Many people in relationships wouldn't think twice about bringing their partner along for vacation. It just makes sense. Vacations are just another part of commitment. But what if I told you that traveling without them could be a good thing?
If you ask relationship counselor Rebecca Nilson, the phrase "absence makes the heart grow fonder" can ring true. “It’s important people maintain their identity in a relationship," she says, "you come together as one, but for a healthy, long-term relationship, it’s important to have your own hobby. This could mean traveling and being apart.”
So who do you go with if you're not bringing the love of your life? Here are the top 5 traveling companions other than a significant other.
1. Your Friends
The absolutely hilarious film "Girls Trip" is a prime example of why you should travel with your friends. The movie is a hilarious view of four friends who head to New Orleans. Despite not always seeing eye to eye, their trip is a thrilling bonding experience.
Your friends are your friends for a reason. They love you, support you, and have similar tastes as you. Even if they don't have similar tastes, they accept you for who you are and what you like. This is the perfect formula for dream traveling companions. No matter what may happen, you'll stick together and have a great time.
So traveling with a good core group of friends, or even just one can be an amazing bonding experience. It will also help with your compromising skills as well as stress management. Nothing makes you bond more than missing that overlay.
2. Your Family
As an adult, traveling with family becomes a brand new ballgame. No longer forced to travel with your parents, you and your cousins don't have to sneak off to actually have fun. If you are with the older generations, you're now allowed to take part in the late night adults-only fun.
Intergenerational travel gives you the ability to explore new things while going back to your roots. Making memories moves beyond the comforts of home and into the unknown. The possibilities are endless.
Traveling with family also gives you the chance to see the new side of someone you've spent your life with. Who knew mom could throw back all that tequila or cousin Jeff speaks fluent Portuguese?
3. A Tour Group
This could be a charity that travels to help foreign communities or a tour group like Contiki or Topdeck.
It's almost like solo travel, but not. Here you'll have the opportunity to meet new people while seeing a bunch of new places. Some groups are niche, so you can explore your interests with those who share them with you.
If you decided to go the charity route, you have the chance to really get to know the community around you while helping out. There are many charity options out there depending on what your skill sets are, so it isn't difficult to find the perfect match.
Having an organized tour that's planned for you leads to less room for conflicts and danger. You'll have time to explore on your own and make life-long friendships.
4. Yourself
Traveling solo is becoming a popular mode of travel lately. It's a great way to completely get away from it all.
Now, when traveling solo, it's important to follow extra safety measures. As long as you're smart, though, you should enjoy the personal time. For those interested in discovering themselves, this is the best way to go. You are entirely self reliant and able to do as you wish.
Traveling solo allows you to work on your problem-solving skills. It also gives you the freedom to do what you want, when you want. It takes you from your comfort zone and allows you to become a more outgoing version of yourself.
5. Your Pet
We see celebrities doing it all the time. Lady Gaga and her pups, Taylor Swift and her cats, Justin Bieber and his monkey.
Traveling with your pet can be a rewarding adventure for the both of you. Fido will get to sniff brand new things, and you'll have a travel buddy who won't complain about not liking the food. Plus, traveling with your pet can help break the ice with future friends.
Before you go though, make sure where you're going is pet-friendly. Finally, look into the airline's policies of flying with a pet. Nobody likes getting kicked off a plane or refused at the check-in desk.
So when planning your next trip, think outside the box. Use this opportunity to go on an adventure you didn't expect you'd ever go on while strengthening your relationship. Whether it's with your closest friends, or just yourself, you won't regret the opportunities you gave yourself. Plus, coming home will be way sweeter.
