So you've made it past the first date, first kiss and a few more firsts with flying colors; but are you ready to travel together? The decision to go for a week-long diving trip off the Galapagos Islands or make it a wild weekend getaway in Acapulco may prove to be more difficult than you think.
So before you book the tickets, ask yourself these four questions:
1- Do you enjoy the same destinations?
Before you mention the words "travel together," make sure you have a fairly good idea of what it is you both enjoy doing while on vacation. If she's more about finding the Saks Fifth Avenue, and you're more focused on the great climbing near the Canyon, then no dyno move is going to win her over.
To determine if you are ready to travel together, try to find a destination that allows you to choose activities that you both enjoy; a successful trip often includes compromise on both sides. If all you want to do is relax and soak up some sun while she's obsessed with sightseeing, make sure that your plans include your wishes as well as hers. She obviously wouldn't want to stay at an all-inclusive resort, where there's nothing to visit but sandbars and beach huts.
Even if you've both picked Turks & Caicos as the destination, your dreams of a tropical paradise may be washed up in the surf unless you both know what the other expects. While you're drinking Caribbean rum and working on your golden tan, she might want to test out her snorkeling skills. Don't assume that your ideal vacation is the same as hers.
Tip: Be willing to compromise. Once you're there, pick three local sightseeing attractions for her to peruse, and let her know you want her to choose her favorite so that you can both explore the country and her interests together.
2- Do you have the same budget?
Make sure you're clear on how you'll be settling the money issue. Is it your treat or will you be going Dutch? Are you thinking about saving a few euros by staying in a hostel, or maybe you'd both prefer to splurge on a few nights in a 5-star locale?
Either way, make sure to have a plan of action. Try to anticipate all the important expenses like the flight, meals, hotels, and entertainment. You could just split it as you go, or maybe pool your money beforehand and not have to worry about doing long division during the trip.
Tip: Decide how you'll manage the expenses before the trip starts. The first hotel bill is not the time to be figuring out who pays for what.
3- Will she be jealous if you notice other women?
Traveling together is a great way to find out if you truly are committed to the person you're with. You'll be seeing a lot of other women in bikinis on the trip, which means that you'll have to make sure to keep your eyes focused on just one swimsuit.
Will she lose her cool if you window-shop and have a look at the local women? Or maybe you'll be so focused on her that you won't even notice the local attractions. Gauging where you find your attention focused -- or drifting -- is a great way to test your level of commitment.
Tip: Be on your best behavior if you want the relationship to work. Remember; you're not the only one testing out the waters of commitment. Look out for her wandering eyes.
4- Are you ready to be alone together?
Dating back home gives you more time to yourself than when you're actually traveling with your sweetheart. Sundays can be spent watching the game with friends, whereas a trip means spending all of your free time together. The question is: is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Are you ready to travel together, because doing so can be like a crash course in living together and it can give you a great opportunity to decide whether you're ready to take your relationship to the next level or if it's time to fly solo.
Tip: Create a solo routine that lets you breathe a little. If you're worried about spending too much time with just her, take a morning walk by yourself or hit the gym before you start your day together. cold feet or warm weather?OK, are you ready to travel together? So far, you're ready to pack your bags. But are you ready for your relationship to change? For better or worse, it will be different after the trip is over. Will you be ready to ride that train out of the station, or will it give you motion sickness?
If you've thought about all these questions and still feel ready to take the plunge, congratulations. Deciding to travel together is a big step, so if you're going to do it, do it well and be sure that you're ready to go the distance.
On the other hand, if you've read through this guide and still don't feel that the time is right, relax -- there's always next year.