A Guide to Planning a Romantic Getaway

After going on several baecations with my boo, I realized that traveling is a love language of mine. There’s just something about going to a new place and spending one-on-one time with your partner. Whether we’re cruising to Montego Bay in Jamaica or road-tripping to Canada for New Years, romantic getaways have rejuvenated my relationship in more ways than one. 

And I’m sure I’m not the only one. 

A romantic getaway is a nice way to say, “Love ya, babe,” and it’s a necessity that many people (including myself) need in their relationship to feel connected. Oftentimes, when couples feel like they’ve hit rock bottom in their relationship, it’s because they aren’t investing the proper time to pour into it. Lucky for them, romantic getaways can reset everything. 

A romantic getaway is a trip where couples reaffirm their love and commitment to one another.

As we all know, sometimes life be lifeing and a good vacay is all you may need to carry on. Whether you’re drinking cocktails by the pool or taking a hike in the Rocky Mountains, vacations help couples wind down and get some quality time with one another. 

I put together this guide on how to properly plan your next romantic getaway so that you and your partner can sit back, relax, and let the sparks flow. 

Where to Go | Planning & Prep | Itinerary | Tips for Couples | Challenges | Returning Home

Deciding where to go vacay is an important decision because you only have so much time, especially if you and your partner have full-time careers. A perfect getaway starts when you decide where to go with your partner and get the plan together. 

Factors to Consider

Think about your interest, budget, and timeframe. Considering both your and your partner’s travel interests is imperative when planning. My boyfriend isn’t a fan of the snow, so a ski trip to Colorado isn’t in the cards for us.

You and your partner should discuss what you’re interested in seeing and doing. And then you need to figure out how much you want to spend and when is the best time to go. Questions to ask:

Timing is everything when planning a trip. Different seasons, work schedules, and travel trends can make or break your trip. 

People are often disappointed when they visit Florida during hurricane season or go to theme parks during peak periods. 

Staycation or World Travels

If you’re anything like me, you enjoy staying close to home. Staycations are perfect for homebodies who prefer sticking to familiar territory with their loved ones. Staycations differ from vacations because they’re typically at home or local vacations. 

People often take staycations to recharge their batteries without spending too much time or money. This is a great option for couples who are busy at work or with the kids. 

Depending on where you live, you might book a stay at a local bed and breakfast or go camping if you’re feeling outdoorsy. 

From Broadway shows to pop-up restaurants, New York City offers a ton of new experiences and romantic activities for locals. 

World travels, on the other hand, may cost more, but they can be even more memorable and romantic. Couples can go to wine tastings in Italy or explore the foodie scene in Tokyo. Paris is often referred to as the most romantic city in the world because of its beauty.

World travels are great if you’re looking to expand your horizons and cross off bucket-list destinations like Niagara Falls or the Pocono Mountains. Learning about different cultures and tasting different foods with your loved one is an experience like no other. 

Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems 

I love encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones and try something new — especially when traveling. Some of the best places to visit aren’t teeming with tourists. It’s not exactly romantic to be elbowing your way through crowds in Santorini or Disneyland!

You may want to consider a trip to Lake Michigan for outdoor beauty or Myrtle Beach for ocean fun in the sun. The White Sands National Park is a hidden gem in New Mexico that shouldn’t be missed.

Or if you want a low-key seaside resort experience, look into Cape May in New Jersey or Seaside in the panhandle of Florida.

All of these places are gems in their own ways and offer a unique experience for couples. 

Not everyone is a big planner. Some people prefer to just show up on a cruise and have an itinerary waiting for them. But that’s not always the case! Planning vacation rentals for your romantic getaway is valuable because you can cater to your needs. 

Set a Budget 

Determining your budget is the first necessary step to planning romantic getaways. 

A trip to Paris may not be practical with a $500 budget – but a two-day Carnival cruise to Jamaica could be a good fit for your finances. 

Couples need to sit down and be realistic about their finances from the beginning. Setting a budget can actually help them enjoy their vacation all the more.

“When partners don’t have financial stress taking up brain space, they can make room for intimate thoughts. This improves a marriage and creates greater satisfaction in the bedroom,” said writer Lara McElderry in a post. 

Mark the Calendar 

Counting down the days before your big trip helps you and your partner get excited and handle any necessary tasks beforehand. It’s another way to keep organized and hold each other accountable. 

Ask for time off at work. Make arrangements for your pets. Get a car oil change before a road trip.

Couples are more likely to be stressed if they’re unprepared and rushing at the last minute. Marking down your trip on the calendar can help you get the errands out of the way early, so you can enjoy a stress-free trip.

Book Reservations 

It’s highly recommended that couples book reservations way in advance. You’ll get your choice of accommodations, transportation, and activities by booking ahead of time. 

The biggest mistake my boyfriend and I made when going to an all-inclusive resort was not booking our dinner reservations and transportation in advance.

When we got to the resort, it took hours for us to find a shuttle, and we were left to eat at restaurants that happened to have an opening.

The moral of the story is –– don’t be like us! Make time to book your reservations weeks or months in advance and lock in those great deals. 

Packing Essentials

Depending on where you’re going, you’ll have to pack a few essentials. Sunscreen may be needed if you’re going to the beach or somewhere sunny. Hand warmers are great to pack if you’re skiing or expecting snow. 

Packing essentials can save you in times of need. Not every location carries the same supplies, so consider bringing your favorite brand of shampoo or bath soap. 

Itineraries are key to a great vacation. Going off vibes and taking it day by day can be fun and all, but it’s nice to plan ahead and have a tentative schedule just in case. 

Decide Your Priorities Together 

A lot of couples struggle with striking an equal balance –– especially when it comes to vacays. When planning a getaway, couples should decide their priorities and figure out what they want from the trip. 

Do you want to spend most of your time at the spa or go on a walking tour? Are you willing to be in the car or on a bus for hours to see a particular sight – or would you rather chill by a pool or beach all day? 

Is food important to plan ahead, or would you rather discover places on the way?

These questions can help couples find the right balance of relaxation and adventure.

Find Romantic Activities

From sunset strolls to couples massages, plenty of romantic activities can up the enjoyment on a getaway. This goes hand in hand with creating a budget. 

You need to think about which activities are the right vibe and the right price. 

Dining Experiences

In my opinion, food creates an experience in itself. If you’re a foodie like me, picking the right intimate dining spots or exploring local cuisine is a must on your to-do list. 

Food has a way of bringing people closer together and making room for conversations to blossom.  Trying new dishes is a great way to learn about one another as well. 

Flexibility and Spontaneity

Couples should always leave room for unexpected moments. You have to be flexible with things going off schedule. The weather can change in an instant. 

Maybe you were in Paris hoping to see the Eiffel Tower on a specific day but it’s pouring, so you have to wait for a few hours in a coffee shop or restaurant. Or maybe you’d like to take a romantic stroll in the rain!

Remain flexible with your schedule and keep an optimistic attitude during your trip. You never really know where the day might take you. 

Sometimes you have to put in the extra effort to bring the romance into your relationship – and that’s why folks plan romantic trips! 

Vacations are a great way for couples to relax and make room for romance in their lives. Here are some practical tips to make the most of your time away. 

1. Unplug & Put Away Distractions

Nowadays, people are glued to their devices and struggle with being present. On romantic getaways, couples should take the initiative to unplug and put away all distractions.

Making time for one another is one of the most meaningful romantic gestures. Spending quality time with your partner sets the mood and invites new feelings of intimacy. 

“By being fully present with your partner, you create a space of trust, vulnerability, and emotional safety. This allows for a deeper level of intimacy, both emotionally and physically, as you share genuine moments of connection and closeness,” said the Marriage.con team. 

2. Take Photos & Videos

Being in the moment with your partner on vacation is a must. Take the opportunity to capture that moment through photos and videos. 

Photos and videos allow couples to relive a fun moment once they’re back at home. This souvenir will bring a smile or a laugh for years to come.

You can book a photoshoot or purchase a Polaroid camera to take pictures on the go.   

Oftentimes, couples go the extra step to arrange photoshoots for special occasions (engagement or anniversary). Airbnb offers photoshoot sessions wherever you go. 

3. Play Travel Games 

Travel games aren’t just for kids! They’re a great way to connect with your partner and bring some laughs along the way. 

Depending on how far you’re traveling, you may need a good distraction for the road, train, or plane. 

“Name That Tune” and “Would You Rather” are great road trip games. Bringing a deck of cards to the airport is great for those long layovers. 

“My spouse and I played Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases on the plane, on car rides, and over drinks and dinner at our hotel– discussing the case, following leads, and trying to figure out the next clue. It’s super fun,” said an anonymous tipper on BoardGameGeek. 

4. Plan a Fancy Dress Night

Getting dressed up makes everyone feel good! And when you look good, you feel good, right? 

Planning a night to dress your best creates a romantic mood. Fancy attire can be perfect for going to upscale restaurants or venues that have a strict dress policy.

Studies have shown that dressing up with a partner has romantic benefits such as boosting self-esteem and increasing sexual appetite. 

Couples benefit sexually when they put in the effort to look good for one another. Relationships grow more exciting when couples still have the desire to impress. A fancy dress night is a great way to catch your lover’s attention in more ways than one. 

“Dressing up for my partner can make me feel more confident and attractive, which in turn can improve our overall relationship. It’s amazing how a little effort on my part can make him feel more special and appreciated,” said an anonymous reader in an IWearAfrican article. 

You can encounter multiple challenges while on a trip. How you handle those challenges makes a difference. 

Here are some examples of hurdles you may encounter on the way to a romantic moment on your trip.

Communication Is Key: Resolving Conflicts Gracefully

Arguments can arise while vacationing just as easily as they can at home. When you find yourself in a disagreement with your partner, it’s important to keep healthy communication going strong. 

Address issue with “I statements,” as in:

• I feel hurt or confused because…
• I didn’t intend to make you feel bad when I said…
• I want to apologize for…
• I will make it up to you by…

Shutting down is the number one way to turn a great trip into a sour one. Be open about how you are feeling. Talking things out will give you the chance to find a proper solution.

Don’t Expect Perfection 

A lot of couples expect trips to be perfect, but the truth is nothing is perfect, not even your all-expense-paid Caribbean trip. 

People have pet peeves, annoying tendencies, and only so much patience. 

Even if tempers grow short, your trip can still be an eventful one. There’s beauty in imperfections, and I promise those minor irritations won’t be as memorable as the good experiences. 

Dealing with Setbacks

Things can change in an instant during a romantic getaway. Your luggage may go missing at the airport or your hotel room may be doing construction that hampers the beautiful view.

Couples must remain calm and pivot during setbacks. Know that you’re not alone and can improve a situation by asking for professional help from a hotel desk clerk, rental property manager, or travel agency.

Couples who allow setbacks to ruin their mood can cause unnecessary arguments. Frustration can get the best of people at times, but calmly finding a solution after a setback is the best way to save your trip. 

Unfortunately, romantic getaways cannot last forever. But your relationship can continue to grow after your return home. By keeping a positive mindset, you can ensure the romance in your relationship will continue going strong. 

Cherishing Memories

People who cherish the moment often have a higher level of appreciation for their loved ones. They’re more present and can recollect the good times over the bad. 

Memories can be a source of joy, humor, and comfort. It’s through those cherished memories that relationships can withstand and maneuver even the toughest of obstacles. 

Keeping the Spark Alive

You don’t have to spend a ton of money on a vacation to rediscover a romantic spark. Keeping up with regular date nights and spending quality time together can surely help maintain the chemistry. 

Every day together can feel like vacation if you’re putting effort into your romance.

Couples can benefit from seeking professional help from a marriage counselor or relationship coach if they’re having difficulty in finding that spark in daily life.

Planning Future Getaways

Planning future getaways can be a recurring thing for you and your partner. 

As you wrap up your vacation, you can decide when and where your next romantic adventure will be. Whether it’s next year or next month, it’s great to know that you can get away from it all with the one you love.

Couples who aren’t too fond of planning trips can hire travel agents to do all the legwork. 

The goal at the end of the day is to go on trips that allow for plenty of quality time with your significant other. 

The way I see it, romantic adventures are the cherry on top of relationships. The experience brings people closer together and takes them away from the stresses of daily life.

You don’t have to wait for an anniversary, birthday, or honeymoon to create romance on a trip. A weekend getaway or summer vacation could be what you need to fall in love all over again.

Take the opportunity to embark on the journey of a perfect romantic getaway with your lover. It can be a rejuvenating and healing tool that benefits the relationship!