5 Tips For Surviving A Road Trip With Your Loved One

When you’re married with kids, finding time for romance isn’t always easy. Between parenting, work, and everyday responsibilities, spending quality time alone with your partner can start to feel like a luxury. That’s why I love the idea of a romantic road trip. You don’t need an elaborate vacation or an expensive resort to reconnect. Sometimes all it takes is getting in the car, leaving your usual routine behind, and enjoying a little adventure together.

Although I usually travel with the kids or solo (since someone has to take care of the munchkins), a romantic trip with my significant other is a rare treat. That’s why we jumped at the opportunity to take a short road trip, just the two of us. Driving with kids can sometimes be stressful, and I was looking forward to enjoying the journey without worrying about snacks, bathroom breaks, or keeping everyone entertained in the back seat. We wanted to make the time we spent together in the car special because, let’s face it, when you’re married with kids, romance sometimes needs a little planning!

Over the years, I’ve learned that the best romantic getaways aren’t necessarily about where you go or how much you spend. They’re about slowing down enough to enjoy each other’s company and making space for the things that brought you together in the first place. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a scenic drive along the coast, or a longer couples’ adventure, these romantic road trip ideas can help make the journey just as memorable as the destination.

1. Make Time to Enjoy Each Other’s Company

My first romantic road trip tip is probably the hardest one for me to follow: don’t overplan! I have to admit that I usually plan our trips down to the smallest detail. I love researching destinations, finding interesting places to visit, and making sure we don’t miss anything. But when you’re traveling as a couple, especially on a road trip, leaving room for spontaneity can make the experience much more enjoyable.

During our getaway, we made a conscious decision not to rush. We stopped at places simply because we liked the scenery, took pictures, and enjoyed not having to be anywhere at a particular time. There was no pressure to fit in as many attractions as possible, and that freedom became one of the things I appreciated most about our trip.

I think this is especially important for parents. So much of our daily lives revolves around schedules, appointments, school activities, and making sure everyone else’s needs are met. Having a few hours when you can simply enjoy being together without an agenda is a wonderful change of pace. It’s also a reminder that you don’t have to fill every minute of a vacation to make it worthwhile.

2. Be a Good Copilot and Avoid Road Trip Arguments

Nothing can ruin the romantic mood faster than an argument over directions, traffic, or where to stop for lunch. Before leaving, talk about who’s going to drive, who’s navigating, and how you’ll make decisions along the way. If you both enjoy driving, you might want to take turns. And if one of you prefers to drive while the other handles directions, that works too.

I have to admit that being a good copilot can be challenging for me. I’m used to organizing things and being in control, so resisting the temptation to offer unsolicited driving advice takes a little effort! But a road trip isn’t the best time to criticize how your partner drives or insist that every decision be made your way.

It’s also worth remembering that getting lost or making an unexpected stop doesn’t have to be a disaster. Sometimes those little detours become the stories you laugh about years later. Of course, safety always comes first, but when there’s room for flexibility, try to approach the unexpected with a sense of humor instead of frustration.

3. Plan a Few Romantic Road Trip Stops Along the Way

One of my favorite things about road trips is being able to stop whenever something catches your attention. You don’t have that kind of freedom when you’re flying from one destination to another. If you see a beautiful viewpoint, an interesting little town, or a café that looks inviting, you can simply pull over and explore.

For a romantic road trip, I would recommend planning a few stops that give you time to enjoy being together rather than focusing only on attractions. Think about watching the sunset at a beach, having lunch at a waterfront restaurant, exploring a historic downtown, or finding a peaceful spot where you can enjoy the view and talk without distractions.

Living in Southwest Florida gave us so many opportunities for short road trips. Some of my favorite memories involve discovering places close to home that we hadn’t visited before. During one of our Florida family road trips, we explored New Smyrna Beach and St. Augustine, and those experiences reminded me how much there is to discover without traveling very far.

St. Augustine is also a wonderful destination for couples, especially during the holidays. On one romantic visit with my husband during the St. Augustine Nights of Lights festival, he surprised me by having flowers delivered to our hotel room. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and I still remember how special it made our getaway feel. Those little romantic surprises often become the memories that stay with us the longest.

Make the Drive Fun and Enjoyable: Romantic Road Trip Ideas

One of the things I love most about road trips is that the journey can be just as exciting as the destination. There’s something wonderful about watching the scenery change, discovering unexpected places along the way, and having the freedom to stop whenever something catches your attention. When you’re traveling as a couple, those moments become opportunities to slow down, enjoy each other’s company, and make memories that you wouldn’t necessarily have if you were rushing from one attraction to the next.

One trip that really reminded me of this was our visit to Arizona, when we explored Phoenix and Sedona. I had always been fascinated by the desert, but nothing prepared me for how beautiful it would be in the spring. Our visit to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix was full of surprises, from the colorful cactus flowers to the incredible variety of plants and wildlife. I remember being amazed by how much life and color there was in a landscape that so many people imagine as dry and empty.

But it was Sedona that completely took my breath away. I’ll never forget driving along the Red Rock Scenic Byway and seeing those enormous red rock formations rising above the desert for the first time. The colors were so intense, with shades of red, orange, and pink contrasting against the green vegetation, that I actually started crying. I know that sounds dramatic, but I was completely overwhelmed by how beautiful it was! I wrote about that experience in Tapping Into the Magic of Sedona, and it’s still one of the most memorable moments I’ve had while traveling.

We spent days exploring the area, and even though I’ve never considered myself much of a hiker, I couldn’t get enough of the trails. Every turn revealed another spectacular view, and I wanted to experience as much of that landscape as possible. If you’re planning a similar getaway, I’ve shared some of my favorite routes in my guide to the best hikes in Sedona for beginners. It’s a wonderful destination for couples who enjoy nature, photography, and spending time outdoors together.

That trip reminded me that sometimes the most romantic part of traveling isn’t an elaborate dinner or a luxurious hotel. It’s sharing the excitement of discovering somewhere extraordinary, stopping to admire a view, or experiencing something beautiful together. And you certainly don’t have to be an experienced hiker or plan an ambitious itinerary to enjoy a scenic road trip. Choose a destination you’re both excited about, bring your favorite snacks and music, and leave enough time for spontaneous detours.

Planning a couples’ getaway to Nevada? If your route includes the Strip and scenic Red Rock, compare the best rental car deals in Las Vegas to quickly see the top companies and savings up to 45%, so you can pick a stylish ride and put more of your budget toward romantic detours.

Las Vegas could be a great starting point for a completely different kind of romantic road trip. You can enjoy the restaurants, shows, and excitement of the Strip, then head out to explore Red Rock Canyon or other beautiful desert landscapes nearby. After our experience in Sedona, I would absolutely recommend making time to enjoy the scenery rather than spending the entire getaway in the city. There’s something special about combining a little excitement and nightlife with the peace and beauty of the desert. 

5. Plan Romantic Road Trip Activities You Both Love

One of the best things about traveling without the kids is having the opportunity to enjoy activities that are harder to do as a family. That doesn’t mean family travel isn’t wonderful, but there are certain experiences that are simply different when it’s just the two of you. A leisurely dinner, visiting an art gallery, or spending an entire afternoon exploring a neighborhood without worrying about whether the children are getting bored can feel like a real treat.

When my husband and I started dating, one of the things that brought us together was our shared love of art. We could spend hours visiting galleries and museums, looking at paintings, and talking about what we liked or didn’t like. Once we had children, those outings became less frequent. We still visited museums as a family, but having a long, uninterrupted conversation about art wasn’t quite the same with little ones in tow.

That’s why we decided to visit Wynwood Walls in Miami during our romantic road trip. We had such a great time exploring the colorful street art, checking out galleries, and stopping at hip little cafés. It reminded me of how much fun we used to have discovering new places together when we were dating. We weren’t doing anything particularly extravagant, but we were sharing something we both genuinely enjoyed, and that made the experience meaningful.

My advice is to think about the activities that brought you together in the first place. Maybe you both love art, hiking, trying new foods, listening to live music, or visiting historical places. Build part of your getaway around those shared interests. You might be surprised by how much fun it is to revisit something you haven’t made time for in years.

6. Create a Romantic Road Trip Playlist

Few things set the mood for a road trip quite like good music. Before leaving, put together a playlist that includes songs you both love, especially music that reminds you of important moments in your relationship. It could be a song you listened to when you first started dating, something you danced to at your wedding, or music from a memorable vacation you took together.

For our trip, I chose a mix of upbeat songs and music that brought back memories of the years we’d spent together. I didn’t want the playlist to be entirely slow romantic songs because I knew we’d need something energetic to keep us entertained and alert while driving. A good combination of nostalgic favorites, fun songs you can sing along to, and a few surprises makes the drive much more enjoyable.

You could even take turns choosing songs and explaining why they matter to you. Music has a wonderful way of bringing back memories, and it’s fun to rediscover songs you haven’t listened to in years. Download your playlist before leaving so you can still enjoy it when you’re driving through areas with limited cell service.

7. Make Time for Meaningful Conversations

One of the things I appreciate most about road trips is how naturally conversations happen when you’re driving. You’re sitting next to each other without the usual household distractions, and there’s something about watching the landscape pass by that makes it easier to relax and talk. Sometimes the conversation is lighthearted and silly, while other times you find yourselves discussing things you haven’t had the opportunity to talk about in months.

When you have children, so many conversations revolve around school, schedules, responsibilities, and everyday logistics. A couples’ getaway is an opportunity to talk about yourselves again, not just everything you need to get done. Ask each other about places you’d love to visit, things you want to accomplish, favorite memories, or experiences you’d like to share in the future.

You don’t need to turn the drive into a serious relationship discussion. In fact, I think it’s better not to have any particular agenda. Let the conversation happen naturally, and don’t feel the need to fill every quiet moment. Sometimes simply enjoying the scenery and being comfortable together is just as meaningful as talking.

8. Choose a Romantic Road Trip Destination That Fits Your Style

A romantic road trip doesn’t have to mean driving for hours or traveling across several states. Sometimes a weekend getaway close to home is all you need. The best destination depends on what you both enjoy and how much time you have available. If you’re looking to relax, a quiet coastal town or a charming bed and breakfast might be perfect. If you prefer exploring, choose somewhere with interesting neighborhoods, museums, restaurants, or outdoor adventures.

Romantic Road Trips in Florida

Florida has so many wonderful options for couples, from the beaches of Southwest Florida to the historic streets of St. Augustine and the tropical atmosphere of the Florida Keys. I’ve always loved Key West for a romantic escape, particularly because you can spend your days exploring colorful streets, enjoying waterfront restaurants, and watching the sunset without having to plan every minute.

One of my favorite places to stay in Key West is The Gardens Hotel, a beautiful, intimate property surrounded by lush tropical gardens. I loved its peaceful atmosphere, charming rooms, and the feeling of being tucked away from everything, even though it was close to the attractions in Old Town. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to spend time at the hotel instead of rushing out to explore.

If you’re planning a road trip to Key West, the Overseas Highway is an adventure in itself. Driving across bridges with turquoise water stretching out on either side is one of those experiences that makes the journey just as memorable as the destination. And if you’d rather skip the long drive from Southwest Florida, my Key West Express review shares another way to turn the trip into a relaxing couples’ getaway.

Romantic Getaways in Guatemala

Being from Guatemala, I also have a special appreciation for road trips through the country’s beautiful landscapes. I grew up visiting places like Antigua and Lake Atitlán, and those destinations have a completely different atmosphere from Florida’s coastal drives. Imagine spending the morning wandering through Antigua’s cobblestone streets, stopping for coffee in a historic courtyard, or taking a scenic drive through the highlands before arriving at Lake Atitlán with its spectacular volcano views.

There’s something incredibly romantic about the scenery surrounding Lake Atitlán. The lake changes color with the light, the villages have their own personalities, and it’s easy to find places where you can slow down and enjoy being together. My complete Lake Atitlán travel guide includes ideas for exploring the villages, finding beautiful viewpoints, and planning a trip that goes beyond the usual tourist stops.

For couples who want to combine the lake with Antigua, my 5-day Guatemala itinerary is a wonderful starting point. It focuses on enjoying both destinations without trying to squeeze too much into a short trip. I think that’s particularly important for romantic getaways, because spending quality time together should be the goal, not checking as many attractions as possible off a list.

9. Add Small Romantic Surprises to Your Road Trip

You don’t need grand gestures to make a romantic road trip memorable. Sometimes the smallest surprises are the most thoughtful. Pack your partner’s favorite snack, plan a stop somewhere you know they’ll love, make reservations at a special restaurant, or bring along something that reminds you of a meaningful moment in your relationship.

I think thoughtful gestures are particularly meaningful when they show that you’ve been paying attention to what the other person enjoys. If your partner loves photography, plan to stop somewhere with beautiful scenery. If they’re passionate about food, find a restaurant they’ve been wanting to try. And if they rarely get an opportunity to relax, perhaps the best surprise is simply planning a weekend where they don’t have to make all the decisions.

My husband’s surprise flowers during our St. Augustine getaway are a perfect example of how something relatively simple can make a trip feel special. I don’t remember every detail of every vacation we’ve taken, but I certainly remember the gestures that made me feel appreciated. Romance doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated; it just needs to be thoughtful.

10. Keep Your Romantic Road Trip Relaxed and Flexible

As tempting as it may be to plan the perfect romantic getaway, it’s important to remember that trips rarely go exactly as expected. You might run into traffic, encounter bad weather, or discover that the restaurant you wanted to visit is closed. None of those things have to ruin your experience unless you let them.

Leave enough time in your itinerary for unexpected stops, and avoid scheduling activities so tightly that you spend the whole trip watching the clock. If you discover a beautiful beach, stop and enjoy it. If you find a little café where you love the atmosphere, stay for another cup of coffee. Some of the best travel memories come from moments you couldn’t have planned in advance.

One practical thing I always recommend is planning the essentials ahead of time, such as accommodations, transportation, and any activities that require advance reservations, while leaving the rest of your schedule fairly open. Bring anything you’ll need for the drive, check road conditions, and make sure you have time for breaks. Once those basics are covered, you can focus on enjoying the adventure instead of worrying about logistics.

Why a Romantic Road Trip Is Such a Great Way to Reconnect

Looking back on our romantic road trip to Miami, what I remember most isn’t the car we drove or even everything we did along the way. It’s having the time to enjoy each other’s company without our usual responsibilities taking center stage. Exploring Wynwood, discovering new places, listening to music, and simply being together reminded me how important it is to make space for our relationship beyond being parents.

Travel has always been one of my favorite ways to create memories, whether we’re discovering a new destination in Guatemala, exploring Florida, or heading somewhere completely unfamiliar. But I’ve learned that you don’t always need a big vacation to have a meaningful experience. Sometimes a short road trip, a few hours away from home, and the willingness to put everyday worries aside can be enough.

If you’re thinking about planning a romantic road trip with your partner, my advice is to keep it simple. Choose somewhere you’d both enjoy, make time for the things you love, and remember that the real reason for the getaway is to spend time together. After all, the best part of a romantic road trip isn’t necessarily the destination. It’s having someone special beside you for the journey.

Have you ever taken a romantic road trip with your partner? I’d love to hear about your favorite destinations, memorable stops, and little things that made the trip special. Share your ideas in the comments!

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Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

Paula Bendfeldt-Díaz is a Guatemalan travel writer, photographer, and founder of Growing Up Bilingual. After spending more than 15 years in the United States, she now lives in Guatemala and shares detailed travel guides, traditional Guatemalan recipes, and cultural insights based on a lifetime of firsthand experience.

Through her writing, Paula helps travelers discover Guatemala beyond the typical tourist route with practical advice, local recommendations, and authentic experiences that connect visitors with the country’s people, culture, and traditions.

Planning a trip to Guatemala? Paula offers personalized Guatemala itinerary planning and trip consultation services tailored to your interests, travel style, and budget. Contact her at [email protected] to learn more.

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