10 Ideas for a Romantic Getaway

Is your married life a constant whirlwind of activity? Or maybe it’s comfortably tedious? Possibly a little of both? Regardless of where you are, the key concept in “Romantic Getaway” is the word “getaway.” Whatever your schedule, romance often falls victim to routine - that’s why you want to get away.

Most importantly, getaways promote the idea that you love each other passionately, and that you’re motivated to rearrange your schedule - even if only for 24 hours - in order to nurture the relationship that is so important.

Maybe you appreciate the thought, but you’re at a loss regarding how to start. Here are 10 ideas that should help:

1. Use some imagination: avoid the same-old, same-old.  Go somewhere new. Skip the hotel and try a bed & breakfast. Obvious thoughtfulness in terms of planning can equal romance when you arrive.

2. Present the idea via a handwritten invitation: Instead of “Yo, wanna go to the shore…?” try a fountain pen on classy stationary. “Mr. John Doe begs the indulgence of his lovely wife, Jane, for a weekend of romance at the B&B on Honeymoon Beach….” At the very least go Hallmark.

3. Make all the arrangements yourself: Make the getaway a true gift and do the legwork yourself. It may be a cliché to say that the journey is as important as the destination. But there’s no doubt romantic getaways work best when romance is included every step of the way.

4. Plan to be uninterrupted: Make necessary arrangements for emergency contact, but the cell phone is off, period.  Email too. Romantic getaways need to be just that – a getaway.

5. Pack some candles and matches in your suitcase: This is a twofer: not just romantic candlelight, but the loving touch of thoughtfulness ahead of time.

6. Plan at least twice a year: romantic getaways accrue a cumulative value. Make them a regular element of your relationship.

7. Keep notes on dreams, wishes etc.: Keep an idea log. Do you know what kinds of destinations your spouse enjoys… or what restaurants… or fun activities…? Don’t wait for a moment of panic when you know you have to book something in 24 hours. The added value of paying attention is a growing sensitivity that puts your mate first as a matter of course.

8. Don’t break the bank – the stress will ruin the weekend: Nothing kills romance like stress. Save up, look for deals, go camping, swap houses for the weekend – do whatever it takes, but keep inside your budget.

9. Arrange ahead: It doesn’t take a lot of effort to arrange for flowers, or chocolates or some other gift to be there when you arrive. The thoughtfulness will go a long way.

10. Do not watch sports: Okay, does this even need to be said? Unfortunately, yes! Better yet, don’t watch TV at all (unless you have a “date-friendly” movie planned). The idea is simple “uninterrupted time together.” That’s a gift you can’t over-give.

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