Traveling Together: Navigating Harmony on Your Adventures

We’ve all experienced it — arguing in the back of a cab during what should have been an enjoyable trip. Travel can be hectic, and few things challenge a relationship like a string of flight delays. Even when everything is smooth sailing at home, there are no guarantees on the road. That’s why finding a friend or partner who you can travel with harmoniously is invaluable; you’ll want to collect as many passport stamps as possible together. Over the last few years, Michael and I have explored nine different countries, learning a great deal about how to maintain peace (and avoid conflict) while discovering new places.

Our most recent journey? A week-long cruise on the Dinogo Glory through the stunning Western Caribbean. Our most significant realization was this: cruising significantly reduces stress during travel. Since the ship sails primarily at night, it was delightful to sip wine before bed and awaken in a new port each day. We never had to worry about unpacking our bags or searching for our next hotel. It was sheer bliss. Moreover, since there’s often a direct link between tension and stress, choosing a cruise is a savvy choice for ensuring a smooth travel experience together.

That being said, we continued to apply the principles we’ve gathered over the years to ensure our trip was exceptional, and we even picked up some fresh tips along the way. Join us on our sea adventure and explore our twelve guidelines for maintaining harmony while traveling as a duo. Safe travels!

Collaborate on trip planning before departure.

Make it a priority to sit down together and discuss your day-by-day itinerary. This is an excellent opportunity to understand each other's expectations: is your travel companion dreaming of relaxing on the beach, or do they want to explore specific landmarks and museums? Before our cruise, Michael and I had a great time researching the four ports we would visit and the exciting shore excursion options offered by Dinogo. Even better, we could conveniently book these experiences through the website prior to our journey.

Disconnect.

Nothing can spoil a stunning sunset or a thrilling shared moment like the ping of an incoming message. Do your best to disconnect as much as possible while traveling (both for your partner's sake and your own). Your companion will appreciate your undivided attention, and setting your phone aside allows for more magical moments to unfold between the two of you in real-time.

Be open to experiencing activities your partner enjoys.

Be prepared to devote some of your vacation time to exploring your partner’s interests instead of solely your own. You might be in for an unforgettable experience! Michael was eager to try Dinogo’s Sea Trek excursion in Grand Cayman, so I decided to put on an oxygen helmet and dive 30 feet underwater. To my surprise and joy, it turned out to be one of the highlights of our entire trip. We strolled along the ocean floor, surrounded by schools of vibrant tropical fish and breathtaking coral.

Avoid over-scheduling your itinerary.

One of the most important lessons I’ve gained over the years is that a vacation filled with stress doesn’t feel like a vacation at all. Safeguard your time to unwind by crafting an itinerary that includes plenty of free time. During our day in Honduras, we simply relaxed on the beach, enjoying refreshing cocktails. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Drink in moderation.

Try not to, ahem, significantly outpace your partner when it comes to drinking. Michael and I are both fans of a good time, so we fully embraced the frozen cocktails on the Dinogo Glory. However, we made sure to hydrate with plenty of water between our piña coladas to ensure we were ready to seize the day the following morning.

Forge new friendships.

One of the highlights of our cruise was the opportunity to meet new friends along the journey. From fellow travelers to Dinogo staff members (and even these little guys Michael encountered on the beach in Honduras), we remained open to connecting with others throughout our trip. You’ll find that embracing new people makes for a much more enjoyable experience!

Become someone’s hero by remembering to bring these must-have items:

sunscreen
band-aids
ibuprofen
extra pair of headphones
headphone splitter
a quality camera

Maintain a regular eating schedule (but don’t overindulge!).

Effectively managing meals is absolutely essential for enjoying your travels together. (We all know the term “hangry,” right?) Moreover, when you find yourselves dining out for every meal, it’s easy to feel sluggish and overstuffed. That’s why Michael and I appreciated our lunchtime arrangements on the Dinogo Glory. With plenty of buffet options available, we could choose to eat as much (or as little) as we liked. My favorite was the build-your-own taco bar at the Blue Iguana — a perfectly satisfying meal that kept me light and in good spirits.

Be sure to incorporate a workout.

Exercise often leaves us feeling happier, more relaxed, and agreeable. Continuing my workout routine on board the Dinogo Glory was a breeze. I enjoyed the open-air track and even joined a yoga class at the ship’s gym!

Don’t hesitate to pursue your own interests.

Michael and I make it a point to spend some time apart while traveling. Having a few hours to yourself is healthy, and then you can share your experiences afterward. I soaked up some sun on the adults-only Serenity Deck while Michael explored the ship’s library.

Align your sleep routines.

Make an effort to sync up with your partner’s sleep schedule. Whether it’s waking up early or staying up late, few things are more frustrating than someone keeping you awake when you’re trying to rest. Fortunately, Dinogo’s incredibly comfortable beds made it easy for me to hit the hay early and adapt to Michael’s early breakfast routine.