30 Aug 2021

I was never a big believer in arguments while on holiday. You’re planning the trip of a lifetime with your other half, fitting in as many activities as possible and you think “what’s the worst that could go wrong?”

I’ve had my fair share of tiffs and quarrels with my partner on the seas and in the most random, dodgy spots of the world and it’s not easy.

Imagine this - you are in a foreign country for the first time, the only person you know is your partner, you’re moving from location to location in a short amount of time - tensions are high and one of your fuses is bound to blow.

If you’re struggling to let someone go and you’ve spent months, if not years saving up for this trip - what’s another month? Well, breaking up with someone overseas could go both ways - either you become a sulking mess that doesn’t want to leave the hotel room or as free and newly-single bird, you could be macking on with randos.

Honestly, it's a love story that turns sour

Funnily enough, this did happen to one of my besties - a classic love story between two high school sweethearts that booked a trip to America in hopes it would save their relationship. 

From being reluctant to end it, to opening up their relationship to people they met on their trip, to the constant arguing - one thing led to another and they were done. Finito. Donesos. All over red rover. On the trip too. But how do you continue on a trip when you’re emotionally detached from each other? What about the awkward one bedder? How about that 15 hour long flight back to Australia?

What I got from their experience, is that there are still ways to enjoy the holiday you’ve spent thousands on instead of booking the next flight home. Maybe it was unexpected or overdue. But if you’re ever in this position (probs just avoid it all together) here are some bangin’ tips to still have the best time with your (used)-to-be partner.

1. Don’t fight off your emotions

Let yourself go through all the emotions you are naturally feeling. A bit upset? Go get something sweet from the Cheesecake Shop or somethin' and let it all out. Think a boogie will get you through it? Do it. Do whatever you need to feel better. You're in a different place, hello? Go on and get out there!

I know you promised yourself an exciting, adventure filled trip but hey… if you didn't already know, life is unexpected!

2. Communication is key

You’ve spent so long with this other person - tell them how you’re feeling. Listen to why they’re upset. Sometimes they might not want to talk and that’s cool too. But make them feel valid and understood and hopefully they’ll do the same back. Takes the bigger person to do this, but at least you can say you gave it a crack rather than ponder on what could've been.

Make a pact to go through with the holiday, set boundaries and end on a good note - there’s nothing worse than a holiday turned bitter.

3. Go through with it, because it'll be a funny story one day... maybe

You’ve just spent thousands of dollars to go somewhere you both wanted to go - why not make the most of it? Go to those museums, bars, Broadway shows - celebrate and remember the good times. 

I see a lot of couples recently having a break up date so make it a break up trip to remember for years to come - you’ll have some unique stories, maybe even laugh about it later. Or rather, it could be your last shabang with 'em which is also a good send off.

This time in your life might feel like a plot straight out of Marriage Story or 500 Days Of Summer but trust me, it’s all bittersweet. Plus, you’ll never forgive yourself for not making the best out of a worst time.