Love on the Road: Philippa & Liam

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Our interview series, Love on the Road, shares tales of romance and adventure. We get excited to come across other couples who have made travel a major part of their lives. Yet each story is different, and each couple teaches us something new. Meet Philippa & Liam of Hitched Hikers

Hello! Please introduce yourselves!

We are newlyweds Liam & Philippa from Yorkshire in the UK, better known as the Hitched Hikers. We got married, quit our jobs and booked a one way flight. We have since been travelling the world offering helpful tips and advice along the way.

When​ ​did​ ​you​ ​first​ ​start​ ​traveling​ ​together?

Before quitting our jobs we both worked in education so we used to get a lot of holidays which we made the most of. Taking short European trips during half terms and longer trips in the summers. We got serious about long term travel in 2014, when we spent our whole summer holidays in Asia.

How​ ​would​ ​you​ ​describe​ ​your​ ​travel​ ​style?

We would definitely describe our travel style as budget backpackers. We are travelling the world for two years without fixed work so we need to make our savings last. We hitch hike, eat locally and couchsurf our way around the world… with the odd treat every now and again!

What​ ​has​ ​been​ ​the​ ​most​ ​rewarding​ ​part​ ​of​ ​traveling​ ​as​ ​a couple?

The most rewarding part of couple travel is experiencing things together. We get that solo travel must be amazing but at the end of an adventure it’s so cool to have someone to discuss these experiences with and reminisce about further down the line.

What​ ​has​ ​been​ ​the​ ​most​ ​challenging​ ​part​ ​of​ ​traveling​ ​as​ ​a couple?

We honestly thought it would be living in each others pockets 24-7, however, we have not found this to be a problem. When
we planned the trip we expected to intentionally spend the odd day apart but it hasn’t been necessary (this sounds really smug we know!).

Have​ ​you​ ​ever​ ​had​ ​a​ ​fight​ ​on​ ​the​ ​road/while​ ​traveling,​ ​and how​ ​did​ ​you​ ​handle​ ​it?

We remember having one fight about cake in India! Philippa has a seriously sweet tooth and trust me you do not want to get between her and cake, I learnt the hard way.

Can​ ​you​ ​share​ ​your​ ​funniest,​ ​most​ ​humorous​ ​experience traveling​ ​together?

It always cracks us up when dogs howl along with the call to prayer coming from Mosques. Just the other day our couchsurfing host was an elderly Japanese lady who insisted on singing and dancing for us before (badly) serenading us with her harmonika.

Where​ ​have​ ​you​ ​been​ ​that​ ​you​ ​would​ ​recommend​ ​as​ ​the​ ​top destination​ ​for​ ​couples​ ​travel?

Ugh, this is a tough one… Our three faves are Italy, India and Japan, however, if we had to pick one it would have to be Italy. The food, the culture, the romance… and did we mention it’s the place we got married?

How​ ​long​ ​have​ ​you​ ​two​ ​been​ ​together?

We have been together for eight years and married for one. We met at a rock festival in the UK, through mutual friends, and
have been together ever since.

Do​ ​you​ ​think​ ​your​ ​relationship​ ​would​ ​be​ ​different​ ​if​ ​you didn’t​ ​travel?

Yes, I think we would be living in England, possibly with kids, who knows!?

How​ ​do​ ​you​ ​define​ ​love?

Love is spending every day for a whole year with someone and still missing them if you spend a few hours apart. Love is
sharing single dorm beds. Love is standing together at the side of a road holding a piece of cardboard in the rain and not wanting to be anywhere else.

What​ ​do​ ​you​ ​think​ ​is​ ​the​ ​glue​ ​that​ ​keeps​ ​relationships together?

They say opposites attract and we are total opposites when it comes to most things, I am a laid back extrovert and Philippa
is (let’s not say control freak) introvert. But we share a like mindedness when it comes to life and travel which is really important.

What​ ​advice​ ​do​ ​you​ ​have​ ​for​ ​couples​ ​considering​ ​traveling together?

Before you go, make loose plans, never fixed plans as you want the freedom for plans to change in an instance. For
example we are now in Japan, which was never in our original plans, and it is possibly our best ever travel experience. Oh and always pack light with luggage that can fit in carry on. Whilst on the road communication and compromise is essential.
For instance I really wanted to go to Flores in Indonesia but Philippa really couldn’t bring herself to take the four day
boat journey, instead we took a shorter boat and swam with manta rays (pretty good compromise).

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Next Up! Read our best couples travel tips here.

Don’t miss our other interviews with traveling couples:

• Love on the Road: Quene & Moe
• Love on the Road: Martin & Trey
• Love on the Road: Rachel & Jeremy