We knew that we traveled well together from several smaller trips we took beforehand (surf camp in Costa Rica, exploring the ruins in the Yucatan, driving down the PCH in California), so that is important.

And we also recognized the different strengths we brought to the trip – I had more experience backpacking in foreign cultures and did a lot of the trip planning, while he is a whiz at the money stuff and really played a big part in organizing our financials before, during, and after the trip.

And when it came to life on the road, we fell into an easy routine, especially with the little things like repacking (I’d oversee the clothing and toiletries, he expertly made sure all of our photography/computer equipment was accounted for – especially all of the cords!).

So in my experience, it’s important to remember that you are a team and to work with each other, not against.