Traveling by yourself while in a relationship can be a touchy subject for some, depending on multiple factors. However, many are finding it necessary to travel without their partner and have an established trust in their relationship that makes a solo trip possible.
Whether it’s a self-care trip to Arkansas Springs or a friend’s birthday excursion to Miami— here are some tips to help you prepare for a solo trip out of town without your significant other.
1. Communicate with Your Partner
Communication is key in any relationship, so it’s important to talk to your partner about the trip you plan on taking.
Jamie Ballentine Doby, 42, started taking solo trips at 21-years-old and has made it a point to communicate with her spouse about her desire to travel alone.
“Communicate with your partner, you don’t have to ask permission, but communication on things like this are key,” Dolby said. “Don’t feel guilty or over-explain your reasons to those that don’t understand. Create memories with you that are yours alone.”
With travel being a source of joy for her, Dolby plans to continue enjoying out-of-town trips even if her partner and son can’t tag along.
“Life is short and with TSA Pre-Check lines are even shorter so travel now and often,” Dolby said.
2. Tap Into Solo Self-Care
Self-care is vital for both men and women so, whether it’s a friend’s trip or solo getaway, have a conversation with your partner about taking the time to tend to yourself.
“For most of my solo trips, there was no tension involved,” said Alexis Calvin, 32. “I enjoy having some self-care trips to myself, and he doesn’t mind it at all. It’s healthy for couples to take time for themselves individually to do the things that they love.”
3. Share Your Location
The world can be a crazy place sometimes and when you’re traveling by yourself you want to make sure you’re safe at all times.
Sharing your location with your significant other is a quick and easy way to ensure someone knows where you are, no matter where you are while visiting your destination.
“I’m sure many won’t agree with this but sharing your location for safety reasons,” said student and content creator Jennifer Peete, 32. “You never know what could happen when traveling to a new state or country.”
4. If There’s Trust Issues, You Probably Shouldn’t Go
Fear of their partner participating in acts that violate boundaries in their relationship is the biggest reason solo travel in relationships may seem taboo. If there’s been infidelity in your relationship that you and your partner are still working through, it might not be the best idea to take a solo trip at that time.
“Don’t do it if you don’t trust each other,” Peete said. “You won’t enjoy your trip or let them enjoy theirs.”
Talk to your partner and use your discernment to determine if now is the best time to travel alone.
5. Plan Ahead
Although doula and entrepreneur Kwaeisi Golliday, 27, is naturally spontaneous, she makes sure to be considerate of her more organized partner by planning ahead for her solo travels.
“It was typically planned ahead of time and not spur of the moment,” she said. “We discussed plans and ways for me to be safe. If he was ever uncomfortable, it was regarding my safety in unfamiliar areas.”
Planning ahead can save you a headache later when preparing for your trip, and also is good communication and organizational practice to have between you and your partner.
6. Don’t Get Salty If The Roles Were Reversed
If you freely take trips with your friends every summer or enjoy the occasional solo excursion, do not get mad when your boo wants to do the same.
Take some time to think about how you would feel if the roles were reversed, and make sure the lines of communication are clear in your relationship when it comes to travel.
“I would also advise that you be prepared to think of the chance that your partner may someday be in your shoes and want to take a solo trip,” Golliday said. “Consider your potential reaction to that circumstance and how you’d want your partner to handle the conversation and situation.”
7. Have An Understanding for Future Trips
Traveling is a door that opens people to culture and new realities. If you are a true traveler at heart, make sure the person you’re in a relationship with understands that aspect of your personality.
“My partner and I have a pretty good grasp of understanding that though we are mates, we are our own person as well,” Golliday said. “So though we are considerate of the other, neither of us expect the other not to pursue a dream, experience, or opportunity because travel may be involved and the other cannot come.”
8. Video Chat While You’re Away
Although absence makes the heart grow fonder, a little Facetime action has never hurt anyone, especially when you’re miles away from your boo.
Don’t be afraid to pull out your phone and video chat with your partner while you’re in between activities. You can also video chat with them when you’re getting ready and to show them the scenery in your destination while you’re commuting from place to place.
9. Send Cute Pics
Everyone loves sending exclusive photos to their significant other before they hit Instagram. Don’t hesitate to snap some selfies and full-body pics to share with your partner before you share them with the entire world on social media.
The photos will leave your partner feeling special knowing you thought to send them the photos first.
