To Bae or Not to Bae? That is the Question.

Brittany Proctor
Sep 14, 2017
2 min read

I'm no Shakespeare, but you get it. Most relationship goals include the desire to collect stamps and leave footprints all over the world with your boo by your side. This age old question, however, comes with a number of follow-ups: When is the right time to travel with new bae? Do I even want to go that far away with new bae? If new bae pays, does that come with other expectations? This could go on forever.

Here are my two cents, data-based and scientifically proven (or not):

So, you're dating someone relatively new, liking each other a lot, getting along well, but still not quite sure about the future of this "situationship." Time to book a trip! I swear to you, there is no better lens through which to see a person than being stuck with them somewhere far from home. Now, let's not get crazy. I'm not talking about a week-long couples retreat. Test the waters with a long weekend, maybe Friday to Monday, preferably at a heavily populated resort. You know, so just in case it doesn't work out, you can still find others with whom to mingle. I'm just saying, be proactive.

Why? If you're as much of a travel nut as I am, finding the right travel companion is no small feat.

Here's what you can learn about new bae and yourself:

1. When secluded from the world and our daily life, do I still enjoy his or her company?

2. Was that day we missed the movie previews, because new bae was late, a one-time occurrence? Or, would he/she cause me to miss flights with their chronic tardiness?

3. Do we have similar travel styles? You know, excursions and adventure or spa massages and naps? But, let's just be honest. This question roughly translates to, "Will new bae humor me when I ask for the same exact picture to be taken twelve times because I need options, angles, and poses?"

4. How attentive is new bae? Can we be on the beach with other bikinis, speedos, and six-packs without feeling jealous or insecure?

5. Is new bae a budget traveler or a big spender? Nothing's wrong with either one. BUT, find out early. If you're 5-star at all times, but new bae is cool with the Ramada, you should be informed. No disrespect to the Ramada.

6. Lastly, can I see myself with new bae long-term? Or, quite frankly, ever again after this vacation?

From several personal experiences, I can assure you that if you both are still laughing, smiling, and genuinely enjoying each other's presence by day four, you may have a keeper.