One of the most beautiful aspects of travel is its uncanny ability to guide you exactly where you need to be, often in unexpected ways. For Peter and Ruby, the globetrotting duo behind the blog A Journey We Love, travel was the serendipitous path that led them to each other, despite originating from opposite corners of the world.
“Peter and I met in Jacksonville, Florida (USA), a truly chance encounter considering Peter’s roots are in Bratislava, Slovakia, and mine are in Manila, Philippines. We were simply colleagues at work in the USA, desks facing each other – a world away from where we began!” Ruby recounts.
Their shared passion for exploring the globe has since propelled them on numerous adventures, a journey that shows no signs of slowing down. Ruby and Peter have generously shared their experiences and invaluable advice on navigating the world as a couple, offering insights for both enhancing your travel experiences and strengthening your bond with your travel partner.
How Travel Sparked Their Journey Together
Travel became intertwined with their relationship from the very beginning. Ruby explains, “On our first date, at a bookstore, I enthusiastically shared my past adventures living in England and backpacking through Southeast Asia. The travel bug had bitten me at 23, and it never truly let go. Peter was intrigued, but confessed he’d always been hesitant to travel solo, always seeking a travel companion.”
Their decision to explore the world as a couple was initially driven by a sense of fun and a desire to test the waters of their relationship. “After an amazing weekend trip to Charleston, South Carolina, we impulsively decided to go to Rio de Janeiro for the World Cup. We booked flights and World Cup tickets just a month into dating – quite a leap of faith! And from that moment on, we’ve been traveling together ever since,” Ruby shares.
“Travel Ruby” Style: Balancing Adventure and Partnership
When it comes to travel styles, Ruby describes a harmonious blend with a touch of her own adventurous spirit. “We generally have the same travel style, though I’d say I lean towards the more extreme end of the spectrum. I sometimes crave adrenaline-pumping adventures. For instance, in Rio, paragliding was on my mind, but unfortunately, time constraints prevented it!”
She adds, “I’ve also gone skydiving and obtained my SCUBA certification – activities that are definitely outside Peter’s comfort zone. However, he’s always enthusiastic about snorkeling and wildlife encounters. We’ve swum with manatees in Crystal River, interacted with stingrays in Stingray City, and observed bears and moose in their natural habitat in Alaska, among other incredible experiences.”
Travel Ruby and Peter enjoying cherry blossoms in New York City, showcasing their couple travel adventures.
Ruby and Peter enjoying the cherry blossoms in New York City
Ruby notes with a smile, “So, he’s always willing to join me in certain adventures – usually after a little gentle persuasion, of course!”
Lessons Learned: Strengthening Relationships Through Travel
For Ruby and Peter, traveling together has become a powerful catalyst for shared memories and personal growth. “Experiencing new things simultaneously creates incredibly special memories for both of us. We learn and evolve together as partners, which naturally enriches our conversations and connection. We actively try to integrate our individual passions with our shared love for travel,” Ruby explains.
She elaborates on how they incorporate Peter’s interests, “Peter is a big football (soccer) enthusiast, so our travel plans have included attending the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 and the Euros in France in 2016, with exciting side trips woven into those journeys.”
“He also appreciates my love for animals and the outdoors. This means we often include hiking, kayaking, and nature exploration in our trips. We’ve even made it a goal to visit as many National Parks in the US as possible,” Ruby adds.
Their partnership thrives on the road due to a natural division of roles. “In practical terms, Peter is our designated driver, and I’m the navigator. This dynamic works seamlessly for us, with me guiding him and him calmly navigating the roads,” Ruby describes.
“Peter’s calm and patient nature also plays a crucial role. When unexpected issues arise, he naturally takes the lead in communicating and resolving situations, while I offer support and input from the background, making sure our rights are considered. This dynamic extends to our blog as well, where he’s often the ‘face’ and I’m the ‘voice.’ It’s a perfect balance, as he’s more outgoing and readily connects with people, while I’m more reserved,” she explains.
Travel Ruby and Peter exploring Bok Tower Gardens, highlighting their shared travel experiences and relationship.
Ruby and Peter at Bok Tower and Gardens
The Joys and Hurdles of Couple Travel
Ruby emphasizes the unparalleled joy of shared experiences as the best aspect of traveling as partners. “Experiences are truly more valuable than material possessions. We’ve shifted from giving physical gifts to gifting each other experiences for special occasions – unless there’s a specific item we genuinely need. Traveling with a partner who is supportive and attuned to your needs is incredible. Peter is wonderfully attentive and knows when to suggest rest, even if I want to push on when I’m tired or unwell. He also takes charge of food decisions, which is a huge help as I could easily live on fast food if left to my own devices!”
However, she acknowledges the challenges of constant togetherness. “The biggest challenge is undoubtedly the constant proximity. If I want to go shopping, I can’t simply tell him to go do his own thing unless we’ve intentionally planned for some separate time. It requires being mindful of each other’s interests. You might find yourself spending an hour at a beer or bourbon tasting, even if it’s not your preference, but it’s all about compromise and finding middle ground.”
“Travel Ruby’s” Top Tips for First-Time Couple Travelers
Drawing from their extensive travel experiences, Ruby offers valuable advice for couples embarking on their first trip together. “First and foremost, get to know each other’s travel styles and be considerate of each other’s needs. Avoid setting unrealistic expectations of a flawless trip. Often, it’s the unexpected hiccups and imperfections that create the most memorable and fun moments. Remember, a trip is meant to be enjoyable! Don’t put excessive pressure on yourselves or each other.”
She further advises on planning and flexibility, “Discuss potential activities beforehand, but resist creating a rigid, inflexible itinerary. Once you arrive at your destination, you might discover new interests or opportunities that weren’t in your original plan, and that’s perfectly fine! Embrace spontaneity.”
“And of course,” Ruby concludes, “compromise, compromise, compromise. Open communication and truly listening to each other are paramount!”
