7 Best Trips for Couples Who Want to Reconnect After the Kids Leave
In this episode, we’re talking about how different types of trips create different kinds of connection in your relationship. From adventurous hiking trips and cultural immersion experiences to relaxing beach vacations and wellness retreats, every trip has its own emotional “superpower.”
I’m sharing 7 couple’s trip ideas and how each one can help you reconnect, rediscover curiosity, slow down, or create unforgettable memories together. If you’re planning your next getaway, this episode will help you choose a trip based on the feeling you want to create most.
Some trips leave you feeling energized and adventurous. Others leave you rested, grounded, and more connected than ever.
A few years ago, Ward and I went on safari in South Africa, and it was one of the most awe inspiring experiences we’ve ever had together. Waking up early, driving through the open land, and seeing animals in the wild completely pulled us out of our normal routine. It felt adventurous, magical, and unforgettable.
Then on another trip, we stayed in a quiet beach bungalow in Nevis. The pace was completely different. We spent our days walking to nearby restaurants, relaxing by the water, and simply slowing down together.
Both trips were incredible. But they created completely different feelings.
That got me thinking about how every trip has its own emotional “superpower.” Some trips help you cheer each other on. Some help you reconnect. Some help you rediscover curiosity together.
If you’re planning your next vacation as a couple, it can be helpful to first ask:
What does our relationship need right now?
Here are 7 types of trips that create different kinds of connection and why each one can be so meaningful.
1. Adventure & Hiking Trips
Connection Superpower: Cheering Each Other On
Adventure trips create opportunities to encourage one another and do hard things together.
Whether you’re hiking, skydiving, or trying something completely outside your comfort zone, these trips naturally build teamwork and support.
Adventure Trip Ideas
Hang gliding in Rio de Janeiro
Skydiving together
Hiking to Machu Picchu
Exploring the Dolomites in Italy
Hiking in Switzerland
Visiting Glacier National Park
Hiking Yosemite or the Grand Canyon
One of my favorite things about these trips is how much care naturally shows up. Filling each other’s water bottles, carrying snacks, and encouraging each other through a hard climb. It creates such a strong sense of partnership.
Simply doing something challenging together strengthens your bond.
2. City Exploration Trips
Connection Superpower: Rediscovering Curiosity Together
There’s something about exploring a city that wakes up curiosity.
You’re navigating new streets, trying new restaurants, visiting museums, hopping on bike tours, and discovering hidden spots together. It creates endless opportunities for conversation and spontaneity.
And often, curiosity about a place leads to curiosity about each other too!
Even after years together, there’s always more to learn about your partner.
Great Cities for Couples
London
Paris
New York City
Tokyo
Rome
Barcelona
If you’re newer to international travel, London is such a great first European destination because it feels familiar while still giving you that exciting sense of exploration.
And Paris will always feel magical to me. The food, art, culture, and atmosphere make it one of my favorite cities for couples.
But truly, the magic is less about the destination and more about being open to experiencing it together.
3. Cultural Immersion Trips
Connection Superpower: Seeing the World Through Each Other’s Eyes
Some trips completely stretch your perspective.
Cultural immersion trips allow you to experience customs, foods, traditions, and ways of life that feel very different from your own. And doing that alongside your partner can be incredibly meaningful.
Ideas for Cultural Immersion
Cooking classes in small villages
Local market tours
Guided history walks
Staying in smaller towns instead of big cities
Visiting destinations with a very different culture from home
Last year Ward and I visited China, and it felt completely different from anything we were used to. New foods, customs, language, and experiences surrounded us everywhere we went.
But there was something comforting about discovering it all together.
These kinds of trips often lead to deeper conversations because you’re both processing new experiences in real time.
Destinations That Could Be Great for This
Morocco
Turkey
Jordan
Peru
Vietnam
Thailand
Japan
4. Beach & Slow Travel Trips
Connection Superpower: Presence
Sometimes the greatest luxury is simply time together.
No packed itinerary. No rushing from one thing to the next. Just slowing down enough to actually be present with each other.
That’s what makes beach trips and slow travel so special.
What Slow Travel Can Look Like
Staying in a beach bungalow
Renting a cozy cabin
Reading by the pool
Taking long walks
Sleeping in
Having slow mornings with coffee together
Spending more time in nature
One of the best parts of these trips is that they create space to reconnect naturally. Without distractions, you can actually settle into conversations again.
And honestly, rest can be incredibly healing for a relationship.
5. Wellness & Spa Retreats
Connection Superpower: Caring for Each Other’s Wellbeing
Wellness trips are all about intentional care.
These trips create space to focus on emotional health, physical health, rest, and connection.
Ideas for a Wellness Retreat
Morning yoga classes
Sound baths
Nature walks
Couples massages
Spa days
Long, phone free dinners
Meditation or mindfulness classes
Scottsdale and Tucson both have incredible wellness resorts if you’re looking for ideas in the Southwest. Miraval is one that consistently gets recommended for couples looking to truly unwind and reconnect.
What I love about wellness trips is that they encourage both people to slow down enough to actually listen to themselves and each other.
6. Ranch & Outdoor Experience Trips
Connection Superpower: Sharing Novelty Together
Doing something unexpected together creates such fun memories.
Ward and I recently visited a dude ranch, and it ended up being one of the most unique trips we’ve taken together.
Horseback riding, outdoor activities, wide open spaces, and a totally different environment made it feel refreshing and exciting.
Outdoor Trip Ideas
Dude ranch vacations
Glamping trips
Under Canvas stays
Family camp style resorts
Camping in national parks
E-bike adventures
Axe throwing and outdoor activities
Even if something feels a little outside your comfort zone, trying it together can be surprisingly bonding.
White Stallion Ranch near Tucson was such a memorable experience for us and definitely one I’d recommend looking into.
7. Culinary Trips
Connection Superpower: Pleasure as a Shared Language
Food has a way of creating connection almost instantly.
Some of our favorite travel memories involve cooking classes, food tours, markets, and long meals shared together.
A culinary focused trip lets you experience culture through taste while creating experiences that feel joyful and memorable.
Fun Culinary Travel Ideas
Food tours in New York City
Wine tasting in Napa or Tuscany
Cooking classes in Italy
Market tours in Southeast Asia
Dessert tours
Pizza focused trips through Italy
Searching for the “best” version of your favorite food
You could literally build an entire trip around one favorite food and make it such a fun shared experience.
Research the best tacos, pastries, pasta, or pizza and plan an itinerary around trying them together.
It sounds simple, but it creates memories you’ll talk about for years.
How to Choose the Right Trip for Your Relationship
When planning your next trip, ask yourselves:
Do we need more energy and excitement?
Try:
Adventure trips
City exploration trips
Do we need more depth and meaningful conversations?
Try:
Cultural immersion trips
Culinary trips
Do we need rest and reconnection?
Try:
Beach vacations
Slow travel
Wellness retreats
Do we want something completely new?
Try:
Ranch trips
Outdoor experiences
Glamping adventures
Final Thoughts
Every trip creates a different kind of feeling.
Some help you reconnect. Some help you grow. Some simply help you slow down long enough to enjoy each other again.
The destination matters, of course. But often the most meaningful part is choosing a trip that matches the kind of connection you want to create together.
So what type of trip is calling to you right now?