First Weekend Away: Scary Or Fun?

I don't care what anyone says, going away with your partner for the first time is a big deal.

There could be bathroom issues, you have to wake up make-up free, there are duvet etiquette questions and many other little things to contend with.

Not that I am saying this is a torturous experience, there can be nothing better than some time alone in a place where no one knows you.

But you do need to be prepared for things should it become a little strained. After all, you are both probably used to having your own space. (Putting on a face mask at night and eating ice cream in bed with no one to judge you - or is that just me?).

To help you along the way to peaceful weekend-getaway bliss, we have put our heads together to compile some tips, advice and general ramblings.

The first weekend away together survival guide:

When to go away

This really is up to you and your partner. Some people call it one of the relationship milestones, so you may need to be ready. Personally, I think getting your boyfriend to help you babysit your nephew is more of a milestone.

But if you lack a toddler, this could be your milestone and would mean that you both need to be ready.

If you still wear a retainer and head gear at night and don't think he'll find it a turn on, then maybe now is not the time. Or you could just leave it at home. My point through my ramblings is that there really is no right or wrong time, it's up to you. You just may want to ask him too.

Don't get bogged down in the details

There is nothing less romantic that watching your partner have a screaming fit at the car rental desk because the best they can offer you is a less-powerful version of a golf cart.

You want things to go smoothly, with no room for your true temper and foot stamping abilities to come out before you leave the airport.

Try and book a trip that is all inclusive and has all the details taken care of. Some packages include flights, accommodation, car rental and meals - leaving you with all the time in the world to simply stare into each other's eyes.

Talk to each other

In a relationship communication is key - a terrible clich, but also terribly true.

In terms of a first weekend away, new couples are often at risk of trying to please each other and not actually talking about what they really want to do.

Let's be honest, chances are that the only reason he wants to go and stroll through the butterfly farm is because he thinks you want to. Little does he know that you have a pathological fear of winged insects.

For your weekend to be a success, you need to be honest with each other and do things that interest both of you.

Try and prioritise

Following on from the point above, you need to talk and plan out what you want to do.

You may want to visit the local art gallery while he is keen on a round of golf. Either co-ordinate times so that you can both do what you want or use this opportunity to get to know your partner's interests.

And just hope that he isn't into something awful like bunny hunting (that was the worse thing I could think of).

Also try not to jam pack each day with activities. A romantic weekend away is not very romantic if you both pass out from exhaustion before the sun sets.

What's mine is not yours

It can be tempting when being in close proximity to another person to start to think that sharing is good.

Sharing thoughts, feelings, tissues - all good.

Rifling through your partner's suitcase, using their toothbrush and sharing hairbrushes - not good.

You never know, you might be fine with a two-user hairbrush, but many people aren't. You need to respect their stuff until you know the boundaries - something you really don't want to push on your first weekend away.

Don't get offended

In an ideal world, the two of you would cocoon yourselves away for two nights and forget about all your problems.

In reality, bosses still phone, mothers still sms, crucial sports matches still happen and TV still penetrates. As annoying as this is, unless you hide out in a cabin in the middle of the fynbos somewhere with no TV reception, this falls under such is life' and has to be accepted.

You can make things a little easier by switching your phone off, leaving the lap top at home and booking a place without DSTV. But heaven help you if the Sharks are playing...

Cheque please

Paying for the trip, here comes the tricky part. Essentially, if one of you invites the other away, then it is up to the inviter to pay.

But this doesn't mean that you can't offer to split the costs when the bill comes - making the effort is the polite thing to do.

The easiest way to handle this is to chat about it beforehand. If your partner wants to pay for the accommodation, then offer to bring along the food for self-catering holidays or to at least buy dinner the first night. But if your partner is paying, don't abuse the mini bar - too much.

Number one tip?

Relax and enjoy each other's company. And when in doubt - raid the mini bar.