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Sebastian Garrido never imagined that his trip to Disney World with his girlfriend would turn into a “living nightmare.”

The 2019 adventure marked the first time the couple, who had been dating for almost a year, traveled together. Since they didn’t live together, it was an opportunity to deepen their relationship.

“We really didn’t know each other well enough, including our quirks,” the digital marketing manager from Mexico City shared with YSL News. Despite his initial excitement, things quickly took a turn.

Throughout the vacation, Garrido was troubled by how his girlfriend treated restaurant staff and her untidiness – “you can’t be messy in a hotel,” he remarked. Additionally, she was not kind about his snoring and would curse at him whenever she felt frustrated.

“It was really tough,” he recalled. “It felt like the bubble had burst.”

Garrido recognized he had concerns about their relationship before the trip, but their time in Orlando became a definitive moment. Shortly thereafter, he ended the relationship, and they both agreed they weren’t compatible. Reflecting on it now, he’s thankful for the experience: “It allowed me to see her true colors.”

Traveling with a partner is an essential test of compatibility, as it requires constant togetherness, adapting to new environments, and making decisions under stress.

“It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been together ,  traveling creates new circumstances that bring out sides of you both that you may not have seen before,” explained Dr. Michele Nealon, a clinical psychologist from The Chicago School, who specializes in relationship dynamics. “You will discover new aspects of each other.”

From personal travel preferences to crisis management during delays, traveling together can expose differences in personalities, habits, and communication styles, potentially revealing serious incompatibilities.

While some couples may face struggles, others who come out stronger together often build a deeper connection.

“I genuinely believe that traveling with your partner is essential for really getting to know them,” Garrido stated. “You don’t truly understand someone until you have lived and traveled together.”

Setting Expectations

Incompatibilities may become apparent even before the journey begins, particularly if partners have contrasting views on travel. For instance, one may see a vacation as a chance to relax by the pool, while the other craves a jam-packed itinerary full of exploration.

“When traveling as a couple, if one partner ignores your preferences, feelings of neglect could arise,” Dr. Nealon cautions. “Managing those emotions in real-time can be challenging.”

To ease the planning process, Dr. Nealon suggests couples collaborate on an itinerary, ensuring they can agree on activities. This could involve balancing downtime in the mornings with active afternoons or alternating days of sightseeing with relaxation. Having a shared plan can also help resolve conflicts if they arise.

“Consider varying energy levels when planning,” she advised. “If you fail to communicate and accept each other’s preferences, it hampers your flexibility when challenges emerge.”

Finances, another common tension point in relationships, can complicate trip planning. “Money is a significant stressor, particularly when there are salary disparities or differing attitudes toward spending. This can seriously affect long-term compatibility,” Dr. Nealon explained. Staying within budget can help couples align their financial expectations. “Open communication and compromise are essential from the start.”

Facing Challenges

Travelers should always be prepared for the unexpected, from lost luggage to flight cancellations. How a couple reacts to these stressors can test their compatibility “on a whole new level,” according to Dr. Nealon.

“The way a couple handles these situations can not only affect their travel experience but also lead to conflicts and lingering resentment,” she said.

On the bright side, these challenges can present an opportunity to strengthen teamwork within the relationship. “These moments can reveal how well you support one another, which can enhance your bond,” she added.

To navigate these high-pressure scenarios, Dr. Nealon recommends practicing mindful communication—rather than assuming your partner’s thoughts or feelings, prioritize open conversations.

When both individuals maintain composure and communicate effectively, they can collaborate to discover solutions.

A stronger bond

Traveling with your partner can be incredibly fulfilling, despite the challenges that may come up. According to Dr. Nealon, “The moments you create become stories that, over time, enhance the uniqueness of your relationship.”

Traveling provides opportunities for personal development for individuals and strengthens relationships for couples. A survey conducted in 2024 involving 470 participants revealed that couples who vacationed together and tried new experiences reported greater romantic and physical intimacy, along with higher satisfaction in their relationship.

This was certainly true for Corey Lanum, who took a ski trip with his girlfriend only a few months after they began dating in 2006.

On their first day on the slopes, Lanum recounted that his girlfriend, the more skilled skier, attempted to impress him.

“She tried to make a slide that sent snow flying everywhere,” which unfortunately led to her tearing her ACL, he stated to YSL News.

Following the incident, Lanum dedicated time to caring for her in Salt Lake City and assisted her with her homeward journey to Washington, D.C. Three years later, they tied the knot.

Lanum mentioned that his wife felt embarrassed about the incident on their first outing, but he believed it ultimately became a valuable bonding experience for them.

“It’s best to address such situations early on and ensure you both share similar habits and can maintain good behavior while traveling,” he advised.

Dr. Nealon concurred that traveling together is an excellent way to enhance the connection between partners, provided they share the same outlook.

“By exploring new cultures and perspectives together, the beauty lies in the fact that you are both growing your relationship simultaneously,” she remarked. “That’s what relationships revolve around.”