We chat a lot about setting off on solo adventures and hopping in a camper with a load of mates for the most epic roadie ever, so we thought it was about time to talk about travelling as a couple.
We’ll be sharing with you:
- How to make friends when you travel as a couple
- How to budget for 2 of you
- How to stay sane together and compromise
- The best ways to travel and where to stay!
A lot of you travel with your other half and many of you may be thinking about it, so we’re here to let you in to all of our tips and tricks on what it’s REALLY like travelling with your significant other.
Meet Holly
Hey, I’m Holly – I write most of the blog posts you see here on RatPack. My job is basically to make your life easier; giving you all the tips on how to have the most epic time in Aussie.
I don’t usually introduce myself when writing a post, but I travelled around Australia for 6 months with my significant other (hi Joe!), so I’ve been there, done that, dying to do it again! I thought it would make this post more relatable if I wrote it from more of a personal angle…so let’s go!
What is it REALLY like to travel as a couple you ask? Well, keep reading and you’ll find out (spoiler alert, it is – in my experience – more of a make it than a break it situation).
Click images to see more.
Travel and accomodation
Travel
There are 2 main options of travel in Aussie – camper or Greyhound coach.
In the case of travelling as a couple, I’d say go for a camper (wish we had – they look like so much fun).
You can share driving time, can be super flexible, you’ve got all the freedom in the world and lets face it – nothing says relationship bonding like a road trip.
In terms of which type of camper to opt for, either a 2 seater, 2 sleeper or a high top (if you fancy a bit more room) – both would be perf.
Accomodation
The obvious backpacker choice is hostels. They’re great value for money and a great place to meet people. If this is your jam, most hostels do have private dorms – so check these out!
However, some nights you might fancy a space for just the two of you. In this case, Hotels can be great value (if you shop around a little) or, we opted for Airbnb’s for a couple of stays as it worked out a little cheaper (check out the ‘private rooms’ option).
It's all about compromise
I can’t re-iterate this enough – IT IS ALL ABOUT COMPROMISE.
I get itchy feet (is that the saying?) and hate sitting still – I constantly need to be on the go and discovering new things. On the other hand, my boyfriend is pretty chill and is happy to lounge around without a care in the world (something I need to get better at).
But what I am trying to say here is, you need to be able to take a leaf out of each others books, meet in the middle and do what makes you both happy.
Why not try both writing a list of what you want to get out of the trip and go from there – take it in turns to decide what to do. It’ll make life a lot sweeeterrrr.
You don't have to spend every second together
You’re on the trip of a life time, you want to make every second count and you want to make memories together. I get it. I was like this at the start of the trip.
But, as you get used to the routine of travelling it’s okay to spend some time apart.
Even if you’re not technically alone, something as simple as zoning out for a bit on separate bunks reading separate books or scrolling on Instagram (whatever you do), it’s time with yourself and that is important.
You will make friends!
I’m not going to lie to you – we did find it difficult to meet people in the first couple of months. You’re obviously a couple, so (understandably), people assume that you’re happy with each others company, so don’t feel the need to approach you.
You’ve just got to put a bit more effort in. Approach others instead of waiting for someone to approach you – what’s the worst thing that’s going to happen.
About 3 months in, we met another couple (all it took was a bit of small talk over dinner at a hostel and – quite a lot of – goon) and we got on from the get go. We’re now all as close as ever and see each other all the time back in the UK. So there it is, proof that it is possible to make friends for life, even as a couple!
About the Author: Sammy
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From our RatPackers
Absolutely recommended to anyone wanting to take the stress out of booking a camper van! Ben made the process for me so smooth and he genuinely cared for what my trip entailed and catered right to it! Blown away with his kindness and couldn’t be more happy with the price and deal we go for our van!
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This shout out is for James! He took all of our worries,stress and anxiety about our up coming snow road trip and chucked them out the window. In under 30 minutes he had us booked with a better deal,upgraded vehicle and many laughs. Just for his service alone we will be back for every holiday! Thanks heaps James we look forward to our holiday because of you, now I can drive to Sydney today with a clear mind and no worries of having to sleep on my bike in the middle of the snow ⛄️ I have to mention his concern for safety was top notch with not wanting myself or my partner to have a bed fall on our heads again 😂
Jenna and Ryan were very helpful from the beginning to the end of the booking process. They shared all the details needed for our trip and in good time. Once our trip had been confirmed Ryan supported us through the phone call explaining next steps, payment and the process. We are very happy with the service we received! Thank you again and we look forward to our trip!
Ben made our camper van booking experience a breeze, very professional and easy process, would be happy to recommend to anyone!
Mikey was very efficient and easy to deal with, we booked a camper and the whole process took around 1 hour from him getting us prices, speaking to different dealerships and us paying our deposit. He was happy to answer any questions we had and shared lots of information regarding routes, campsites and the day to day travel in a camper. We would definitely recommend!
They were super helpful in finding me a motor home at the last minute—-received great assistance from James
Ben from Ratpack Travel was absolutely amazing in helping find the perfect van & best deal for our dream WA holiday. Best customer service ever! They know their products inside out & I would use them again & again!
George was awesome to deal with! Really knowledgeable and very helpful. Highly recommend!
The service at RatPack-Travel is absolutely great! Ryan took a lot of time to answer all my questions and always clarified everything very quickly. The telephone consultations were easy to understand and everything was clearly explained. Even when my plans changed and I had to adjust my booking, he clarified everything directly with the car rental company and I was able to adjust my booking very quickly and without any problems. I always received an answer within minutes. I am extremely satisfied, thank you Ryan from RatPack-Travel!
James Help us in all the proces and was an absolute Legend! He found the best deal posible for what we wanted to do and withing the buddget. Also provided us with some helpfull information for sugesting itinerarys on things to do and see, as well of apps for finding campsites and campervan sites. 1000% recomended! what a grat custumer service And if this wasnt enought all the service was free!
Thank you Lucas for making it easy to book mum and my camping holiday. You were patient and a joy to deal with. You were able to get a great rate of payment and your help was much appreciated.
Anna was so helpful and kind, she helped me book a van for my friend and I. She was on top of all my questions and was so lovely to work with 😁
Just booked a van for NZ for 2 weeks. Ben made the booking so easy and hassle free, will definitely be recommending RatPack in the future
