Satyawan Narinedhat on Unsplash" />Even holidays have lull periods. When you’re abroad with your partner, do you ever feel that the conversation starts to sort of run dry by a certain point? Of course, you might spend your lives together – but there’s something about spending all day, every day with each other that can occasionally leave you both a little lost for words. While a comfortable silence can be exactly what the doctor ordered, these lulls can sometimes feel like an indicator that your relationship isn’t quite as strong as you once thought. However, according to relationship expert Dr Charlotte Russell, aka The Travel Psychologist, this is very normal and there’s actually a name for it. According to research by the travel experts at Booking.com, around one in four couples experience a “dialogue drought” while on holiday. How to keep the conversation going on holiday For most couples, this seems to hit around day five but for some couples, it can happen by day three. For couples who have been together for two years or less, it’s more likely, with 56% of newer couples admitting they hit a so-called dialogue drought on their last trip away. Don’t worry if it happens to you, though. Dr Russell assures “it’s not a sign that your relationship is in trouble”. “Spending all our time together on a trip inevitably means that the conversation will dry up sometimes,” she added. But when there are awkward silences a-plenty, here are some ways to keep the chatter going... 1. Excursions offer great conversation material Excursions – such as tours, boat trips or structured activities – can make a huge difference. Almost three-quarters (71%) of the people Booking.com spoke with said that they felt closer to their partners following new experiences on their trip. Additionally, 65% of holidaymakers agreed that the best holiday conversations happen while doing something. 2. Ask your partner something you have never asked before If there’s a time to dig out your deepest and silliest questions, it’s on holiday. You have all the time in the world to debate and discuss their answers! Dr Russell shares her favourite conversation starters: What’s one weird habit of mine that revealed itself to you on this trip? What’s an assumption you had about me early on that turned out to be wildly incorrect? Which one of us would survive longest if we were stranded on a desert island, and why? If we could bring one person along for the rest of the trip, who would be the best addition, and why? If you could teleport us anywhere in the world for dinner tonight, where would we go, and what would we order? 3. Speak with other travellers Some of my favourite travel memories stem from the experiences I’ve had when connecting with other travellers. A bartender in Barcelona, some musicians in Berlin, a writer in Brooklyn, their stories were ones that I brought back and shared with others. Dr Russell adds that putting the effort in makes a real difference, saying: “By being intentional, we can move past everyday small talk, reignite meaningful conversation, and build deeper connections when on the road.” Happy hols! Related... Yes, Really – Long Gaps In Conversations Can Be A Good Thing I Was A Cruise Holiday Sceptic. Then I Went On This One Longing For A 'Nestcation'? The Travel Trend 1 In 4 Parents Regret Not Trying