Gary Chapman’s theory of love language says love is expressed in five different ways: Quality Time, Acts of Service, Physical Touch, Words of Affirmation, and Giving & Receiving Gifts. His theory is that one of these is the way we best express and receive love. If you aren’t sure what your love language is, there’s a free online quiz you can take to find out.
I think Chapman’s theory is spot on. But I would like to add a sixth expression of love: travel. I love to travel, and I feel loved when I am given opportunities and provided support to take trips. And I show others love by planning trips that take their needs, wants, and abilities into consideration.
I guess when it comes down to it, traveling can fit into Chapman’s theory of love language!
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Words of Affirmation
This one is so easy! Simply tell the travel lover in your life something like the following:
- You are a great travel companion!
- I love traveling with you.
- The itineraries you plan are the absolute best.
- I can see how travel makes you shine.
- I never want to travel with anyone else!
Quality Time
If your love language is Quality Time, then you obviously should take a trip together! There’s no better way of spending dedicated time with someone than travel. When else are you with someone 24 hours a day? Likely you are taking long flights sitting side-by-side. You do absolutely everything together. And usually we cram as many people as possible into a tiny hotel room. There are plenty of moments for conversations, laughing, and simply existing in the same space that doesn’t happen in the real world. Even after the trip is over, you can spend time together looking at your photos and reminiscing about your great vacation.
Acts of Service
Planning a trip is a huge amount of work. Some of us find this extremely compelling and even plan trips we don’t end up taking! But there’s a fair amount of stress being the person that is responsible for everyone’s happiness on a trip. People who have a love language of acts of service are often the travel planner. We do everything possible to meet the needs of all of our loved ones on the trip. Which is impossible! But we soldier on.
This is my love language, and I find myself trying to find opportunities to travel with those I love. And when my loved ones are distressed, I find myself planning trips to make them feel better. Travel is always my first instinct when someone I love is facing hardship. For me, travel is an escape, a distraction, and just something to look forward to. And I want to make sure those that I love have this when times are tough.
Giving & Receiving Gifts
I’m the world’s worst gift-giver. I’m not a shopper, so I am not regularly in stores where I see merchandise others might want. And I’m cheap, so I’m loath to spend money on a tchotchke that no one really wants. But I’ve learned over the years that my talent of planning trips can be the very best gift anyone can receive.
Over the years, I have shown my mother, kids, husband, and friends how much I love them by planning trips for us. And with my kids, I’ve focused on substituting a trip for a gift as much as possible. I truly believe it is better to spend money on experiences rather than on stuff.
That being said, there are plenty of travel related items that the travel lover in your life will enjoy. So don’t hesitate to give your travel aficionado something that will make their journeys easier!
Physical Touch
The final love language is physical touch. Like quality time, this is simple to accomplish during trips when you are together non-stop. There are lots of opportunities to hold hands, walk arm in arm, and hug! And as you do new and exciting activities during your travels, you are likely to feel more affectionate and loving towards your travel companion.
What’s your love language?
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