Romantic Getaways Reveal Relationship Differences

Distant travel, vacation destinations and a new lover may conjure the kind of sparks that can be detrimental to any new relationship. Unfamiliar surroundings have a way of highlighting people's shortcomings. It can be particularly delicate during the initial stages of a new amour.

On the web pages of romantic getaways, couples are featured as loving and affectionate. Behind the scenes of these real-life trips, personality clashes run rampant with a seething under-currency of turmoil. Vacationing with a new love can grow or blow a new relationship.

Aside from the typical travel inconveniences, (delayed itineraries or lost luggage, etc), a vacation can serve as a rapid study on the fate of a potential interest. It was a weekend getaway to South Beach where Vanessa Covington (32) discovered that her new beau was addicted to pornography. "Every time, we returned to the hotel room, Scott would either order porn or if he could not find anything new on the cable menu, he would pull out his laptop. Finding out about his OCD with porn saved me a great deal of grief," shares Covington.

"My trip to Milan was a hellish nightmare" states Bradley Gables (29). He had been involved with Ginger for three months when he booked their vacation to Italy. Gables continues, "I assumed that she wanted to go to Milan to be with me. She shopped 8-hours a day. She bought so many new clothes that customs gave us a hard time getting back in the US. I'm glad I found out how materialistic she is."

Vacationing with a prospective significant other is not limited to learning about your irreconcilable differences. When Ian and Vickie traveled to England, they learned that they shared an interest in creating their own pub crawl to investigate new areas of London. Their compatible traveling style unfurled their similar lifestyle choices.

Writer, Holly Bentz of "Dating For I Do," recommends traveling during the early stages of the dating courtship. "A weekend getaway can reveal a great deal about a prospective partner. Even though the contenders of a new relationship may consider their travel style as an alternative compromise to their normal lifestyle pattern, in many cases there isn't any difference," states Bentz.

Generally, couples will project earnest expectations on the vacation. The downside of this relationship faux pas is the unnecessary stress. According to the dating expert, "Ideally, it is best to use the romantic getaway to test-drive compatibility levels for the future of the relationship."

Use these travel guidelines to ensure smooth sailing with a new amour:

Make the trip, short. Instead of booking a 7-day vacation to Barbados, opt for the weekend getaway.

Discover their travel style. Ask questions to determine their travel style. If you are traveling with a person who prefers to have an activity for every minute of the trip and you are more of a 'go with the flow' individual, set a few ground rules on flexibility.

Book a few advance arrangements. Make reservations to incorporate common interests. For example, if you are both bicyclists, try to schedule a bike tour of your destination.

Shake-off any vacationing differences. Do not make an issue of underlying differences. Laugh-off any conflicts. Remember, everyone is different and has divergent choices. Use the various disparities as signs and warnings about the future longevity of your relationship.

Exercise flexibility. Diffuse disagreements and arguments. Substitute judgmental opinions with learning about your prospective companion.

Take a time-out. Spending an hour alone may keep the peace. Use the time to do what you enjoy while he/she engages in whatever their favorite activity is (i.e.: PlayStation, spa, golfing, shopping, etc.).

Be respectful of the restroom. For many couples, the lavatory may be a territorial minefield. Be accommodating of the other person. Rise a little early, visit the hotel's facilities, or book a room with a double sink.

Despite any irreconcilable differences, remember to keep your vacation in its proper perspective: Vacation is a time for rejuvenation, discovery and relaxation.