road trip in Iceland
Posted on by Debbie

A travel quiz with a difference!

Last week I read a great post from my blogging buddy Jo – it was all about travelling with her husband and how they manage to make it work when both have different ideas, likes and interests. You can read it here – The Travel Quiz

When you stop and think about it, travelling with your other half can be fraught with danger, if both are strong willed, perhaps when things don’t go to one or the other’s plans….it can become quite stressful. Being out of one’s comfort zone can affect people in different ways.

But in my opinion, it’s like any marriage or partnership – it’s all about understanding your partner and making compromises sometimes. It’s your attitude that’s important.

And that’s where having fun together in life is so important.

Happiness and Togetherness

We are coming up for 40 years, yes forty years of marriage in January. I know, I know, looking at us you can’t believe we’re old enough to have been married that long, well me anyway! I understand your confusion 🙂 but it’s true, I was only 19 when I was married and the Mathematician was 23.

On our honeymoon
Just a few short years ago!

Up until my early 30s, we hadn’t even travelled overseas together, we were too busy producing 3 gorgeous little girls and coping with parenthood while trying to get ourselves ahead.

But that all changed when we took on the experience of a lifetime, and participated in a Teacher Exchange program, swapping houses, cars, lives and jobs, moving our little family across the world from Australia to England for a whole year.

How brave we were taking on this mammoth life-changing trip – well brave was one word, at the time there were other more descriptive words that came to mind. It turned out to be the best thing we’ve ever undertaken and gave us all a serious case of the travel bug.

Having our daughter and her family living in England, we always tend to head that way first, so we can see them, but we try to arrange interesting side trips, mainly so that we don’t overstay our welcome. It’s great to have a base though!

Let's go travel - what are your main dislikes about travel
Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Travelling together

Over the years we have had some amazing adventures together.

  • We’ve taken a barge and bike cycling tour from Paris to Bruges (with my parents no less)
  • We sailed and cycled in the Southern Dalmatian islands of Croatia
  • We’ve walked the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea
  • We’ve cycled in the South and North Islands of New Zealand
  • We’ve trekked to Annapurna Basecamp in the Himalayas in Nepal
  • We’ve joined a Rotary Friendship Exchange trip to India being home hosted by Indian Rotarians
  • We’ve cycled and sailed in The Netherlands
  • We’ve taken our 35 year old daughter on a 7 day self-drive tour of Iceland as part of our 3 month Odyssey
  • We’ve visited friends and family in England, Scotland, Wales, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany – to name just a few!
  • When we lived in England for the year we took our girls on a ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ camping tour of Europe during the summer holidays – with borrowed everything!

So yes, we’ve had some great trips but although travelling together is usually fun, sometimes it can be quite stressful. As Jo said in her post ‘we’ve learnt a lot about how to get the most out of a trip by respecting each other’s travel personalities’. That goes for us as well.

Croatia path
Cycling tour in Amsterdam
Ride anyone? Uluru
Cycling in Croatia

In her post, Jo gave her husband a set of questions to answer about her as a travelling companion and then she also answered them about him. I was really taken with this idea, so made a note of some of her questions and gave them to the Mathematician to see how he would answer them. I told Jo in a comment that I would be doing this and she was very supportive!

Unlike Jo, I wouldn’t say we were food people, in that we eat food but we don’t travel for food. The Mathematician has lactose intolerance issues so food can be an issue at any time. Instead we enjoy being active, seeing new things, with history, nature ,culture and people being our most commonly enjoyed things to do.

The quiz:

So here are my answers on the Mathematician as my travelling partner and his responses about me. It was a fun exercise to do 🙂

Q: Where are you likely to find your partner in a new place you’ve travelled to?

Deb: I’d probably find him taking in the world outside in the fresh air, in a bookshop, or reading a map of the area getting his bearings.

Grant: She’s probably out photographing something quirky for her blog.

Q: What’s the first thing your partner does in a new place?

D: Have a cup of tea, writes up his diary, walks around the local area to get a feel for it.

G: She’s good at finding the Wifi code, sorting out her clothes, and having a cup of tea.

Q: What is your partner’s travelling downfall?

D: Being super early and overly punctual – can be good and bad! Always having to know where the toilets are.

G: She’s easily lost and the amount of luggage she wants to take with her far exceeds her needs. She’s getting better!

Q: What is your partner’s travelling personality?

D: Id’ say he’s chatty and outwardly calm but on the inside it’s a different story. He also has an adventurous spirit.

G: She ranges from very excited to very tense. But she’s always fun!

Q: Where does your partner like to travel?

D: Anywhere with the possibility of an adventure, walking, cycling, he can’t sit still for too long, and loves being anywhere that he feels he can be useful. He’s always interested in local customs and learning the facts and figures of a place and the history.

G: A mixture of old and new each trip – mainly for the experiences she can gather.

Q: What is the most fun about travelling with your partner?

D: Seeing things from his perspective and being together. Having his sense of direction, spatial awareness and general knowledge. He’s always full of interesting facts.

G: Her enjoyment of new experiences and she’s prepared to try new things, making the most of what is available anywhere we go.

Q: What is the place your partner most wants to travel to?

D: Antarctica, Camino walk, parts of Australia not been to yet. Out of the way places but nowhere too unsafe or dangerous.

G: Now it’s anywhere the grandchildren are. She’s always wanted to go to the Greek islands, so maybe we will get there one day.

Q: What is the place your partner least wants to travel to?

I always thought we’d hate to do a holiday at a resort where it was all about sitting by the pool but we were both pleasantly surprised when we went to Fiji for our daughter’s Destination Wedding, it was a brilliant holiday for everyone and we may look at something similar for a family holiday when the grandkids grow up a bit. We also aren’t too keen on doing a cruise – not sure why but it’s not on our bucket list.

D: Anywhere too touristy, he’d rather get off the beaten track!! He also likes to be active most of the time.

G: Somewhere that doesn’t have reasonable quality accommodation.

Q: What is your partner’s favourite part of a new country?

D: Talking to everyone he meets and finding his way around. Learning new things, taking photos, writing his diary and breathing it all in.

G: The people she meets after getting talking, she’s usually happy to chat to complete strangers and makes friends easily.

Q: What does your partner dislike about travelling?

D: Having to be careful about what food he can eat.

G: Poor Wifi.

Q: What is your partner’s travel superpower?

D: Sense of direction, writing up his diary religiously and making photo books afterwards.

G: Her pre-organisation, planning and attention to detail. A fun attitude!

I think we’ve been quite honest in our comments – and very concise! No wasted words for us, we know each other well!

Attitude

Really it all comes down to attitude, we know it’s going to be hard at times, the endless waiting, the long haul flights the stress of driving in a different country, the things that go wrong, the high expectations that often go unmet and the stress of being outside your comfort zone.

But we also know we are so fortunate to get to travel as we do, we’re still young, we’re retired and we know how to enjoy ourselves, making the most of these times together and our attitude is so important.

Neither of us are the types who miss our own beds or home comforts, but we do appreciate getting home after a trip, it makes us see our home and community differently.

To travel is to live is our family motto when all is said and done!

How would your partner answer these questions about you? Maybe do a similar exercise and think about your partner’s superpowers!

This week for Denye’s #lifethisweek the prompt is self-care. At the moment, with all that is going on in my life, self-care for me is all about distraction. So I have had a nice time compiling this post as a distraction. Whatever works for you I say!

Also linking up to the weekly Midlife Share the Love party #mlstl – such a great group of midlife bloggers with interesting stories to tell!

Thanks for visiting my world, it’s always great to have you join me.

Have a great week 🙂

Deb x

You can also find Deb’s World in lots of other places – stay in touch by clicking any of the buttons below.

Everyone has a story to tell!

Debbie - mother of a 40 year old

Deb is a young-at-heart & active 60+ blogger/retiree, after being made redundant from her 22-year career managing education programs in a men’s correctional centre (jail). She now spends her time reading, blogging, riding her ebike and travelling. Deb was awarded a Bravery Award from the Queen when she was 17 after a tragic accident – a definite life changing moment! She is married with 3 grown-up daughters & has 4 grandchildren. You can read more of Deb’s story here

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61 Replies to “A travel quiz with a difference!”

  4. Ooh. I’ll have to do the travel quiz with my husband. We usually are spot on with our vacations. I like to try or do new things, but I must have some downtime (preferably on a beach) to just chill out. I’ve had those vacations where we have some activity planned each day and I’ve come home exhausted, needing a vacation from the vacation. I always try to make sure there is at least one or two “chill days” after the vacation is over and before I have to go back to work.

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    1. Yes I agree, rest days are very necessary when travelling Jennifer. We also try to factor in chill days, otherwise we’d go mad. I hope you share your responses when you and your husband do the quiz!

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  5. Hi Deb! Loved your post and I’m going to give this quiz to Mike. We have been able to travel the world for 25 years although a little tamer than some of your adventures. I enjoyed Jo’s post and also reading your answers. Travelling can really test a relationship but if you respect and love your partner it is much easier. Mike and I have grown to allow each other to do their ‘own thing’ at times on our travels because we enjoy different things. I do love experiencing new adventures with him though. Thanks for sharing at #MLSTL and I look forward to reading about your next travel adventures. x

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    1. Hi Sue, yes travelling can be a real testing time for relationships. I think you’re right we have to be able to our own thing in order to make it work. Thanks for your comment and sharing your thoughts 🙂

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  6. Hi Deb, I read this late at night, when your post first arrived in my email. I was very touched by all of it. A real life love story, especially withstanding the test of time. The photos are beautiful and you can see the love you have for each other.💕

    You have had some amazing vacation/adventures. Like you say, fun plus stressful. I also agree with respecting each other’s travel personalities. Some funny answers where I may have thought you and your husband switched answers?

    I am with you on the Greek Islands. Also, interesting on your self-care as distraction.

    Interesting and fun post, Deb. #MLSTL and sharing SM

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    1. Thanks Erica. I’m glad you enjoyed this post. I had fun trying to think of the ‘right’ way to answer some of the questions but tried to be honest. My husband has a funny sense of humour.

      I used the idea of being distracted as part of my self care as I feel I can’t let myself get too bogged down with anything at the moment. My mind is continually spinning and until I get back to England with my daughter I can’t seem to settle to much. Distraction is my way of coping 😊

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      1. Hi again, Deb, I thought more about what you wrote on distraction and self care. I get it. Writing/photography is meditative, evoking our flow state. It gives our minds a break from the challenges of our life. Hugs to you 💕

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  7. So glad this gave you some fun and interesting responses too. A good read. I understand about G’s need to know about toilets because of my IBS which comes and goes.
    Holidays together for us are rare these days. We are relaxed living our retirement life in a more temperate area than where we lived in Western Sydney. My husband has severe spinal issues and the one time we took a flight was 2003 to Cairns and he was so troubled by it we had to upgrade to Business just to get home. It was a large expense but we ‘enjoyed it’. My only OS travel has been solo and I liked it. I admit now though with my cancer gone but a mouth that is changed, eating anywhere other than a coffee shop means food can be a restriction. We actually hope to do a few days away up the coast next year but we shall see. Thank you for linking up for Life This Week. Next wee’s optional prompt is: 43/51 Your Favourite Book As a Child 28/10/19 BUT I am not following it. I am introducing my Daily Gratitude Instagram Challenge running for the 30 days of November, ending on the last day which is my 70th B’day !! Do add your blog link whichever prompt you choose…even no prompt! Denyse.

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    1. Thanks for your response Denyse, I also enjoy solo travel from time to time. I hope you get to go up the coast together next year. I’m keen to know about your 30 days challenge in November, so I’ll keep an eye out. The linkup is a lovely opportunity to share and read the words from all the great bloggers who link up, so thank you!

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  9. Hi Deb
    I absolutely loved this and will share on my FaceBook page! I find the idea of traveling with a partner fascinating because sometimes partners can be so different from each other. I like to go, go, go on vacation and my husband likes to relax. I am looking forward to the quiz to see what he thinks! Thanks again for a great post!

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  12. You certainly do know each other well Deb, which I guess is no surprise after 40 years together! A fabulous and fun post and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your answers (and Jo’s post too). May you have many more wonderful travelling experiences together. xx

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  13. Deb, I love the idea of a travel companion compatibility quiz and it is actually something married couples should do BEFORE they set off on an adventure. Nothing tests a marriage quite like traveling together. We learned a long time ago what works and what doesn’t for us and have a division of labor and authority assignments when it comes to most things. He drives, I navigate. He plans, i organize. He handles details, I pack the bags, etc. When things get tense, I usually know when to be quiet and let him sort things out and when to offer my two cents. You definitely need to try cruising. It has the best of all worlds when it comes to passive/aggressive travel! Something for everyone.

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    1. You’ve summed it up perfectly Suzanne! Yes we should do this sort of quiz before we head off on travels but we never do!! We have a saying that we each have our own strengths and play to them!

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  16. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Jo’s post and now reading yours. I want to give PC the quiz and take it myself and see how we respond. We haven’t experienced anywhere near the kinds of fabulous adventures you and the Mathematician have, or the journeys that Jo and her husband have enjoyed. But we have traveled some together. And hope to do more in the future.

    P.S. Check out your great looking legs!!!

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    1. Hi Leslie, I really enjoyed Jo’s post and was inspired to do a similar post. I’m sure you and PC would enjoy the activity, if you do it let me know! Also appreciate your comment about my legs – I am quite proud of them after all these years 🙂

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  17. I don’t much like to travel anymore and my husband has had to travel for work so much that I suspect our answers to this quiz would end up sounding curmudgeonly. You two, however, have it going on. It was fun to read your answers and issues.

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  18. Great post Deb, really like the quiz idea. Might have to sit Jo down and run through the same questions with her. Fascinating exercise. Sounds like you’ve travelled far and wide with a whole raft of exciting experiences, long may that continue.

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    1. Thanks Jonno, it was a fun exercise, I left the questions with my husband so I didn’t interfere with his thinking. When he’d written his responses I was able to write up the post. He didn’t mind it at all which was a bonus! I’d suggest you give it a go with Jo and see what you both come up with. Let me know if you do 🙂 Yes, we are fortunate to have fallen for the travel bug and and love seeing new places together. It will continue for as long as possible!

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  19. Need to pass this travel quiz past my other half. We’ve enjoyed lots of driving and adventurous holidays in America, loved the lights of Las Vegas, explored fascinating places like Mexico and Hong Kong (thank goodness we’ve already done it) but we’ve recently discovered sun and sea resorts too. Suddenly sunbeds are becoming very appealing, are we getting old? Great feature.
    Pamela
    http://www.style-yourself-confident.com

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    1. Thanks for your comment Pamela, and I’d love to see your results if you pass the quiz onto your other half! No you’re not getting old, just finally relaxing a bit I’d say 🙂

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  20. You both compliment each other as does the Squire and me. Like Ying and Yang 🙂
    Being away from your comfort zone for us, bring us together more, especially when not many folks around us could speak English. This could be up to months on end.
    I enjoyed reading your post, Deb.

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    1. That’s lovely to hear you enjoyed my post Suz, you are both great travelling companions too! Yes it’s a case of ying and yang and it does bring you together when the language barriers are in place. That’s not to say there aren’t some stressful and tense moments shared along the way 🙂

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  21. I loved reading your respective answers – me and David did this a while back, it’s so fun. I always think being able to travel together and still have fun and stay friends is a real acid test of a good relationship!

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    1. I agree Sammie, it can get tense at times but generally it’s fun. i remember reading your comment on Jo’s post about your and David doing something similar. It was nice to write it too!

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  24. Another great insight into your life Deb and your marriage. I think it’s wonderful when people who married young (we were 21 and 22) are still together and thriving many, many years down the track. Travelling through life together is all about working with our strengths, compromise, humour, and love (much like travelling overseas together!)

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    1. Thanks Leanne, I agree with you about hearing of us oldies still married and happily doing things together. Travelling through life is a great analogy to travelling anywhere together 🙂

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  26. HI, Deb – What a fun post! I greatly admire you, Jo, Grant and the Mathematician. As good of sport as Richard is about blogging, there is little chance that he would patiently answer these questions for my blog. Ultimately, I agree with you that a positive attitude goes a long way in ensuring positive travel experiences!

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    1. Thanks Donna. I had to leave the questions lying about with gentle reminders every few days for him to get around to writing his responses. But he did it in good humour so I’m happy with that. Yes a positive attitude is a must!

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  28. Hi Deb – I enjoyed reading your answers for this fun quiz. You respect each other’s style and make it work as a team. Close to 40 years of marriage is a wonderful accomplishment. Congrats and more happy travels to you! #lifethisweek

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  29. I love your answers & how you guys make it work too. I’m the journaller in our family & have to write up at the end of every day everything from the exchange rates to what we ate & the cost. Thanks for the shout-out!

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    1. Thanks again for the inspiration Jo, it was such a fun light hearted post to do. I try to keep up to date with expenses and notes too, but I usually drag the chain a bit compared to Grant. Great to share your post!

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