Even if you have been together for a while, travelling together is a pretty big step. I'm not talking New Year holidays with friends in the Coromandel or even Aussie weekends, but actual real-life leaving-your-comfort-zone travelling.

As cool as you may think you are, this can be both stressful and uncomfortable.

You may experience culture shock and become so tired from bus-seat sleeps and partying that you lose it. Your partner can also turn - changing from Mr Companion to Mr Can't-Cope. To help save your sanity, here are a few things to remember when travelling with your partner.

1: Stay calm and don't over-plan.
When making up your itinerary, don't become too engrossed in times and dates. Leave yourself room to move if needs be. When you find yourself in a place where you don't want to be, it’s good to be able to adjust your dates a little in order to move on faster - this is even better when you find your dream beach and want to stick around. A relaxed holiday is a good holiday.

2: Remember that this is his holiday too.
Don't be too selfish about the things you want to do - and don't let him walk all over you either. Try to discuss your plans beforehand (keeping in mind number 1) and think about some things you really want to see or do. And while it is good to try new things, make sure he knows your limits. It's no fun being forced into a snake farm visit if you are seriously petrified of snakes. However, if it's something like a 3-day trek through the Thai foothills, you should probably just give it a try, regardless of your lazy streak!

3: Know your consumption limits.
Don't get too wasted while you are on holiday. It's fun to drink and go crazy now and again, but if you spend the whole holiday puking and lying in bed all day, you won't have much fun (or none you will remember), and chances are neither will your boyfriend. Plus you will miss out on a lot of sights and (possibly) sun.

4: You don't have to be stuck to each others' sides all day, every day.
Independence is a big part of experiencing travel. Try to spend a couple of days alone, or least a few hours. Go check out an art gallery by yourself, or go on a walk without him. Stay safe - but remember that absence makes the heart grow fonder. It will also give you something to talk about over dinner when you meet up at the end of the day.

5: Bring books.
This is a tip for anyone travelling, but can be particularly useful for a couple. After a while, even the closest of couples will find themselves having quiet time. This is normal and it’s best not to let the mind wander into paranoia territory (read past article What is he thinking?). Also, once you have finished your books you can swap them, providing another subject for conversation.

6: Bring snacks.
Even adults get cranky when they are hungry. Whenever possible, make sure you have an extra snack packed in your bag, especially when you are walking around the city or going on a tramp. Try to recognise the times when your blood sugar level is low and distinguish this from the times when your boyfriend really has done something wrong (if you know what I mean!).

7: Money.
If you are spending from a joint account, it is best to plan how much money you are going to spend on this holiday. Overspending or going off budget can be the cause of many an argument. However, if there is something that is really worth blowing the budget for, it might be a good idea to stay calm and figure out a way to make things work later for the sake of spontaneity! Just make sure you both agree.

8: Allow plenty of time to get to transport.
Flying can be a bit stressful, and this is magnified if you're running late. The more stressed you are, the more likely you will take it out on each other.

9: Don't try and sync your body clocks.
If you are an early riser, don't make him get up and at 'em with you. A tired fellow traveller is a grumpy one, so go spend some alone time for a couple of hours and let him sleep - and make sure he does the same for you. It might be an idea to mention this before you go.

10: Take this time to experience things together.
Make plans to do something special with him, or surprise him by organising a special snorkelling trip or even a spa day. If you are to spend the rest of your life together, you
will remember these days forever!

Camille Butler