Ultimate DIY Travel Guide for Couples [2024]

From choosing the perfect destination to budget-friendly accommodation options and staying safe and healthy abroad, this guide has everything you need to create unforgettable journeys together. Get ready to take charge of your travel experiences and make lasting memories with the ultimate DIY travel guide for couples.

Ultimate DIY Travel Guide: Why Travel?

One of the most rewarding aspects of traveling as a couple is the opportunity it provides for deeper connection and shared experiences. Exploring new destinations together can strengthen your bond, cultivate communication skills, and create memories that will last a lifetime. By embarking on these adventures hand in hand, you will not only discover the world but also learn more about each other along the way. So, why travel? Because it offers the chance to grow as a couple, create unique moments, and strengthen your relationship in ways you never imagined.

Since Robin and I started traveling, and despite the COVID-19 pandemic becoming half-time digital nomads in 2020, we have found that traveling has created a special bond.  In addition, we have also found that travel has improved our understanding of the world and people in general.  Four examples of what we learned are documented in our posts on Indigenous People, The Deep South USA, The Impact of Wars, and the Love of Graffiti Art.  Please check them out for a deeper understanding of why we travel.

You Don’t Need a Travel Agent

By taking charge of your travel arrangements, you can customize your itinerary to fit your preferences and budget, ensuring that every aspect of your trip reflects your unique interests as a couple. This independence allows you to tailor your journey to create the perfect experience for both of you, setting the stage for a memorable and personalized adventure together.

When to Use a Travel Agent

We are not 100% opposed to using a travel agent.  There can be benefits to using a travel agent.  We have found them most beneficial when booking a cruise.  Typically, a travel agent can get you some benefits on a cruise you won’t usually get on your own.  For example, we have used a cruise travel agent to earn us extra reward points with Marriott Bonvoy. In addition, we have worked with a cruise travel agent to help use our timeshare points to book a cruise at a very good exchange rate, and we have also used an AAA cruise travel agent to book a cruise.  Please check out all our experiences with travel agents in our post discussing Travel Agent vs. DIY Travel.

However, we need to caution you.  With DIY Travel, it does take time and a well-organized approach to planning your travel itinerary.  As a couple, it helps if you have clear DIY Travel planning responsibilities. Most importantly you must review your planning decisions before you make them with your partner.  I like to do big-picture planning.  That means laying out the itinerary and booking transportation and lodging.  Robin likes to book excursions and meals. Splitting responsibilities this way keeps us both involved in the DIY Travel planning exercise. For the record though, I check with her before making significant decisions.

Ultimate DIY Travel Guide: Choosing the Perfect Destination

Okay, let’s get into the actual DIY Travel planning process.  Choosing the perfect destination can be overwhelming with so many options to consider. But with a little research and planning, you can find the ideal spot that suits both your interests and desires. We have two posts that will help you.  Our overall Destinations Page shows each of the places that we have recently visited. This page provides a link to specific posts for each Country or US State.  In addition, we recently developed a new post: 100+ Must Visit Destinations for Couples. It provides brief descriptions of our top 100+ recommended destinations based on your particular interests and also provides links to our recently visited destinations.

We like to take a single two or three-month trip each year and several shorter trips.  We plan longer trips when we are taking an overseas international trip.  This way we can reduce the cost per day by minimizing the long-distance transportation costs. So, in 2022 and 2024 we visited and will be visiting multiple countries in Europe.  In 2023 and 2025 we focused and are focusing more on Asia and Australia, New Zealand. In 2021 we spent time in the Pacific, getting married in Maui, Hawaii, and visiting French Polynesia. Whenever we travel towards the Asia-Pacific region we like to stop off in Hawaii to break up the trip. Hawaii has always been one of our favorite places to visit.  The true multicultural environment in Hawaii is unique in the United States.

Our DIY Big Picture Travel Planning Strategies

We like to do high-level planning at least a year in advance.  Today, we are starting to plan the 2025 Asian trip 15 months before we will travel.  Because some of the places we are thinking of visiting (South Korea, Shanghai, China, and Northern Thailand) are new to us, we are considering using a tour company to help plan our trip.  That’s not exactly DIY Travel. However, it is hard to visit someplace new, where the language is not common, and completely do DIY Travel. 

For example, in 2024, we completed a four-week tour of the Balkans. We have been to Croatia and Slovenia before, and we are comfortable handling those countries totally on our own. However, we also visited some countries we had not visited before (Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Macedonia). Given our unfamiliarity with those countries and the fact that English may not be well-spoken in those countries, we will use a tour guide in those countries.

When selecting the perfect destination for your DIY travel adventure, the key is to consider both your interests and desires. Researching various destinations and evaluating what each has to offer in terms of activities, attractions, and overall vibe will help you narrow down the options to find the spot that resonates with both of you. By taking the time to choose a destination that aligns with your shared preferences, you can ensure that your trip will be a satisfying and enjoyable experience for both parties.

Ultimate DIY Travel Guide: Creating a Flexible Itinerary

By being open to new experiences and willing to adjust your plans as needed, you can make the most of your time at the chosen destination and create lasting memories together. This approach will not only add excitement and fun to your trip but also deepen your connection as a couple through shared experiences. Moving forward, utilizing travel planning aides and tools can help streamline the process and enhance your overall travel planning experience. 

We have a couple of posts that can help you plan your itinerary.  Please review our post: Planning a Trip to Japan or Anywhere else. This post lays out a simple six-step planning process, as well as links to many of the places that we have visited.  We also have posts providing planning aids, tools, and budget suggestions for your trips.

Travel Planning Aids and Tools

To make the most of your DIY travel adventure as a couple, consider utilizing travel planning aids. These tools will help to streamline the DIY Travel planning process and enhance your overall experience. From online trip planners and itinerary builders to travel budget calculators and packing checklists, these resources can help you stay organized and well-prepared for your journey. By taking advantage of these tools, you can save time. Also, you will reduce stress, and focus on enjoying your time together exploring new destinations.

Our post, Travel Planning Spreadsheet & Travel Planning Aids, contains several travel planning tools.  There you will find suggestions about using a travel map, a travel calendar, guidebooks, a travel planning spreadsheet (TripIt), a travel itinerary planner, and historic travel books.  You will find this post to be very helpful.

Also, as you plan your trip, keep in mind that budget-friendly accommodation options are available to help you stretch your travel budget even further.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation Options

When looking for budget-friendly accommodation options for your DIY travel adventure as a couple, consider exploring options such as guesthouses, vacation rentals, and budget hotels. We don’t recommend hostels that offer dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities.  These places might be perfect for younger travelers who want to socialize with similar younger travelers.  But we don’t recommend hostels for older travelers like us who have the money to pay for better accommodation.

Guesthouses or B&Bs provide a cozy and intimate setting. They are often run by locals who can offer insider tips on the best places to explore. Vacation rentals give you the freedom and comfort of a home away from home. This can become ideal for longer stays or those looking for more privacy. Budget hotels that offer basic amenities at affordable prices allow you to save on accommodation and splurge on experiences. For us, budget hotels are places like Hampton Inn or Marriott’s Courtyard Brand. By choosing the right accommodation that fits your budget and preferences, you can maximize your travel funds. It also helps to fully immerse yourselves in the local culture, creating unforgettable memories together. 

For example. If we need to stay someplace just in an overnight situation we rarely spend heavily on that accommodation.  However, when we are planning on visiting a destination for a longer time, we will usually select a better quality, slightly more expensive accommodation. 

Our post, Budget Travel, provides more detail on how we attempt to control the cost of our travels. One of our most popular choices is to use reward points.

DIY Travel Using Reward Points

The single best way to keep your travel costs under control is to maximize your use of travel reward points.  To do this you must understand the actual value of your airline and hotel travel loyalty points.  We have several tools that help you understand when to use points or when to pay with cash.  Please check out our posts: Valuing Travel Reward Points and Hilton vs Marriott Points.  You can also make a reservation at a Hilton Hotel right here:

Ultimate DIY Travel Guide: Immersing Yourself in Local Culture

Immersing yourself in the local culture allows you to better experience the destination in a meaningful way. One of the best ways to do this is by trying local cuisine at small family-owned restaurants. Attending cultural events, festivals, and engaging with locals through tours or community activities is also a good idea.

By immersing yourselves in the local culture, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the destination. Also, you will and create lasting memories together. This cultural immersion will not only enhance your travel experience but also strengthen your bond as a couple. Thus, making your DIY travel adventure even more special. Embrace the opportunity to connect with the destination on a deeper level and fully immerse yourselves in the local culture. This enriching your travel experience and creating memories that will last a lifetime. This cultural immersion will also benefit the local economy, which is an important goal of sustainable travel.  If you wish to read more about sustainable, slow, and other travel strategies, please see our post: Traveler vs Tourist.

Ultimate DIY Travel Guide: Small Group Travel Planning

Another way to enhance your travel experience as a couple is by planning small group travel adventures. Traveling with a small group of friends or family members can provide a fun social dynamic. Thus, allowing you to share new experiences and create lasting memories together. However, when planning small group travel experiences understand this is more complicated than simply planning your own DIY Travel.  You must consider choosing destinations and activities that cater to everyone’s shared interests and desires. This way, you can ensure that each member of the group feels engaged and excited about the adventure ahead.  Please see our new post Small Group Travel Planning, for some specific techniques for successful small group travel planning.

Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad

the most important topic we can mention in this Ultimate DIY Travel Guide is staying safe and healthy. When traveling abroad it is essential, whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, or in a small group, that you travel safely. By taking necessary precautions, such as researching potential health risks, purchasing certain types of travel insurance, and staying informed about local safety guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and worry-free journey for everyone involved. It’s important to prioritize your well-being and security while exploring new destinations together as a couple. Please see our post: Passports and Travel Insurance, as well as our posts: Safe Driving to Cabo or Safest Places to Visit in Europe for more information on this topic. You may want to use the services of iVisa.com to make sure passport and visa requirements are properly met.

Finally, let’s discuss how to address any home issues that may arise while you’re away.

Home Issues While Away

While traveling as a couple, it’s crucial to not only focus on staying safe and healthy abroad but also to consider any potential home issues that may arise while you’re away. Leaving your home vacant for an extended period can lead to various problems such as leaks, electrical issues, or even security concerns. To prevent these issues from dampening your travel experience, it’s essential to take some proactive steps before you leave.

One way to address home issues while away is to have a trusted friend or neighbor check on your house periodically. They can ensure that everything is in order, water your plants, collect your mail, and even make sure that your home looks lived-in to deter potential burglars. Additionally, it’s a good idea to turn off all non-essential appliances and unplug electronics to prevent energy wastage and reduce the risk of electrical fires.  Please see our post “House Care While Away” for more specific advice.

Another important aspect to consider is your home security. Make sure all doors and windows are securely locked before you leave and consider installing timers on your lights to give the impression that someone is home. If you have a security system, test it before you go and provide the alarm company with your travel itinerary. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing that your home is safe and secure.

As you make memories of exploring new destinations as a couple, it’s important to know that your home is being taken care of. By addressing potential home issues before you leave and taking necessary precautions, you can ensure that your travel experience is worry-free from beginning to end.

Conclusion

In conclusion, embarking on a DIY travel adventure as a couple can truly elevate your experiences and create unforgettable memories. If you want to read more about planning a DIY vacation, please see our post Planning a Trip to Japan or Anywhere Else.

By taking charge of your journey, choosing the perfect destination, creating a flexible itinerary, and immersing yourself in local culture, you and your partner can create lasting connections and grow together. Remember, with the right tools and resources, the world is yours to explore.

So, pack your bags, grab your partner’s hand, and step into a world of adventure waiting to be discovered. As Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines, and sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”