Are you road trip compatible? Here are some cute road trip tips and tricks for partners

First kiss. Meeting each other’s parents. Getting engaged. The first time you argued over whether or not to pick up a hitchhiker while on a road trip. These are important milestones in every couple’s relationship. Okay, maybe not so much the hitchhiker—but there’s no denying that a road trip can make or break a relationship.

We partnered up with Match.com to ask a bunch of singles what their biggest pet peeves were when traveling with a partner. So, if you plan on taking the road trip plunge with a new or lifelong partner, here are a few tips, tricks, and some really weird pet peeves to be aware of.

Road trip things that make you go “Hmmmm…”

To road trip or not to road trip?
60% of singles agree it’s ok to road trip with a new partner after a month of dating, and nearly a third of singles (33%) believe it’s a pretty big milestone in a new relationship.

Fueling the love tank
77% of singles have roadtripped with a romantic partner—and after the trip 51% have said their feelings for their partner increased. Swoon.

Biggest pet peeve
For both men and women, the biggest pet peeve is the way their partner drives (38%), followed by choice in music (19%). An overwhelming 83% of singles agree the biggest thing they hope to learn from their new partner is how they deal with unexpected situations. Like, say, how you deal with needing to use a restroom after eating two bran muffins, followed by a gallon of coffee, in a car with no A/C, while in gridlock traffic on I-95, in the middle of July. Not that we would know, though. 

Feel the need for speed?
Abiding by the speed limit (56%) is more acceptable than speeding (44%). And no, going 10 miles above is not staying within the speed limit. Especially not in the eyes of the law.

Napping? 
72% of singles would not be annoyed if their partner napped frequently on the trip. But, 100% of singles would be annoyed if their partner napped while driving. So… maybe don’t do that.

Spontaneity vs. planning
69% of singles describe their road trip personality as “All About the Drive: I like to take my time, enjoy the ride, see the sights and I’m always up for a detour or two.” Surprisingly, only 6% of singles describe their road trip personality as “The Planner: I plan out my entire trip from start to finish and rarely stray from my itinerary.”

Would you rather?

Go #2 in front of your partner or pick up a hitchhiker?
When given the choice, an overwhelming 68% of singles would rather go number two on the side of the road in front of their partner than pick up a hitchhiker (37%). 

Sleep with a ghost, or in your car?
47% of singles would stay in a haunted hotel during a road trip, and 41% would sleep in their car. But, bizarrely, 0% would spend the night in a haunted car.

H2O or high fructose corn syrup?
Single roadtrippers mostly choose water (76%) over soda (24%), which is great, because hydration is crucial for long days on the road. 

A/C or windows down?
Singles prefer the A/C (63%) rather than letting the windows down (37%).

Bar or pool?
61% of singles prefer relaxing at the hotel pool rather than at a bar. Personally, I’d rather stay at a hotel with a swim-up bar in the pool.

Fast food or diners?
76% of singles would rather go to a local restaurant than a drive-through. 

B&B or boutique? 
64% of singles prefer to stay at a historic B&B rather than an upscale hotel.

Stick or manual?
73% of singles prefer driving an automatic over a manual.

Turn-ons and turn-offs

Can you change a flat? 
Around 74% of singles say they can change a flat tire (M: 96% vs. W: 51%) and 45% of single women say it’s a turn-off if their partner cannot change a tire. (If you’re one of those people who can’t change a tire, now is a great time to brush up on that. You’re welcome.)

The sound of silence? 
Over a third of singles (34%) say one hour is too long when it comes to moments of silence in the car on a road trip with a new partner.

Road rage?
71% of singles say road rage is a turn-off. Try deep breathing instead!

Splitting gas? 
56% agree they wouldn’t ask their partner to split gas costs. 

There you have it! Share this with your travel buddy and see if you’re road trip compatible. Or don’t, and just wing it! We’re big fans of throwing caution to the wind. Head over to match.com to find a partner, and then use roadtrippers.com to plan your first road trip as a couple. Whether or not it goes well, you’ll probably make a few good memories along the way. (Especially if you pick up the hitchhiker.) 

A version of this story was first published on June 26, 2018