1. The girlfriend takes forever to get ready. "I can't decide what to wear…"

Girlfriend on vacation = snooze buttons, singing in showers, and time waiting for her to choose her outfit, contour/highlight her face and more. "I'll be ready in 5 minutes!" (sounds familiar?)

Before you know it, girlfriend's self-initiated breakfast plan turns into brunch. 

On hindsight, who doesn't want to sleep in a little more and without an alarm on vacation? Plus, the girlfriend will be happy when she has her beauty sleep, time to choose her outfit and do makeup while not feeling rushed. Happy girlfriend = happy vacay.

Pro Tip #1: Start your day early and never skip breakfast!

Pro Tip #2: Plan your outfits the night before. The early bird gets the worm; be early if you want to avoid tourists in your shots. The morning light is perfect for your Instagram shots too!   

Mt. Kintamani, Bali

2. She loves to order everything on the menu. "I want to eat everything!"

Overly excited girlfriend orders too much food because she wants to try everything. Food ends up cold because no one digs in until she's done with her Instagram #flatlay shot.

Shortly after, Girlfriend: "I'm full... I can't finish. ):"

Boyfriend ends up having to eat everything... (sounds familiar?)

My face when she says she is full already.

On hindsight – girlfriend somehow has a radar for the most delicious (and Instagrammable) restaurants.

Pro Tip #3: if you're a foodie, leave room for little meal breaks throughout the day in between your other activities. That way, you can visit more yummy food places in 1 day!

3. You are her full-time Instagram boyfriend/ sai kang warrior. "Eh omg help me Instagram OOTD can?"

If the girlfriend doesn't snap a photo, she hasn't travelled at all.

Bali, Indonesia

On hindsight – my artistic girlfriend takes some of the best pictures of me. :B

Pro Tip #4: Look up IG-worthy places for your itinerary in advance. The girlfriend will be all smiles. Happy girlfriend = Happy vacay.

4. The girlfriend shops like she's hunting for Pokemon. "Can I go in and see see?"
 

Girlfriend: "Is this nice?"

Boyfriend: "Don't you already have something like this?"

Why does the girlfriend always seem to want something that she already owns? She doesn't just want to shop, she wants YOU to shop with her!

And then comes the trick question:

Dude, tell me what's the best answer?!

On hindsight – my girlfriend is a pretty good style advisor and a bargaining queen.

Pro Tips:

#5: Plan your shopping sprees on the last days of your trip to maximise extra luggage space. No one wants a heavy luggage at the start of the trip, especially if you're flying budget!

#6: Make an effort to shop at unique indie/ local markets over retail chains. You won't regret the extra distance and effort when you discover the amazing loots and bargains!

Brick Lane Market, London

Pro tip #7: Boyfriend can consider bringing a bigger bag so that both of you won't end up with your hands full. Being hands-free means you can whip out your phone to take photos anytime and hunt for wifi!

5. She has a bad sense of direction. "Are we there yet? Where are we going again?"

It doesn't help when she doesn't know how to use Google maps.

Pro Tip #8: When abroad, plan your routes in advance when you have internet access. Don't be afraid to ask a local for help. It's much faster and easier. Plus, you get to speak to a local and get their best tips and recommendations. Ask them where do they frequent, which places are cool, has cheap bargains. Often, their recommendations are better than the ones on your itinerary!

Exploring Belfort, France with our Kazakhstani Couchsurfing host

On hindsight - Sometimes, the best way to travel is to get lost. Travel is about exploration as much as it's about smart planning.

What's the fun if travels were made perfect? Often, the imperfect moments, when you discover some new place, make a new friend or experience something unexpected, are the ones that you remember the most. I have a love/hate relationship travelling with my girlfriend but I guess it's more love right now!

PS: Most of my profile photos are taken by her so well, I guess I won't mind travelling with her for now …

IG: @nigelsmk

Pack your bags and go on a solo adventure now! Share your travel tips in the comment box below!