Christina Patel, 33, a travel content creator, frequently embarks on solo adventures worldwide, yet maintains a strong seven-year relationship with her boyfriend KJ, 41.

From First Date Doubts to Lasting Bond

Christina met KJ on a dating app seven years ago. During their first date, she wondered if he even liked her, finding him hard to read. After the second meeting, she sensed a connection, and the couple soon became serious.

Their lifestyles differ sharply. KJ, a teacher recently promoted to Deputy Head at his school, prefers a low-key life away from social media. Christina thrives as an extrovert, sharing her journeys online and visiting over 40 countries since 2019. KJ has joined her on about 10 of those trips.

Embracing Solo Travel from the Start

Christina’s passion for solo travel ignited after university. She backpacked with friends initially but soon ventured alone. After two years abroad, visa issues brought her back to the UK, where she balanced a corporate job with freelance photography and her travel blog, using annual leave for trips.

Two years ago, she quit her full-time job to focus on her brand as an expert in solo travel for adventurous women. Recent data indicates solo travelers make up 46% of bookings for certain tours departing in 2026, up from 40% in 2023, with nearly 70% of those being women.

One of her longest trips in 2024 kept her away from KJ for five months. Despite this, their relationship thrives. “During our first four months of dating, I was just going off here, there, and everywhere and he’d just say ‘ok, I’ll see you when you get back,’” Christina explains. “It was just the way it was from the very start.”

Communication and Independence Key to Success

KJ favors leisurely travel while Christina seeks adventure, allowing both to preserve their independence without compromise. They exchange WhatsApp messages daily, FaceTiming on weekends despite time zone challenges.

Christina notes her close friends, also child-free and travel-focused at age 33, understand the dynamic. However, some coupled friends question leaving a partner for so long. Online, men often criticize her, with one comment labeling KJ as “passive” and the relationship mismatched.

“The amount of men in my comments calling me names and insinuating that while I’m away I might be doing something, or while he’s at home he must be cheating, it’s so odd,” she says. “People have tunnel vision about this kind of stuff.”

The couple also enjoys joint trips for special occasions, balancing separation with shared experiences. “Travel has definitely meant we have a greater appreciation for each other,” Christina adds. “Now when I come home, maybe I haven’t seen him for the last couple of months, it keeps the honeymoon alive.”

Future Plans Amid Strong Foundation

KJ supports Christina’s career focus, cheering her from afar. She plans another two-month trip later this year. While children may alter their setup eventually, they remain content now. “He wants me to succeed/be happy and vice versa,” Christina affirms.