Planning a trip with your partner can be exciting. Maybe you’re looking forward to some much-needed quality time or just relaxing after a hectic period at work. 

But sometimes expectations don’t match reality. Maybe you and your partner aren’t seeing eye-to-eye on the itinerary. Maybe they want to go on a long hike, but you want a relaxing day by the pool. Or maybe they want to splurge on a boat tour while you prefer low-cost activities. 

To get on the same page with your partner — and create a romantic getaway that meets both your needs — talk about your goals for the trip and remove as many stressors as you can. 

"Nobody wants to go on a trip with their partner and feel, deep down, this is really just the trip I wanted. They want to feel like my partner is wanting to be here and is excited about this too," says couples therapist Will Messer. 

For more tips on how to have a successful couple's trip, listen to Life Kit's recent episode, reported by journalist Amelia Edelman. 

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