Traveling While Married

Travel offers new scenery and time with a loved one, but it can strain relationships. Simple decisions—like when to arrive at the airport—reveal different preferences. According to Weisman, the frustrations that begin trips may help couples appreciate better moments ahead, though jet lag, language barriers, unfamiliar currency, and physical discomfort often make travelers irritable. Without access to couples therapy on vacation, partners end up taking their frustrations out on each other. Weisman draws on her own experiences—from honeymoon through Elderhostel—to explore how couples navigate travel differently. She identifies recurring conflicts: destination choices (volcano adventure versus Buddhist monastery), motivations (seeking scenery versus self-transformation), preparation styles (detailed itineraries versus spontaneity), accommodation habits (dividing hotel space), and daily activities (shopping versus eating). The book examines these gender-based differences in how couples approach travel together. Weisman presents these observations with humor and optimism, suggesting that despite partners' differing approaches, harmonious travel is achievable.