How to plan a couples getaway
A getaway for two is the shortest plan there is, and the easiest to leave too late. There's nobody to coordinate with, so the whole job is four bookings made in the right order: the travel, the stay, one good dinner, and someone to feed the cat.
The countdown
6 weeks before
- Book the travel there and back
5 weeks before
- Book where you're staying
3 weeks before
- Check everyone's ID and documents
2 weeks before
- Plan the days and share the itinerary
- Book a special dinner
5 days before
- Arrange pet, plant or house sitting
3 days before
- Reconfirm travel and stay bookings
1 day before
- Pack, charge phones and download offline maps
3 days after
- Share the photos
Add your dates, destination and who's coming and get this checklist with real due dates, a day-by-day itinerary and a link everyone replies on.
Plan mine freeHow the budget splits
Shown for 2 people over 2 nights on $1,500. The percentages hold at any size.
| Category | Share | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Stay | 45% | $675 |
| Travel | 25% | $375 |
| Food | 20% | $300 |
| Activities | 10% | $150 |
A sample itinerary
The first 3 days of a 2-night trip to Napa, California. Every time is a starting point.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Each person packs
- Outfits for dinner
- Toiletries
- Swimwear
- ID
- Phone charger
- Camera
One of you brings
- First-aid kit and everyone's medicines
- Power bank
Tips from the plan
- Book the stay for the trip you want
- The stay is nearly half the budget at about 45%, and it's most of the trip. Choose it first and let the dates follow.
- Reserve the dinner two weeks ahead
- The place worth going to is booked by the weekend. Two weeks out gets you the table and the time you want.
- Leave the days mostly empty
- A slow breakfast, one thing to see, an afternoon with nothing in it and a dinner reservation is a full day. A schedule is what you're getting away from.
Questions
How far ahead should I plan a weekend getaway?
Six weeks is plenty: book the travel then and the stay a week later, plan what you'll do two weeks out, reserve dinner at the same time, and arrange pet or house sitting five days before.
How much should a couples getaway cost?
It varies with the place, but the split is steady: the stay about 45%, travel 25%, food 20% and activities 10%.
What should I pack for a weekend away?
Outfits for dinner, toiletries, swimwear, ID, a charger and a camera, plus a small first-aid kit and a power bank between you.