For many couples, their first vacation together is an exciting experience – but the hoped-for relaxation often turns into a test of endurance. According to relationship experts, so-called "icks" – small behaviors that can trigger discomfort or dislike in partners – occur more frequently on vacation. Especially during the intense time of traveling together, differences in hygiene, money, or habits that are less noticeable in everyday life come to light.
Georgina Vass, relationship expert, explains why vacations can be so challenging for couples: "During a trip, you spend uninterrupted time together without the opportunity to avoid conflict. The vacation acts like an emotional pressure cooker, revealing behaviors that remain hidden in everyday life." According to Vass, the most common points of friction include different ideas about hygiene or handling money. The toilet situation, in particular, often causes discomfort for newly married couples.
An analysis of over 70 TikTok videos by the airline Icelandair reveals the most frequently cited icks during shared travel. These include refusing to try local food, excessive alcohol consumption, reclining the seat on the plane, and childish behavior in the water. Interestingly, perceptions differ between the genders: While women primarily criticize a lack of seriousness and childish behavior, men primarily criticize excessive social media use and poor personal hygiene.
According to Vass, social media plays a significant role in the development of icks, as they often display idealized vacation images that create unrealistic expectations. While some icks are harmless quirks, recurring behavioral patterns can indicate serious relationship problems—so-called "red flags." Relationship experts therefore recommend having open conversations about expectations, handling finances, and potential conflicts before the trip to avoid misunderstandings.
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