These Are the Mistakes You Should Avoid to Prevent a Breakup While Traveling

Travel has a funny way of fast-tracking both connection and conflict—long days, irregular sleep patterns, shared spaces, unexpected hiccups, and constant decision-making can bring out the best (and worst) in a relationship. I always tell friends that before you really commit to someone, you should see how you travel together, because few things reveal communication styles, stress responses, and emotional maturity faster. Here are mistakes I try to avoid on the road with a partner (or even a friend) to steer clear of conflict.

1. Not Building in Solo Time

Even the happiest couples need breathing room. Scheduling small pockets of alone time—whether it be a taking a walk, squeezing in a workout, reading a book, or going on a solo stroll to grab coffee and doomscroll for a minute—helps reset moods and keeps minor annoyances from snowballing.

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2. Forgetting Something to Keep the Space “Fresh”

Bathroom breaks are always awkward, especially in the early stages of dating. But we’re all human. Packing a travel-sized air freshener like the spritzes from Trader Joe’s or Poo-Pourri, a mini candle, or essential oil can seriously shift the vibe, especially since so many hotel rooms don’t have windows in the bathroom—a huge design flaw that always irks me.

3. Overplanning with Zero Flexibility

Type A travelers can be a real gift, helping map out trips with awesome options at every step of the way. But when Murphy’s Law of Travel inevitably kicks in—weather changes, flight delays, and reservations falling through—it’s easy to get unhinged. Stay centered, and do your best to go with the flow. The magic of a journey often happens in those unplanned moments. 

4. Traveling Sans Sustenance

I’m a hungry girl, and can admit that low blood sugar is behind more arguments than jet lag. Keep snacks on hand for instant peacekeeping. Besides, what’s a road trip without good snacks anyhow? Some of my favorite packables include high-protein jerky, salted nuts, Smart Sweets, and dried fruit. (And of course, the occasional white cheddar Cheez-It.)

The Ingalls

5. Dropping Grounding Routines

Skipping meditation, stretching, journaling, or quiet time can make stress feel bigger than it needs to be. Even a few minutes a day helps. It’s always best to get it out of the way first thing, too, setting the day straight before it even begins. 

6. Skipping the Budgeting Conversation

Money surprises mid-trip make for instant tension. It’s important to align on daily spending goals and potential splurges ahead of time.

7. Trying to Do Everything

My love language is planning, but overscheduling always leads to exhaustion and crankiness. Leave space for wandering, naps, and spontaneity. Again, that’s where the magic happens. 

Courtesy of Jack Wolfskin

8. Not Dividing Responsibilities

If one person handles all the navigating, booking, packing, and planning, resentment builds fast. Share the mental load. If it doesn’t come organically, assign it out. You’ll thank me later.

9. Forgetting to Talk About Airport Logistics

Talk through what type of traveler you are long before you get to the airport. Differences around TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, lounge access, arrival timing, and thoughts on checking baggage versus carrying on can start a trip in stress mode. 

10. Misaligning on Pace, Priorities, and Unplug Time

One person wants sunrise hikes and museum marathons, but the other wants slow mornings and leisurely lunches. Add constant phone use into the mix and it can feel like separate trips. Set expectations for daily rhythm, must-dos, downtime, and when you’ll truly be present. It’s totally OK to do things separately, by the way. In fact, it’ll give you something new to chat about over dinner at the end of the day.

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