If you are planning to take your first couple excursion, it can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience. Whether it’s a weekend getaway for the two of you or a once-in-a-lifetime vacation abroad, there is so much to consider before taking off on your journey.

From packing the perfect bag and setting practical expectations to mastering travel etiquette and agreeing on a romantic spot like the Great Smokies, there’s definitely more involved than just booking flights!

Read on to discover some handy tips on ensuring that your couple excursion runs smoothly from start to finish.

Choose a Destination:

When selecting a destination, make sure you both are on one page. Sit down together and decide on the atmosphere you’d like to experience. Usually, mountains, quaint town charms, and close-to-nature attractions are popular choices for couples.

If you’re looking for a place in the heart of the US, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park checks all boxes effortlessly. This destination has charming towns like Gatlinburg to explore and plenty of activities to keep you busy.

We recommend considering the weather, tourist flow, and available activities before booking anything.

Additionally, you can use websites like TripAdvisor to read user reviews and get a good feel for what other couples have experienced while visiting that destination.

Plan Your Activities:

We all have different preferences when it comes to travel. Maybe you prefer strenuous hikes to the top of a mountain, but your partner likes lounging by a pool. It’s essential to consider each other’s wants and needs when crafting an itinerary. For instance, there are multiple things to do in Gatlinburg for couples, so make sure you book everything beforehand and decide on a time and day for each activity. 

Agree on the type of activities you wish to experience together, and leave some room for improvisation and new discoveries.

Consider the Length of Your Trip:

Ideally, no one wants to return to the same old grind of reality after a few days away. But you can’t have a lifelong vacation either! Ah, dreams!

To get the most out of your excursion, consider the length of your trip and plan accordingly.

For instance, a weekend getaway allows you to explore destinations within driving distance. At the same time, a longer trip can mean an adventure overseas.

You’ll have to consider your and your partner’s commitments like job, school, and other responsibilities to decide the duration of your trip.

Your budget will also play a key role here. You don’t want to blow your budget on a two-day trip when it could have easily covered four days.

Thus, plot out how many days you’d like to spend on the road, and then plan your itinerary.

Find the Right Accommodations:

The right accommodation can be the difference between an enjoyable and uncomfortable stay. Make sure to research the hotels in the area, read reviews, and compare prices.

Couples usually prefer the comfort of a hotel or bed and breakfast rather than camping. But the availability of these accommodations will depend on your destination.

The perfect accommodation also depends on your budget and the sort of amenities you’d like. Hot tubs, pools, and gym availability are popular amenities when it comes to hotels.

If you’re traveling on a budget, BnBs, hostels, and cabins are great options too. You can also look for discounts and special packages to help you save a few bucks.

Pack Light:

It’s no secret that packing can be a nightmare when it comes to vacationing.

To avoid having to lug around heavy bags and suitcases, ensure you’re packing light and only bringing the necessities. Do you really need to bring a dozen pairs of shoes for a weekend getaway? Probably not!

Versatility is key, so choose items that can be used in multiple situations. A chic jumpsuit can go a long way!

Decide Who’s Contributing How Much:

Is it a treat from one person, or are you both contributing to the cost of the trip? These conversations can sometimes be a bit awkward. So, be sure to communicate clearly and openly with each other.

It’s always nice when one person covers the entire trip cost. But be sure that the other person is comfortable with this arrangement. If you lovebirds prefer to split the cost, decide the strategy for who pays for what.

Regardless of how you divide the costs, keep track of your expenses and remain mindful of each other’s budgeting. You can use apps like Splitwise to help you keep track of your costs in a fair and organized way.

Schedule Some “Me” Time:

Couple vacations don’t have to be a non-stop marathon of cheesy romantic activities. It’s important to remember that a couple is made up of two individuals. So, it’s okay to take some time for yourself.

Allow yourself some breathing room, and make sure to schedule some “me” time during your trip. Whether it’s a solo hike, a spa appointment, or just some time to sit down and read a book in the park, it’ll be great for both of you to have some time and space to do whatever makes you happy.

Plus, you’ll be surprised how maintaining a little independence can strengthen your relationship.

Try New Things Together:

Couples vacations are the perfect opportunity to try something new with your partner. It’s a great way to learn more about each other and will make the memories of your trip even more special.

You can try something adventurous like skydiving or rock climbing, therapeutic like couples yoga or massages, or low-key like learning to cook a local dish together.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you’re having fun with it and that your partner is comfortable with the activity.

Also, use your camera to document all your moments together. You’ll have a wonderful time looking back at the memories and laughing about your couple’s shenanigans.

Final Thoughts:

Expectations on a couple’s excursion are dramatically high. From romantic gestures to shared experiences, there’s a lot of pressure to make it perfect.

But don’t let the expectations get the best of you. It’s natural to have disagreements, so it’s crucial that you both practice patience and compromise.

At the end of the day, it’s all about enjoying each other’s company and creating memories you’ll cherish forever.

So, take a deep breath and get ready for an unforgettable experience!