How to Plan A Romantic Weekend Getaway to Surprise Your Partner
Do you know what’s even more romantic than setting off on a weekend destination somewhere special with your partner? A surprise getaway!
Surprising your partner with a romantic vacation is the perfect way to ignite the spark in any relationship. Nothing beats the feeling of being swept off your feet and whisked away to a romantic destination for an unforgettable adventure together.
Psst… We know how hard it is to keep a secret, especially one for your better half.
If you’re worried about planning a surprise getaway with your partner, that just means you care! You care so much, in fact, that you want it all to go perfectly. Well, we’ve been there before, and we’ve accumulated all the best tips and tricks from our own experience so that you can plan and execute the most romantic gesture of love for your one and only.
In this Article:
Of course, planning the perfect surprise getaway isn’t always easy. And as exciting as planning your surprise trip may be, it can also be pretty overwhelming! You’ve got to have your partner’s preferences in mind, carefully watch your budget, and have a good idea of the type of experience you’ll both enjoy.
It may sound like a lot to tackle, but that’s why we’ll show you exactly how to plan a romantic weekend getaway that will truly surprise and delight your partner. Let’s get started!
1. Know Your Partner’s Preferences
Whether you’ve been together for months or years, knowing your partner’s preferences is the most crucial part of planning a surprise getaway. Start by considering what activities they enjoy and what type of architecture or scenery they’re drawn to.
Do they prefer relaxing beach vacations or adrenaline-filled mountain retreats? Knowing these details can help you choose the perfect destination for your romantic getaway. Gathering this information without spoiling the surprise can be tricky, but we have some sneaky tricks to help you out.
- Ask your partner’s friends or family what they think they would enjoy. Chances are they’ll know more about your partner than you do!
- Casually bring up the topic in conversation and ask your partner questions about past trips or places they would like to visit.
- Take note of any conversations you have/had with your partner about vacations and take note of their responses.
- Keep an eye on their social media accounts – they may have posted clues about places they want to visit or activities they would like to do.
- Sneakily check out their Google Maps pins to see where they’ve been or places they may want to go!
2. Choosing the Perfect Destination
Once you get a good idea of your partner’s preferences, picking the perfect destination for your romantic getaway will be much easier. Depending on what type of activities you and your partner prefer, here are some beautiful places to consider:
For beach lovers: Florida, Hawaii, California, the Caribbean, Costa Rica
For mountain lovers: Colorado, Montana, Oregon, Washington State
For city enthusiasts: New York City, Las Vegas, San Diego, New Orleans
For history buffs: Boston, Williamsburg, Philadelphia, Chicago, Savannah
Remember to factor in the cost of travel and accommodation when choosing your destination. The last thing you want is to surprise your partner with a luxurious getaway you can’t afford! You’ll also want to research activities and attractions you can do while in the area.
For even more exclusive tips, check out our FREE checklist for picking and planning a romantic getaway!
3. Planning the Itinerary
The best romantic getaways are a great mix of relaxation, adventure, and romantic activities that will bring you and your partner closer together. You don’t want the trip to be so activity-packed that you don’t have time just to relax and enjoy each other’s company. And you also don’t want so much free time that you miss out on all the exciting things the destination offers.
Plan a few novel experiences that you know you both will enjoy, such as going on a romantic sunset cruise, learning to cook a local dish in a cooking class, or attending an outdoor concert. Then leave some room for spontaneity — you never know when you’ll stumble across a hidden gem you’ll want to explore together! After all, the most incredible memories are ones that unfold effortlessly.
4. Making It Extra Special
There is something so attractive about someone who goes the extra mile for their partner. It makes them feel like the most important person in the world! So here are a few ideas to make your romantic weekend getaway truly special:
- Book a surprise activity or excursion: Think horseback riding, paddle boarding, a hot air balloon ride, or a wine tasting. Nothing will put a bigger smile on your partner’s face than being surprised with something fun they weren’t expecting!
- Organize a romantic dinner: Book a candlelit dinner reservation at a cozy restaurant with a beautiful view for the ultimate romantic evening.
- Personalize the hotel room: Have a handwritten note, rose petals, or a bottle of red wine waiting in the hotel room for them when they arrive.
- Gift your partner something special: Buy or make a gift that reflects the special memories you made on your trip.
No matter what, remember that it’s the thought and effort that count. Even the smallest romantic gesture can make the biggest difference!
Note: Do you know what your partner’s love language is? Keep this in mind when considering romantic gestures. For instance, if your partner’s love language is Acts of Service, they may appreciate it more if you plan and organize the entire trip, taking care of all the details.
If their love language is Receiving Gifts, then make sure to put extra thought into finding the perfect gift for them. And if their love language is Quality Time, make sure to plan activities that allow you to spend uninterrupted time together.
5. The Element of Surprise
One of the hardest parts of planning a surprise getaway is, well, keeping it a surprise! So whether you’re worried about covering up the evidence or you just can’t keep a secret, here are some tips to help you pull off the big surprise:
- Wait until the last minute to tell your partner: This may be the hardest option, but it’s also the best way to keep your secret safe. Wait until you’re already at the airport, or even in the car, to tell them where you’re going!
- Tell your friends and family: Ask them not to give it away and enlist their help distracting your partner while making the final arrangements.
- Keep your phone on silent: Clear out your browsing history and mute notifications from airlines, hotels, and other travel sites so your partner won’t be alerted.
- Drop playful hints: This is a great way to build up the excitement without giving away the surprise. Be subtle and creative when dropping hints — you don’t want your partner to guess too soon! Good examples are a postcard from your destination in advance or giving them small souvenirs that relate to the trip.
- Create a treasure map: Design a custom treasure map that reveals the clues to the mystery getaway. It’ll make things super fun, and you can easily download templates online or make your own using cardstock and markers.
Planning a surprise getaway is no easy feat, but with a little bit of effort and some clever planning, your romantic weekend will be one that your partner won’t forget!
6. Packing for Your Partner
This one may seem like an impossible feat, but it is possible to pack for your partner without giving away the surprise. First, you’ll want to make sure you have a list of all the items your partner will need for the trip. From comfy clothes and swimwear to toiletries and medications, it’s essential to ensure you have everything they’ll need to make the most of the experience.
To avoid suspicion, it’s best to pack the day of so your partner won’t notice that certain items are missing. Have a close friend or family member invite them over so they aren’t home while you’re packing. You can also use a discrete bag — like a backpack or duffel — to hide the items and transport them easily.
More importantly, make sure you pack outfits that they would actually wear together! A couple of weeks before the trip, take note of their favorite clothes and outfits they wear so you can get an idea of their style and preferences. If you still aren’t sure, your safest bet is to keep it simple. A few versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched are always a good idea — think jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sweaters, etc. Don’t stress too much over this; you can always buy a few items once you get to your destination!
7. Documenting the Experience
It’s always a great idea to do future you a favor and document your travels! This is a great way to look back on all the fun you had. Capture the special moments of your travels by taking photos and videos, even snapping a few candid shots for a more personal touch.
You can also document your time together by keeping a journal or scrapbook and writing down your favorite memories and quotes from the trip. If you want to get cute and creative, bring along a Polaroid or disposable camera to take photos that you can later add to a scrapbook or display in your home.
The best part about documenting your travels is that you can look back at these memories for years to come. Just remember to put the phone down and be present in the moment too! Even if the photos and videos don’t turn out perfect, they will still capture a moment that won’t ever be replicated — making them priceless.
8. Reflecting and Reconnecting
We love a couple’s trip full of romantic activities, fun, and adventure! But this time also provides a wonderful opportunity for you two to reflect and reconnect. Ask each other some insightful questions, and let each other know exactly how you feel. You mind as well get as mushy gushy in this romantic setting!
These conversations don’t always have to be serious — lighten up the mood with a few funny stories from past relationships or embarrassing moments that had you two in stitches. You can also ask each other questions about random things like favorite childhood memories or what kind of superpower you would choose if given the chance.
Take the time to really listen to each other and appreciate your special bond. You two have come so far, and this getaway is a fantastic way to appreciate the journey and bring you even closer.
FAQ
Are surprises important in a relationship?
Yes. Sprinkling in some surprises here and there for your partner is a great way to achieve greater intimacy in your relationship. It’s a powerful way to not only show your better half how much you love them but that you listen to their needs and take action on those needs. It’s the ultimate form of the love language, Acts of Service!
What if my partner finds out about the surprise?
If your partner is pretty perceptive to your behavior, or you’re just plain bad at keeping a secret, and they find out about the surprise, that is totally okay! In fact, this situation could lead to a funny story in the future that you’ll tell for generations.
At the end of the day, it’s the thought that counts! And regardless if your partner finds out or not, they’ll be super appreciative of your efforts and thoughtfulness. Don’t let it ever be a reason not to go! It won’t change anything about the trip.
How far into the relationship should I wait to travel with my partner?
Every relationship is different, so the best answer to this question is to rely on your own intuition and take time to evaluate where you’re at as a couple and if you’re stable and/or serious enough to travel together.
To be safe, we recommend waiting to vacation together after at least six months. The six-month mark is a good indicator that you and your partner want a long-term relationship.
Surprise Lets the True Love Shine
Surprises create some of the most cherished memories, but it’s important to remember that planning a surprise getaway isn’t something that can be done last minute. It takes time and effort — but the results are totally worth it!
From planning the itinerary to picking the perfect destination, take your partner’s preferences into account and have fun every step of the way. Pack wisely, document your travels, and take the time to reflect on all that you have together.
Follow this guide, and there’s no doubt your partner will be blown away by the surprise! Have you planned or been a part of a successful surprise getaway before? Let us know your own tips in the comments below!
Also, don’t forget to download our FREE exclusive checklist and subscribe to the newsletter for more tips and ideas for romantic weekend getaways!
