How to Plan and Execute a Last-Minute Romantic Getaway
As you grind through your work week, with stress manifesting into either achy muscles, poor sleep, or a not-so-vibrant (or lack thereof) sex life, you may find your heart yearning, or—dare we say—demanding for a spontaneous romantic getaway with your better half.
You may be thinking: Is it even possible to plan a delightful last-minute trip?
The answer is yes! With just a little bit of planning ahead, flexibility, and imagination, you can plan an amazing weekend getaway that’ll certainly be one for the books. Plus, a last-minute vacation is just what the soul needs to destress, rejuvenate, and add some necessary spice to your relationship.
Here we’ll show you our top tips for taking your sweetie on an exciting spur-of-the-moment adventure without spending like crazy or getting stuck in rush hour traffic. So fasten your seatbelts – these tips will promise not only romance, but fun too!
1. Determine Your Budget and Time Frame
Before you embark on your spontaneous weekend getaway, it’s important to set yourself up for success with a budget and timeframe. Ideally, you’ll want to plan a trip that’s within your financial means and somewhere close enough so you don’t spend most of your vacation traveling.
However, if you do decide to go somewhere further away, make sure you allow yourself some extra time so you’re weekend isn’t consumed by travel.
To get the most bang for your buck, these budgeting hacks are essential:
- Research online for last-minute travel deals and discounts.
- Consider alternate accommodation options, like a romantic Airbnb or VRBO.
- Look into what activities are available for free or at a discounted rate.
- Utilize travel rewards programs and loyalty points to get the best deal.
- Consider taking a road trip and packing your own food to save money on meals.
2. Choose a Destination
Since this is a spontaneous trip, the ideal destination should be easily accessible and offer a variety of romantic experiences. Popular destinations for weekend getaways could include the beautiful beaches, mountains, a new city, or even small towns with unique attractions. Decide on a place that you can get to within a few hours. You’ll be able to spend more time together enjoying your vacation rather than getting there and back.
To decide on the perfect destination for your last-minute romantic weekend getaway, use travel apps or websites to find last-minute deals and inspiration. Some great options include Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, Expedia, and Lonely Planet.
You can also check out what other travelers are saying about their recommendations in forums like Trip Advisor or Reddit. Ultimately, you want to pick a spot that appeals to both of your interests and offers activities that you can do together.
3. Be Flexible with Transportation
One of the most stressful aspects of planning a last-minute weekend getaway is figuring out your transportation. To make things easier, try to find the best deals that match your travel preferences. You ideally want to find the most efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation, whether that’s booking a last-minute flight or car rental.
Of course, choosing nearby airports (e.g., not main hubs) and flexible departure times (e.g., red-eye flights) can help you get better prices on your airline tickets. Additionally, you can use sites like Skyscanner or Hopper to shop around for the best deals and compare prices from different carriers.
If you’re driving, do a quick system check on the car, and be sure to plan out the route in advance. Doing this will help you avoid getting lost, or worse, stuck with a broken-down car. No need to add extra time and stress to your trip!
4. Book Accommodations
Where you decide to stay for your romantic vacation will set the mood for the entire weekend. And just because you don’t have the competitive edge to book way in advance doesn’t mean you can’t still find the perfect place to stay.
Booking apps like Hotwire, HotelTonight, and Last Minute Travel allow you to search for accommodation in your desired area, so you can find the right place that has vacancies and fits your budget. There’s also almost always something to find on AirBnB or VRBO. And if a hotel room just won’t do, consider looking for all-inclusive resorts or luxury accommodations. There are often last-minute deals or unadvertised discounts if you book directly with them.
Most important tip: For a truly romantic atmosphere, request a room with a view and special amenities like champagne upon arrival and breakfast delivered to your door. You can also add personal touches such as flowers, candles, or chocolates to make the space even more special!
5. Plan a Loose Itinerary
As much as the idea of having an activity-packed vacation sounds exciting, it’s pretty unrealistic (and exhausting!) to plan a bunch of stuff to do in such a small amount of time. Plus, there’s nothing more romantic than just going with the flow and seeing where the day takes you!
To find a healthy balance between planning and spontaneity, create a loose schedule. This way, you can have some structure but still be able to enjoy your time together without being too rigid.
Look for activities that are easily accessible and offer a variety of experiences, such as an exciting tour, a day trip to a fun neighborhood, a scenic drive to catch all the sights, or a relaxing spa day. This way, you can ensure that your weekend is full of both adventure and relaxation.
6. Pack Light and Smart
Less is more when packing for last minute travel! Check the weather before you leave so you can pack accordingly. You want to find the delicate balance between being prepared for anything and not overloading your suitcase. And for us ladies, that’s no easy feat!
Focus on versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched, so you don’t need to pack too many outfits. Here are some ideas:
- Bottoms: one pair of jeans, comfortable travel pants, one pair of shorts, and a skirt (weather depending).
- Tops: two or three shirts and a lightweight sweater/jacket for colder days.
- Shoes: two pairs—one dressy and one more casual.
- Socks & Undies: pack an extra day’s pair of each, just in case!
- Accessories: only pack your default/favorite jewelry, scarves, and hats.
And, of course, don’t forget the essential items like toiletries, chargers, medications, a swimsuit, and sunscreen. You can easily find travel-sized versions of these or get travel-sized containers to store your own products.
Must-have item on your last-minute romantic itinerary:
A couple’s massage! This can be an incredibly relaxing and intimate experience for you and your partner, allowing you both to unwind and connect after a day of exploring and adventuring.
7. Capture the Moment
On spontaneous and romantic trips like these, it’s always nice to document the experience. One day, you and your sweetie will look back at this time fondly, so don’t forget to capture it!
Capture the moments of your travels, exciting experiences, or peaceful moments by taking pictures or videos. It’s great to have posed photos, but don’t forget to also capture candid moments, as those are the ones that truly capture the essence of your time together.
If photography isn’t your thing, you can also document your time together by keeping a journal or scrapbook, writing down your favorite memories or thoughts. Or, for a more tangible keepsake, consider bringing a Polaroid camera to snap instant photos so you have something to scrapbook or adorn your home with.
With social media demands and influencers filling up our feeds, it’s easy to get caught up in the need to share every moment. But remember, your last-minute romantic getaway is meant for you and your partner—so don’t forget to put the phone down and be present in the moment too!
8. Embrace the Unexpected
Last-minute trips such as these are bound to have hiccups and unforeseen circumstances. This can range from unfavorable weather or unexpected flight delays to a language barrier when traveling abroad or even something as small as forgetting an item at home.
The key to making the most out of your trip is to learn how to be flexible and embrace whatever comes your way. After all, these unexpected moments usually end up making for the best stories and most unforgettable memories.
No matter the experience, you and your partner are sure to make a special connection, whether it’s through creating new memories or simply laughing at the mishaps. Let go of expectations and enjoy each moment as it comes because that’s what last-minute romantic getaways are all about!
FAQ
What is a last minute trip?
This all depends on your own interpretation and comfort level! For some, a last minute trip could mean tomorrow. For others, a last minute trip could be a month or two from now. We recommend discussing with your partner what their definition of a last-minute trip is before making any concrete plans.
Is it cheaper to buy flights last minute?
Flight prices are all a matter of timing. Booking your flight 4 months to 3 weeks in advance will always be cheaper. However, last-minute flights won’t typically be the most expensive.
What days are the accommodations cheapest?
According to a study done by Kayak, For domestic travel, Saturdays are typically the best day of the week to book hotels at the lowest rates. For international travel, Fridays are your best bet.
Surprise Your Bae In No Time
Every couple could use a break from the hustle and bustle every now and then! Take this time to really connect and be present with one another — it’s sure to deepen your relationship. Plus, with weeks packed with deadlines, meetings, and rigid schedules, a last-minute getaway can be just the thing you need to break up the monotony and get some well-deserved TLC.
With the right preparation and a sense of adventure, your next trip could be the most romantic and memorable one yet! And why not make it that much more special and surprise your partner? We’ll keep it a secret 😉
Whether you decide to stay in the country or take a flight abroad, we hope these tips have inspired you to plan your own last-minute romantic weekend getaway. Have any of your own experiences and travel hacks for planning last-minute romantic escapes? Give us your take in the comments section!
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