For many couples, travel isn’t just a luxury—it’s a shared dream, a way to connect, and a chance to grow together. Whether you’re newly married or celebrating years of partnership, making travel part of your relationship goals can bring fresh energy, perspective, and closeness to your connection.

Traveling together creates opportunities to experience the world side by side, to face challenges as a team, and to create stories that become part of your shared identity. And the best part? You don’t need to be jet-setting every month to make travel a meaningful part of your life together. With a little planning, communication, and intention, travel can fit beautifully into your relationship goals, both now and for years to come!

Why Travel Matters in a Relationship

Travel taps into so many aspects of a strong relationship: curiosity, problem-solving, compromise, fun, and even vulnerability. Sharing new places and cultures strengthens your bond in ways that daily routines often can’t. You’ll discover new things about each other (and yourself), adapt to unexpected moments, and create memories that reinforce your sense of being a team.

Travel also gives couples something to look forward to. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or an anniversary abroad, having shared goals on the horizon helps keep your connection exciting and forward-focused.

Start with Shared Intentions

Making travel a relationship priority begins with an open conversation. You don’t need to map out the next five years, but aligning on what travel means to both of you is key.

• What types of trips excite you most—adventure, relaxation, cultural experiences?
• Do you dream of specific destinations or prefer spontaneous plans?
• How often do you want to travel? What’s realistic given your lifestyle?

These early conversations help set expectations and allow you to build travel plans around shared values, not just logistics.

Build a Travel Fund (Even a Modest One)

One of the most common roadblocks to travel is cost, but it doesn’t have to be. Making travel part of your relationship goals might mean adjusting spending habits, setting up a dedicated savings account, or choosing more budget-friendly trips throughout the year.

Here are a few practical ways to build your travel fund together:

• Set aside a small amount monthly, even if it’s just $20.
• Allocate portions of windfalls like tax refunds or bonuses to your travel budget.
• Skip a few fancy dinners out and redirect the savings into your next adventure.

Knowing you’re saving together makes each trip feel earned and intentional.

Plan Both Big Adventures and Small Escapes

Not every couple’s trip has to involve passports and time zones. While planning that dream vacation might be a long-term goal, smaller adventures can keep your travel spirit alive and well in between.

Consider mixing in:

• Weekend road trips to nearby cities, parks, or bed-and-breakfasts
• Seasonal getaways like a beach weekend or a mountain cabin
• Staycations, where you unplug, explore your own town, and treat it like a destination

Creating a rhythm of travel, no matter the type of trip, keeps your relationship energized and exploratory.

Be Flexible, Especially With Life Changes

While pre-kid travel often comes with more freedom, that doesn’t mean you need to hit pause if you’re growing your family. Traveling with children just looks different and requires a little extra planning. That said, some couples prioritize one-on-one trips during certain seasons to reconnect as partners, not just co-parents.

No matter the phase of life, the key is flexibility. Maybe this year’s trip is a long weekend instead of two weeks. Maybe your dream destination waits until a milestone anniversary. That’s okay. The intention behind the travel, prioritizing connection, is what matters most.

Lean Into the Challenges (They Bring You Closer)

Delayed flights. Wrong turns. Language barriers. Let’s be honest, travel isn’t always smooth. But how you navigate the rough patches says a lot about your dynamic as a couple.

Instead of letting travel hiccups become points of frustration, view them as opportunities to practice teamwork and patience. Support each other. Find the humor. Celebrate how you handled it together. These are the moments that turn into stories, and they often strengthen your bond more than the picture-perfect ones.

Set Travel Goals Like Any Other

If travel is part of your relationship vision, treat it like other shared goals. Talk about your priorities for the year ahead. Make a list of places you’d love to visit together. Hang a map, start a travel Pinterest board, or keep a shared “couple travel wish list” in your phone notes.

Ask yourselves:

• What trip do we want to take in the next 12 months?
• What’s one place we’d love to visit in five years?
• How can we make one of those happen this year?

When you’re intentional, travel doesn’t stay a someday fantasy—it becomes a shared commitment.

Celebrate What Travel Brings to Your Relationship

Beyond the destinations, the act of planning and traveling together builds essential relationship skills. You learn how to compromise, budget, navigate new experiences, and support each other under stress. You celebrate wins (even if it’s just catching the train on time) and soak up those in-between moments that make up the core of your shared life.

Relationships don’t stay still—they evolve. Whether you’ve just said “I do” or have been building a life together for years, your connection as a couple will change with time. The question is: are you growing together or drifting apart?

While every couple faces challenges, there are clear signs that your relationship is moving in a healthy direction. Growing together means maintaining emotional closeness, supporting each other’s goals, and adapting to life’s changes as a team. Even if the day-to-day feels busy or imperfect, the underlying connection keeps you grounded.

Signs You’re Growing Together

You Communicate Openly (Even When It’s Hard)

You’re not just talking about the easy stuff—you’re able to express frustrations, share personal feelings, and work through disagreements with mutual respect. You might not always agree, but you’re committed to staying connected and resolving things together.

Open communication is one of the most reliable signs of relationship growth. It shows that you trust one another, care about how you each feel, and are willing to listen—even during uncomfortable moments.

You Support Each Other’s Individual Growth

Healthy relationships are built on two whole people, not two halves trying to complete each other. If you both feel encouraged to pursue your own interests, career goals, or personal development—and genuinely cheer each other on—you’re growing together! Supporting one another’s independence doesn’t create distance; it deepens mutual respect and allows both partners to thrive as individuals within a strong partnership.

You Handle Change as a Team

Whether it’s moving to a new city, navigating a career shift, or adjusting to parenthood, change is a constant. Growing together means facing those changes side by side. You check in with each other, make joint decisions, and share the emotional load. Even when plans change or stress levels rise, your connection remains a steady foundation.

You Still Enjoy Spending Time Together

It’s easy to take each other for granted once routines settle in. But if you still look forward to spending time together—whether that’s date night, a weekend walk, or just watching your favorite show—it’s a great sign! Comfort doesn’t have to mean disconnection. Enjoying each other’s presence in both exciting and quiet moments is a hallmark of long-term growth.

You Make Decisions Together

From daily logistics to big-picture planning, you involve each other in decisions that matter. You value each other’s opinions and work toward shared goals—financial, family-related, or otherwise. This kind of collaboration builds trust and reminds both partners that the relationship is a joint effort, not a solo journey.

Signs You Might Be Growing Apart

It’s normal for couples to go through rough patches, but when emotional distance becomes the norm rather than the exception, it may be time to check in with each other. Here are a few red flags that signal your connection might be drifting:

• Avoiding tough conversations or frequently arguing without resolution
• Feeling more like roommates than partners
• Having fewer shared activities or no interest in each other’s daily lives
• Lack of physical or emotional intimacy
• Making major decisions independently, without discussing them

These signs don’t mean the relationship is over, but they do indicate that some areas may need attention. Growing apart doesn’t happen overnight. With honest conversations and intentional reconnection, many couples find their way back.

Tips for Growing Together Intentionally

No relationship flourishes by accident—it takes care, communication, and effort. Here are a few ways to continue growing as a team:

• Prioritize Regular Check-Ins: Life gets busy, but setting aside time to talk—really talk—keeps you emotionally in sync. Ask how your partner is doing, what’s been on their mind, and how they’re feeling in the relationship.

• Celebrate Each Other: Notice the small wins. Say thank you. Give compliments freely. A little appreciation goes a long way in reinforcing closeness and mutual admiration.

• Create Shared Goals: Whether it’s saving for a trip, starting a new hobby together, or tackling a home project, shared goals give you something to look forward to and work toward as a team.

• Make Time for Fun: It’s easy to fall into a rhythm of logistics and responsibilities, especially in the early years of marriage or with young children. Carve out time to play, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company without an agenda.

• Be Willing to Grow Individually: As you grow as a person—through career changes, evolving beliefs, or new interests—share that growth with your partner. Being curious about each other keeps the relationship dynamic and deep.

Relationships grow in seasons. Some seasons are vibrant and full of energy; others are quieter, requiring patience and care. The good news? Growing together doesn’t mean being perfect or agreeing all the time. It means showing up with love, communicating honestly, and choosing each other—again and again.

Summer is the perfect time to hit pause on busy routines and reconnect with your partner, especially if it’s during or after the whirlwind of wedding planning, or you’re just in the middle of the everyday rhythms of a long-term relationship. The warmer weather, longer evenings, and slower pace practically beg for fun, meaningful date nights! Whether you’re newly engaged or deep into married life, a good summer date doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated—it just needs a little intention (and maybe some bug spray).

From outdoor adventures to cozy evening escapes, we’ve put together some amazing, romantic summer date night ideas to help you soak up the season together.

Have a Sunset Picnic at the Park

There’s something timeless about spreading out a blanket, kicking off your shoes, and sharing a meal as the sky changes color. Pack up your favorite takeout, homemade snacks, or even just wine and cheese, and find a quiet spot in a local park or near a lake. Bring along a portable speaker for soft music or a card game to play before the sun goes down.

Catch a Movie at an Outdoor Theater

Drive-ins and pop-up outdoor movie nights are having a major moment—and for good reason! There’s something undeniably romantic about cuddling up under the stars while watching a movie on a big screen. Bring pillows, a cooler of drinks, and maybe even some popcorn from home. If there’s no drive-in nearby, check your local event listings for park screenings or rooftop movie nights.

Take a Twilight Stroll and Get Dessert

One of the simplest pleasures of summer is walking without a jacket after dark. Find a downtown area, beach boardwalk, or neighborhood you love and go for a slow walk hand in hand. Stop for ice cream, gelato, or your favorite kind of dessert and take your time enjoying both the treat and the conversation.

Go Canoeing, Kayaking, or Paddleboarding

If you’re near a body of water, rent a couple of kayaks or paddleboards and spend an hour exploring at your own pace. It’s a great way to enjoy nature, get a little workout, and share some laughs (especially if one of you is more balanced than the other!).

Splurge idea: Look for sunset paddleboarding sessions or guided moonlight tours for something extra memorable.

Visit a Local Farmers Market or Night Market

Turn a grocery run into a date by visiting a local farmers’ market. Wander through the stalls, pick out fresh ingredients, sample homemade treats, and support small businesses. If you’re feeling inspired, bring your haul home and cook a meal together later. Some towns also host seasonal night markets with music, food trucks, and art vendors—a great excuse to wander, snack, and find something unexpected!

Enjoy an Outdoor Concert or Festival

From small acoustic sets in the park to full-blown summer music festivals, there’s no shortage of live music in the warmer months. Grab tickets to a band you love—or one you’ve never heard of—and spend the night dancing, singing, or just swaying along together. Even if you’re not big concertgoers, community events like food truck rallies or cultural festivals can be just as fun for date night.

Plan a Mini Road Trip to a Nearby Town

You don’t need to go far to feel like you’ve escaped your usual routine. Pick a nearby town you’ve never explored, map out a few must-see spots, and hit the road for an afternoon or evening of adventure. Check out a local diner, browse a bookstore, or just drive around looking at the scenery. Add an extra layer to the fun by taking turns choosing the music in the car or giving each other silly photo challenges along the way.

Go Stargazing Away From City Lights

Find a quiet, dark spot just outside of town—maybe a field, hilltop, or designated stargazing area—and bring along a couple of blankets or reclining chairs. Download a free stargazing app, spot constellations, or just lie back and soak in the night sky together. This kind of date is low-effort, budget-friendly, and incredibly romantic in its simplicity.

Try a Late-Night Coffee Date

Who says coffee dates are only for mornings? Find a café with late hours or outdoor seating and enjoy an iced latte, cold brew, or dessert with a view. Sometimes, changing the timing of something familiar gives it a whole new feel. You can bring a journal to share and make future plans together, or find a spot with live music or board games available.

Take a Dance Class or Try a Drop-In Workshop

This season often brings pop-up workshops and classes to community centers, local studios, or even breweries and wineries. Try salsa dancing under the stars, painting a sunset, or taking a mixology class together. It’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone and laugh your way through something new. Even if you’re both total beginners, trying something unfamiliar together builds your connection and gives you a story to tell later.

Making new friends as a couple can be a surprisingly rewarding challenge. Whether you’re newlyweds, long-time partners, new to town, or simply hoping to grow your social circle, finding like-minded couples to connect with can add fun, laughter, and support to your relationship. In 2025, there are more ways than ever to meet new people—both through good old-fashioned in-person conversation and with the help of online platforms. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite ways to make meaningful couple friendships. With ease and a little intention, you and your partner will begin finding couple friends in no time!

Start with Shared Interests

The best friendships often start with common ground. Think about what you and your partner enjoy doing together—whether it’s hiking, cooking, board games, wine tasting, or trivia nights. Once you have a few shared interests in mind, look for local events or groups centered around them. Community centers, breweries, fitness studios, and libraries often host events that attract like-minded people.

For example, a cooking class can be a relaxed and fun way to meet others, while joining a weekly running group or trivia league can create opportunities for regular interaction that naturally leads to deeper connections.

Say Yes to Invitations

It might sound simple, but accepting more invitations—especially the ones that push you a bit out of your comfort zone—can be key. That neighborhood barbecue or coworker’s game night might just be the gateway to a great new friendship. Even if you’re feeling a little shy or unsure, showing up opens the door to conversation and potential connections.

Host Something Casual

Sometimes the best way to meet people is to bring them together yourself. Hosting a casual get-together like a backyard pizza night, a game night, or even a Sunday brunch can be a great excuse to reach out to acquaintances or coworkers you’d like to know better. Keep it low-key and inclusive—invite couples with kids, without kids, from work, or from the gym. Don’t worry about impressing anyone. A relaxed environment makes it easier for people to connect.

Use Online Platforms to Find In-Person Meetups

Even if your goal is to build real-world friendships, online tools can help. Apps like Meetup and Eventbrite list local events by interest—everything from board game nights to brewery tours to group hikes. Facebook also has community groups where couples post about social events, dinner clubs, and outings.

Some cities even have niche couple-centric social groups. Try searching “couples meetup [your city]” or “social club for couples” to see what’s out there. Just one RSVP can turn into a regular friend group over time.

Try a Double Date Strategy

If you know another couple you enjoy spending time with, ask them to bring along another couple to your next dinner or outing. Double dates can multiply into small groups before you know it, and getting introduced through someone you already trust adds an easy layer of comfort.

This can also work in reverse—if someone invites you out and you hit it off with another couple, follow up! A quick message like, “We really enjoyed talking with you—want to grab coffee or dinner sometime?” goes a long way.

Go Where the People Are

When in doubt, lean into spaces where people naturally connect. Farmer’s markets, festivals, art walks, dog parks, volunteer events, or community fairs are all great places to strike up casual conversations. Keep your body language open, make eye contact, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. A quick compliment or shared laugh can be the beginning of something new.

Fitness classes and intramural sports leagues are also great social spaces. Whether it’s pickleball, kickball, or couples’ yoga, having a shared activity to focus on makes breaking the ice easier.

Keep It Low-Pressure

Remember, making new friends takes time, and not every connection will stick. That’s okay. The goal isn’t to find a perfect match on the first try, but to build a lifestyle that leaves room for new connections to form. If one hangout feels a little awkward, give it another shot or try something different. Sometimes chemistry just takes time.

Don’t be discouraged if life gets busy or plans fall through. A friendly follow-up message like, “Let us know if you want to reschedule—no pressure!” shows interest without putting anyone on the spot.

Make It a Habit

If you want couple friends to be a real part of your life, treat it like you would any other relationship goal. Put effort into following up, suggesting plans, and making time. That could mean scheduling a monthly game night, committing to a weekly class together, or keeping a shared list of people you’d like to get to know better.

Just like romantic relationships, friendships grow through shared experiences, good communication, and mutual respect. Stay intentional, and the connections will follow.

You don’t have to hop on a plane to find romance. Sometimes, the most meaningful memories are made right at home. Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend or a well-planned break from the everyday, a staycation gives couples a chance to unwind, reconnect, and have fun—no passport required. 

Need a little inspiration? We’ve put together some of our favorite romantic staycation ideas to spark that just-married feeling, no matter how long you’ve been together! Enjoy activities with your partner, like spa days and visiting local attractions with a fun vacation spin. 

Create a Spa Day at Home

Picture this: soft music playing, candles flickering, a bowl of sliced cucumbers waiting in the fridge, and plush towels warming in the dryer. Turn your bathroom into a serene spa retreat with a little prep and a lot of bubbles. Take turns giving each other foot massages or try a DIY face mask with ingredients from your kitchen.

Pro tip: Try drawing a warm bath, adding a few drops of essential oil, and dimming the lights for a soak you’ll both want to repeat. Set the mood with a shared playlist and a glass of wine—or sparkling water with citrus slices if you’re keeping it light.

Plan a Backyard Escape

If the weather’s on your side, your backyard (or even a balcony) can transform into a dreamy mini getaway! Lay out a cozy blanket, string up some fairy lights, and bring out snacks or a picnic-style dinner. Bonus points for a portable speaker and a little dancing under the stars.

A great “vacation in the woods” idea is complete with s’mores on the grill and a playlist of forest sounds – perfect for nature lovers.

Cook Something New Together

Cooking as a couple doesn’t have to be about perfection—it’s about connection. Choose a recipe you’ve never tried before (Thai curry? homemade ravioli?), pour a drink, and treat it like your own private cooking show. Whether you end up with a five-star dish or a story to laugh about later, it’s time well spent.

Snap a few photos of the final result—especially if it’s a little wonky. Those are the best ones to remember.

Binge a Mini-Series or Movie Marathon

Sometimes, the most relaxing nights come with no plans at all. Build a fort with pillows and blankets, pop some popcorn, and pick a theme for your evening: classic romances, ‘90s comedies, spooky thrillers—the options are endless!

Stay-in idea: Create a “movie menu” with snacks and drinks to match the theme. Watching a French rom-com? Grab macarons or pour a glass of rosé.

Take a Local Adventure

You know those places nearby that tourists rave about, but you’ve never actually visited? Now’s your chance! Whether it’s a botanical garden, a walking trail, or a quirky roadside attraction, exploring something local together adds a sense of discovery, without the hassle of long travel days.

Turn it into a photo scavenger hunt and see who captures the best shot. (Tip: frame your favorite ones as staycation souvenirs.)

Recreate a Favorite Travel Memory

Bring the vibe of your favorite past vacation into your home. Loved your honeymoon in Italy? Try cooking Italian dishes, playing regional music, and sipping espresso after dinner. Was it a beach getaway? Lay out beach towels, make frozen drinks, and cue up wave sounds in the background.

It might sound a little cheesy, but embracing the fun is essential for a romantic staycation! Plus, it’s a sweet way to relive memories while creating new ones.

Make a “No-Plan” Day

Some of the best couple time comes when you let the day unfold naturally. Sleep in. Make pancakes. Take a walk without a destination. No schedule, no expectations—just following whatever feels relaxing in the moment. It’s surprisingly romantic to just be together, without checking the time! You might end up adding “no-plan” days into your regular date night rotation.

Host a Two-Person Game Night

Lighthearted competition can be surprisingly flirty. Pull out your favorite board games or try a video game that’s fun in pairs. Add snacks, drinks, and a little playful banter, and suddenly it’s a date night with extra laughs.

Try mixing it up with classic games like Scrabble or Battleship, or go digital with cooperative games that require a little teamwork. Consider adding to the competitive spirit with fun stakes—loser makes breakfast tomorrow!

End the Day with a Toast

Whether you’re toasting to your five-month milestone or 15 years of marriage, take a few minutes to celebrate your connection. Pour a favorite drink, say a few words about what you love most about each other, and enjoy the quiet satisfaction of doing absolutely nothing else.

Romance doesn’t have to involve airfare or fancy reservations. A staycation is about slowing down, creating space for joy, and remembering what it feels like to truly enjoy each other’s company. So turn off the notifications, light a candle, and turn everyday moments into something memorable.