Simpatico: (of a person) likable and easy to get along with.
-having or characterized by shared attributes or interests; compatible.
Traveling with your significant other on a romantic getaway can be an experience within an experience. Not only are you getting away to enjoy time to yourself, but you’re learning how to spend quality time together: spending those 24 endless hours together nonstop. Being respectful of each other’s boundaries and personal space… late night foot lotion rituals…early morning gargling…finding out each other’s poo schedule. Ohhhh but the people that you meet along the way, well now THAT can make for an even more interesting trip. This, for me, is priceless.
From the most outrageous party couples to the most boring and demure, meeting couples is like a constant job interview. Depending on what type of mood you’re in when you arrive for that relaxing getaway, interacting with your vacation neighbors can make or break your trip. Buyers beware… the rules of engagement have begun. Once the initial, “Hello, where are you guys from?” is out there, Pandora’s box is now open. This could be the start of a lifelong beautiful friendship or a daily routine of “duck and dive!”.
So I have to say, for me, if you’re traveling with your partner and you both have the same goals in mind on what you want out of the trip, it can make a vacation feel like heaven. But, if one wants fun while the other is seeking solace, oh boy, there’s trouble upon the horizon. Or is it? If both of you communicate and talk about a game plan and make decisions together on what each of you wants out of the trip, war of the roses may not be a foregone conclusion. As long as you meet some where in the middle and take time to enjoy each other’s company- it’s all good. Meeting couples along the way is just an extra added bonus to the fun. Whether you’re fully diving in or just dipping your toe into the water, all bets have now been placed in this game of chance and roulette.
So let’s start with the type of vacationer’s you might encounter:
1. Wall Street Couple– This Couple comes in flaunting their money and flashing their style. They’re loud and abrasive, love to party, play their techno music loud, and have no consideration for anybody.
I have to admit, everyone should take a chance and experience hanging out with this couple at least once. They are the most dynamic and explosive couple you will meet. You never know which way the see saw will tilt with these two. But, they will keep you on your toes and you will have a blast with them. Depending on what your tolerance level is this couple can be your best friends for life or a nightmare that’s going to haunt you for the rest of your vacation.
2. The Odd Couple– This Couple comes in with two totally different agendas. One wants to have fun and let loose while the other wants solace and relaxation.
This couple can look like they’re on two separate vacations. One is laying out by the pool, having drinks, socializing, participating in all the activities and wants to stay up late. While the other is staying in the room, reading a book, will have their tea in the cafe and wants to be in bed by 10pm.
3. War of the Roses– This Couple is always constantly bickering and fighting.
They are always at odds with each other from the get go and can’t seem to get on the same page about anything. From what activities they’re going to do to where and what they’re going to eat for dinner, this couple will almost always seemingly ruin a good time. Compromise is hard to achieve here because each has their own version of what they should be doing on this trip.
4. The Silent Movie– This Couple (loving or not) never speaks or interacts with each other.
Talk about “Debbie Downers”; They coexist to exist as a parallel functioning couple without ever uttering a word or sharing a look. The good news is… at least these two have the same agenda and are always on the same page. Side by side quietly next to each other on tours, dinners and events this couple looks like two strangers sitting next to each other on a bus ride in paradise that’s going to hell (One way ticket!)
5. Beauty and the Beast– The girl who is on a trip with the guy she doesn’t have any interest in.
This is the one couple that I’ve seen time and time again and still cannot process the reasons on “why” you would subject yourself to this sort of torture. He’s into her, but she has no connection with him and will do anything to politely avoid him at all costs. She will stay up late at the bar until he goes to bed before she does. She will talk to anyone and everyone just to create a better time for herself. She will drink heavily just to the numb the pain of “How did I get myself into this mess”. All of these things help her pass the time and to get through the trip.
6. The Power Couple– This Couple is totally in sync, has a great vibe and energy, looks good and everyone gravitates towards them.
This is my favorite type of couple because you can just tell that they are completely simpatico with each other. They’re fun and love to have a great time, both have exciting personalities, love meeting new people, have a sense of style and look amazing together. Everything they do is done as a team and they really enjoy each other’s company.
So the next time you land in paradise and want to add some extra fun to your trip, be on the look out for these types of couples. Whether you’re an observer or willing participant it’s a game that will bring you loads of fun while on vacation. Now, here’s a trivia question for you and your partner: which couple category do you fall into? Oh, and take a long hard look in the mirror and ask yourself, which personality are you? Everyone fits into one of these categories. Whether you like it or not, someone’s either gravitating towards you or avoiding you like the plague.
Bon Voyage!