I will add some more as time goes by.
1. Having an itinerary and a working budget for every trip are must haves.
But sometimes you also need to be flexible as things and schedules change.
There was this one time in Hongkong where we had to change our itinerary for Day 1 because there was a delay in the airport.
2. There is also the issue of weather and distance and traffic, sometimes the timing is also important. There are days that after a long, tiring day of city tour, you'd rather have that much needed massage instead of that revolving bar on top of a tower. During our Coron, Palawan trip, we were battered by the monsoon rains (habagat) so we had to cancel 2 tours because the coastguards won't allow us for safety reason.
3. Sometimes due to traffic, there are areas that you have to delete from your list because it will take much of your limited time. Sometimes you have to make a detour because you just heard from a friend of a friend of a newfound place that is worth checking out. In Macau during our honeymoon, we had to make a detour to this lovely lighthouse and it was worth the effort and the distance. The lighthouse is one of the highest points in Macau so we had the lovely view of the whole of Macau.
4. Planning is good but don't let the small change disappoint you.
Sometimes change happens for a good reason and usually it will do you more good than harm.
5. For us, there is no such thing as the right place to be romantic. Any place can be romantic.
You make your own story wherever you are. You make romance work wherever you are.
The most important thing is that you are together and you are making memories together.
Be it on the beach, in the mall, across the desert, up above the clouds, into the jungle.
Make sure that you are both in the right state of mind that no matter where you are, you will make the most out of it and you will enjoy the moment.
6. Try to slow down and savour the moment, appreciate the time you have with each other.
7. Don't pressure yourself into cramming all there is to see in a place or do the activities available in one location.
8. Don't have high expectations of everything. It's a new place so there will be things beyond your control. Whenever we travel, we set our expectations in the middle ground, it does us good because if the suppliers or the place over deliver, we were ecstatic and happy all throughout the trip.
9. Traveling as a couple means you are both must enjoy the trip together.
Take turns in making the itinerary or leading the way.
Give each other a chance to enjoy what you want without guilt or limitations.
Nobody should monopolize the excitement of doing the things you love.
I love bargain shopping, he loves the outdoors. I love the beach, he loves cold places.
If both are available in a place, we visit them but if there is just one that is practical to visit, we compromise or take turns.
10. The popular adage 'Don't sweat the small stuff' is apt for traveling as a couple.
There are moments that you need to let it pass and there are those that you need to make 'patol".
Be sure to choose your battles wisely or just let it pass.
11. And lastly, learn to laugh and laugh and laugh.
For your sanity's sake, make sure you have plenty of sense of humour.
When not-so-good things happen, keep an open mind and an open heart.
Make sure you laugh at small problems and put things in perspective.
Everything can be remedied even a lost passport can be saved. It's not all bad.
In Singapore, I left our passports on the check in counter, I was a little worried but we traced back our steps to where we've been and went back to those to check our passports and good Lord, we found it. In Boracay, our airline was super delay because of Kalibo traffic so instead of an afternoon landing, we arrived early evening. But the magnificent sunset of Boracay was so breathtaking that it took all our stress away.
You are there to celebrate life, share adventures and misadventures and discover each other.
You are there to enjoy the vibrance of another race or culture.
You are there to rekindle your romance and to take a break together.
You are there to be with the one you love and that is all that matters.
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