He’s the Ultimate Couch Potato, But You Want To Travel

You know exactly where to find him: planted on the couch, remote in one hand, snack bowl in the other…

Happily living his best stay-at-home life.

Meanwhile…

You’re dreaming of cobblestone streets in Paris, sunsets in Bali, or that train ride through the Scottish Highlands.

This blog is for every woman who’s reached that moment…

When you’re ready to travel now, to step into life as a solo female traveler, but hubby is perfectly content holding down the fort.

Maybe your husband is perfectly content being the World’s Greatest Couch Potato🥔, remote in hand, sports channel humming, happy in his castle. 

Maybe he’s always been a homebody, or maybe (like mine) he once loved traveling but moved onto preferring familiar comforts over foreign adventures… 

Or perhaps health reasons, aches and pains, or just plain disinterest make the thought of airports, hotels, or cobblestone streets feel like a punishment rather than a joyous adventure.

Faced with the dilemma of…

👉 Staying at home and keep him company on the couch?

👉 Or stepping out, solo, into the world you’re dreaming about?

How do you go from sitting side by side on the couch to packing your bags as a solo woman traveler without guilt, arguments, or needing his permission?

If you’re already nodding along its because you’ve probably hit one (or more) of these classic scenarios:

✅ The Sulky Couch Potato 

He says, “You’re going without me?”...

With that slightly wounded look, even though he has no interest in going himself.  

What am I supposed to do while you’re off gallivanting?” 

✅ The Stubborn Couch Potato 

This one wants you to stay right there with him on the couch, thank you very much. “Why do you need to travel?

Isn’t life here good enough?” 

He’s not thrilled about you heading off solo whether out of worry, control, or just habit.

He really would rather you stay planted next to him on the couch, because why on earth would you want to go somewhere new without him?

✅ The Supportive Couch Potato

This one says, “Go! Have fun!...

Tell me all about it when you’re back.” 

He’s happy in his slippers and happy for you to spread your wings. 

He’s happy at home and happy for you to go, but that doesn’t stop you feeling guilty  leaving him behind.

Here’s the truth I want you to hear loud and clear:

You do not need to wait for his permission, his enthusiasm, or his suitcase to live out your solo travel dreams.

I know this, because I’ve been there.

My Husband Loved Traveling Until He Didn't

My husband loved traveling until he didn’t. 

There were destinations I had to nudge (okay, push) him into. 

I remember one trip where, honestly, I wanted to pack him off back to the airport after the first 48 hours. 

He was cranky, grumbling, and it took everything I had to not wave a one-way ticket in his face. 

But once we settled in, he softened, and we found a rhythm.

Later, when health issues made travel hard for him, we had to renegotiate our travel life. 

Later, when travel became difficult for him physically, I had to navigate the shift again…

The moment when I had to accept that some journeys would now be mine alone. 

And after his passing, solo travel has become not just a choice, but part of reclaiming my life.

And now, after his passing, I’ve stepped fully into solo travel not because I stopped missing him, but because I know this time is precious, and I owe it to myself to explore.

You don’t have to wait for tragedy or “someday” to claim your own adventures.

Let’s be fair:

Not Everyone Wants To Travel

Not everyone enjoys airports, new languages, or hotel beds that aren’t their bed.

Maybe he’s:

💭 Tired of the hassle.

💭 Happy with the comforts of home

💭 Maybe he’s worried about costs or logistics.

💭 Focused on other hobbies or projects.

💭 Dealing with health or energy limitations.

💭 Or maybe, frankly, he just doesn’t share your wanderlust.

And that’s okay. 

Your desire to travel doesn’t mean he has to change but it also doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream of traveling!

The BIG question is do you really need his permission?

The short answer is NO, but we all know marriage is a partnership, teamwork and made up of give and take…

So you want his support but you don’t have to wait for his enthusiasm.

In All Seriousness...

Traveling solo when you’re in a long-term relationship can feel complicated. 

Guilt, doubt, and fear can creep in and sometimes, that’s coming from you, not him!

Here’s what I used to remind myself and I hope it helps you too…

✅ You are allowed to want this.

✅ You are allowed to go.

✅ You are allowed to come back full of stories, experiences, and memories that are yours.

Your spouse doesn’t have to change who they are for you to live your dreams. And you don’t have to shelve your dreams because they’re not sitting next to you on the plane.

So Do You Tell Him or Sell Him On The Idea?

Only you truly know your husband, but here are some ideas that give you the clarity on what the conversation is that you will have...

✔ Start by talking, not asking. This isn’t a “please may I” conversation; it’s “here’s what I’d love to do, and I’d love your support.” Let him know this isn’t about leaving him behind it’s about pursuing something you love.

✔ Share your “why.” Tell him why this trip matters to you, maybe it’s something you’ve always dreamed of, or you want to explore before your knees or passport expire.

✔ Involve him in the planning (if he’s willing). Let him help pick your hotel or look at maps. He might surprise you with unexpected input.

✔ Talk about what he’ll do while you’re gone. (Yes, he’ll survive.) Maybe he can dive into his hobbies, catch up on his favourite shows, or even plan a little guy-time with friends.

✔ Set clear expectations. When will you go? How long? How will you keep in touch? If he’s worried, arrange regular updates texts, photos, or even the occasional video call.

✔ Remind yourself: you are allowed to have your own adventures. Marriage or partnership doesn’t mean you stop being an individual with your own dreams. And... remind him where you he has had opportunity to pursue what he wanted.

I think my husband had an ulterior motive in supporting my solo travel…

It meant he could each chocolate cream pie for breakfast 🥧😂 ☕️ if he wanted… and I suspect he did haha.

You deserve to live your best life NOW full of experiences and memories to carry with you forever… whether or not your partner is along for the ride.

And who knows? 

After your next solo trip, maybe he’ll look up from the couch and say, “Hey, next time… maybe I’ll come too.”

(Or maybe he’ll just ask you to bring back snacks. Either way, its a Win-Win for both of you!

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So cheers to wheels up to winging your way on your next travel building lasting memories.