Cultural Connoisseur
These couples have an insatiable curiosity about the world and its diverse cultures. They are lifelong learners and enjoy immersing themselves in new experiences.
Activities:
- Local guided tours and excursions
- Explore the local area and visit local landmarks
- Enjoy the Turkish baths in TUI BLUE’s Turkey resorts
- Attend a live performance/evening entertainment at a TUI BLUE resort
- Try a new local authentic dish
Tips:
Plan ahead: Research and plan cultural visits and excursions to maximise your time and take advantage of significant experiences. Couples should also download the TUI BLUE app for more.
Embrace local: Try to learn a few phrases in the local language and engage with local traditions to enrich your cultural experience.
Document your journey: Keep a travel journal or blog to capture your experiences and reflections on the cultural nuances you encounter.
Stay flexible: While it's good to have a plan, be open to spontaneous discoveries and local recommendations.
Respect local customs: Be mindful of local customs, traditions, and etiquette to ensure a respectful and enriching experience.
Romantic Relaxer
These couple are about relaxation and spending quality time with their partner in a romantic setting. They prefer laid-back activities and cherish moments of peace and intimacy.
Activities:
- Have a romantic dinner
- Have evening cocktails while watching the sunset
- Visit a spa and unwind together during a couples' massage
- Escape to a secluded beach together
Tips:
Prioritise comfort: Choose accommodation and activities that prioritise comfort and privacy to create a romantic and relaxed atmosphere.
Unplug to connect: Consider a digital detox or set aside specific times to unplug from technology and fully engage with your partner.
Create memorable moments: Plan at least one surprise romantic activity or gesture to make the trip memorable.
Balance activities: Ensure you have a good mix of planned activities and downtime to relax and enjoy each other's company without feeling rushed.
Capture the romance: Take lots of photos and find small souvenirs to remember the special moments, but also remember to be present and enjoy the experience.
Adventurous Spirits
These couples thrive on excitement and physical activities. They are always up for a challenge, enjoy exploring nature, and indulge in thrilling experiences.
Activities:
- Do water sports such as kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, paddle-boarding
- Bike tours
- Practice playing cupid with Archery classes
- Work on your two-step together with dance lessons
- Try your hand at tennis
Tips:
Safety first: Ensure you're both prepared with the necessary gear and knowledge about the activities you're planning, especially for extreme sports or adventures.
Set mutual goals: Ensure the activities are enjoyable for both partners and set mutual goals for your adventures.
Stay hydrated and nourished: Keep energy levels up with proper hydration and nutrition, especially during physically demanding activities.
Listen to your body: Be mindful of your limits and ensure you have ample rest to recover from the day's adventures.
Capture the thrill: Take photos or videos of your adventures to reminisce about the thrilling experiences later.
Creative Epicureans
These couple types are passionate about discovering new tastes, learning new skills, and expressing themselves creatively. They enjoy activities that stimulate their senses and creativity.
Activities:
- Go wine tasting
- Enjoy a cooking class
- Go to a cocktail-making class
- Wellness: Go to a yoga or Pilates class
- Fitness: HIIT classes, functional training, gym session
Tips:
Research local delicacies: Before you go, research the must-try dishes and drinks in the area to ensure you don't miss out on any unique flavours.
Take a class together: Engage in a cooking or cocktail-making class early in the trip to use your new skills throughout your stay.
Balance indulgence and wellness: Enjoy the indulgent experiences, but also make time for wellness activities like yoga or Pilates to rejuvenate.
Keep an open mind: Be open to trying new things, whether a unique local dish or a new fitness class.
Document your creations: Take photos of your culinary creations or memorable meals to inspire your cooking and mixology even after the holiday.
How to manage your holiday if you and your partner have completely opposite styles.
Communicate openly and honestly
Before planning your holiday, chat about what each of you value in a holiday. Understanding each other's needs and why certain activities are important can help find a middle ground. According to a study on communication in relationships, effective communication is key to relationship satisfaction and can help partners navigate conflicts more effectively (Gottman, J.M., & Silver, N. (1999). "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work").
Plan activities that cater to both styles
Create an itinerary that includes a mix of relaxation and adventure. For example, designate certain days for adventure activities, and other days for relaxation. This approach is supported by research on compromise and relationship satisfaction, indicating that couples who engage in joint activities and are willing to compromise report higher satisfaction (Rusbult, C.E., & Van Lange, P.A.M. (2003). "Interdependence, interaction, and relationships").
Try something new together
Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new can be both exciting and bonding. Research on novelty and relationship quality suggests that couples who regularly experience new activities together report higher levels of relationship satisfaction and closeness (Aron, A., Norman, C.C., Aron, E.N., McKenna, C., & Heyman, R.E. (2000). "Couples' shared participation in novel and arousing activities and experienced relationship quality").
Allow for separate activities
It's okay to spend some time apart on holiday doing what each of you loves. This respects each other's preferences and brings fresh energy into the relationship. Research on autonomy and relatedness in relationships underscores the importance of supporting each other's interests, even when they differ, for relationship satisfaction (Deci, E.L., & Ryan, R.M. (2000). "The 'what' and 'why' of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior").
Compromise and rotate choices
If you take multiple holidays, consider alternating who gets to pick the destination or theme of the holiday. This ensures both partners feel their preferences are valued and respected, aligning with findings on fairness and reciprocity in relationships (Gouldner, A.W. (1960). "The norm of reciprocity: A preliminary statement").
Reflect on shared experiences
After the holiday, take time to reflect together on the experiences shared. Discussing what you enjoyed and even what you didn't can help plan better for future trips and strengthens your bond by appreciating the effort each made to accommodate the other's preferences.