6 Places You Should Travel To With An SO Instead Of Going Solo
I used to think traveling the world was synonymous with being single, riding solo and searching for experiences in my own solitude for personal growth rather than sharing these experiences with somebody else.
We're constantly told traveling with others can impede our experience.
Suddenly, you're having to make compromises on every decision you make, the attractions you want to see, the restaurants you want to dine at and the bars you want to check out.
But if you're traveling with the right person, you'll love exploring places you might have otherwise skipped, and you'll have somebody with a different perspective to guide you through the places they want to experience.
Shacking up doesn't mean your dreams of world travel should be forgotten and ignored.
In fact, traveling with your SO can be infinitely more rewarding than traveling alone or with friends.
But ensuring you're traveling to the right places is key.
You don't want to end up on a Contiki tour with 20 hard-partying 18-year-olds or an all-inclusive trip exclusively for the single, ready to mingle travelers.
So, without further ado, these are my top six travel destinations for the adventurous couple:
1. Morocco
The first thing you'll notice about Morocco is the culture shock.
Experiencing the intensity of a city like Marrakesh with your SO will give you both a much-needed perspective on your own lives, and it will also enable you to fully immerse yourselves into a different culture.
Are you and your SO thinking about moving in together? Decorate your pad with the most vibrant and authentic homeware in the world.
In the Marrakesh markets, you'll find everything from handmade crockery to authentic, woven rugs. You'll get lost in the winding, narrow, market-lined streets, but finding your way out is half the fun.
After Marrakesh, hire a car and head west. Drive through the beautiful Paradise Valley, where you'll find a hidden oasis, but be prepared for a little off-road driving.
After you've taken a dip in the palm tree-lined waterhole, continue driving west until you get to the coast.
The small coastal city of Essaouira is a true Moroccan gem. There's amazing food, incredible wine and lots to see and do. Be sure to hire RVs and explore the sand dunes at sunset!
2. Turkey
Get a flight into Dalaman airport and sail from Dalaman to Antalya, weaving through the beautiful stretch of coast and islands, dotted with historical sites and quaint Turkish towns.
Eat traditional Turkish food. We caught the fish for our dinners throughout our sail and purchased goat to BBQ on deck from the local vendors in the tiny, beautiful towns.
Relax in the smooth waters off the South-West Turkish coastline. You'll be swimming in crystal clear Mediterranean coves, and if you're lucky, the locals might take you to an enormous sea cave where you can swim among the millions of glowing plankton in the moonlight.
Spend your days relaxing on deck without a phone signal and sleep under the stars. Sailing in Turkey is the best way to disconnect from the world and reconnect with your SO.
3. Portugal
The Algarve Coast is home to some of the world's best seafood.
Hike along the cliffs of Lagos to find a small, hidden seafood shack, serving the best fresh prawns, and watch the waves roll in while you enjoy a freezing cold Portuguese beer.
Lagos also offers a small nightlife district frequented by travelers. So if you're feeling social and want to have a dance, you're never too far from a cozy dive bar or a dance club.
And for the more adventurous couples, there is a plethora of nude beaches for you to explore and really enjoy the company of your SO.
Just don't venture too far into the sand dunes… That's where things can get a little bit weird.
4. Greece
If you're on a time constraint, island-hopping in Greece will ensure you get the fullest Greek experience.
My top pick of the Greek islands is Corfu. Arrive in Corfu and enjoy the bustling bar scene, situated in a historic, picturesque setting of Roman-style architecture and boutique food and fashion shops.
Hire a car and explore the entire island. You can find completely secluded beaches and hike to hidden coves.
These off-the-beaten-track treats are relatively easy to find and offer the perfect solitude for you to really unwind with your SO.
The most southern tip of the island is home to a popular backpacker's district that you can check out if you're in the mood for a drink and dance.
5. Denmark
The Danish capital city of Copenhagen is a truly spectacular destination for the sophisticated couple.
There's a reason Denmark has repeatedly been named the happiest country in the world. It's an architecturally beautiful destination with an immaculate socio-economic structure for Millennials.
Sample the incredible Michelin-starred restaurants, rich cultural history and friendly locals. The unabashedly "cool" scene of bars, clubs and restaurants is on par with the likes of Berlin or Brooklyn.
The Meatpacking District in Vesterbro and the hippie commune, Christiania, in the east of the city are a must-see.
You can also head back in time and explore the romantic 17th-century waterfront canal and entertainment district of Nyhavn.
The Danes are incredibly friendly, and you'll feel welcomed everywhere you go!
6. Canada
A fan of the outdoors? Make a trip to British Columbia to experience natural beauty and get back to basics.
Just a stone's throw from Vancouver, you can hike up to the stunning Joffre Lakes. This supremely beautiful, glacier-fed series of lakes will give you a taste of what completely untouched, natural beauty is really like.
It's the perfect way to unwind and spend some quality alone time with your SO.
If you're feeling particularly adventurous, take a dip in the crystal clear glacier water.
Be warned: It's freezing even in the warmer months, but it provides a cool, refreshing experience for the trek back down the mountain.
Vancouver is also famous for its beaches and water sports.
Hire a boat and wakeboard in the waterways on the outskirts of the city. Or, for the more open-minded couples, visit Wreck Beach.
Trek down the 500 wooden stairs to this laid-back nude beach frequented by a diverse and very laid-back clientele.
The local vendors will offer to sell you a plethora of goodies like joints, pot brownies, magic mushrooms and alcopops.
There is no better way to relax and let loose with your SO and all of the friendly locals.
If you're visiting the right places, then traveling with your SO can be equally — if not more — rewarding than traveling solo.
So, pack your bags and your partner, and hit the road. There's really no better way to unwind and reconnect.