Sometimes the worst thing about travel is your travel partner. While this always sucks, it can be an even larger problem if your travel partner happens to be you spouse.
When you need a break from vacation is a great article by Melissa Healy which explores why couples can become unhinged and relationships fall apart while vacationing together.
Healy traces the source of the problems back to two initial mistakes: unrealistic expectations and failure to communicate one’s hopes for the trip. Compounded by “jet lag, unfamiliar surroundings, [and] cramped quarters,” as well as “differences over spending priorities and levels of expected comfort,” and you’ve got all the ingredients for an explosive, stressed out vacation.
So what’s the solution?
Have some dialogue about the vacation before going and be ready to make some compromises in advance. Lay the groundwork, know what to expect, and your vacation will be much more of a vacation than a short trip to Hell.