You're listening to Life Kit from NPR.

Hey, it's Mariel.

Have you ever been on a trip with a partner, and they wanted to spend the day one way while you wanted to do something entirely different?

They wanted to go to the art museum, and you wanted to wander around the old cobblestone streets, take photos, pop into cute shops and cafes.

They wanted to go on a hike.

You wanted to chill by the pool.

They wanted to see the ancient ruins.

You wanted to go on a food tour.

The good news is you do not have to spend all of your time together on a couple's trip.

What's the secret to a successful couple's trip itinerary, according to the experts?

Build a balance of alone time and together time.

This is travel journalist Amelia Edelman.

Now, in the scenario I mentioned, one solution could be splitting up for the afternoon.

They do the museum, you wander, then you meet up for dinner.

In another scenario where you both need a little alone time, but you don't mind being in the same

space, you could try being alone together, both reading by the pool. The key, as always, is knowing

your partner, knowing yourself, and knowing how to talk to each other. Lucky for us, Amelia also reports on relationships.

And on this episode of Life Kit, she walks us through how to plan a couple's trip.

We'll hear from couples therapists, a travel advisor, and a couple's money coach,

because money really can shape the entire experience.

That's after the break.

Sure, traveling across the globe with your partner sounds romantic, and it can be.

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