travel while in a relationship with a partner who won’t—and check out our amazing tours that are on sale during our  Black Friday Event !

What to do when your partner doesn't share the love of travel​

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The Reluctant Spouse: What to Do When Your Partner Doesn’t Want to ...

partner doesn't like to travel

We first met Laura and Joel (not their real names) a decade ago on the shores of Mexico’s Lake Chapala , where they were vacationing. He was retired and she was happily working as a network television sales executive. He wanted her to quit her job and move to Mexico with him and she was having none of it.

A few months later, Laura accepted a prestigious promotion and assignment in Hawaii. Joel supported her decision, but made it clear he would not be moving there. They would live apart while she worked for two years in Hawaii. Then, she promised, they would move together to Mexico. Secretly, she hoped he would give up this ‘crazy idea.’

Life doesn’t always work out the way you hope it will.

Joel returned to Mexico by himself and bought a house. Laura wasn’t happy that he was forcing her hand. But true to her promise, she joined him in Mexico when her assignment in Hawaii ended.

As you might imagine, moving from a fast-paced job to retirement in Mexico no less, where she knew no one… Laura was bored out of her mind. She didn’t like the house that Joel had bought so she set about remodeling it. A year later, she took a job selling real estate and found she was very good at that. One day she suddenly realized that despite her misgivings, she was in love with Mexico and her new life there.

Luckily for Laura and Joel, things worked out. But what happens when partners don’t want the same thing? You want to retire overseas , for instance…to that sublime stretch of beach or sun-dappled colonial village…but your significant other says “no way, Jose.” Whatever can you do?

You can leave copies of International Living magazines in strategic places, of course…like in your beloved’s briefcase or lunchbox, on the nightstand, in the bathroom…

You can talk up the excitement, the fun, the romance of it all. Explain (with graphs and charts if need be – and I’m only half kidding) how much farther your retirement nest egg will go if you move where the cost of living is lower. (A word of advice: taking your partner to an International Living event will definitely help overcome anxieties and plant seeds about the benefits of living overseas.)

From hard-won experience, here are a few pointers that may help persuade your reluctant spouse or partner to make your dreams their dreams:

Involve them in the planning

This is a big decision. And it deserves careful thought and planning by all involved. Talk, talk and talk some more about it. Make sure you’re both as informed as possible and involved in the decisions about where to move, how to live, and so on. Spend time together and separately perusing online forums and other resources. If your motivation is economic, make sure you both understand what’s going on with your financial situation.

Compromise with a ‘no strings attached’ test drive

Nothing is scarier than cutting the ties completely. If your partner is reluctant to do that, consider giving the new life a test drive. Before you sell your house or buy that one-way ticket, rent an apartment in the new locale for three months or more.

Don’t sugarcoat the challenges

Discuss the difficulties you’ll face along the way, and work together on solutions. For instance, you may want to take some foreign language classes before your move. Try out voice- and video-over-Internet (VOIP) technologies so you can easily stay in touch with family and friends. If you’re retiring, do some budget planning. There will still be unexpected challenges, but by working together, problem-solving can be part of the fun.

Help ease the transition

Once you’ve moved, take an active approach to learning as much about your new community as you can. Be sure your partner has an opportunity to meet other expats and locals with similar interests. These days, you can do this in advance of your move through online blogs, forums and websites. And keep busy--this is the perfect opportunity for you both to try something new.

Remember that attitude is everything

When challenges do arise, maintain your sense of humor and look on the bright side: this experience will likely strengthen your relationship. (And it will give you great stories to tell later.) So support one another and make a point to have as much fun as possible on this adventure.

As Joel told me not long ago, “I knew Laura would like it, I just had to help her overcome her objections.”

And if that hadn’t happened? If Laura hadn’t fallen in love with Mexico? As we’ve said in these pages many times, don’t think of your move as a one-way ride or as the last move you’ll ever make--if it doesn’t work out, you can always move on or go back home.

The Opportunity of a Lifetime – Grab It

If you or your partner are new retirees, having so much free time on your hands may be difficult. So get busy.

Some ideas to get you started:

Walk, run, work out, try yoga, play tennis or golf. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

Take classes/take up a new hobby

You’ll find online classes for a wide range of subjects. Or find a friendly local who offers art or music lessons. Now’s your chance to do something you’ve always wanted to do.

There are many rewarding ways to give back to your new community.

Can’t give it up? Start a business your new community needs, get a job teaching English, or take on Internet-based work such as freelance writing, computer programming, or website development.

Self Development Journey

My Girlfriend Wants to Travel But I Don’t (Here’s What to Do About It!)

My Girlfriend Wants to Travel but I Don’t

I’ve been in the situation where my girlfriend wants to travel but I don’t, and I was able to find a compromise.

If you’re in the same situation and it looks like her desire to travel is going to break your relationship, don’t give up just yet!

There are some things you can do to compromise, and if the two of you love each other it’s worth trying to work through it.

Here’s my story and some tips to help you figure out if it’s right to stay together, for her to travel or not, or to travel with her:

My Girlfriend Wants to Travel But I Don’t (Things to Consider)

If your girlfriend really wants to travel but you don’t, here are some things to consider, question, and talk about to try and find a resolution:

How Long Does She Want to Travel For?

The first thing to think about is how long your girlfriend wants to travel for and what her reasons are.

Is she talking about a month-long trip? A year break? Or does she want to quit her job and move to Europe for good?

Her reasons for wanting to travel will likely fall into one of three categories: She’s curious and wants to see the world (this is usually a shorter trip).

She feels like she needs a break from her current life (this could be for a month or a year).

Or she’s not happy with her current life and wants a change (this is usually a more permanent move).

Once you know why she wants to travel and how long for, you can start to figure out how to compromise.

Related – Here is how to tell if your girlfriend is tired of you .

What Are Your Reasons for Not Traveling?

The next thing to think about is your reasons for not wanting to travel.

Do you have a good job that you don’t want to leave?

Are you comfortable at home and don’t like the idea of being away from familiar things?

Do you have responsibilities like a mortgage or car payments that make it difficult to travel?

Are you scared or just don’t like the idea of traveling?

Whatever your reasons are, don’t feel bad.

We’re all different and have different wants and needs, and sometimes those don’t align with our partners.

It just helps to have an honest discussion about your reasons for not wanting to travel so your partner understands.

Just as you understand the reasons why she wants to travel.

Can You Meet Her at Points on Her Travels?

This is how I found a compromise with my girlfriend when she had her heart set on traveling and I couldn’t due to my job and some other commitments at home.

If your girlfriend is set on traveling for an extended period of time, see if there are places she’s going to be where you can visit her.

You might have to use up some vacation days or take a long weekend, but it’ll be worth it to see her and spend some time together.

Take it from me, it’ll mean the world to her.

This demonstrates that it means a lot to you that you’re able to experience some traveling with her, and that you’re doing your best to find a workaround.

My girlfriend went traveling for six weeks throughout the summer and I met her in France in week two, and also in Switzerland in week four.

Is This Simply a Deal Breaker Because You Want Different Things?

I get it, we’re all different and sometimes people just want different things.

In some cases, traveling is important to one person in a relationship and not the other.

In cases like this, you have to accept that she might go traveling and it may mean the end of your relationship.

It doesn’t always have to mean that you split, but it’s a conversation that you need to have.

It depends on how long she wants to go traveling for and what your feelings are about it.

The traveling bug is hard to shake, too. This might not be the only time she gets the itch to go traveling, so that’s something to discuss, too.

Don’t Put Your Needs Before Hers

It’s also important to be mature about this situation and not try to put your needs ahead of your girlfriends.

I’m sure it hurts to think that you’re going to lose her, or even that she’s going to have a great time without you if you don’t go traveling.

But if it’s important to her, even if you can’t go, you need to be happy for her and do everything you can to support her.

If you’re adamant you can’t go, it’ll mean the world to your girlfriend to help her plan her trip.

You can chat about all the places she wants to go, what she wants to see and do, and help her book accommodation and figure out flights.

At the end of the day, you’re only a phone call or text away , right?

Facetime is pretty awesome, too. My girlfriend and I used Facetime a lot, and it almost felt like I was there when she was visiting the Brandenburg Gate, Cologne Cathedral, La Sagrada Famíla , and loads of other cool places.

Related – Here is how to tell if your girlfriend will miss you .

Communication and Honesty Is Everything!

The only way to find a resolution, even if that means that your girlfriend goes traveling without you and your future is uncertain, is through communicating clearly and being honest about how you feel.

You both need to be on the same page about your relationship and where it’s going, so you can make an informed decision together.

You also both have to encourage each other to follow your dreams and do what makes you both happy.

If you’re not, it can only lead to more pain down the road.

Good luck, I hope you find the best solution!

Image credits – depositphotos.com/stock-photo-woman-packing-suitcase-on-bed

Phil Ashton

Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.

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Ask Kate: I Want to Travel But My Boyfriend Doesn’t

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Dark Romance Tulips

This week’s question is about relationships and how they fit into the context of long-term travel.

I thought I might just pop through a question. I’m currently in a relationship and have been for over a year, but my heart is set on long term travel at the end of this year. I am definitely going to go- i’m not sure if he will come too though. I have mentioned it before, but I don’t want to push it. Only problem is that I feel very selfish for doing this. What would you do in this situation?

I think you already know the answer to this.

Most long-term travelers I know spent years dreaming, planning, and saving money before actually taking the plunge and leaving on their travels.  If your boyfriend isn’t doing any of those things now, less than a year before your departure date, when is he going to?

The fact that you’ve barely even discussed this with your boyfriend is pretty telling.

So that answers that question.  But is your relationship salvageable?

Keeping up a relationship when one partner is traveling long-term is an extremely difficult thing to do.  I would only recommend doing so if you have an exceptionally strong relationship, have phenomenal communication skills, and are planning a future together.

If you have a relationship like that, then by all means, go for it.  But if you’re not quite there, staying together will cause more pain in the long run.

My message to you:  It is better to have a peaceful, amicable breakup now than a messy, drawn-out breakup while you’re thousands of miles apart.

Please don’t feel guilty — you’re not selfish.  You’re not married.  You don’t have kids.  Though things might be difficult in the beginning, everyone will heal from this.  You owe it to yourself to go after your dreams.  You don’t want to be on your deathbed thinking about the dream trip that slipped out from beneath your fingers.

I have the feeling that you wrote to me because part of you is ready to end your relationship with your boyfriend.  I give you permission.  Let this be your blessing.

Wishing you all the best of luck in whatever you decide to do.

Want Kate to answer your travel question?  Email  kate [at] adventurouskate [dot] com  and perhaps yours will be answered next week!

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My partner doesn't like to travel, but I love it - and it works

This avid traveller dreamt of a mile-high hook-up, but instead found herself with a partner who doesn't even like to travel.

This article may contain links from our affiliate and advertising partners. When you click on them, or share this content, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

It's not her dream mile-high romance, but this traveller has found a relationship that works.

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You don’t always get what you want. I fancied I’d snag my significant other the way Sophie Monk met her fiancé – on a long-haul flight cosily ensconced 30,000 feet above the world, peeping shyly from under eye masks, sharing a joke at the expense of a hapless hostie and clutching hands in a fit of turbulence.

Good thing I didn’t hold out for the mile-high hook-up because I’d still be spectacularly single. Why? My partner isn’t a fan of travel.

Travel divides people into two distinct groups. There are those born with a bucket-list, eagerly plastering bedroom walls (later screensavers and Instagram pages) with the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal, who dream of haggling in a Marrakech souk, greeting the dawn with monks in Mandalay and hiking the giddy heights of Machu Picchu. And there are the others (statistics reveal a surprising 40 per cent of Australians) who never venture overseas, don’t possess a passport and fail to see what the fuss is about.

See also: My failed attempt at joining the mile high club

See also: Airline launches 45-minute Mile High Club flights

While I side unswervingly with the itchy-footed, the man I live with is rooted firmly on team couch. My travel bug will never be tamed and my bucket-lists are longer than the lines to visit Chairman Mao’s tomb on a Chinese national holiday, but The Other Half (TOH) views the world through a less intrepid lens.

Travelling for the sake of it isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Travel for him is a purely utilitarian exercise to be deployed in the event of a wedding, a wake or visiting family interstate. My frivolous “let’s go there for the hell of it” is an alien approach that fills him with trepidation and distrust.

For me, Covid has been an angst-ridden ride, the uncertainty of when we will be free to roam again clawing at my mind like malnourished monkeys as the blank pages in my precious passport gather wasted years. For TOH, Covid has been a blessing, the perfect excuse to put his feet up without fear of being dragged to some dreary destination.

Our travel libidos are on two different planes and I’m not talking Boeing Dreamliners but, before you tell me to throw in the complimentary warm towelette, listen up. Somewhere between my overexcitement and his ennui, I believe there exists a happy place.

When I can convince TOH to take a trip, he’s the insouciant yin to my insatiable yang. Free from itinerary or agenda, he remains unflappable. Flight delays, seasonal closures or the entire fifth floor of the hotel on fire – it all leaves him enviably unperturbed with a Zen-like attitude that anchors my A-type leanings long enough to stop and smell the sandalwood.

Travelling as a couple isn't always this blissful.

And when TOH chooses not to check in? Well, did Captain Cook’s wife join him on his journeys of global discovery? She was doubtless horrified by the tales of scurvy and high seas and happy to keep the home fires burning. Was Amelia Earhart’s husband beside his aviator wife on her solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean? Of course not. He was serenely smoking cigars in his study, one ear bent to the broadcast of her progress over the sea.

While research suggests that travelling together strengthens a relationship, there is an equally compelling argument for “absence makes the heart grow fonder”. I may have to initiate the journey, make the plans and often go it alone, but when the going gets tough I know TOH will be there to hold my hand. Even if that’s sometimes from the couch. You don’t always get what you want, but you might just get exactly what you need.

See also: 

It took getting ghosted by my boyfriend to fall in love with travel

The sting in my holiday romance

6 rules every couple needs to survive a road trip

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The Travel Hack

How to maintain a travel lifestyle when your boyfriend or girlfriend doesn’t want to travel

By: Author Monica

Categories Blog , Travel Tips

How to maintain a travel lifestyle when your boyfriend or girlfriend doesn’t want to travel

Do you remember a few weeks ago when I asked in my weekly email if you had any travel questions you’d like me to answer on the blog?

One of the first questions to come through was from Nadia and she asked how she can maintain a travel lifestyle when her long term boyfriend wants to ‘settle’?

Nadia was keen to point out that her boyfriend is incredibly supportive of her travels but he doesn’t want to join her in all of her adventures and she wants to find a way to keep on travelling without him.

I had exactly the same dilemma a few years ago as Sam wasn’t as keen as me to give up everything and travel the world. Sam loves travelling but his career isn’t related to travel so it’s not as easy for him to pack up and leave. What’s more is that he enjoys his job and loves his life at home, so why would he give it all up for the unknown?

There are so many travel bloggers out there telling people to ‘quit your soul destroying job, sell all of your possessions and travel the world!’ but if you enjoy your job and your life at home then it really isn’t that simple.

In answer to Nadia’s question, it depends if you want to travel long term (6 months or more) or if you’re taking holidays and short trips?

If you’re taking shorter trips and holidays then I really don’t think you have anything to worry about. Lots of couples go weeks without seeing each other. You just need to learn to be flexible, communicate and make the most of the time you have together.

If you’re planning to travel long term then I think it would be very difficult to maintain a relationship if you’re apart for 6 months or more. Although it’s definitely not impossible, I know lots of couples who have done it.

But, in my opinion, travelling changes you and you’ll come back feeling different about the world. It will probably be the best time of your life so you’ll want to share it with the guy you love, particularly because you’ll be talking about it for the rest of your life.

Sam and I took a big, two-year trip together and it turned out to be the best thing we ever did. Although Sam won’t admit it now, he wasn’t keen on the idea of travelling. I knew I wanted to and it got to a point where I had to say:

“I REALLY want you to come with me, but if you don’t come with me, I AM going alone.”

He knew I was serious and after this discussion we booked our flights.

Once we came home from our big trip I continued to travel and this was often without Sam. I was taking lots of trips for work as well as taking blog/press trips for this blog. A lot of the trips I took were mid-week which meant I was usually home for the weekends and Sam and I would spend our weekends together like any other couple. He pretended to moan but he actually liked having the house to himself, playing computer games with his mates and eating junk food all week. And if I was away all week we’d make more of an effort to do something nice together at the weekend so it worked out really well.

Here are my top tips to maintain a relationship when one person travels.

Don’t assume you aren’t right for each other.

It definitely doesn’t mean that you’re not right for each other. It just means you’re different and there’s definitely nothing wrong with that! Opposites attract and you’re lucky to have a guy who is supportive of your travels.

Always talk

If you’re travelling without your partner, make the effort to speak to each other every day. Most hotels and cafes have good wifi connections so there’s no excuse not to chat. Use FaceTime or Skype and you’ll never feel too far apart.

Find out what their dream is

So it’s your dream to travel the world but what’s their dream? Make sure you’re listening to them because maybe they have a dream they think you don’t want to share in too. Maybe it’s their dream to ski in Canada or learn to cook a real Moroccan tagine. If so, this is travelling!

Find out why they don’t want to travel

Some people have an understandable reason for why they don’t want to travel. If he has then don’t try and change him.

But if he’s making excuses or his reasoning comes down to fear or money worries then you can help! Help him save or convince him there’s nothing to be scared of. Maybe he’s a had a bad experience travelling or maybe he’s just never had an amazing, life-changing trip that has triggered his desire to see the world.

Take lots of little trips

Long weekends and short holidays are often enough to spark the travel bug in him or satisfy the wanderlust in you.

Be the organiser

Take the hassle out of travelling by being the person to do the organisation. Who’s going to turn down an amazing, personalized itinerary that’s put together just for them? Organise his dream trip and I’m sure he’ll want to take more!

Have local microadventures

No time for a holiday? Have a microadventure close to home. You’d be surprised at all the amazing things you can do right on your doorstep.

Book your trips when your partner would have something planned anyway

If I have the choice, I’ll always travel mid-week when Sam is in work. You don’t miss each other in the same way and you don’t feel guilty when you’re both busy.

Don’t be afraid to travel solo

There’s nothing stopping you travelling alone so book some solo adventures. You never know, he might get jealous and decide to join you!

Don’t let them stop you from travelling

Whatever happens, don’t let your other half stop you from travelling. You’ll only resent them and hold it against them. You may even hold a grudge without even realizing it.

Do you have any experience with a situation where your boyfriend/girlfriend hasn’t wanted to travel? If so, what did you do? 

Danielle Milione

Monday 30th of April 2018

I really enjoyed reading this article!! I am currently in a 4 year relationship with this guy who does not like to travel. His fears have prevented him from seeing what the world has to offer but for me however I am completely opposite. I have traveled the world without him, all over Europe, US, Asia and the carribean islands. As our relationship gets more serious it has been a challenge and his views of me traveling alone or with friends have been a struggle and getting worse and worse.

I've been trying to find all the advice I can get to see what I can do to make him more accepting of this. He knew in the beginning my passion for travel since I traveled for 3 weeks in Europe 2 months into our relationship.

Hopefully it will all work out in the end.

Lili Landing

Thursday 29th of June 2017

I feel so related to this article! I love traveling and have done it alone a couple of times.

I have been with my boyfriend for a bit more that a year now. I went on a 2 month adventure around Europe right at the beginning of our relationship, so he knew from the beginning what he was getting himself into! He is not a big fan of travelling when it involves plains though, but i guess we will have to make it work somehow!

Anthony Hunt

Thursday 12th of January 2017

The problem I have is that my girlfriend prefers to travel solo without me.

Saturday 13th of August 2016

Thank you so much for this post! Seriously! I've always wanted to travel around the world since I was a little kid. I'm in college, and been planning on going in a long term trip to South Korea (6 to 12 months) for years now. It's a huge dream of mine. Last year I started dating a girl and I love her, but she has absolutely no interest in asian culture, even though I'm asian descent. She shows no interest in getting to know new places, she is the settled kind of person. I respect that however that ain't stopping me from actually GOING. We talk a lot about that already and about our dreams and what's important to us so she's ready when time comes. I'd regret not going for the rest of my life!

dyingtotravel

Tuesday 17th of May 2016

Thank you for this post! It has helped inspire me to have a good talk with my boyfriend about traveling long-term. He worries about money and about finding a job when we return, but I think you have to make a goal, save money, and go for it.

TheTravelHack

Wednesday 18th of May 2016

I agree. Leaving a secure job is really scary but - if it helps - I've never met anyone who went travelling and then couldn't find work when they returned and wish they'd never left. In every single job interview I took for about 5 years after travelling, all we'd talk about was my trip. It didn't even feel like an interview, people were just so interested in it. I think it helps you to stand out from the crowd and shows you've got an adventurous spirit.

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How to Travel with a Partner Who Doesn’t Like to Fly

  • Published November 10, 2022
  • 0 comments Join the Conversation

Some people are torn between loving to travel and loving their partner who can’t stand getting on an airplane. Whatever their reasons for disliking it, you try and try to encourage them that the juice is worth the squeeze, that getting on a plane is worth seeing somewhere new.

While you may not get them to love flying, there are some practical steps you can take toward helping them have a more positive attitude about altitude. With your help, your partner can stop dreading travel, and maybe even start enjoying it.

Use the following five tips to help them get excited with you about your upcoming trip.

Help Them Prepare

Flying will be much easier on your partner if they arrive at the airport prepared. One reason many people dislike flying so much is that it’s such a hassle going through airport security.

If you help your loved one make sure they have all their liquids bagged up, their ID and boarding pass ready, and their favorite sweater within easy reach, going through the airport will be much smoother and less stressful.

If they like lists, try writing out a list for them to help them stay organized as they pack. If they can complete everything on the list, it can also give them a sense of being in control, which can help them feel less anxious.

Remind them of the Facts

Many times our fears are caused by irrational beliefs. Sometimes something as simple as reminding your partner that turbulence is just changes in airflow, or car accidents are much more common than plane crashes can help them calm down.

Even some well-traveled people hate flying, but reminding yourself about the truth and science behind airplanes can help you relax enough to enjoy the flight much more. Even something as simple as looking up statistics to tell your other half that they are safe can help them relax enough to enjoy a movie or two before you land.

Make it Worth It

If you give your partner an exciting goal you’re going toward, it’ll make it easier for them to be convinced to get on the plane and make it through the ride. If they know they’re headed toward an all-inclusive resort or another exciting destination they’ll be more inclined to make it through the trip there peacefully.

If on the other hand, you ask them to get on a plane to go to a high school reunion or to visit a great Uncle they rarely ever see, that will be a harder sell.

If you want to convince them to do something they’re either frightened of or just strongly dislike, you’ll need a strong enough motivator to get them to want to go and to be glad they went. You don’t want this issue to damage your relationship with each other.

An image of the beach at a Sandals Resort. MCW Travel Advisors

Keep Them Distracted

Distractions can be a very powerful tool when it comes to getting over the fear of flying. Our biggest enemy usually isn’t what’s actually happening to us, it’s what we’re imagining could happen. Keeping the mind occupied helps the person flying not focus on scary possibilities.

If your partner enjoys movies, set up a movie for them as soon as you can. To be extra prepared, it’s a good idea to download his or her favorite movie or TV show on your phone. That way, whether the TV is working on the plane or not, there will always have a backup plan.

If your partner doesn’t enjoy movies, help them plan out things they do enjoy to bring such as a book or a crossword puzzle. Even something like bringing along some of their favorite snacks can help distract them from thinking too hard about being so high up in the sky.

Give them a Sleeping Pill

If nothing else works, another option is to ask your partner if they’d like a sleeping pill. If the flight is long enough, it can be helpful if they’re able to just sleep through it. Since you’re traveling together, they can just drift off without worrying about anything else.

Plan to give them the pill a bit before taking off. If you time it right, they’ll be ready to fall asleep right around the time the plane is ready to start up into the sky.

Sleeping pills usually are completely harmless, but they can affect people differently. If your partner chooses to do this, it could be helpful for them to try the sleeping pill out at home first just to be sure it doesn’t affect them in a negative way.

Be Supportive and Communicate

With your help, your partner has a good chance of getting over their fears and dislike of flying. The combination of good planning and right thinking can make your trip in the sky much smoother than it could be. Above everything else, communicate well with each other about the difficulty. If you’re both working together on it, finding a solution can happen faster than you might have thought.

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partner doesn't like to travel

Relationships

Maybe you have different definitions of “fun.”

How you spend time with your partner can reveal how long your relationship will last.

It's completely normal to wonder whether your relationship will last. And there are a lot of different indicators about what makes a strong relationship or a weak one, but we often overlook one of the most basic and obvious tells: how do you spend your time together?

If you feel present and comfortable around each other, if you have fun, and if you communicate well , consider yourselves on the right track . If things feel awkward, your partner doesn’t value your opinion, or if you’re in a constant state of disagreement, that’s when the signs start pointing towards a breakup. According to certified matchmaker and relationship coach Daphney Poyser , “It's a good practice to routinely check in with your partner on a regular basis to ensure that you are both on the same page. It’s easy to let the day-to-day distractions make you lose sight of the time and energy that you are putting into your relationship to keep it healthy.”

Of course, there’s also the issue of not spending enough time together , which is a red flag on its own. If you’re pushing to hang out but your partner is often busy (or vice versa) you’re already off to a rocky start. "It suggests that there’s a disparity in what you both want this relationship to be,” Aimee Hartstein , LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker, tells Bustle.

It sounds so obvious on paper, but it’s easy to look past even the most obvious bad signs in the early stages of a relationship . “[That’s when] dopamine is higher, which produces a sense of pleasure that may be greater than the reality,” Kelly Morrow Baez, Ph.D., LPC, NCC , a licensed professional counselor, tells Bustle. “It takes about four months for the ‘glow’ to wear off and for people to begin to be themselves — for better or worse.”

So if you really like this person, you can hold off on judging how compatible you really are ‘til then. But, if you're spending time together on a regular basis, there are a lot of different signs as to whether or not your relationship will last in the long run — here’s what to look for.

You Both Need To Have A Drink In Hand

If you're always drinking when you're together, that can be a sign the relationship won't last.

While it’s super common to go out for drinks with a partner , take note if it feels like you have to drink in order to hang out. Drinking could be your way of making an incompatible relationship feel more compatible. It also might be a way to mask negative emotions, Baez says, like loneliness or boredom.

To figure out what’s going on, try planning more dates where alcohol isn’t involved . Ride bikes in a park, get burritos, go to the movies — and see if you’re able to relax and have fun with each other without an adult beverage. If you struggle to get comfy or to develop a deeper connection over time, it definitely means this relationship isn’t for you.

Loving Text Messages Begin To Fade

As time progresses, most couples tend to fall into a routine together and become really comfortable; while that can be a great sign that you’re both building a solid life together, it’s also a good idea to be cautious about just how comfortable you’re becoming.

“We all get busy, but at the end of the day our partners want to hear that we care about them, and if you haven't heard that lately it may be time to speak up.” says Poyser. Specifically with communication, it’s important to remember that expressing your love and care for your partner should be a regular behavior. Sending a simple text saying “I love you” or complimenting the cute outfit they wore to work may only take 2 seconds, but it can make all the difference.

If you come to notice that your partner doesn’t text throughout the day or the week, or that they don’t return your loving energy in their texts, that can be a red flag.

You Can’t Be Quiet Together

Consider how it feels whenever the conversation dips. Are you able to cruise through these moments of silence? Or do they make you want to crawl out of your skin?

According to relationship coach Melinda Carver , compatible couples will be able to sit quietly with each other from time to time — like when you’re driving or drinking coffee — without assuming something’s wrong or feeling awkward. If you and your partner are constantly needing to fill that silence, you may not be comfortable enough with each other to make it in the long haul.

You Have Different Definitions Of “Fun”

If you think, "I want to spend more time with my boyfriend then he does," here are signs the relatio...

Another telltale sign is if you and your partner have different ideas of what makes a good time. “If one of you is a homebody and the other one always wants to be out socializing, it will likely be an issue,” Harstein says. The same goes for being outdoorsy versus indoorsy, laidback versus adventure-seeking — the list of incompatibilities goes on and on.

You and your partner don’t have to share every single interest in order to work as a couple. You can both do things on your own and have separate hobbies. (In fact, that’s a good thing.) It is a problem, however, if you’re so different that you literally can’t make plans.

Your Partner’s Interests Are The Main Priority

Let’s say you are able to make plans, but the things you do revolve solely around your partner’s interests. If that’s the case, “there is a chance that you won't feel like a priority later on in the relationship,” Ashley Gray, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker, tells Bustle. And that’s because it’s a red flag that they only care about themselves.

To test if it’s a big deal, invite your partner to do something with you that represents your interests. Or invite them to hang out with your friend group . If they’re down to try new things — even if it’s just because they know it’ll make you happy — your relationship may stand a chance. If they refuse or act miserable the entire time? Run.

They Blame You When Things Go Wrong

Were you late for the movie? Did you miss the subway? Note how your partner acts in these less-than-ideal moments. If they shut down, angrily blame you, or get defensive , Gray says it doesn’t bode well for the future. Behaviors like these, coined the “four horsemen” by relationship expert Dr. John Gottman , tend to predict the end of a relationship with eerie accuracy.

“The four horsemen are defensiveness, criticism, stonewalling, and contempt,” Gray says. “While all couples engage in these behaviors at times, if they dominate the majority of your time together, they create a disconnect in your relationship. The greater the duration of the disconnect, the greater the chances are that you will grow apart and eventually split up.”

You Show Love Differently

If you meet up for a date and your partner brings flowers, but you’ve said 100 times that you don’t like flowers, consider it a minor but totally valid red flag. “This doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker, but it can cause major issues without the willingness to put in the work,” Erica Cramer, LCSW, MBA , a dating and relationship expert with Cobb Psychotherapy, tells Bustle.

It all comes back to how you like to give and receive affection. “Our ‘ love languages ’ are almost innate and are crucially important to the way we process our relationships and what fulfills us,” Cramer says. “If your partner’s love language is based in acts of service, you need to understand that and be prepared to put that out there for life. If your love language is touch and your partner does not like PDA, cuddling, or contact and isn’t willing to work on it, it can become a void within you throughout the relationship.”

You Hold Back Hurt Feelings

If you think, "I want to see my boyfriend more than he wants to see me," that's a red flag.

You’re not wrong to get upset when your partner is late for a date, when they cut you off mid-sentence, or do something else that leaves you feeling undervalued. “Do not make excuses early in a relationship for not feeling fulfilled,” says Cramer. “This can impact your happiness, cause resentment, and does not make for a relationship that will be healthy or happy over time.”

So take note if it constantly feels like you’re biting your tongue or compromising in order for things to work. “To some extent, making personal concessions in the honeymoon stage of a relationship is normal,” Cramer says. You just don’t want to make it a habit — overly compromising can lead to hiding who you really are, and vice versa with your partner.

You See Changes In Behavior

The beginning of a new relationship is often dubbed the “honeymoon phase,” and that honeymoons cannot last forever. “It's no secret that at the beginning of a relationship things are typically exciting and you make time for each other no matter what,” Poyser says. “However, as the relationship builds you may start to see subtle or sudden changes in your partner's behavior that could possibly indicate trouble in paradise.”

Even though those initial feelings of constant excitement and infatuation may calm down over time, there is a major difference between those feelings losing intensity and those feelings disappearing altogether. If you or your partner notice a shift in displays of affection, wanting to spend quality time together, it may be time to evaluate whether or not you both are still happy in the relationship.

Time Is Lost To Sitting On The Couch

Poyser advises to “Notice how long it's been since you went out on a real date and assess if it is because of outside interference, or just your partner losing interest in spending time with you.” It may be difficult to consider because you might not like the answer, but it’s important to fully understand where your partner is at.

When you find that you and your partner spend most of your time together sitting on the couch watching TV or scrolling on your phone, a conversation most likely needs to happen. Date nights and actual quality time are necessary to help a relationship thrive.

You’re Always Distracted When You’re With Them

If you're not spending enough time together, relationship longevity isn't looking good.

Instead of talking with your new partner, do you find yourself staring off into space, wondering what your friends are up to, or — worst of all — checking your phone? If so, it’s OK to admit that you may not be a good match, certified counselor and dating coach Jonathan Bennett tells Bustle.

It could be a sign that you aren’t connecting, that you don’t feel comfortable, or that you aren’t ready to invest in the relationship. If the other person is also on their phone, well, you might as well call things off right now.

(Note: This one doesn’t count if you’ve been together forever. While it may not be ideal to check your phones while out on a date, doing so doesn’t necessarily mean you’re incompatible.)

You Get On Each Other’s Nerves

Having the occasional argument is fine. But if it seems like you’re constantly getting on each other’s nerves, it might mean you have different attachment styles . “A person's attachment style is their specific way of relating to others in relationships,” Cramer says. The four main styles? Secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful-avoidant, she explains.

Just like love languages, some of these don’t match up very well — and that can be a bad thing in the long run. If you are avoidant while your partner is anxious, for example, it might start to feel like they’re asking too much of you. On the flip side, they’ll likely feel as if you don’t care or are bad at communicating.

“People ignoring these signs early on can invest a lot of time and energy into partnerships that will drain them,” Cramer says.

You Never Talk About The “Big” Stuff

While you might not talk about five-year plans on a first date, it shouldn’t be too long before you get to the point where you chat about the big stuff — like how you feel about marriage, goals for your career, and whether or not you want kids.

The same goes for sharing heavy stories from your past, or whatever else you’d like a partner to know. Being able to talk about these things is a clear sign that you feel comfortable around each other, Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin , a licensed clinical professional counselor, tells Bustle, which often points to a strong future.

If you feel like there a certain things you can't voice to your partner, that may be a sign that they're just not the right fit for you.

You Never Do Anything Romantic

While your lives can’t be all romance, all the time, it isn’t a great sign if you and your partner have completely given up on making an effort, Ravid Yosef , a dating and relationship coach, tells Bustle, especially if you haven’t known each other very long.

It’s one thing to fall into a cozy pattern where you let your hair down and simply exist with each other. But if you want your relationship to last, you’ll both have to commit to making an effort in order to keep your connection strong, exciting, and worthwhile. If you don’t, one or both of you will feel less invested — and chances are you’ll go your separate ways.

Daphney Poyser , certified matchmaker & relationship coach

Aimee Hartstein, LCSW , therapist

Kelly Morrow Baez, Ph.D., LPC, NCC , licensed professional counselor

Jonathan Bennett , certified counselor and dating coach

Melinda Carver , relationship coach

Erica Cramer, LCSW, MBA , dating and relationship expert

Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin , licensed clinical professional counselor

Ravid Yosef , dating and relationship coach

This article was originally published on November 14, 2017

partner doesn't like to travel

Tiny Changes Matter

Why My Husband Never Wants to Go Anywhere? 5 Major Reasons

  • March 22, 2023

Rodney Simmons

stresful young man

Are you someone who craves adventure and new experiences? 

After a busy week, you can’t wait to go out and have fun on Friday. 

But your husband has different plans than you. He chooses to spend the whole weekend at home rather than going out.

Why your husband never wants to go anywhere? There can be many reasons why your husband never wants to do anything but watch TV. He is an introverted person. Otherwise, he might be feeling anxious or depressed.

stresful young man

Having a partner who never wants to go anywhere can be frustrating if your needs differ. 

But what do you do when your husband wants to stay at home all the time? In this article, you will find out the following:

  • Main reasons why your husband is a homebody. 
  • Answers to questions you still need to ask him. 
  • Five tips to compromise and share experiences that you both enjoy.
  • Suggestions for fun joint activities.

Why My Husband Never Wants to Go Anywhere and Do Anything Fun?

It’s normal to want to go out and experience new things with the person you love. 

Exploring new places could make your marriage more exciting as well. 

But your husband is always tired and  never wants to do anything fun.

Even going to the local bar is too much for him, but you want to travel.

However, if you need adventure, you must take matters into your own hands. 

But first, Let’s explain his point of view. Here are five main reasons your husband doesn’t want to go anywhere.

1. Traveling Can be Expensive 

Many people pretend they don’t want to go out or travel, but that’s not true. Their problem is finances, but they are embarrassed to admit it. 

Your husband may need more financial resources to go out or travel. Don’t force him to go to expensive restaurants or hotels. 

Suggest a place with affordable prices for his budget, and he may agree to keep you company.

2. Your Husband is an Introvert

Your husband may be simply an introvert who enjoys spending time at home. 

Introverts often feel drained by social interaction and prefer to recharge at home. 

If your husband is an introvert, he may feel overwhelmed by your too-ambitious ideas.

He would feel uncomfortable going to mass events with many people. Therefore, concerts and festivals are a terrible choice; keep that in mind. 

He might feel anxious and agitated. Then you either wouldn’t relax and enjoy the event.

3. People Under Stress Have No Desire to Have Fun

Another reason your husband refuses to go anywhere could be stress. 

Stress can cause a person to feel tense and make  social situations uncomfortable.  He may feel more comfortable staying at home and resting. 

Work is also one of the  primary triggers for stress.  Ask him how he is doing at work and if he is tired. 

He may like a relaxing weekend at the spa more than clubbing.

4. Is Your Husband Feeling Depressed? 

Depression is a severe condition that can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. 

If your husband is depressed, he may not have the energy or motivation to go out. 

One of the main symptoms of depression is a lack of desire to socialize.

If you suspect that your husband is dealing with depression, it is important to encourage him to seek professional help. 

Otherwise, he is maybe coping with physical health issues. 

Chronic pain, fatigue, or mobility issues can make it difficult for a person to go out or travel. 

Be supportive if your husband is dealing with any of these issues.

5. He is Content With His Current Routine 

Sometimes, people get into a comfortable way and don’t want to turn from it. 

Your husband may be satisfied with his current lifestyle. 

He may not see the need to go out and explore new places. 

Maybe he traveled too much in the previous period and got fed up.

He enjoys a quieter way of life now, but that may change.

5 Tips to Motivate Your Husband to Go Out and Travel

Let’s start by planning small outings with your husband. 

For example, a local museum or a picnic in the park might be more convenient for him. 

Gradually, you can work up to more ambitious trips, like a weekend getaway or extended vacation. 

We’ll share five tips to motivate your husband to explore the world with you.

1. Start Small

Your husband wants to stay in his comfort zone. That’s why he stays home and  scrolls through social networks.

To help ease him into the idea of going out, start small. 

Suggest a short walk in the park or a quick trip to the local coffee shop.

Your husband will gradually become more comfortable with leaving the house.

2. Find Activities He Enjoys

Your husband can’t enjoy the activities you suggest. Instead of forcing him to do things you like, try to find activities he wants. 

Does he like sports? Suggest going to a game. Is he interested in art? Plan a trip to a museum.

Find activities he prefers. It will make him more likely to want to participate.

3. Make it a Date

Instead of simply suggesting an activity, make it a date. 

Dress up, make reservations, and create an experience. Making the outing special makes your husband more likely to enjoy himself. 

Creating a date night tradition can help motivate him to continue going out.

4. Plan Ahead

Your husband may resist going out because he feels too  much planning is involved.  

To help alleviate this stress, plan on time. Research activities, make reservations, and create a schedule. 

Then your husband won’t feel burned by the planning process. He will be more likely to enjoy the outing for sure.

5. Find a Solution that Works for Both of You 

Sometimes it’s nice to lay in your living room and watch movies all day. But try to explain how important it is to spend quality time together outside the house. 

Also, ask him why he’s resistant to going out. Is he nervous or stressed? Whatever the case, approach the conversation with empathy and an open mind. 

By understanding his perspective, you can find a solution that works for both of you.

You Will Explore the World Together Soon!

Remember that change takes time if your husband never wants to go anywhere. 

Try to find activities he enjoys and make dates. Then, you will motivate your husband to explore the world with you. 

Also, adjust your expectations if your husband is a homebody by nature. 

Compromise is vital in any relationship, even in a marriage. 

Find a good balance between his and your needs.

We hope he will help you discover the world soon!

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Why doesn’t Texas have any Michelin star restaurants?

What gives.

Jack Roskopp , Digital Content Editor, Graham Media Group

When you travel to a big city like New York City or Los Angeles, trying out insanely good restaurants is always one of the perks.

Checking out the food scene in other cities is always fun, especially when you can snag a reservation at a Michelin star restaurant. You just already know the service is going to be top notch, and the food is going to blow your freaking mind.

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Texas’s food scene has constantly been on the rise, especially in the last 10 years or so, and especially in San Antonio and the suburbs.

Plenty of chefs and restaurants have gotten acclaim from magazines like Bon Appetit or Food & Wine, and even won awards from the James Beard Foundation. Restaurants like Mixtli and Cullum’s Attaboy have received nominations from the James Bead Foundation, and that’s just naming two. Numerous other restaurants and chefs have been recognized. It’s a huge honor to be nominated for a James Beard award, let alone win one!

Despite all the acclaim, you’ll never find a Michelin star restaurant in Texas, and it’s not because our state is lacking the talent to deserve such a high honor. Texas doesn’t have any Michelin star restaurants because there is no Michelin chapter in Texas.

So is it a bad thing if Texas can’t gloat about receiving praise from the Michelin Guide? Yes, and no.

The Michelin Guide is used across the world, so chefs from fine dining cities like London and Paris will live and die by a Michelin star. Just watch any international version of the cooking show “Top Chef” and you’ll see how important it is to work at a place with Michelin stars.

But here in America, it’s just not big of a deal. Major cities and markets in the United States have them, and it’s certainly a big honor, but it’s not something that is going to make or break your restaurant.

In places like Texas, it’s really not that big of a deal. If anything, James Beard nominations are just as good, and diners aren’t really seeking out Michelin quality meals here in Texas, and it’s mostly because we are just not used to them.

Still, it would be pretty cool to say that you were dining at a Michelin restaurant in downtown Houston, or at a farm-to-table restaurant. There is a certain quality and standard when it comes to the Michelin Guide, and if Texas had that distinction, it would help out with tourism even more for our state.

If you’re looking for a Michelin star experience in the United States, you have to travel to New York, California, Illinois, Florida or Washington D.C. These states and cities have incredible food scenes, but it’s about time that the Michelin Guide expanded to other parts of America.

In the mean time, if you’re looking for an incredible dining experience, check out the James Beard Foundation website, and look for restaurants in our area that have received recognition in the past. It’s obviously not the same as saying you’re eating at a Michelin star restaurant, but having a nomination (or win) from the James Beard Foundation is still pretty cool and fancy.

If anything, it’s just great to support these local restaurants. We’re very fortunate to have these fine dining restaurants in Texas, so take advantage of it, and hopefully one day the Michelin Guide will realize they’re missing out by not having a chapter here in Texas.

Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

About the Author:

Jack roskopp.

Jack is a Digital Content Editor with a degree in creative writing and French from Western Michigan University. He specializes in writing about movies, food and the latest TV shows.

Deputies: Teen threw his gun and a black satchel into the water at New Smyrna Beach on March 14, 2024.

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  1. What To Do When Your Partner Doesn't Like Traveling (But You Do)

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  2. What If Your Partner Doesn't Want to Travel? But You Do!

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  3. When Your Partner Doesn't Like To Travel

    partner doesn't like to travel

  4. What If Your Partner Doesn't Want to Travel? But You Do!

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  5. What If Your Partner Doesn't Want to Travel? But You Do!

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  6. What do you do when your partner doesn't want to travel but you do

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COMMENTS

  1. What To Do When Your Partner Doesn't Like Traveling (But You Do)

    2. Talk to him about his traveling worries. There may be personal reasons that your partner is reluctant to go traveling. Working out what these reasons are can help you to find solutions. He may have the idea that traveling is tiring, and think that all he wants is a beach holiday. This is not a huge obstacle!

  2. What To Do When Your Spouse Doesn't Like To Travel

    Tip: Get really clear and detailed on what your travel days will look like. 2. Start With An Open Mindset. No one thinks they have closed mindset but in coaching people for 30 years, a person's ability change, compromise, and be happy, is a direct reflection of their willingness to see life from multiple perspectives.

  3. What If Your Partner Doesn't Want to Travel? But You Do!

    Tips to get your partner excited to travel: 1. Take Baby Steps. Before making the jump, try going on a shorter trip to get your partner use to the lifestyle. Take a road trip in your home country or go on a week-ish trip abroad. Stay in accommodations that you would be able to afford for your long trip.

  4. What to do if your partner doesn't want to travel

    Make sure you talk about travelling solo first. It's likely that your partner is already aware that you don't share the same love of travel. But if you're thinking of embarking on a bout of solo travel, your first step should be to sit down and explain your plans to your partner. Make it clear that you don't resent them, the last thing ...

  5. I Want to Travel but I'm in a Relationship

    April 26, 2020 / By Travelling Jezebel / Culture. 'I want to travel but I'm in a relationship' - ah, what a dilemma. It's something that I've dealt with myself, with my current partner, who is about as opposite to a backpacker as you can be. ' I want to travel but my partner doesn't ,' I'd say to my friends, hoping that they ...

  6. What To Do If You & Your Partner Don't Travel Well Together, According

    Instead, Chlipala says plan to spend some time apart. "Do the activity that you want to do — without your partner. If you want to have a day at the beach but they want to go on an excursion ...

  7. When Your Partner Does Not Want to Travel

    Know When to Divide and Conquer. While traveling with those you love is often better than hopping around the world alone, this doesn't mean your partner who has different travel desires has to come with you on every trip. In fact, it is probably better if they don't. We eventually developed a pretty good pattern of when to travel together, and ...

  8. I love to travel but my reluctant partner is holding me back

    I have a taste for adventure, but my partner would rather stay at home.We have just returned from a short break, during which he spent much of the time complaining.We have been together for 12 ...

  9. Tips for Traveling Without a Partner

    When not traveling, they often reunite to talk, laugh, share travel pictures, and learn from each other. And when they set out to see the world each year, they love how exploring new cultures brings them closer together. 3. Invite a friend to come along. Many people travel solo with the blessing of their partners.

  10. When You Can't Travel: How to Genuinely Enjoy Your Partner Traveling

    Have Fun Reminiscing. It doesn't have to be your turn to travel to get you reminiscing. Before my husband left, we talked a lot about my own (pre-husband!) travels. He'd never been to a developing country before, or anywhere in Asia apart from Singapore, so he was a little concerned about what might confront him.

  11. The Reluctant Spouse: What to Do When Your Partner Doesn't Want to

    Remember that attitude is everything. When challenges do arise, maintain your sense of humor and look on the bright side: this experience will likely strengthen your relationship. (And it will give you great stories to tell later.) So support one another and make a point to have as much fun as possible on this adventure.

  12. My Girlfriend Wants to Travel But I Don't (Here's What to Do About It!)

    In cases like this, you have to accept that she might go traveling and it may mean the end of your relationship. It doesn't always have to mean that you split, but it's a conversation that you need to have. It depends on how long she wants to go traveling for and what your feelings are about it. The traveling bug is hard to shake, too.

  13. Ask Kate: I Want to Travel But My Boyfriend Doesn't

    You owe it to yourself to go after your dreams. You don't want to be on your deathbed thinking about the dream trip that slipped out from beneath your fingers. I have the feeling that you wrote to me because part of you is ready to end your relationship with your boyfriend. I give you permission. Let this be your blessing.

  14. Dilemma: I want to travel but my husband doesn't

    Dilemma: I want to travel but my husband doesn't Jo Brand / 20 March 2017 ( 05 September 2019 ) Tweet. A reader would like to see the world in her retirement, but her husband wants a quiet life in front of the TV. ... 'Perhaps start with a coach tour with like minded people. Coaching people are always friendly, then perhaps branch out with Saga ...

  15. My partner doesn't like to travel, but I love it

    My partner isn't a fan of travel. Travel divides people into two distinct groups. There are those born with a bucket-list, eagerly plastering bedroom walls (later screensavers and Instagram pages) with the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal, who dream of haggling in a Marrakech souk, greeting the dawn with monks in Mandalay and hiking the giddy ...

  16. How to maintain a travel lifestyle when your boyfriend or girlfriend

    It definitely doesn't mean that you're not right for each other. It just means you're different and there's definitely nothing wrong with that! Opposites attract and you're lucky to have a guy who is supportive of your travels. Always talk. If you're travelling without your partner, make the effort to speak to each other every day.

  17. My Husband Won't Travel With Me: 5 Key Reasons and Solutions

    First of all, try to understand him. Let's see what all the reasons that can influence why he doesn't want to travel with you are. 1. He Doesn't Like Traveling. Our attitude towards life changes is not something we inherit. It is one of the traits we are born with.

  18. What do you do when the person you love doesn't travel? : r/travel

    Sort by: Add a Comment. travel_ali. • 8 yr. ago. Kidnap them and take them on a trip with you against their will. Eventually Stockholm syndrome will kick in and they will love travelling. (or they might that or they will hate it and you. Hard to say.) 25. alan_s.

  19. How to Travel with a Partner Who Doesn't Like to Fly

    Give them a Sleeping Pill. If nothing else works, another option is to ask your partner if they'd like a sleeping pill. If the flight is long enough, it can be helpful if they're able to just sleep through it. Since you're traveling together, they can just drift off without worrying about anything else. Plan to give them the pill a bit ...

  20. 14 Surprising Signs Your Relationship Won't Last

    It could be a sign that you aren't connecting, that you don't feel comfortable, or that you aren't ready to invest in the relationship. If the other person is also on their phone, well, you ...

  21. Husband doesn't like travel, I love it. What to do? : r/Marriage

    Imagine he wrote a post saying "My wife likes to travel, what do I do?" Reverse everything and put it from him angle. Everyone will be looking for ways (some manipulative) to "force" him to do something he doesn't want to do. How would you feel about constantly having someone push their lifestyle onto you.

  22. My partner doesn't want to travel and I do. : r/Advice

    MasterLin87. • 2 yr. ago. What you must do is think. If the reason your partner doesn't want to travel lies in financial difficulty or pressure from work then you should be understanding. If it's however his life view and philosophy (which it appears it is), then consider your future with that person more carefully.

  23. Why My Husband Never Wants to Go Anywhere? 5 Major Reasons

    Here are five main reasons your husband doesn't want to go anywhere. 1. Traveling Can be Expensive. Many people pretend they don't want to go out or travel, but that's not true. Their problem is finances, but they are embarrassed to admit it. Your husband may need more financial resources to go out or travel.

  24. Why doesn't Texas have any Michelin star restaurants?

    When you travel to a big city like New York City or Los Angeles, trying out insanely good restaurants is always one of the perks. 57 º Join Insider for Free Sign In