How did you meet and when did you both realize your love for travel?
Selena: We met in college 7 years ago in Southern California. We were friends first and started dating towards the end of our Senior year. Just one month before graduating, we planned to meet each other in Europe — we still laugh about it since we hadn’t even made our relationship official! A seven-country road trip really set the stage for our relationship.
Where was your first destination together and tell us about it?
Jacob: Prague in the Czech Republic. It is such a walkable city with a rich culture. It’s also incredibly romantic at night — we loved visiting Prague castle in the evening, and Charles bridge which is so picturesque.
Selena: It’s actually where we took our first photo as a couple!
How do you share your work on the road? Who does what?
Selena: Jacob is usually behind the lens. He is an expert when it comes to lighting, exposure, etc. He’s taught me so much about the technical side of photography.
Jacob: Selena enjoys writing and typically lays out how our Finduslost Instagram and blog look. She has a great eye for design. We find it can be really useful to also swap roles and allow a new perspective to inspire ideas and shots.
How do you make decisions together for next destinations?
Selena: We’re constantly talking about destinations we want to explore. I planned our most recent road trip through the Balkans after getting inspired by Pinterest photos, and we ended up on a spontaneous trip to Morocco last month to attend an artisan fair on someone’s behalf. We’re trying to take advantage of opportunities constantly since we moved our home base to Europe.
Have you noticed any changes in the relationship since you started traveling together?
Jacob: Traveling has allowed us to get even closer. When you’re spending everyday in a new place and sometimes living out of the back of a car, you really get to know each other. We both have a deep love for travel and the amazing experiences that come along with it. Being able to share those experiences with someone else makes them even more special.
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?
Selena: Being respectful and giving each other space when needed is key. It’s also important not to take yourself so seriously! Usually our disagreements fizzle out within the hour because Jacob makes me laugh. Accepting that you have quirks and can see past them in one another makes the experience that much better.
What is the most beautiful moment you have experienced together while traveling?
Jacob: Three summers ago we spent five nights on a boat exploring the Amazon River in Peru. One evening there was a thunderstorm that began when we were out on a smaller speedboat. We raced back to our room just in time for the most incredible lightening display. We watched it light up the river for what felt like hours.
What do you like the most about traveling as a couple?
Jacob: Trying things we wouldn’t normally do by ourselves, sharing experiences with one another, and feeling less homesick because you always have the most important person in your life by your side.
Selena: Having your best friend to explore with you and feeling like you have a sleepover every night in a new place.
What do you like the least about traveling as a couple?
Selena: We have to share food with one another, because we need to try everything. I’m notorious for stealing food off of Jacob’s plate during every meal…not my least favorite thing, but probably his!
How do you keep the relationship spark alive on the road?
Selena: Usually at each destination we visit, we have an idea of somewhere we want to go before we arrive — whether it’s a restaurant, viewpoint, or landmark. We always make sure to set aside time and indulge in a romantic dinner or visit someplace off the beaten path.
Jacob: Traveling for us has become such an important part of our story: we fell in love with one another in Prague, got engaged in Kauai, and took a road trip through twelve counties to mark our move to Amsterdam. Now it’s where we continue to discover new things about each other.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to any couple wanting to travel together?
Selena: It’s important to check places you want to see off your bucket list, but make sure to also be spontaneous and try something totally different.
Jacob: For instance, one of my favorite memories was in Iceland when Selena dragged me out of bed at midnight to go on a drive and see the midnight sun. Those incredible moments that you get to share with one another, with no one else around, will be the most meaningful of your life.
Get to Know the Couple:
Selena & Jacob: @finduslost
Travel Blog: finduslost.com
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