How did you meet and when did you both realize your love for travel?
Ben and I met many years ago at my cousins wedding. We didn’t stay in contact – 10 years went by then my cousin re-connected us when Ben was travelling to New York. I was living in New York for 4 years at the time when Ben reached out to me and asked me to be his tour guide. When he arrived in New York I showed him around my neighborhood (West Village) and we strolled around Central Park for the day. Ben was only in New York for a week with some of his best mates. We happened to meet up again by chance at the Temper Trap concert at Terminal 5. Long story short, he extended his stay in New York and we had the chance to get to know each other better. When he left back home, we had a feeling that it wasn’t the end of our time together. I always had the plan of coming home after 5 years. So it just happened to be 5 years when we met and after 6 months of doing the long distance thing, I moved back to Australia.
Where was your first destination together and tell us about it?
Our first destination was actually Bali of all places. I wouldn’t consider Australia or New York to be the destination as one of us called it home… Bali was great! Beautiful sunsets, food and weather.
How do you share your work on the road? Who does what?
We both pitch in and help out. I am a neat freak – so let’s say I clean and Ben does the navigating.
How do you make decisions together for next destinations?
On our recent trip to Europe for 3 months, we were both in charge of choosing destinations. We both really enjoy coastal areas. Although we love the hinterland as well. On our recent trip to Europe, Instagram became a source for destinations.
Have you noticed any changes in the relationship since you started traveling together?
We are now a Mother and Father to a beautiful son Oliver. Haha – Oliver was conceived in Portugal.
Living and traveling together 24/7 can sometimes be stressful and relate to moments of disagreements or misunderstandings. How do you cope with these situations?
To be honest we are pretty relaxed people. The only stressful occasions were when we were driving a big motorhome in Europe. I am not the best navigator – so when I was directing we would always find ourselves lost which heated up the car a little especially when the road was one way!
What is the most beautiful moment you have experienced together while traveling?
There are too many – but Lagos in Portugal would certainly have to be a favorite and also Lake Garda in Northern Italy. Watching the sunset and early morning swims when no one was around.
What do you like the most about traveling as a couple?
You have your best friend right there to share everything with. We have spent so much time a part – so it is so nice to experience the places together not using Skype or FaceTime =)
What do you like the least about traveling as a couple?
No least option for me…maybe Ben would love a bit of boy time?! Haha. How do you keep the relationship spark alive on the road? Plenty of long walks – making sure we always see a sunset or a sunrise.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to any couple wanting to travel together?
Travel together in a campervan around Europe. You learn so much about each other and are forced to spend time together all the time — – see if you can handle that.
Get to Know the Couple:
Laura: @laura.laughlin
Ben: @benlaughlin55
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