15 Dos and Don’ts for your first romantic holiday

Going on holiday with your partner for the first time can be a rather daunting prospect. If you’re worried about the trip not going swimmingly, read our tips to ensure you have a relaxing and romantic break.

Your first romantic holiday with a new partner will probably be the first time you spend a prolonged period of time together. However, you need not feel intimated by this, as embarking on a romantic holiday with your new love can help build and strengthen your relationship as a whole.

According to our EliteSingles’ psychologist, Salama Marine, “Holidays are a good opportunity for couples to take stock and reassess their relationship back home. Discussing your everyday life from a distance, particularly while relaxed on holiday, enables a constructive conversation and ultimately assists in building a strong foundation between you.” Romantic breaks then, are not only a chance for you to reconnect as a couple, but can be used as an opportunity to enhance your relationship when you’re back in your everyday lives.

Here are 10 Dos and 5 Don’ts to ensure your first romantic holiday is a success.

The 10 Dos

1. Do keep it short – As this is your first holiday away together, treat it as a test for any longer future trips. So, don’t book that round the world trip together just yet. Try a long weekend break first.

2. Do try to build the trip around both of your interests – Make sure you spend time planning the holiday together. This includes where you’ll be staying and what activities you’d like to do whilst there. Then you’ll both understand beforehand what the other wants from trip.

3. Do pick a holiday destination neither of you have visited before – This way you’ll be able to create new memories collectively by discovering the place together. (Definitely don’t go to somewhere you’ve been to with a previous partner!)

READ MORE: Want to know how to get over your ex? 3 ways to move on.

4. Do try to avoid stressful situations – This means arriving at the airport early, planning your route to your destination, making sure you have the right currency… Just don’t leave everything to the last minute.

5. Do make the flight romantic – Settle into the holiday mood before you’ve even landed. Order a bottle of champagne, share a blanket and cuddle up to each other.

6. Do make spontaneous romantic gestures – Show your partner that you care by surprising them with breakfast in bed or running them a bath after a long day at the beach. Remember, it’s the little everyday signs of love that count.

READ MORE: Don’t be a wall flower – 5 tips to help overcome shyness

7. Do try new things – Be adventurous. Try out activities you wouldn’t have the chance to at home. Always fancied surfing? Waterskiing? Even if it’s just tasting a local dish for the first time, by doing something you and your partner haven’t tried before, you’ll both bond over the new experience, bringing you closer together and providing an exciting joint memory.

8. Do spend a little time apart – As Salama suggests, ‘Although holidays are a great chance for the two of you to connect, it is important that you don’t forget to look after yourself. Devote a little time to an activity that you enjoy independently.’ Take a swim whilst they sunbathe or go for an early morning walk whilst they lie-in, then when you next see one another, you’ll feel refreshed and excited to spend time together again.

9. Do pamper yourselves – Who doesn’t like to be pampered on a holiday? The two of you can indulge in a soothing couple’s body massage after a long day sight-seeing. Treat yourselves to a rejuvenating and romantic experience!

10. Do buy a special souvenir – Pay attention to what your partner looks at and likes whilst shopping on holiday, then if you can, secretly buy it and surprise them with your gift once you’ve returned home. Then, whenever they look at it they will be reminded of your romantic holiday together.

The 5 Don’ts

1. Don’t book a holiday together to fix your relationship – If your relationship is on its last legs, a holiday is not going to help. You may have fun whilst you’re away, but you’ll return home to all the same problems. Try to work through your issues at home first before taking a trip together.

READ MORE: Want to build trust in your relationship? 5 steps to a stronger bond.

2. Don’t forget to pack medicines – Don’t let a nasty sunburn, a typical holiday illness or some pesky mosquitoes ruin the romance. It’s best to be over-prepared in this situation. So, pack plenty of the essential holiday medicines to keep the trip running smoothly.

3. Don’t try to see everything – Don’t waste time moving from one tourist hotspot to the next. Spend the time that would have been lost to travelling, by relaxing and bonding with your partner.

4. Don’t spend your holiday on your phone – Don’t miss precious moments with your partner, by constantly checking your phone. Of course, it’s understandable you may need to look at your emails from time to time, but you’re on holiday, whatever is happening at home can wait.

5. Don’t let the occasional squabble put you off – According to Salama, ‘When planning a romantic holiday, couples tend to set their expectations too high. In order to avoid disappointment, it helps to be realistic – there will inevitably be struggles and disagreements and that’s completely natural.’ So, don’t be surprised if you bicker occasionally. It’s bound to happen if you’re spending such concentrated time with someone. Undoubtedly, you’ll kiss and make up in no time.

Are you planning your first romantic holiday this summer? Did you find these suggestions helpful? Do you have any further tips for a romatic holiday? Then let us know below or email us at e [email protected].

About Salama Marine:

Salama Marine trained at the Paris College of Psychological Practitioners, and is now a registered Psychologist helping people with their interpersonal relationships in the realm of love, sex and marriage. She has worked extensively within the online dating industry, and provides consultation to those wishing to connect with like-minded partners online.