Love on the run...

What with it being Valentine's Day and all, I thought I'd spend a few moments imparting some thoughts about love and travel and what I've learnt so far about how these two work together. I am actually less motivated to do this because of today being a commercialised celebration of love, but more because today is also the day I am reunited with NewMan after three weeks apart.

I'll be honest, I have treasured the break.

After over three months together travelling through Southeast Asia and Australia, with often less than an hour apart on most days, I was craving lengthy periods of time alone and prior to our separation I looked forward to doing all the things I love to do more on my own than when I am with someone; writing, reading, walking, taking photographs, licking out the last remnants of a yoghurt pot's contents, plucking my eyebrows slowly and meticulously. I yearned for a bed to myself; to stretch out in all directions and feel the cool sheets under my skin.

This isn't very romantic is it? Bear with me...

Well, I indulged in most of the above as I spent time on my own in Melbourne and then it was time to head to New Zealand, where I was thrust into the bosom of someone else. Not another man but my best childhood friend Betty who shared my breathing and living space in the back of a campervan for two weeks.

And so I lapped up the girl time. We dipped Anzac biscuits in our tea, we talked about anything and everything until late into the night, we shared silent glasses of wine as we read our Kindles and we sang loudly to awful songs as we explored both the North and South Islands by road.

So not only did I indulge in Birdie time, I was also afforded big dollops of girlfriend time. It's been an excellent unexpected bend in the road that has been my travels so far.

But the whole time I missed him. The whole time I felt like I was missing a sock or I'd not cleaned my teeth that morning. I also started to think about NewMan in a way that I haven't for a while. Instead of thinking about NewMan as the person who gives me directions when driving, or the guy who helps me carry my bags up steep steps or someone I rely on to pass me my towel when I get into the shower without it, I have started to think of him again as the man I want to share a cocktail with, the one I want to watch the sunset with, the man I want to walk across a beach with.

The man I want to be romantic with as well as roam-antic.

Travelling as a couple is special, exciting and precious. But it is also difficult and has been known to make or break the best of them. I have learnt that the "travelling couple" has real potential to forget it is also a couple, and all couples need a little bit of romance every now and again.

Though we were far from broken, the time apart has reminded me of this and has served us well and I can't wait to spend Valentine's Day or what will be left of it, meeting up with NewMan in the hot, probably smelly and humid arrivals hall of Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The perfect way to be both romantic and roam-antic...

Frances M. Thompson

Londoner turned wanderer, Frankie is an author, freelance writer and blogger. Currently based in Amsterdam, Frankie was nomadic for two years before starting a family with her Australian partner. Frankie is the author of three short story collections, and is a freelance writer for travel and creative brands. In 2017, she launched WriteNOW Cards, affirmation cards for writers that help build a productive and positive writing practice. When not writing contemporary fiction, Frankie shops for vintage clothes, dances to 70s disco music and chases her two young sons around Amsterdam.
Find Frankie on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+.

Posts you may also like:
Family Travel: How to Travel with Kids - My Golden RulesFamily Travel: How to Travel with Kids - My Golden RulesAmsterdam Travel: Best Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam - Reviewed!Amsterdam Travel: Best Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam - Reviewed!Solo Luxury Travel: Best Caribbean Islands for Solo TravellersSolo Luxury Travel: Best Caribbean Islands for Solo TravellersNew Zealand Travel: 51 Interesting Facts About New Zealand AotearoaNew Zealand Travel: 51 Interesting Facts About New Zealand AotearoaAmsterdam Travel: Accessible Travel Guide for AmsterdamAmsterdam Travel: Accessible Travel Guide for Amsterdam