Valentine’s Day always makes us a little nostalgic.
Not just for candlelit dinners and chocolate (although we’ll never turn those down), but for all the places we’ve explored together — the sunsets at sea, the cobblestone streets we’ve wandered hand-in-hand, and even the hotel debacles that turned into stories we still laugh about today.
After years of traveling together — as spouses and as travel advisors — we’ve learned something important:
Travel doesn’t test your marriage.
It reveals it.
And when you do it well? It deepens it in ways that dinner reservations never could.
So in honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing our favorite tips on how to travel well with your spouse — and maybe even fall a little more in love along the way.
1. Decide What “Vacation” Means to Each of You When Traveling With Your Spouse
Here’s the truth: not everyone defines relaxation the same way.
- One of you might picture sleeping in, room service, and a spa day.
- The other might picture sunrise excursions and a packed itinerary.
Neither is wrong — but assuming you’re on the same page can lead to frustration.
Before every trip, we talk about:
- What does each of us want from this vacation?
- Is this a “rest” trip or an “explore” trip?
- What would make this trip feel successful?
When expectations are aligned, everything else flows more smoothly.
2. Divide and Conquer (But Respect Strengths)
One of the secrets to traveling well together? Play to your strengths.
Maybe one of you (this would be Steve):
- Loves researching excursions
- Is a spreadsheet wizard
- Knows how to find the best restaurants
- Handles airport logistics like a pro
The other might (this would be Ann):
- Organize the packing
- Keep the mood light
- Capture amazing photos
- Make friends everywhere you go
- Spot the hidden gem no guidebook mentions
We’ve found that when each of us leans into what we do best, travel feels less like work and more like teamwork.
And teamwork is romantic. 😉
3. Build in “Together” Moments — Intentionally
Here’s something we’ve learned: You don’t stumble into romance on vacation. You create it.
Yes, the view might be stunning. Yes, the resort may be gorgeous. But connection happens when you slow down long enough to notice each other.
Some of our favorite travel traditions:
- Morning coffee on the balcony before the world wakes up
- Dressing up for one intentional date night onboard
- Taking a short walk after dinner just to talk
- Watching the sunset together (like the one below in Costa Rica)
Those little rituals become the memories you carry home.
4. Give Each Other Space (It’s Healthy!)
This one surprises people. Traveling well together doesn’t mean doing everything together.
Sometimes one of you wants to:
- Grab breakfast
- Hit the gym
- Take a cooking class
- Explore a museum
- Read by the pool uninterrupted
- Spend time with friend
That’s okay.
A little breathing room makes the reunion sweeter. It gives you something new to share at dinner. It keeps you both energized.
Love doesn’t mean constant proximity. It means mutual respect.
5. Handle Stress with Humor
Missed flights. Weather changes. Long lines. Delayed luggage. Fire at your hotel in the middle of the night. Yes, these things have all happened to us (see photo below). If you travel long enough, something will go sideways.
The couples who thrive while traveling aren’t the ones who avoid hiccups — they’re the ones who choose laughter over blame.
When something goes wrong, we try to ask: “Will this be a funny story later?”
If the answer is yes (and it usually is), we roll with it. After all, we’re on vacation!
6. Remember Why You’re There
This may be the most important tip of all.
You’re not traveling to check boxes.
You’re not traveling to impress anyone.
You’re not traveling for the perfect Instagram post.
You’re traveling to experience something together.
At the end of the day, the view is better when you turn to someone you love and say, “Can you believe we’re here?” That’s exactly how we felt when we paused to realize we were mushing sled dogs on a glacier in Alaska.
7. Let Travel Keep You Curious About Each Other
One of our favorite things about traveling as a couple is discovering new sides of each other.
The way your spouse lights up in a new culture.
The food they unexpectedly love.
The bravery they show trying something new.
Travel reminds you that you married a whole, evolving person — not just the version you see in everyday routines.
And that’s pretty magical.
A Little Valentine’s Day Challenge for Traveling With Your Spouse 💌
If you’re reading this together, ask each other:
- What’s your favorite trip we’ve taken?
- Where would you love to go next?
- What kind of memory do you want to create this year?
Then start dreaming. Need some ideas? CLICK HERE to visit our Dream Vacations website. Or, fill out this form and we’ll be in touch.
Because the most romantic thing you can do isn’t just saying “I love you.”
It’s planning a future together.
From our hearts to yours —
Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️
May your journeys be smooth, your sunsets spectacular, and your love stronger with every trip you take together.
With love,
Steve & Ann Teget
PostcardJar.com
My husband is in a wheelchair. Do you have any destinations, other than cruises, you recommend?
We would need a little more information, including what types of things you want to see and do, before we could make a recommendation. Is there a time we could chat? If you fill out this form: https://forms.gle/mb4FkdaktXJwJWVx7, we’ll be in touch.
I love your travel blog! What fun it would be to travel with you. I am interested in looking into a trip with you two and others. I am forwarding your link to another friend of mine – Joyce Kidd. She and I are hoping to travel somewhere before too long.
Thank you so much, Mrs. Irvin! I’m so happy you enjoy our blog. We’d be happy to help you plan a trip somewhere…or to have you join us on one of our Postcard Jar Friends cruises.