Love on the Road: Sue & Dave

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Welcome to a new installment of Where Love Meets Adventure! Every month (or sometimes twice a month!) we celebrate our love for couples travel and share the stories of other adventurous duos. Today, we introduce two two wonderful souls to you. Meet Sue & Dave of Travel Tales of Life

Psst! Next check out our 20 best couples travel tips!

Hello! Please introduce yourselves!

Hello! We are Sue and Dave and live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We met as teenagers in 1979 and have been best friends ever since. Parents to adult children and proud grandparents we are passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase ‘What will people think?’ or fear get in the way of trying something new. Our adventurous spirits keep us living the theme of ‘never too old to explore.’ Well into the second half of the game of life we believe there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot.

When did you first start traveling together?

Travel has always been a love of ours. Our early years together with young children the adventures were mostly road trips and an occasional short getaway. In the last decade, with children now grown and the nest empty, we have hit the world trail running.

How would you describe your travel style?

Plan, plan and then plan some more. Some of this is due to our personalities. Sue is especially keen on lists and having the schedule organized months in advance. To some degree we blame or credit our planning to having limited vacation time. As retirement approaches we very much look forward to trying a more flexible, slower and spontaneous style.

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

Having been life partners for almost four decades, travel brings a constant newness to the relationship. Exploring new destinations and different cultures has enriched our lives in ways we could have never imagined. Sharing those stories on the blog, taking those who can not or choose to not travel along virtually, has been an unexpected joy of immense proportions.

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

This question stumped us. In all honesty we travel well together. Perhaps we can chalk that up to almost forty years of communication practice. Our challenges are more in the planning stages. How much to book ahead and how much can we fit in without coming home and requiring a vacation from our vacation is a never ending conversation. We have learned to leave a few days at the end of our time away for relaxation.

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

No big fights on the road. Definitely some deep breathing. Our years together have made us pretty in tune with each other. Dave knows not to start driving the rental car before Sue has the navigation system going.

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

Some of our funniest stories are those that in real time were distressing. There was the time in Jamaica when Sue convinced Dave, who does not like horse riding, to give it another try. A test of marriage as the horse proceeded to spend several hours trying to leave Dave on the jungle floor.

Or the time Sue lost all her valuables in Slovenia. Near cardiac arrest-inducing at the time but a comedy of epic proportions in hindsight.

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

Our first question would be what kind of travel do you like? Do you love a camping adventure? Then rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon or sea kayaking the Sea Of Cortez would be must dos. Love great food and quaint inns? Cycling Italy or Slovenia will be fantastic. Want five star beach luxury resort? Head to St. Lucia. Our personal favorite of all is Turkey. The people, the history, the culture, the food; all are astounding.

How long have you two been together?

We met as teenagers in college 38 years ago. Gulp. We can hardly believe it even as we write it. After dating for four years we married and had children soon after. Those children are now in their 30’s. This would seem impossible because we feel like we are in our 30’s.

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

We believe travel has made us more compassionate and understanding, more accepting of all diversity. No matter where we roam human kindness is continually showered on us.

How do you define love?

Love has many faces and phases. For us decades long love is a rainbow mix of kindness, understanding, compassion, selflessness and unconditional support of each other. Being best friends who encourage individual growth as well as that of the relationship.

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

When we were engaged we were given this advice. PPF. Put your Partner First. In everything we do and say we think about how our words or actions will affect our partner. Basically be kind to one another. Become extraordinarily good communicators even when the subject is difficult.

What advice do you have for couples considering traveling together?

Communicate, communicate, communicate. Have we mentioned how important we think communication is?

If one of you likes hanging out on the beach and the other wants to rock climb having those discussions prior to departure will prevent a lot of grief. Travel can look glamorous and it has many wonderful moments but there are always unexpected surprises.

Thanks so much Dave & Sue for this awesome interview! One of our favorites for sure. And fellow drifters, be sure to keep up with Sue & Dave’s adventures on all their social media: