Surviving a Romantic Holiday Getaway

Holiday madness is upon us, but is getting away with your partner the only thing on your mind right now? Whether here or abroad, regardless of your destination, here are a few things to think about for a peaceful vacation à deux.

When the honeymoon period of a relationship is over, and the butterflies have ceased and routine has settled in, two halves of a couple sometimes realize they are more different than they think (rest assured: this is normal and very healthy). At this moment in time, two reactions generally occur: either each person experiences their own pursuits individually, or the lovers merge their common interests. Neither of these alternatives is actually very healthy.

The solution:

Your challenge as a couple? Finding a certain balance where your interests meet, all the while staying selective in your activity planning. Why not try something new together during the holidays? The unknown quality surrounding novelty will allow you to get out of your comfort zone, which is essential when it comes to building significant intimacy. Think quality over quantity, and don’t forget to set aside some time for yourself; taking a step back from each other every once in a while allows us to come closer together afterwards.

Challenge #2: Getting Closer

Couples who face certain sexual difficulties, or who feel the need to simply get away from everyday pressures, will have a tendency to see this time off as a golden opportunity; the chance to eroticize the everyday and rekindle the flame in their relationship. However, sexual intimacy is not owed—it deserves time and effort. But it shouldn’t become a burden, either! Admittedly, a couple’s vacation is an excellent way for the partners to take the time to reconnect with their sexuality. That being said, intimacy is not synonymous with genitality. Trying to maximize intercourse “too much” can mean risking overlooking the most important thing, which is to simply rediscover and reconnect with each other.

The solution:

The word “intimacy” comes from the Latin word intimus, which means “the inmost”. All methods are good for revealing oneself to the other, but it generally starts with healthy communication between partners. In order to experience a truly fulfilling sexual relationship, set aside some time to exchange your thoughts and feelings. Ask each other the right questions in order to figure out where your relationship stands; what are your needs in terms of your relationship? What are your limits? What are your expectations?

Challenge #3: Using Protection

Time off goes hand-in-hand with relaxation… and casualness! We don’t always realize it, but this time can bring on a certain looseness in terms of contraception. Being outside our usual environment may give us a feeling of freedom, allowing us to (almost) let go of everyday preoccupations. Beware of being too carefree!

The solution:

If you use an oral contraceptive, a time difference can become your enemy. To avoid falling into this trap, set a daily alarm on your phone at the usual time you take your pill. Be careful: if you forget, you mustn’t wait more than three hours before reacting for a progestogen-only pill, and twelve hours for a combined pill.

On the other hand, digestive troubles and certain medications are very frequent factors when vacationing abroad. Did you know that digestion problems can considerably reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives? In the case of vomiting or diarrhoea occurring less than three hours after taking the pill, it’s necessary to take the next pill. In order to ensure maximum protection, using a condom is therefore recommended for the following seven days. And know that several other options are available in terms of contraception. A vaginal ring or transdermal patch can be excellent alternatives, as they are methods that don’t require any daily action. Do online research as much as possible (or talk to your doctor)  in order to find the method that is best suited to your needs.

That being said: Stay strong… your vacation is coming soon!