Travel can ignite romance and strengthen relationships for many couples, but it can also be a huge source of stress for those who have drastically different styles. We spoke with 5 amazing Indian travelling couples for advice to help you and your bae up your travel game. Read on!
Ambika and Hoshner, The reDiscovery Project
a) How did you get started with travelling together?
The first time we travelled together was actually also the first time we met ! It was on a tiger safari in Pench with common friends and we bonded over an absolutely magical sighting of a tigress and her three cubs feating over a kill. Whilst we have travelled together on vacations after that trip, it was only a few years later, after we were married, that we decided to take time off to travel together, which eventually resulted in the reDiscovery Project, our India focused travel blog, and our current travel and exploration lifestyle.
b) What are some tips to keep travelling stress-free for couples, especially those with very different travelling styles?
The best part about travelling with your partner is you learn so much about each other! If you have different travelling styles it can actually open one to new and challenging experiences. Whilst we have fairly varied interests, over time our travelling style has evolved into one we both enjoy. But, to make sure it never gets stressful, our mantra is: keep it flexible, be open to new experiences, and in travel as in life; find middle ground. We love our alone time, as well, and make sure we get that while travelling, which helps us.
c) Where are you going next?
We have a few short trips and a Euro vacation planned over the next couple of months. But, our next big trip will be to the North East, one of our favourite regions of India, starting with an offbeat, experiential tour we will be leading to Nagaland! After that we plan to explore one of the states we haven’t been to yet so maybe Manipur or Mizoram!
Tanveer and Priyanka – Wheels and Tails
a) How did you get started with travelling together?
We’re both from the travel adventure space. We got in touch in 2015 for an event collaboration, and that was the first time that we met. After a few months, we started exploring new places together and realised we really enjoyed traveling together. The common love for the outdoors really got us started.
b) What are some tips to keep travelling stress-free for couples, especially those with very different travelling styles?
Be open to experience different and new things. Only then will you grow and have a stress free travel experience.
c) What destination do you have the best memories of in your travels as a couple?
Every destination has it’s own special memories. We are both almost addicted to traveling to untouched and unexplored places. It will be very hard to pick a favourite but our last such trip was to the Andaman Islands. We avoided Havelock to explore some really less travelled and remote islands. We had the time of our lives swimming in the ocean, snorkeling and diving. We went to Neil, Long Island, Mayabunder and Diglipur. At most beaches, we were the only ones there and we loved how wild and raw the places are. We were there for 2 weeks – at the end of it we had become islanders almost and never wanted to leave. It is a great feeling to wake up without a to-do list and to be able to walk through forests and swim in the ocean at your will.
d) What travel accessories/gadgets are the first things you pack?
Tanveer: I always pack my Swiss Army knife, head torch and GoPro.
Priyanka: Water shoes, swimsuit, knife, paracord and first aid kit.
Harry and Nikita – Vagabond Stories
a) How did you get started with travelling together?
We always wanted to travel together since we started dating 8 years ago. Ever since we got married, we made it a point to make travel an intrinsic part of our life. It gives us utmost joy to travel and explore different regions of the world.
b) What are some tips to keep travelling stress-free for couples, especially those with very different travelling styles?
If your travelling styles are different, we recommend spacing out your entire trip in parts which are fun for both the people. If she loves shopping and he doesn’t – he can do something he likes during that time.
c) What destination do you have the best memories of in your travels as a couple?
Undoubtedly – Rome. It’s historically so stimulating and offers a beautiful mix of culture, arts, history and gelatos!
Nikita: I usually pack all my toiletries first, as I hate not having the essentials with me, like sunblock, make-up remover, etc. Then, I most definitely pack my book, city maps and earphones.
Harry: I now carry a tripod with me for our DSLR for clicking photos of us together. Along with our cam, I carry our lenses and sometimes our Instax sometimes and a waterproof backpack.
Siddharth and Shruti – Siddharthandshruti.com
a) How did you get started with travelling together?
We got married two years ago and have been traveling together ever since!
b) What are some tips to keep travelling stress-free for couples, especially those with very different travelling styles?
Divide the itinerary equally between what each one wants to see/do. For example, after a full day of sightseeing, build in a day to chill out by the pool.
c) What destination do you have the best memories of in your travels as a couple?
Iceland in winter. It was our honeymoon and one of the best trips we’ve ever taken. Watching the Northern Lights while sitting in our car in the pitch dark outside Reykjavík was unforgettable!
d) What travel accessories/gadgets are the first things you pack?
Siddharth: Phone chargers! Can’t go anywhere without making sure that we can juice up our phones.
Shruti: Laptop loaded with movies and TV shows for those evenings when we binge watch Harry Potter films after a long day.
Rishabh andNirali, GypsyCouple.com
a) How did you get started with travelling together?
Ours was a typical arranged marriage. Being very different people, the only thing we connected over was our mutual love for travel. Our honeymoon was where the idea of Gypsycouple was conceptualized and we’ve been travelling together ever since then.
b) What are some tips to keep travelling stress-free for couples, especially those with very different travelling styles?
Communication is the crux of a stress free holiday because it does not allow time for any issue to spiral out of control. That and a bit of understanding. It is important to know your partner well enough to understand what can be negotiated and what should not. For example, luggage is something which is always negotiated because no one wants to pay for extra luggage and we always end up packing more than is required. On the other hand, food is not as everyone has their own preference and food is a necessity with or without travel.
c) What destination do you have the best memories of in your travels as a couple?
South Africa and Mauritius. It was our first trip together, just after our marriage, and we were still in the process of getting to know each other. Mauritius was incredibly romantic and we were greeted by a double rainbow within minutes of entering our hotel. The long walks on the beach are still fresh in our minds. South Africa, on the other hand was very active. Our bungee jump at Bloukrans bridge rates as the most fun thing we’ve done. It probably rates even higher than the sky dive we did recently in Dubai.
d) What travel accessories/gadgets are the first things you pack?
Rishabh: I cannot travel without my camera and a power bank. I’ve found power banks invaluable as the phone batteries have a way of dying out on you when you need them the most.
Nirali: I cannot travel without my earphones. I love to listen to songs while I’m in a plane, lying on the beach or even on the road. Its a part of who I am.
Hope reading about these amazing travelling couples have given the the inspiration to take a couple trip with your bae.
Wish you happy travels!