There are many milestones in a new relationship and going on holiday for the first time is one of the biggest. Often the couple won't have spent more than a couple of days together, instead staying at each other's houses and going to work the next day. The reality of spending a week or fortnight together, 24/7 can be very eye opening, so here is our guide to help you get through it without tempers frayed.

Before you leave, discuss what you're both expecting from a holiday together. If it's designed to be a surprise then make sure you think of the other person the whole time you plan the trip. Booking a week in the Maldives when your partner loves camping and outdoor pursuits is almost asking for an argument and don't be surprised if they mope around for the entire duration. Included in this should be a very specific plan for travel. If you intend to hire a car to drive to the hotel once your plane has landed, but you're taking an 8 hour transatlantic flight then who is going to drive? And is it fair for one person to do both journeys?

After this comes the issue of money. It's an awkward one, but if you find it too awkward to approach then perhaps you're not ready to leave the country with this person just yet. You should be comfortable to approach any subject if you're going to go on holiday with them as anything can go wrong. If the holiday is designed as a birthday present then expect to be paying for most things for your partner. If they've bought the holiday for you then it's up to you to offer to pay your way for food, drink etc. if you want to seem kind. While we're on the subject of food and drink, if your accommodation is self catering then choose between you both cooking together or one person nominating themselves to do all the cooking while the other goes out to buy the food. Maybe you'd both like to go out to a restaurant for three nights?

When you get there, try to identify things (in your own head) that can be done by yourself. This will be useful if you suspect your partner wants some time alone. Spending a week or two weeks with one person constantly can get a bit much and everyone needs time alone. A couple of hours playing golf by yourself, going to the swimming pool or even just watching TV in the bar lounge of the hotel should be just fine.

Finally, do you remember how unattractive and awkward it is to have someone complain about restaurant service on a first date? Well this is your first holiday and complaints about the hotel or any kind of service can wait until your partner is doing something else or still in bed. Try and get this sort of thing done when they don't have to stand and listen to it, unless they want to join in of course!

Stan Tian

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