About planning to see each other
This is a topic I've been planning to talk about for a while but didn't exactly know how to approach the topic. But now that I just learned that my friend @thepurpleinternetprincess is gonna be seeing her love this coming summer, she just gave me the inspiration I needed to write about this!
So, obviously, when planning to see each other is a very exciting event. Doesn't matter if it's the first or 20th time your planning a trip, it's always very thrilling. BUT, it's also a very important and sometimes complicated thing to do, that's why, when we start planning a trip we really gotta think about every single detail through.
First, think about all the factors affecting your life: if you live with your parents (my case), or if you have your own place, if you're gonna be working/studying during the planned dates or you will be in vacation, think about when you will have enough free days to really enjoy your time together, if they can stay at your place (or your parents), if not, where, what activities will you do with them, how about food, etc.
There are many things to think about than just looking for a good date and buying the airplane tickets. Obviously, looking for cheap airplane tickets is a whole other important and most times hard thing to do (I'll probably talk about this in another post), but other important things to think about is what they will do during their stay and how to take care of them.
Sure, some of you may live in the same country, but some of you may be from totally different countries. When inviting your loved one to your country you really gotta make them feel welcomed and not worry about anything. Yes, it can be scary going to a whole new country to meet someone you met online, but if everything (or most things) work then you can get through it.
First of all, one of the most important things to think about before purchasing the first airplane ticket you see is the timing. I might be stating the obvious but I'll still say it, the best times to travel are summer and winter, or at least whenever both of you are free for at least a week. Yes, summer and winter are high season times and the plane tickets are expensive. But you know, at least for the first couple of times seeing each other, it's worth it!
Deciding where they'll be staying is a very important detail. If you're living with your parents you'll obviously need to ask them for permission. If they refuse, although it'll make things harder, you can still work it out. You'll have to have them stay at a cheap local motel or something similar. Obviously, we don't want them to have to spend any unnecessary extra money, so I'd recommend that you help pay for their stay if necessary. It's only a nice thing to do. Regarding this part, I know how it can be with unsupportive parents, but believe me, when they see your partner is literally going the extra mile just to be there with you, they'll see they're really committed and I'm sure next time they visit they'll let them stay at the house.
Oh and another thing, if you're seeing each other for the first (couple of) times, don't expect either of your parents to let you sleep in the same bed xD I mean, if the parents let you then you're just fine! But I'm just saying, in most cases, that doesn't happen. It took my parents a long time before they let my BF sleep with me xD
Moving on, if you're on the receiving end, the one welcoming them, you really need to think about a schedule. Write at least the general ideas of what you will do with them from the moment you pick them up at the airport. And that's another thing, will you pick them up or have them come to you through some other transportation. But back to the activities, you can plan these together beforehand so you can make the most of your trip, or if you'd rather just chill and do everything randomly and unexpectedly then that's fine too!
Yes, I know planning trips can be hectic, but believe me, it gets better. Once you and your partner figure out what works best for both of you you'll be doing all this very easily and wanting to make more trips per year! I've already become a pro at purchasing plane tickets. Also, becoming a member of a specific airline really helps and will come in handy in the future as you accumulate miles!
So, these are just a couple of ideas and tips to take in mind when you are planning a trip, be it your first or 10th trip, thinking about all these factors is very important. I might talk more about some things like how and where to find cheap plane tickets and the sort. If there's anything you want me to further explain/talk about please let me know, or if you just wanna ask me something you're more than welcomed to! After all, this blog is to help in anyway I can and support those of you who are in a long distance relationship. Because despite our circumstances, we can also enjoy our relationship and be genuinely happy in it! ๐
-Kimiko (ๅๅญ)
