Amelia Edelman

Jenny says this is the way to do it.

Jenny says this is an excellent approach for couples if you haven't merged finances.

That's what happened with my Canadian spa trip.

My partner's currently a stay-at-home dad, and I bring in the income for our family, but he planned out the whole trip and helped us figure out what kind of trip would work best for our budget.

Paying upfront also helps you build in an emergency buffer fund for if something goes awry, whether that's a whole canceled flight or just needing to buy a new bathing suit because you, like me, completely forgot to bring one for your spa stay.

Of course, the experts will be the first to tell you couples' money conflicts are never just about the money.

And prepaying won't solve all the emotional concerns that can come up around money when you're traveling with a partner.

Prepaying and having these open, honest money conversations ahead of time can go a long way when it comes to smoothing over differences in financial opinion between partners.

And of course, along with prepaying comes...

That's Jenny.

She, Marissa, and Will all agree on one major key to planning a couple's trip itinerary.

And we'll get to that right after the break.

Okay, so what's that secret to a successful couples trip itinerary, according to the experts?

It's build a balance of alone time and together time.

That's takeaway number three.

Will says it's important to remember that different people need different amounts or versions of alone time and not to take your partner's needs personally.

He's juggled this firsthand.

How do you get that sense?

Surprise, you need to talk about it.

And that does mean kindly but firmly asking for what you need.