Finding that person you can truly do life with is one of the most beautiful things ever. For Jeanine and Joshua Stapleton, this was realized over twelve years ago when the two began dating in high school.

Now, after celebrating their 1-year wedding anniversary, the Chicago natives are making time to see the world while enjoying each other.

We spoke with them about their recent anniversary trip to Italy, and they let us in on a few secrets to successfully traveling with your significant other.

Photo courtesy of The Stapletons

Travel Noire: Why is travel important to you all as a couple?

The Stapletons: Travel is important to us as a couple because it allows us to continue to grow with and within one another. Learning new things, seeing new places, and experiencing new cultures allows us to create unforgettable memories together. We are looking forward to sharing these unbelievable experiences with our future children.

TN: How often do you aim to travel together?

The Stapletons: We travel together at least every other month. Whether it is locally or internationally, we always make time for ourselves and to continue to do what we love. That sets the foundation of a marriage to never stop doing the things that made you fall in love in the first place. Never stop dating.

Photo courtesy of The Stapletons

TN: Why did you choose Italy as your anniversary destination?

The Stapletons: We went to Paris for our engagementcation (yes, that’s a thing) and Europe knocked us off of our feet. We wanted to visit Italy to celebrate our anniversary because it is known to be one of the most romantic places in the world, and after visiting, I couldn’t agree more! The views, people, food, wine and everything in between made this the absolute best anniversary trip ever. It sparked us the opportunity to fall in love with one another all over again.

Photo courtesy of The Stapletons

Related: This Couple Dishes On How To Travel More While Still Working Full-Time

TN: Why was it a great anniversary spot? What did you do there?

The Stapletons: On the trip, we visited Rome, Florence, and Positano. Of course, we drank lots of wine and ate lots of pizza, pasta, and gelato. I mean, calories don’t count on vacation. We visited museums such as the Colosseum, Pantheon and Galleria Dell’academia. To learn so much history of Italy was extremely humbling. The day of our anniversary, we took a yacht to Capri, Italy. I have never cried so many tears of joy simply due to sightseeing. Everywhere you looked, you were in awe of its beauty. This was by far the most AMAZING anniversary destination and we highly recommend. Can’t wait to plan our trip back.

TN: Where are you two heading next?

The Stapletons: Next we are planning to spend time with friends in Las Vegas and Miami. Internationally, we are planning to go to an exotic island to celebrate our birthday. Perfect timing since our birthdays are in winter. We’re eight days apart, so we always look forward to traveling to celebrate our new chapter.

Photo courtesy of The Stapletons

TN: Give us 3 tips for traveling with your significant other.

The Stapletons: Respect how one another likes to vacay- Saying that, I’m an early bird and my husband likes to sleep in. Some days we get up and go early and others we lounge a bit, and that’s fine. Remembering it’s not just one person’s vacation is key.

Pushing one another out of their comfort zone- My husband is scared of heights. There will be times on vacation, that I push him to do things that he is not necessarily comfortable with, but it allows you the opportunity to create new experiences you will never forget. 

Get lost in one another- Being in foreign countries where you don’t know much, opens the door to trust one another more. Take the time to learn new things about your partner you may not know. Learn new things together. Have conversations about the future. Relax and unwind while enjoying the best of each others company. 

Photo courtesy of The Stapletons

TN: Where can we find you two online?

The Stapletons: Facebook: Jeanine Stapleton & Joshua Stapleton. On Instagram & Twitter: @idream_ofjeani@joshstaple