Most of us have experienced it before: the feeling of dread that washes over you when you realize you’re about to spend a week cooped up with your partner in a tiny hotel room. Suddenly, all those little things that you normally ignore start to drive you crazy. The way they leave their clothes on the floor, the way they snore, the way they hog the covers… Before you know it, you’re arguing about nothing and ruined your entire vacation. But why does this happen? And more importantly, how can we stop it?

It’s All About Expectations

One of the main reasons couples argue on vacation is because their expectations are different. For example, one person might be envisioning a relaxing beach vacation where they spend their days lounging in the sun and reading books, while their partner might be looking forward to an action-packed trip filled with hiking and exploring. If these expectations aren’t aligned from the beginning, it’s likely that there will be some conflict down the road.

How to Avoid It

The best way to avoid this issue is to talk about your expectations for the trip before you even start packing your bags. Sit down with your partner and discuss what kind of vacation you both want to have. Do you want to spend your days exploring or relaxing? Do you want to stick to a strict budget or splurge on a few activities? Once you’ve ironed out all the details, you’ll be much less likely to find yourself arguing about them later on.

It’s Not Always Just About Expectations…

Of course, it’s not always as simple as just aligning your expectations. There are other factors that can contribute to arguments on vacation, such as fatigue, boredom, and jealousy. If you find yourself getting into arguments more often than you’d like while on vacation, try to take a step back and analyze what might be causing them. Are you simply exhausted from all the sightseeing? Are you bored because there’s nothing to do? Or are you feeling jealous because your partner seems to be having more fun than you are? Once you identify the root cause of the problem, it will be much easier to find a solution.

Vacation should be a time for relaxation and fun, but all too often it turns into a week-long argument fest. If you’re tired of fighting with your partner every time you go on vacation, use these tips to avoid arguments before they start. First, talk about your expectations for the trip and make sure they’re aligned. Second, try to identify any potential sources of conflict, such as fatigue or boredom. By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to having a much more enjoyable vacation.