Paris, a little Swiss village, or even a vacation spot in your city all sound amazing for a romantic getaway, right? But how do you even plan the getaway? Do you just up and go without any concrete plans?
That might be great on paper, but in theory, it can lead to disasters. So, that brings our question back, how do you successfully plan a romantic getaway?
Not to be obvious, but first things first: choose a nice destination, don’t look down on itineraries—they will literally save the day, carry all your cameras because you’re going to want to take loads of pictures, and don’t be shy to try out new activities you normally wouldn’t do. Finally, enjoy your getaway by leaving your room!
Getaways aren’t just about bonding with your partner but also doing something new. It’s a fresh environment that allows you to rediscover and learn things about each other.
It’s also not something you want to overthink, but you definitely shouldn’t underthink it either. Worried about finding that balance? I’ve got you! Let’s talk about how to plan a romantic getaway.
1. Choose A Destination
Call me Captain Obvious, but one of the first things you need to do when figuring out how to plan a romantic getaway is to choose a destination. Picking the right destination will set the tone for your vacation. Are you going to the seaside, the country, or maybe just a lake? There are a thousand and one destinations to pick from.
You simply have to ensure that you and your partner are content with the choice. This brings me to a little story time when my partner and I were trying to pick a destination for our first romantic getaway.
The key word is trying. It was almost a disaster, guys! He wanted somewhere close to the countryside while I wanted somewhere else close to the seaside. Can you guess how we settled it and how long it took us? We eventually met in the middle and went to a little village in Italy that offered us both the countryside and the seaside.
It took us only three weeks to settle that. I know what you’re thinking; that took too long! The fact it was our first getaway added to how much we wanted it to be perfect.
We wanted everything to be perfect, but we temporarily lost sight of the fact that the vacation was simply a way for us to bond. And that we could bond anywhere as long as we are together. Corny, I know, but it really helped us settle on a destination. I
n fact, when we did, I would have been fine going to the countryside or to Japan! The moral of this little story is that when picking a destination with your partner, don’t let it overrule you. And compromise is very important.
There’s still room for so many vacations; the important thing is you’re going on them together. So choose a destination that suits you both and, of course, a place you can afford and have done ample research about.
2. Create An Itinerary
You might call me boring for this, but an itinerary will change your life! Itineraries are basically to-do lists that help you organize your tasks, events, and even outings. In this case, you need to organize all your activities and outings with your partner.
I use itineraries for nearly everything because they help me streamline what I need to do and when.
Using itineraries on vacation with your partner doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to freeball certain activities; it just gives you structure.
It’s so easy to get carried away and consumed by yourselves while on vacation, and you forget to enjoy the location. Now, again, enjoying each other’s company is certainly not bad. But if you want to do that, you probably don’t need a getaway.
To create an itinerary, do some research about the location you’re going to. Are there any great wonders there, or are there activities you would love to try out? Add as many as you can to your itinerary, allocating time and dates to do them.
Keep in mind that this itinerary isn’t solid, and plans will always change, but that little effort to try out as many things with your partner will be cute and memorable. Plus, it’s how to plan a romantic getaway to connect and bond.
3. Take A lot Of Pictures
In a few years, you’ll look back and thank me for reminding you to carry your camera along! Pictures have a way of transporting you back to the moment you first took them, and that’s precisely what you want to achieve by taking pictures on a romantic getaway.
Don’t just take pictures; take lots of videos, too! Take cute pictures of each other together while doing activities.
My mom recently told me she wished she had taken more pictures of me as a baby because it wasn’t as easy to take pictures back then as it is now. You don’t even have to use a camera.
A phone with a good camera and enough memory space works just fine! These memories will follow you for as long as those pictures exist, which is why it’s a necessary tip on how to plan a romantic getaway.
Pictures of the scenery are also great to remind you of what you and your partner enjoyed together. When you’re back home, you can create a slideshow, a video montage, or even a cute photo book! The idea of taking lots of pictures with your partner is about capturing those moments into an image and keeping the memories with you for life!
4. Try New Activities
A getaway means literally getting away! You’re getting away from your normal life to try something different with your partner. This automatically warrants trying some new activities. So, when learning how to plan a romantic getaway, think of activities you’ve never done before and try them out.
On a quick getaway, I went with my partner to Bora Bora; we were offered a bunch of activities I’d never even imagined myself doing. One of those activities was jet skiing. Now, I’m certainly not the adventurous one in my relationship. If anything, I bail out of these activities at first sight.
But we were in Bora Bora, and jet skiing wasn’t something I’d get to try back home, and even though he didn’t say it, I knew my partner wanted to go jet skiing with me.
Let me tell you, it was one of the best twenty minutes of my life! The waves, the water, the adrenaline, it was so great! At the end of the day, I was glad I had tried it out because I now had that memory with my partner. It also gave us things to talk about for days!
Trying out new activities doesn’t always have to be something that peaks your adrenaline. It could be as simple as taking a pottery class or joining a sip ‘n’ paint. It should just be an activity you and your partner can enjoy and bond over. Remember, that’s the essence of a romantic getaway! To bond and get closer.
5. Leave Your Room
Cue the Sabrina Carpenter song, “Please Please Please”. Leave your room! Don’t go on a getaway or vacation and remain hauled up in your room the entire trip. There are so many beautiful sights to behold and wonderful activities to try. It’s so easy to get carried away and want to stay hauled up indoors.
Trust me, I speak from experience. I’m the biggest homebody you’ll ever find, but when on getaways, I make that effort to step out. Now, this doesn’t mean you should inconvenience yourself or go out of your way if you’re uncomfortable leaving your room, but there should be a healthy balance.
Maybe you might decide to leave the hotel room in the late afternoon or evening, that’s fine, as long as you’re actually going out! Imagine going on a trip to Paris and not getting to see the Eiffel Tower because you decided to stay indoors watching movies. You can watch those movies back home, get up and go out!
Enjoy the sights, try out local dishes, and just exist together. Of course, you can exist together indoors, but doing it while outside or trying out fun activities makes it all the better! So, when wondering how to plan a romantic getaway, leave the four corners of your room.
6. Don’t Go In Season
Here’s a pro tip on how to plan a romantic getaway: don’t go in season. When I say season, I mean holidays such as Valentine, Easter, Eid, Christmas, etc. Prices during these holiday periods are usually ridiculously high.
Most businesses are looking for ways to get the most out of tourists, so hotel bookings, flight fees, and even local restaurants add tourist fees to their regular prices. Trust me; these people know a tourist when they see one.
One time, my partner and I went to Tibet (you might be thinking we go on trips a lot, but it was our anniversary!), and it was during Valentine’s weekend. When I tell you, we paid nearly an arm and a leg for everything! It was insane just how much the prices of things had risen.
Since then, we only plan trips in the off-season unless it’s necessary for us to go during the season. I understand the allure of wanting to be somewhere nice with your partner for those special days, but it’s also important to consider your pockets and save as much as you can.
It’s also easier to get scammed during special season than off-season days. There are usually more people in season, and getting away with some of these scams is easier. But don’t be too worried! Check the place’s safety before you go, and always remain alert. Especially if you decide to go in the season.
7. Explore The Place
This goes without saying. Explore the area with your partner! Exploring the area with your partner is a fun way of creating new memories and, of course, going on an adventure together.
The whole point of a getaway is to leave your normal stuffy (excuse my language) life behind and go somewhere nice. Exploration is how to plan a romantic getaway.
So make your trip an adventure. If you’re going to the seaside, pack those bikinis and swimming trunks and ensure you explore the beach. Take walks by the beach in the evening, holding hands and walking off into the sunset (I might have gotten a little carried away there, but you get the gist).
If you’re visiting a futuristic place like Dubai, explore everything you can! It could be as simple as visiting the mall or even visiting the dunes! What matters is you’re together and exploring the area around you.
You don’t only understand how to plan a romantic getaway, but you also get your money’s worth, which is very important in vacation planning.
8. Don’t Overthink It
Allow me to borrow the Nike slogan and say, “Just do it.” Planning a getaway isn’t always easy, as it can be time-consuming and cost-consuming, but it’s always worth it.
The longer you postpone that trip, the further it gets away from you. Of course, you can’t just up and leave, but when the opportunity comes, it’s important you seize it.
My sister and her husband once postponed their romantic getaway for three years! They cited so many reasons that every time it got postponed, it was obvious they were just overthinking it.
Their biggest worry then, of course, was the kids, but they had already gone on a vacation with the kids, and it was clear they weren’t ready to go on one without them. After much push and advice from both sides of the family, my sister’s husband bought them tickets on a whim, and the rest is history.
It was one of their best getaways ever. So, I understand how various factors such as jobs, family obligations, and money can contribute to delaying a getaway. Still, to know how to plan a romantic getaway, you have to be willing to throw caution to the wind and just do it!
9. Enjoy The Serenity Of Nature
This tip is based on where you and your partner decide to go, of course. But if you find yourself somewhere with a great view and outdoors, please explore within reasonable means.
When figuring out how to plan a romantic getaway, you should be ready to enjoy whatever location you find yourself. You could simply stay at a creek and take comfort in nature and each other. I know you’re probably thinking, “She’s the way in her head; this isn’t a movie,” but the idea is to simply enjoy the environment.
Take a walk or a hike; do not talk; just hold hands and deepen your emotional and mental intimacy. Trust me, this will do you and your partner a world of good. So, my darling, explore nature and local sightings and ensure you’re bonding and connecting.
10. Keep Technology Away
If there’s one golden rule to follow while on a trip with your partner, it’s keeping technology away! Keep all of your devices tucked away nice and safe. It doesn’t mean disregarding it entirely, but it shouldn’t consume you on your trip. This is how to plan a romantic getaway.
Imagine going on a trip and staying on your phones or laptops all day. That will take away the essence of the trip. My partner and I have a rule where we only answer or check phones when necessary.
Maybe we want to check our planner or Google some information about a local spot. But anything else, such as going through our social media feeds or answering work calls, is generally prohibited.
Allowing these distractions can distract you from your partner and reduce the allure of your trip. Your phone will always be there when you return home, but the new environment certainly won’t.
So enjoy each other’s company without all the technology butting it. By doing so, you will master how to plan a romantic getaway.
How To Plan A Trip For A Couple?
Planning a trip as a couple can be exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. As happy as you are to be going on a trip together, you probably want to make sure everything goes right. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you all you need to know about planning a trip. Welcome to couple’s trip planning 101:
I. Sync your calendars: One of the first things you need to do is ensure your calendars match. You need to find time on both of your calendars when you’ll both be free and able to go on a trip. This might mean taking a leave at the same time.
II. Decide on a dream destination: Next up, you want to decide on your perfect destination. Now, this can get tricky because there are so many beautiful destinations in the world, and you might want to go to different places. This is where compromise comes in. You both have to be willing to compromise and choose a location you’ll both love.
II. Set a budget: You don’t have to break the bank to plan a trip, sweetheart. Work with a budget you’re both comfortable with. There are sites to help you find affordable locations, flights, and even activities. Set a doable budget and do your best to stay within your limits.
IV. Choose activities: Now is the time to choose activities you’ll love. Are you going for something adventurous like a hike up the mountain, or something relaxing like a night in a cabin? Ensure your destination offers the type of activities you and your partner would love to try out.
V. Book accommodations: If you can, book ahead of time! This saves you time and money. Book your flights and hotel rooms ahead of time. This is particularly useful when going in season because flights and rooms tend to fill up quickly.
What Makes A Romantic Getaway?
There are so many factors that make a getaway romantic, but the most important one is probably you and your partner. Simply being together and enjoying each other’s company is the recipe for romance.
Additionally, stunning scenery also adds to a romantic getaway. You want to choose somewhere with great views. Imagine watching the sunset behind the Eiffel Tower with your partner or enjoying the stunning views at Bali. Scenery plays a huge aspect in making the moment sweet and romantic.
Next, intimate settings are great for setting the mood. A candlelit dinner in the hotel restaurant is one way to achieve this, but a couple’s spa date or even a candlelit room is another.
Another way my partner and I make our getaways romantic is through adventures! We love to explore the area and enjoy the sights nature offers.
Finally, we cherish quality time. The whole point of a getaway is to be together without any distractions. This is why my partner and I have adopted a no-technology rule so that we can simply enjoy each other’s company without any distractions.
How Do I Make A Getaway Plan?
Making a getaway plan is actually easier than it seems. I’ll be sharing how you can plan a getaway in five easy steps:
I. Brainstorm destinations: Choose a destination that you and your partner will love. It could be somewhere you’ve both always wanted to visit, such as a new city or even a new country.
II. Set dates and budget: You and your partner should pick a date that works well for you. Once you have a date set, you should work with a budget. Pro tip: Don’t go above your means and spend all your money on a vacation!
III. Research activities and attractions: Get your notepad and pen ready. It’s time for research. Research about activities and attractions offered in your chosen destination. Sign up for as many activities as you can!
IV. Book flights, hotels, and experiences: Now comes the real deal. You want to book flights, hotel rooms, and any activities that require prior booking. This will save you time and money, and you can even get some good discounts when you book ahead.
V. Add romantic touches: Don’t forget to add the romance part to your getaway. Use the element of surprises and grand gestures to make the getaway even more memorable. This is how to plan a romantic getaway.
How To Plan A Romantic Getaway On A Budget
If there’s one thing I’m great at, it’s budgeting. My partner and I try to go on as many trips as possible, and we always do this on a budget. I’ll give you some tips that have helped us save money on trips.
First, you want to choose off-season destinations and go in the off-season. By doing so, you save money. My partner and I usually wait until the holiday has just about ended before we travel. This way, flights and hotel bookings are less crazy.
You don’t always have to stay in a hotel. You can opt for a cosy bed and breakfast or an Airbnb. It’s usually cheaper, and you even have more space for yourself. Some of these spaces even offer cooking and cleaning services.
Go for the free activities! Take hikes, go on picnics, and stroll around the area. Aside from doing those expensive activities, you can enjoy the free ones just as easily. You could even choose together. Airbnbs allow you the opportunity to cook because they usually have a kitchen.
Lastly, you can have surprises! Not all romantic gestures have to be grand. It could be as simple as decorating your hotel room or Airbnb with candles and petals. It could even be a simple handwritten love letter!
Conclusion
And there you have it! 10 ways on how to plan a romantic getaway. Romantic getaways are a sweet way to bond with your partner and deepen your connection. It’s important you find a time on your schedule, a great destination, and book ahead. By doing so, you will plan the perfect and most romantic getaway.
