In another – not super surprising – piece of information from the world of relationship research, scientists have found that having a new experience – particularly one that is exciting and somewhat risky – is beneficial for relationships. There is something about being out of your comfort zone, with your dearly beloved, and doing new things together, that can act as a kind of ‘reset’ button for a relationship. This actually makes perfect sense – after all, as perfectly compatible as we might be with our partner, there may also be times when we feel bored or irritated with the very things that we once thought were cute or endearing (e.g., eating pizza in bed, or singing in the bathroom). Learn some more about ways of reconnecting and getting the spark back in your relationship.Here’s re-invigorating and Romantic Getaways.
With that in mind – and assuming that, like the rest of the global population, you’ve been somewhat limited in your new, adventurous experiences this last 12 months, here is a list of 5 game-changers for couples getaways – perhaps you live nearby and can jump in the car this weekend – or perhaps this will be a long-awaited getaway for later on in the year. Whatever one you choose, remember the value of getting out of your comfort zone – try and choose something that will challenge you and your partner, and give you the chance to see each other in a new light.
- Get High – in a hot air balloon (Willamette Valley, OR)
The Willamette Valley is an incredible place of natural beauty – any time of the year, it has untold treasures of forests, waterfalls, hikes and world-class wineries. If you want to splash out, you can treat yourselves to a hot air balloon ride at sunrise – they also have this option closer into civilization, and you can soar over the city of Portland. Hot air balloon rides tick the box of ‘adrenaline charged but safe’ and spending time in nature has been shown to improve our mood and health – so this is a no-brainer if you’re searching for a romantic and re-invigorating couples getaway. Drive a bit further out and you’ll hit some truly magical hot springs that you can visit year-round, as well as ski mountains and microbreweries galore.
- Get Down in Nashville, TN
If you love amazing food, good music and lots and lots of history, a visit to Nashville, TN is a great option. On the off chance that you are not a country music aficionado, a visit to the Grand Ole Opry House is a must-do. The incredible food scene means that you’ll be going on a lot of date nights, and fortunately there are plenty of nightspots for you to dance off that comfort food and get romantic – we recommend visiting live music venues to get that extra element of excitement and flavor of the area.
3. Swim with the Big Fish in Big Sur, CA
We could go on all day about the benefits of nature and the ocean for our health, well being and relationship – all that Vitamin D and time spent in nature means that our systems are invigorated and tuned in. Big Sur is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of California, which is a big deal – if you are a novice, you can try surfing (Remember our advice about trying something new?) or simply enjoy the sun and catch up on your reading. We also recommend allowing some time to drive up the Pacific Coast Highway – you might want to curate a playlist of your favorite songs (with your partner’s input) to make the experience extra special, as well as researching tasty food stops along the way.
4. Be one with Nature in the Poconos Mountains, PA
Northeastern Pennsylvania is home to the Poconos Mountains, some incredible natural wonders. Any time of the year, you can immerse yourself with nature – whether this is hiking or biking in summer or skiing in winter. Come on – they rate the Poconos in ‘The Office’, so we know they’re the real deal! To make this into a true adventure, consider an overnight hike in summer, or some snowmobiling in Winter – remember, the idea is to get out of your comfort zone and share new experiences with your partner. Whether this is finding great new restaurants, finding a new hobby, or just soaking up the beautiful surrounds, remember that this will pay huge dividends for your connection.
5. Catskill Mountains, NY
Especially for you East Coasters, the Catskill Mountains are a good option to get into nature without straying too far from the beaten path on a romantic hike. These mountains are in the Hudson Valley, and are a feast of hiking, biking and skiing. Best of all, there is some incredible wildlife to spot – you might want to try your hand at bird watching or visit the Catskill Forest Preserve, which is home to a rich collection of wildlife. You might want to visit one of the small towns along the way and stock up on local produce and take some time to enjoy the slow and bucolic pace of country life – before you go back to your day to day lives, but with great memories and knowing each other a little better.
As you can see, there are some incredible sights right on your doorstep – or a car trip away. Getaways and mini-adventures can be a cost-effective way of reconnecting and having a new experience – and rediscovering each other in a totally new environment. If you’ve found the last year tough for your relationship (and seriously, who hasn’t), and are looking for some additional help for your relationship, you’re able to try Relish now for a 7-day free trial – you can try one on one Relationship Coaching, be assigned a personalized plan with content tailored to you and your partner – and learn some more about ways of reconnecting and getting the spark back in your relationship. Try Relish now for a 7 day free trial and get started on turning things around in your relationship!
