Some people find love easily. But for most people, it takes a very long time and a lot of realizations before they find “the one.” Others go through many heartbreaks before they meet the love of their life. There are even singles resorting to online dating apps and matchmakers for executives just to find the perfect match. Once you find “the one,” you can’t wait to spend the rest of your life and make precious memories doing the things you love with them.
One of the go-to activities of couples wanting to spend special quality time is traveling. Experts agree that traveling helps nurture relationships in different ways. But like all great things, traveling can make new couples realize that being in a relationship can be complicated.
Many couples fight while on a trip. Financial conflicts are usually the primary source of stress when traveling. If you are about to go on your first travel date, you can avoid financial issues by considering the following tips.
Plan Your Budget Ahead of Time
All couples going on a travel date ought to plan their budget way ahead of time. Even if money is not an issue for you to finance your travel date, you and your partner should still be on the same page. Discuss your itinerary, plan a budget, and make sure that both of you have a say on your budget, especially if you are splitting the bill.
Sit down and talk to your partner about how you want to spend your travel budget. Create a rating system so that both of you can determine where to spend your budget on. Don’t forget to make room for emergency expenses.
Invest in Separate Travel Funds
You might trust each other with your finances early on in the relationship, but that is not enough reason to pool all your hard-earned money into your travel budget. It still makes sense that you both have your separate travel funds.
No rule says couples should dedicate all their money to their travel budget. Remember that you and your partner have your own needs and want. You also have your own way of spending and saving money.
While combining finances can make budgeting more manageable, each of you should keep extra funds for your own expenses. This way, you won’t be blowing your entire travel budget on things your new partner may disapprove of. You also won’t have to worry about them spending a dime on things you don’t want, need, or care about.
Save Up for Your Travel Budget
Not everyone can afford to go on a trip with their significant other every time they want. Many couples save for a few months just so they can enjoy a memorable travel date. When both you and your partner are struggling financially, choose to keep a travel fund instead of forcing yourselves to spend money you don’t have and can’t afford.
According to a survey, up to 75% of American respondents racked up credit card debts for a trip. This means many people accrued debt just so they could go on a vacation. The last thing you want is for you and your new love to accumulate debt just so you can enjoy a travel date asap.
Choose to be wise by saving money for the trip. Instead of both you swiping your credit cards just to pay for your flight and accommodations, set aside a consistent amount for your trip. Be patient and save regularly. Once you have managed to hit your travel budget goal, that is the time you enjoy your travel date.
Be Willing to Compromise
Remember that people in healthy relationships know how to compromise. You might be one who loves staying in high-end hotels thinking your comfort matters the most. But since you are traveling with your loved one, it helps to be mindful of others and their financial struggles.
Both of you deserve to spend according to your means just as much as you need your own free space when traveling. Don’t force your partner to spend on things they can’t afford, let alone pay for expenses that don’t concern them. Be sensitive about their finances.
You can use cost-cutting travel strategies and a rating system so that both of you can make the most out of every penny you spend while traveling. Determine your travel goals and talk about each other’s financial capability. Respect each other’s needs and be willing to meet each other halfway.
Final Thoughts
Budgeting can be tricky, especially during your first travel dates. But know that there are many ways you can work your travel budget out. Be willing to keep an open mind, be sensitive to your partner’s needs, and maintain open communication so you can avoid financial conflicts on your first trip as a couple.
Bonnie is always on the road with some amazing adventures ahead. Her favorite continent is South America and she’s passionate about culture-focused traveling and ethical and sustainable tourism. During her time in university as a research assistant for a sociology professor, she realized she can’t fully understand cultures from a safe distance. She quit her job to become a full-time “voluntourist,” which brings her to places where she can immerse in local communities and support their causes. On top of writing, one of Bonnie’s priorities is offering women advice on how to stay safe while solo backpacking.