The mention of a romantic getaway often brings to mind high-profile destinations like Paris, Rome and New York City. But the truth is, you don’t need to jet off to Europe or a big city to connect with your partner. In fact, some of the most memorable and meaningful trips can happen closer to home. Case in point: despite the many far-flung destinations my partner and I have visited together, the most romantic trip we’ve taken was to Portland, Maine back in 2020.
Perhaps it was because I grew up vacationing in Maine with my family, and sharing it with my then-new boyfriend felt personal and significant. Or maybe — probably — because Portland is a no-frills city, it didn’t eclipse the reason for our being there: to spend time together. We stayed in a cozy little Airbnb, spent unhurried mornings drinking coffee from a café down the street, sat by the ocean and hopped around to all the different local breweries. It didn’t require much planning, cost a fortune or involve a marathon journey to get there and yet, I still feel nostalgic for it almost five years later.
So, what should you take from this come time to plan a romantic getaway for your SO?
My tips:
Is It Okay to Take a Trip Without Your Significant Other?
The internet says no, a relationship expert says yes- You don’t need to go far. Long-haul flights aren’t exactly synonymous with romance. Plus, travel logistics — delays, cancellations, jet lag — can create stress that detracts from the experience. Instead, consider a destination within driving distance or a short flight away. Less travel time means more time for the two of you to relax and connect.
- Pick a place with personal meaning. Choosing a destination that holds significance for your partner shows that you’ve really put some thought into it. Maybe it’s somewhere she spent summers as a kid, or a spot she’s been daydreaming about for years (ask to see her old Tripso Pinterest board). A place with sentimental value will make the trip feel particularly special.
- Again, let the destination complement the experience, not define it. Think scene-setting rather than show-stealing. This is about quality time, not checking off bucket list items.
- Establish a budget in advance. Springing a trip on her that she was not financially prepared for has the potential to be incredibly anxiety-inducing. Are the two of you splitting the cost? Are you footing the bill? Either way, have a figure in mind. Money-related stress is the ultimate buzz kill, but if you’ve budgeted for it — and communicated as much — it’ll be a non-factor once you’ve arrived at your destination.
- Don’t overdo the itinerary. A packed schedule can kill the vibe. Instead, make a few key reservations and keep some ideas in your back pocket, but leave room for spontaneity. That’ll also allow time for things she might feel strongly about doing.
- See the planning through to the end. Don’t call her off the bench in the fourth quarter because you’re running out of steam. Arguably the sexiest thing a man can do is come up with a fully-formed plan, and trips are no exception. The effort you put into this won’t be lost on her.
- Be flexible and ready to compromise if necessary. You can have everything planned to a science, but the fact is, travel rarely goes 100% accordingly. And that’s okay! Of course you can have an idea of how you hope things will play out, but remember: she’s probably pretty stoked just to be on a vacation with, and fully planned by, you. Plus, she’ll likely be impressed by your ability to roll with the punches.
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