Whether you’re newly coupled, newly married, or newly kid-free like us, planning great trips together is one of the most rewarding things you can do for your relationship—and this guide covers great couples getaway ideas and tips for exactly how to plan.
One of the best things about becoming empty nesters is that trip planning looks completely different now. No school schedules, no coordinating babysitters, no negotiating between theme parks and hiking trails—just Chris and me, a destination, and the kind of freedom that took almost 30 years to earn. In this guide you’ll find practical tips for planning a couples trip from start to finish: how to choose a destination, where to stay, how to travel on a budget, and the best couples getaway ideas to inspire your next adventure together.
7 Essential Tips for Planning a Couples Getaway
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Planning a couples trip doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a little homework. Whether you’re mapping out your first getaway together or your thirtieth, these essentials tips will help you plan a couples trip you’ll both love.
1. Set a Budget
Budget conversations aren’t the most romantic part of trip planning, but they are the most important. Decide together what you’re comfortable spending before you start researching destinations—it will save you from falling in love with a resort that’s three times out of your price range. One of the best things Chris and I ever did as a young couple was set up a dedicated travel savings account and contribute to it every month. When it’s time to book, the money is already there.
2. Choose a Destination You’ll Both Love
Choosing a destination together sounds simple until you realize you want adventure and your partner dreams of a week-long vacation relaxing on the beach. The good news is that most great couples getaway ideas have room for both. Start by talking about what you both want to do on this trip—relax and unplug, be energized, explore—and let that guide the destination. Not sure what type of travel you want as a couple? Keep reading.
3. Decide Your Travel Style
Are you planners or wanderers? Adventure seekers or relaxation chasers? Stay in boutique hotels or rent a local apartment? Your travel style shapes every decision from destination to daily itinerary. Chris and I have learned over almost 30 years planning together that we travel best with a plan—a few must-dos anchoring each day with plenty of room to wander.
4. Sign Up for Travel Rewards
One of the most underutilized tools in planning a couples trip is travel rewards. If your partner travels for work, make sure they’re enrolled in every applicable hotel, airline and rental car loyalty program—those points add up faster than you’d think. For everyday purchases, a travel rewards credit card turns groceries, gas, and utilities into future getaways. The welcome bonus alone on many cards can cover a flight or several nights in a hotel. Free travel is the best kind of travel.
5. Choose Where to Stay
Your accommodation choice can make or break a couples trip. Location matters more than most people realize—being close to the things you want to do means more time enjoying the trip and less time commuting across town. Here are tips to think about and questions to ask:
- Always read the reviews.
- Check the cancellation policy.
- Don’t underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep.
- Make sure it fits your budget.
- Find out if breakfast is included.
- Consider whether you’ll need to do laundry.
- Check for a nice bathroom and kitchen—they make more of a difference than you’d think.
6. Plan Your Adventures Together
The activities you choose together become the memories you talk about for years. Chris and I both love wandering through European old towns, hiking in the mountains, and relaxing at the beach—all different travel styles that could be combined into one awesome trip. Consider your destination and your travel style for your current trip and plan a few must-dos each, leave room for spontaneity, and be open to saying yes to new adventures.
7. Try Something Different
Chris has talked me into snorkeling with sharks in the South Pacific, standing at the edge of a mountain and convincing myself that running off it with a paragliding instructor strapped to my back was a completely normal thing to do, and snowmobiling through the Rocky Mountains—none of which were on my bucket list. I lived to tell the tale, and would do it all again.
Here’s what I’ve learned: the activities that scare you a little are usually the ones you talk about the most. Challenge yourself. Build at least one new experience into every couples trip—something neither of you has done before.
Travel Insurance Tip
No matter how well you plan, the unexpected happens. Travel insurance covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies abroad, and lost or delayed luggage—giving you both peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying the trip. Shop around and read the fine print before you buy.
Why Couples Should Travel Together
I’ve written an entire post on the reasons why couples should travel together—and there are plenty. Research from the U.S. Travel Association backs it up too—couples who travel together report healthier, happier relationships than those who don’t. A few highlights to convince you that booking that trip is always worth it:
- Traveling gives you space to reconnect away from the noise of everyday routines.
- Shared adventures—even small ones—build memories that become part of your story as a couple.
- Time away from responsibilities gives you both room to breathe and actually enjoy each other.
- Planning a trip together builds anticipation and gives you something to look forward to as a couple.
- You may discover sides of your partner you don’t often see when life is moving at full speed.
- A change of scenery has a way of bringing out the best in both of you—more laughter, more spontaneity, more connection.
- A couples trip is one of the best forms of relationship self-care you can practice.
Related Post: 20 Meaningful Reasons Couples Should Travel Together More Often
Types of Couples Trips
Not every couples getaway looks the same—and that’s exactly the point. Whether you’re chasing adventure, craving a slower pace, or somewhere in between, there’s a style of travel that fits where you are right now as a couple. And it’s perfectly fine to combine styles into one trip—a European escape with a beach day built in, or an adventure trip that ends with a few relaxing days by the water. Here are five of the best types of couples getaways to consider:
Romantic Retreats
A romantic retreat doesn’t have to mean Paris and croissants—though I’m not ruling that out. It’s any getaway where the focus is on each other, whether that’s a cozy cabin in the mountains, a boutique hotel in a charming European city, or an overwater bungalow in Tahiti. If the destination makes you want to slow down and soak it all in, it qualifies.
Destination Ideas:
- 30 Ultimate Romantic Getaways for Couples
- 10 Best Things To Do in Cinque Terre on a Romantic Couples Getaway
- 15 Awesome Perks of a Moorea Overwater Bungalow Stay with Hilton in Tahiti
Couples Adventures
Some of the best couples getaway ideas involve a little adrenaline. Couples adventures are for the pairs who would rather hike to a summit than sit by the pool—or maybe you hike to the summit and sit by the pool the next day to recover! Think whitewater rafting, paragliding, snowmobiling, snorkeling, and zip-lining—activities that push you a little outside your comfort zone and give you stories to tell for years. Browse adventure experiences on Viator and add at least one to your next couples trip.
Destination Ideas:
- 20 Epic Adventures for Your Couples Bucket List
- Paragliding Mt. Pilatus Switzerland
- 17 Adventurous Things to Do In Buena Vista, Colorado
Road Trips for Couples
Road trips are one of the most underrated couples getaway ideas. They are part adventure, part conversation, and part discovery where you control the itinerary, the stops, and the pace. Some of the best moments happen when you pull over for something that wasn’t on the plan at all. Pack snacks, download a good playlist, and point the car somewhere neither of you has been.
Destination Ideas:
- Colorado Road Trip: Best Towns, Adventures & Mountain Stops
- 10 Epic Mesa Verde Tours & Cliff Dwellings on a National Park Road Trip
- 21 Charming English Countryside Getaways & Day Trips from London
European Escapes
Europe is made for couples travel. Charming cobblestone streets, world-class cuisine, stunning architecture, and centuries of history around every corner—it’s hard not to feel the romance of it all. Chris and I have explored Europe together for nearly 30 years and still find new places to love. From the canals of Venice to the villages of the Cotswolds to the dramatic coastline of Croatia, a European escape belongs on every couples bucket list.
Destination Ideas:
- 17 Dreamy Small Towns in Italy Near Florence
- 25+ Best Things to Do in Malta—Chasing Sunshine, Coastlines, & Hidden Gems
- 17 Charming Old European Towns to Explore
Relaxing Beach & Island Getaways
Chris and I used to walk for miles all over Europe with our girls with a “go go go” travel mindset, wanting to see as much as possible. We discovered the pure contentment of doing absolutely nothing on a beach, and everything changed. Our girls still wonder what happened to their parents!
A relaxing beach or island getaway is the perfect reset for couples who need to unplug, slow down, and remember what it feels like to have nowhere to be where the biggest decision of the day is which direction to face your beach chair.
Destination Ideas:
- 11 Things to Do on Rab Island: Discover the Happy Island of Croatia
- 15 Terrific Things to Do on Moorea Island
- 15 Best Things to Do in Bocas Del Toro (Beyond the Resort)
Packing for a Couples Trip
Packing light is an art form—and after nearly 30 years of travel together, Chris and I have finally figured out what we actually need versus what just takes up space. A few tried-and-true travel essentials make all the difference.
Travel Must-Haves
Sunscreen: Use sunscreen every day, not just on your beach days.
Laundry Detergent Pods: If you travel for more than a week, you will likely need to do laundry.
Hand Sanitizer: For all the things you touch throughout the day, hand sanitizer is essential.
Travel Adapter: Not all international countries use the same adapters. Be sure to check before you go. Purchase one here.
Travel Backpack: Chris likes his The North Face Recon Backpack. I use The North Face Surge backpack designed for women.
Crossbody Anti-Theft Bag: Pickpocketing is a real concern in busy cities. A secure crossbody bag keeps your belongings close without the bulk. I love the Travelon Anti-theft Messenger Bag.
Packing Cubes: A game changer for staying organized, especially when you’re moving between cities. Shop packing cubes here.
Portable Power Bank: Long days of sightseeing, navigation, and photography will drain your phone faster than you think. Don’t get caught without one. Shop power banks here.
Walking Shoes: You will cover a lot of ground. Comfortable, broken-in shoes are non-negotiable. Shop walking shoes here.
Favorite Camera: My go-to DSLR is the Canon 6D Mark II and it has never let me down. If you’re ready to go mirrorless, the Canon EOS R6 Mark III is the natural upgrade—and your existing Canon EF lenses work on it with an adapter. New to photography? Start with the Canon EOS R50.
Get a Travel Credit Card: We often travel worldwide for free using travel rewards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our favorite travel credit cards.
Favorite Electronics: We are a family of Apple users—watches, phones, tablets, AirPods, and Apple AirTags for security. Don’t forget the cables and chargers too. Check out our electronics suggestions here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you plan a couples getaway on a budget?
Start with a dedicated travel savings account and contribute to it every month—that way the money is already there when you’re ready to book. Choose destinations in the shoulder season to avoid peak pricing, look for accommodations with breakfast included, and sign up for travel rewards credit cards to offset flight and hotel costs. A budget doesn’t have to limit the trip—it just shapes the planning.
What are the best couples getaway ideas for adventure lovers?
If you and your partner thrive on adrenaline, the options are endless. Paragliding in Switzerland, whitewater rafting in Colorado, snorkeling with sharks in the South Pacific, or zip-lining through a rainforest in Costa Rica—adventure travel gives you shared experiences that are hard to top.
How far in advance should you plan a couples trip?
As a general rule, international trips benefit from 6–12 months of planning—especially if you’re traveling during peak season or need to book popular tours and accommodations in advance. Domestic trips and weekend getaways can come together in 4–6 weeks. The earlier you start, the more options you have—and the better the prices.
What are the most romantic destinations for couples?
Europe tops the list for most couples—Italy, France, Croatia, and the Cotswolds in England are perennial favorites for good reason. Beyond Europe, Tahiti and Moorea in French Polynesia are hard to beat for sheer romance, and closer to home, Colorado offers stunning mountain scenery that sets the stage for a memorable getaway. The most romantic destination is ultimately the one where you’re both fully present and enjoying each other.
How do you choose a destination you’ll both love?
Start by talking about what you both want to feel on the trip—relaxed, energized, adventurous, or completely unplugged. Then make a short list of places you’ve each been wanting to visit and look for overlap. If your lists look nothing alike, focus on the type of experience rather than the specific place. A little compromise goes a long way.
What should you NOT pack for a couples trip?
More shoes than you can carry, a hair dryer (most hotels provide one), and anything you’d be devastated to lose. Leave the good jewelry at home, skip the full-size toiletries, and resist the urge to pack for every possible scenario. Learn to mix and match your travel wardrobe. Overpacking is one of the most common couples travel mistakes—and you’ll both end up carrying it.
How does travel change when you become empty nesters?
Significantly. Without school schedules, activities, and the logistics of traveling with kids, the freedom to plan trips on your own timeline is a game changer. Budgeting for two is considerably easier than planning and paying for a family of four or five, which opens up destinations and experiences that may have felt out of reach before. Empty nesters often find their travel pace shifts with slower mornings, longer stays, and destinations that might not have worked with children in tow. It’s one of the best perks of this stage of life.
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Your Couples Getaway Is Waiting—Book the Trip!
Every great trip for couples starts with a decision to stop waiting and actually book the trip. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, an adventure-packed road trip, or a relaxing week on a beach somewhere beautiful, the most important step is the first one.
Start with a budget, pick a destination you’re both excited about, and build from there. Chris and I have been doing this for almost 30 years—and every trip, big or small, has been worth it. Need a deeper dive into the planning process? My International Trip Planning Guide covers everything from passports to packing. Your next great adventure together is closer than you think.
Grab your free Love Notes below for your favorite travel partner, and go make some memories worth talking about for years.
Printable love notes to leave for your favorite travel partner—because every great trip deserves a little extra love.
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