How did you meet and when did you both realize your love for travel?
We were both following each other on Instagram for a while, but then realized we were both also a part of a Washington hiking and climbing Facebook page and became friends. So I guess we really did meet on Instagram, but first met in person for coffee and climbing at my climbing gym. From there we started climbing and hiking together and realized we had a lot of the same interests. Jason has traveled the most, I grew up traveling to Canada a lot, but that is it at this point. Because we are both photographers, our travel plans tend to revolve around places we want to photograph.
Where was your first destination together and tell us about it?
Our trip to Banff this past September was our first real trip together. It was a 10 hour road trip up from Washington, and we stopped in Yoho National Park along the way. We camped near Lake Louise in Banff National Park the first two nights and the last night, but the rest of the week we were in a hotel in town. Everyday we packed as much adventure in as we could, including late nights shooting stars and the Aurora Borealis, driving down Icefields Parkway, and catching the sunset at as many lakes as possible. The Canadian Rockies are the most amazing mountains I have ever seen, and it was such a great experience for us to take this trip together.
How do you share your work on the road? Who does what?
We both have full time jobs, but do not work together. I work in marketing at a nonprofit arts organization, and Jason is a graphic designer for Nike. When we are on the road we are focusing on our photography, which is just a side job at this time for both of us. We do both work with different brands, so will help each other get the shots we need to of products we have been sent to photograph, and we do model for each other a lot.
How do you make decisions together for next destinations?
Actually, it has been amazing because we both want to go to the same places! We both love the mountains and both have large lists of hikes we want to go on, so depending on weather and the weekend, we pick what will work best. As for larger trips, Iceland is next on our list, and hopefully another trip back to Banff to experience it in the winter. I personally also really want to go back to Yosemite, and take Jason there for his first time. But pretty much we are both up for whatever the other wants to do.
Have you noticed any changes in the relationship since you started traveling together?
We have been hiking and camping together since we first started dating, so it has been the norm for us and our relationship. The long drives really helped us get to know each other better, and learn from each other. It always does take time to get use to another persons travel habits, but that is part of what makes it exciting. Honestly, I think the fact that we both love to travel makes our relationship that much better. Jason is always up for whatever weekend trip I suggest. And if we both had more flexible schedules, we would be traveling a whole lot more.
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?
The most we’ve been together on a trip was for six days, and luckily we did not have any real disagreements. I’m sure any longer than that and things would come up, but the only thing that did, was me wanting a day to sleep in and spend time in town. Though I am sure Jason isn’t use to doing that on trips, he knew I needed it so was fine with it. Overall, open communication is the best way to get through disagreements and helps to prevent them in the first place. Since the beginning of our relationship, we have both highly valued our easy communication with each other. It has been so important in all aspects of our relationship and traveling together.
What is the most beautiful moment you have experienced together while traveling?
That is so hard to decide on just one! Since we hike or camp together every weekend, we have experienced so many amazing moments. I think one of my favorites was shooting stars at Two Jack Lake and turning around to realize the Aurora Borealis was behind us. I had never seen the Northern Lights before, and it was wonderful to get to share that with Jason. And as a plus, we both got some amazing photos.
What do you like the most about traveling as a couple?
Always having someone there that is interested in doing the same things and going to the same places. My favorite parts of our trips have been in the morning, making coffee and breakfast while camping. Even if our day is going to be jam packed, it’s nice to start it off with some time together sharing a meal and watching the sunrise or the fog roll in.
What do you like the least about traveling as a couple?
It can be hard to squeeze everything you both want to do into a few days. Also we have very different personalities, so sometimes that can make it hard. I may need some quiet time alone to reflect on the past day, when Jason might be ready for the next. Luckily now we know more about each other from traveling together so it makes it easier. But overall, I would much rather travel together than on my own.
How do you keep the relationship spark alive on the road?
A great way to keep the spark alive on the road is to still have time as a couple. We will make sure to plan a night out to dinner in a new town, or have a glass of wine with dinner while camping. It’s the little things that show each other that you care. And sometimes if we are out hiking with a group of friends, we will split off from the group for the hike back down or get our own dinner after, so we still get time to connect as a couple.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to any couple wanting to travel together?
Make sure you have the same motives for the trip, and plan out what you want to do ahead of time. This still allows for spontaneity on the trip, but that way one person will not feel like they did not get everything they wanted out of the adventure. When we went to Banff, Jason and I knew that we both wanted to get photos at certain spots, and planned the trip around that. Also you have to be honest with the other person while you are traveling together. If something is not going the way you wanted, talk about it and come up with a new plan together.
Get to Know the Couple:
Skye: @skyestoury
Jason: @sprro
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