Traveling the world as a couple: tips, experiences and real relationship hacks

"We wanted to get out. And do something meaningful." That was the thought that led Kevin and Anna to decide, sitting on their couch in Cologne in the middle of the pandemic: a trip around the world. Not just a vacation from their jobs in the TV industry, but a journey into the unknown, with the goal of turning their life behind the camera into a life at the center of their own stories.

Today they document their travels as a couple on Instagram , have their own podcast called Travel Therapy and take their community through the highs and lows and around the world.

Both come from the media industry, having worked in television for around ten years. "We already knew how television works – and also that we didn't want to stay there forever," says Kevin. So the idea of ​​combining travel with content wasn't a coincidence.

While Kevin had already traveled to Australia and Asia after graduating from high school, Anna had a different approach: "It was always clear to her that traveling was a part of her life," he says. The pandemic reinforced the desire to no longer wait for "someday."

For a moment, even they are silent—and that's saying something. Favorite moment on the beach under palm trees.

Source: @kevinundanna

From the beginning, the goal was more than just a vacation feeling: "I didn't want to simply save money and then spend it. I wanted a purpose—ideally earning money while traveling or even traveling itself."

The result: travel planning that oscillates somewhere between gut feeling, storytelling, and a thirst for adventure. "Where the flight takes us is almost irrelevant – we're looking for stories."

After a serious personal loss in the family, Thailand was their first destination to return to life. "Sure, it's not a secret. But it was exactly what we needed. Thailand simply feels like a safe haven to us."

The selection of destinations is always influenced by personal significance or narrative depth: "We'll soon be driving to the North Cape in Anna's dad's car—a trip he's already made himself. And we want to film it and share it with our community because it's a special trip for many reasons, one that can give something to more than just us."

"Without good communication, we would have broken up in 2023," Kevin says, looking back. Especially as a couple who work together, travel, and spend time together almost around the clock, clear agreements are essential. "It sounds banal, but: If things get too heated, take a breather, take a 30-minute break – then the conversation goes much better."

The fact that they function well as a team is a great strength today. "I wouldn't generally recommend working with a partner. But when it works, it's worth its weight in gold."

Anna is passionate about planning – hours of scrolling through Google Maps are a way for her to relax. Kevin takes care of the orientation on site, writes the podcast texts, and answers Instagram messages. "If you don't divide things up, everything will get left undone. We know: Anna does the accounting, I'll do the podcast. That's it."

Their podcast is titled Travel Therapy – and for good reason. "Of course, it's no substitute for therapy," says Kevin. "But it's a bit like exposure therapy. Spending several hours every day with the person you love – that's how you get to know each other. And argue. And grow together."

Conflicts are part of it. "I can be quite stubborn," Kevin admits. "Anna is often the more reasonable one of us. But in the end, we always make progress."

Whether the next stop is a hidden cove or simply a dip in the deep blue? Kevin and Anna let themselves drift.

Source: @kevinundanna

In addition to the places, it's above all the encounters that shape both of them. They are particularly deeply impressed by people who dedicate their lives to animal protection: "In Laos, we met a French woman who saves elephants. In Thailand, a German woman has been helping street dogs for 20 years. These people hold the world together – they deserve more attention."

Kevin is clear when talking about couples traveling: "Don't expect it to be like a long honeymoon. It's work. But good work." Her tips:

• Talk about your needs: If you need exercise, if you want some time to relax and read – speak up and respect that.
• Schedule breaks: "Not every day is action-packed. Even just doing nothing for a couple of days—every relationship needs that."
• Compromise instead of fighting: "If someone says, 'I really want to go to Peru or home to my family,' then listen. There has to be room for that."

"You can travel the world—but if you don't learn how to communicate with your partner, no paradise will save you," says Kevin. He adds, "But if you can do it, traveling together is truly the most beautiful adventure."

With snorkels and sunscreen, Kevin and Anna explore the colorful underwater world off the coast – and have at least as much fun as the fish.

Source: @kevinundanna

Your travel highlights? "Thailand feels like home to us. We love the energy, the food, the openness. From Bangkok, you can be in the jungle or on the beach the next day."

They also particularly rave about Belize and Laos. "Laos isn't overcrowded, ideal for a scooter, and you get to see corners that hardly anyone else discovers." In Europe, they particularly appreciate Greece and Portugal: "This warm, basic friendliness – it reminds us of Asia."

They were less impressed by Bali and Bulgaria. "Bali was chaotic, the atmosphere wasn't right. Bulgaria was cold on a human level – although we had a great wellness hotel there all to ourselves because we traveled counter-cyclically." Kevin emphasizes: "No place is completely bad. But some experiences show you how important the right moment and the right people are."

When asked about their best travel hacks, Kevin and Anna have a few things to share:

• Credit card and cost control: "Nothing works without a card," says Kevin. They use apps like TravelSpend to track expenses fairly—a huge help, especially as a couple. "Arguing about money is simply unpleasant. It's better to be transparent from the start."
• Don't forget your first aid kit: Charcoal tablets are especially important. "Anna has a sensitive stomach, so this is essential for us."
• Routine instead of lounging around: Even when traveling, they rely on everyday elements: "I exercise in the morning, Anna reads – we both need that to keep our heads functioning."

And on the subject of budget? "The two of us spent only €2,000 last month – including flights to Germany. We didn't come up with that amount because we were just trying to cut costs everywhere, but because we simply didn't need to buy much in Asia, apart from good food. You don't need a fortune to travel."

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