Advice for Planning Your First Trip as a Couple

There’s nothing like the feeling of new love. You’ve found someone you hope to spend the rest of your life with, and each day seems blissfully better than the last. You’re at the point where you want to start creating memories together and so you decide you want to go on a trip together and explore a new destination. After all, what could be better than spending the day in the arms of the one you love as you embark on territory unknown to you both? However, if this is your first trip as a couple, there are some things you’re going to want to keep in mind so that you both enjoy yourselves.

Simple is Key
You’re leaving your comfort zone and traveling with the one you love. There are going to be a lot of things they learn about you now that they didn’t know before. Certain habits or daily rituals that you have are going to come to light and it’s going to be important that you can roll with the punches. The first time around, you want to keep the destination simplistic. Taking a cross country road trip your first time around might be a bit more than you bargained for. Something simple like a weekend getaway to a beach or a cozy bed and breakfast may be a great first trip idea.

Plan Together
Talk about the trip together so that you can make sure that you’re both on the same page. There’s nothing worse than planning a trip that you believe will be nothing but cuddling up in a hotel room while he wants to hit the night clubs. You want to make sure that wherever you decide to go, there’s something that both of you will enjoy. For instance, if you’re into getting spa treatments and laying on the beach while he’s into golfing and water sports, then you might consider choosing a destination that has all of these factors in one.

You can get ideas on travel, nightlife and entertainment by searching online. Resorts can often be an effective solution as they give you several activities to try out, all in one destination. CraveOnline gives an interesting review about the Mission Inn Resort in Orlando, FL., which includes activities such as spa treatments and golf courses along with other activities that will appeal to both of you. The idea is to make sure that you both are able to enjoy yourself as you get to know each other a little better.

Don’t Go Overboard on the Planning
No one likes a control freak, so when I say plan out your trip, I don’t mean plan out every detail from start to finish. If you show up for your trip with a printout and itinerary of what you’re going to do blow by blow, chances are he’s going to look at you a little differently. Remember, you want to roll with the punches and go with the flow. So while you might have a few things planned out that you both would enjoy, allow the rest of the trip to be fun and spontaneous.

Don’t Forget to Set the Budget
Naturally, you’ll both be fronting the bill for the trip. So you don’t want to plan a trip that is way outside of your comfort zone. Sit down together and go over what the budget will be, who will pay for what or how things will be divided. If there is a large difference in finances between the two of you (meaning one person makes considerable amount more than the other), discern how you can afford the trip without having to make anyone feel bad. Maybe he pays for the actual booking of the tickets and hotel room and you pay for the cost of dinner and entertainment. Ironing this out now saves you from arguing during what is supposed to be a romantic next step in your relationship.

Be Flexible and Have Fun
No matter how much planning you do, there is always the possibility that things won’t go according to plan. That doesn’t mean you can’t let your hair down and simply enjoy the ride. Don’t be the party pooper, Debby downer or negative Nancy while on vacation. Remember, this is when he will see you in a different light. Being flexible and spontaneous are very attractive features to have and so, should life throw you lemons, add some sugar and water and make lemonade.

Romantic getaways can be a great way for you and your significant other to take things to the next level. Keep all the above tips in mind as you plan for your getaway. Talk about the budget, have some idea of where you’re going to go and what you’re going to do, pack your bags and most importantly, don’t sweat the small stuff. As you learn to be around each other more, you will see each other in ways you never thought possible. So relax, enjoy and allow your significant other to see the best side of you.


–Sara Stringer is a freelance writer who most enjoys blogging about lifestyle, relationships and life as a woman. In her spare time, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine with her husband and two kids. Consideration was received for the editing and publishing of this article.


[Photos via We Heart It]