Who fancies a romantic weekend trip away? Do you get to spend enough quality time with your partner? Or are you busy parents who crave alone time with each other?
In this blog I talk about why we all should be making time to take that romantic weekend trip, and give you some ideas of places to go.
‘Couples who travel together stay together’
You’ve probably heard the saying ‘couples who travel together stay together.’ From our experience – it’s true. Certainly, the most amazing times we have had together as a couple have been whilst travelling and seeing new places. We find travel is a wonderful way of bonding over new experiences and adventures. And at times when it’s not been possible – we really notice the difference and miss it.
What about the children?
Parents, I get it! As parents, we put our children at the centre of our world and there were many years when we didn’t travel at all as a couple. Either because we didn’t have the budget, our children were too young, or there was no time to get away. This was not a healthy balance for us as a couple or a family.
Consequently, we decided to change this, even if it meant just a night away in a nearby hotel. We started to prioritise taking a break – just the two of us. It made a huge difference and strengthened our relationship. It meant we viewed ourselves more as a couple and not just mum and dad.
Reasons why you need that time away and shouldn’t feel guilty:
- Studies show a direct link between couples who travel together and stay together. It’s true (in most cases!). In many studies conducted by travel companies, the majority of respondents said that time away as a couple has a positive effect on their relationship.
2. It gets you out of the rut from your busy lives. Are you always working, doing house chores or entertaining your children? Too tired to think about time as a couple? A weekend away gives you freedom to have some fun, take a break and get some space. Like a reset button!
3. You remember what it’s like to be a couple, just the two of you. With nothing else to divert your attention, you get to concentrate on each other and enjoy each other’s company.
4. A romantic break is something to look forward to and talk about before and after your trip. It creates a conversation that isn’t about the mundane tasks of the day.
5. You share new experiences together that connect you and make happy memories that last forever.
5 Destination ideas for a Romantic Weekend trip:
Are you convinced? Or did you not need any persuasion? Now, I have explained why you should book a romantic trip away, it’s time for some suggestions about where you could go. We are so lucky in the UK to have so many amazing destinations just a short flight away. We have been on many short trips across Europe; these are just a small selection of our favourites that we recommend.
1. Tuscany, Italy
Pisa and Florence are beautiful cities in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Experience majestic views, historic sights, Renaissance art and architecture.
Things to do:
Stay in a hotel overlooking an iconic monument. There are many cultural places to visit including the Tower of Pisa and the Cathedral Duomo. You could partake in an Italian cookery class and indulge in mouth watering pizza and pasta dishes. Take a train ride through the rolling Tuscan hills and see the vineyards where they make Chianti.
See link for further details:
2. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. Prague has a rich history, amazing architecture and fantastic beer. It was actually named the most beautiful city in the world by ‘Time Out’ magazine. It is perfect for a romantic weekend trip.
Things to do:
Stay in a 5* star hotel. Enjoy a dinner cruise along the river Vltava, stroll across the Charles Bridge and wonder at the fairy tale architecture of the old town. Take a tram to the castle and walk through the pretty gardens.
3. Venice, Italy
Venice is known for being one of the most romantic cities in the world. Venice is built over a lagoon and connected by bridges over its many canals.
Things to do:
Stay in a traditional Venetian hotel. Meander around this gorgeous city, marvel at the magnificent Gothic buildings and waterways. Enjoy eating and drinking the wonderful Italian cuisine and coffee. Take a gondola ride and make a date at the opera house. Explore the colourful island of Burano and see how they make their intricate glass figurines in Murano.
4. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech – known as ‘the red city’, is a bustling vibrant city in Morocco, North Africa. It is full of life, tradition, music and colour.
Things to do:
Stay in a palace-like riad. Explore the souqs, see fabulous Islamic architecture and lose yourself in the maze of the medina (old town). Watch the sunset from one of the many rooftop restaurants, visit the secret garden and relax in a couple’s hammam spa.
5. Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux city is a world capital of wine and is a hub of French gastronomy and cuisine. People describe it as a mini Paris because it is very similar in its architecture and feel.
Things to do:
Stay in a beautiful boutique guest house. Indulge in some world class cuisine and go on a wine tasting experience together. Visit one of the many vineyards surrounding the pretty village of St Emilion. Sip cocktails overlooking the Garonne river.
Best way to book a DIY romantic weekend trip
Personally, I always book our trips away without using a travel agent because I really enjoy the process and love picking out the perfect hotel. I usually look at the flight prices to decide on a destination.
If your budget is tight, travel out of peak season. Keep a close an eye on the flight sales (especially with Ryanair) and look for accommodation in a guest house or on Airbnb. My daughter and her partner had a fantastic weekend in Marrakech recently, that cost them only £58 each for their flight and accommodation.
If you find a fantastic getaway deal advertised by a travel agent, I would advise you to check before you buy, to see if you can beat the price by booking the trip yourself.
Can’t get a babysitter?
I realise that for some people it is actually impossible to leave their children. Time away together doesn’t have to be over night though. Make time for a lunch or picnic, visit a nearby city while the kids are in school, or simply have a nice meal together while they are asleep. The important thing is to spend time as a couple without too many distractions.
Your thoughts?
Will you be booking a romantic getaway this year? For us, it’s been a while, due to my husband having an eye operation, lack of budget and no time – although we are going to Athens by ourselves later this year and I can’t wait!
What are your opinions about travelling as a couple? Is it important to you? Where are the most romantic weekend trips that you have been? Let me know your thoughts and recommendations in the comments!
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