When you grow up with someone, dreaming of a world away, you can only hope that they’ll become your travel partner for life. For Megan and David of Half This World Away, that’s exactly what happened. Now married and explorers of 21% of the countries of the world, they’ve learned so much as they’ve loved and traveled – and they’ve shared much of that here with us.
What’s your story?
David and I have been together since we were 16 & both of us always had a desire to travel. Once we were 20 we set off on an adventure and we’ve never looked back. We’re now 27 and married, have visited over 40 countries together and lived in over 4. Neither of us really remember making the decision to travel, it just seemed like something we always knew we were going to do.
Do you have the same travel style or different travel styles? How does this impact your adventures together?
We are quite different when it comes to travel, but that generally works out for the best. I am scatty, unorganised, and rather spontaneous. Whereas David makes the solid travel plans and watches the budget. I come up with a lot of the ideas, and David makes them all a reality. It tends work well, although one thing we never seem to agree on is how much hiking to do! David loves hiking and being in the outdoors, whereas sometimes I am happier lounging by a pool with a cocktail in hand.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned from traveling as partners? What makes your partnership work on the road?
We’ve learned that although we are in a couple, we are two individuals who, at times, want different things. And we’ve learned, that is completely okay. It is okay if we don’t always want to do the same things and it is important at an individual level we each get what we want out of travelling. Most of the time we will do things together as we have a lot of the same interests, but sometimes I will go off on my own and do my own thing, while David does his. And then it is always fun to meet back up again and share our separates stories!
What’s the best part about traveling as partners? And the biggest challenge?
Ensuring that we’re not compromising too much – it has taken us a long time to realise it is okay to want different things and do things as individuals. For example, recently when we were in Colombia, David wanted to do a 4 day jungle trek to the Ciudad Perdida whereas I didn’t want to hike through the jungle for that length of time.
The David and Megan of a few years ago would probably have either agreed to do it together or not at all, meaning either David would have missed out on something he wanted to do, or I would have had to endure something I wouldn’t enjoy. Instead, we agreed David would do it on his own and I would spend 4 days exploring a nearby city. It worked out for the best and we both had a great time, but it took us a long time to realise that, although we travel together, we can do things on our own.
Based on your experience, what’s the best advice you have for couples who have just scheduled their first trip together?
Similar to the above, compromise where necessary but remember that you are two different individuals with different likes and interests. And although most of the time you will love exploring new places together; sometimes you may want to do different things and it is important to allow that. If one person constantly compromises for the other, they won’t have as good a trip and will miss out on things.
Any additional thoughts or words of wisdom?
We definitely think travel can make or break relationships; although travelling is a great thing to do, especially with someone important to you. It’s not all instagram-perfect moments. There are early mornings, delayed buses, sickness bugs, occasional thefts, transport break-downs, and one hundred and one other things that can do wrong. Being with someone all day, everyday can be intense, especially when in a stressful situation. It’s important to take time to yourself when needed and if you want make it though travelling together, you can make it through anything.
Don’t forget to share the wisdom!
What’s the best time to visit Azores? Azores weather in February and March
