“We bought a sailboat together in the United States after only dating for a few weeks and knowing very little about sailing. We plan to take our time and explore and learn as we make our way back home to Australia.”
So begins the awesome story of Cally and John, the sailors, bloggers, and adventure couple behind How Not to Sail a Boat. In fact, if you check out the couple’s bio on How Not to Sail a Boat, Cally and John even include a timeline of their whirlwind adventure romance, complete with photos just as fun as the ones here.
Since every travel couple is different – and sailing the world together is definitely, awesomely different! – Cally and John have kindly offered up their stories and advice based on their experience of not only sailing the world, but doing it together.
Do you have the same travel style or different travel styles? How does this impact your adventures together?
We have the same travel style. I think when you are a part of the cruising world (or want to become a part of it) you already value a few very key things: adventure, love of the water and just a free spirit.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned from traveling as partners? What makes your partnership work on the road?
Communication and trust. Especially on a boat where safety can be a concern. We need to be able to trust that when you partner shouts at you to do something that it is, firstly, very important and, secondly, that they do not mean it in a harsh way but instead are impressing urgency. All other issues need to be communicated at a time that is convenient, not a time where safety might be a concern.
What’s the best part about traveling as partners? And the biggest challenge?
Sharing the experience with someone has been the best part for me as a previous solo traveler. The biggest challenge.. when you are traveling on your own, you get to focus only on the things you want to do and see. When your are traveling as a couple, there are definite compromises you have to make to share in a few of the things your partner loves as well.
Based on your experience, what’s the best advice you have for couples who have just scheduled their first trip together?
Set your expectations! Talk about what you do and do not want to see, talk about what you will and will not do together. It is all about communication!
Any final thoughts on couples travel, in general?
DO IT! If this partner is the one, the experience of traveling together will bring you closer. If they are not the one, you will find out that much sooner!
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Taking the leap: Swimming with whale sharks (in Belize and across the world)
