Love and Travel: How a Baecation can Strengthen your Relationship

I took my first international trip when I was 13 years old. I went to Cote d'Ivoire with a volunteer group in my church and it was here that Pandora's box was opened for me and the wanderlust began. I can still remember being blown away by the music, the food, the people... and so much more.

Fast forward to getting married back in 2006. My husband and I decided that before we had children, we would travel as much as we could because we weren't sure what traveling with children would be like... besides HELLA EXPENSIVE!!! 😫 So, we travelled and had a great time!

One of our most memorable trips was to Italy. We hit Rome, Venice, Sorrento, Amalfi and Pompeii. It's the simplest memories and giggles from that trip that we relive on occasion. For example, I remember one night, we were at a restaurant in Sorrento. The waiter comes over to take our order and asked if we wanted water, to which we replied, "Yes". Then he says "gas or no gas" 👀... we looked at each other confused only to learn that he meant sparkling or flat! LOLOLOL We laugh about this til this day! Simple but we both learned something new and love that we were able to experience all of that together.

Over the years, after having children, our trips have begun to look a little different. However, it's undeniable that when we are able to get away, even for a weekend, with just the two of us, the magic returns to our relationship.

Based on a survey conducted by the US Travel Association, they found that couples who travel together have healthier, happier relationships, compared to those who do not.

Here are the top 3 benefits I've experienced when traveling with my husband:

Deeper connection with my partner

Shared experiences deepen our connection because of the memories created, the exploration of new things, the enjoyment of watching sunsets or just trying new foods... It creates a sense of being part of something that now belongs to the two of you alone. It's the inside joke that only you two share.

Break away from the routine

As working parents, the daily routine can become so mundane and tiresome that it leaves little time for real connection. The responsibilities of parenthood and adulting can suck up the air of creativity and romance which is why getting away allows for a relationship reset! My husband and I have done overnight stays in a local hotel which have been amazing for our relationship. Being able to wake up, with a child begging us to make breakfast.... or, being able to just order room service and NOT have to clean up afterwards... Or, just being able to not be on a schedule for the day, to wake up and say, what do you want to do today.... It's so liberating!

Reignited romance and intimacy

I literally could write a WHOLE blog post on this one.... seriously. But let me just keep it PG and start simple... As a parent, have you ever tried to go out to dinner with your partner and children... and try to enjoy a GLASS OF WINE?!?!?! 🤯 It's not possible to "enjoy" a glass of wine when you're out with your kids!! LOL. That same glass of wine tastes VERY different when it's just you and your partner. When you try to connect with your partner during dinner with the kids, you can't actually have a conversation without a fight breaking out between the kids at the table... or better yet, a child complaining their tired and ready to go home... or better yet, the kids interrupting your discussion because their device died and they want to use your phone 😫. I mean, need I say more?!?!?! A glass of wine on vacation, at dinner, with your partner is a romantic occasion. A glass of wine at dinner with your kids is a means of survival.... its just not the same thing!

The list could go on and on because I have found that there are so many amazing benefits to traveling with your partner. Each time my husband and I have traveled together, we come back renewed, refreshed and reconnected. I can't wait to plan our next experience.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you find it beneficial to travel with your partner?

XO,

Absolutely Ayanna