Ten Tips for Creative Romance During Family Travel

by Dr. Jessie Voigts /
Dr. Jessie Voigts's picture
May 01, 2017 / 0 comments

Let's face it - a family vacation isn't the ideal setting for romance. But with a few thoughtful gestures, romance can still be alive and well, despite the rigors of travel and the exhaustion of caring for your kids in a new locale. Here are ten tips for keeping romance alive while you're traveling with your family.

10 Tips for Creative Romance during Family Travel
1. Morning Coffee. Rise early, sneak out of the house with a blanket and perch on a rock overlooking the bay, watching the sun rise and drinking coffee together. It's a great start to the day.

Sunrise, Ring of Kerry

Sunrise, Ring of Kerry 

2. Plan Ahead. Pack something meaningful from home, maybe one of your favorite songs on cd/mp3. Bring it out when you're ready to reconnect with a smile, and soon you'll be dancing in the living room, and your kids might even be cheering you on (if they aren't cringing in despair at mushy love).

3. Learn about Local Culture. Enroll your kids in an art class at a local museum or science center. They will be in good hands while you sneak out for a romantic lunch.

4. Pack a Picnic. Take out a new tablecloth (textiles are perfect souvenirs), fill a hamper, and head to the local beach. The kids can run and play on the beach, while you dine on amazing local delicacies, holding hands and building beautiful family memories.

Fresh food at the Kenmare Market

Fresh food at the Kenmare Market 

looking for a picnic spot, Derrynane Beach, Ireland

looking for a picnic spot, Derrynane Beach, Ireland

5. Shop Locally. Find the most amazing, romantic foods at local markets - maybe it's a smoked fish pate, or two perfect peaches, local chocolate, or tiny fresh strawberries. Romantic food can be enjoyed by the whole family, creating smiles all around.

fresh local Croissants

fresh local Croissants 

6. Read Local Poetry. Find an independent bookstore, and support the local poets. Read them together - instilling a love of poetry and language in your kids, and reading words of love to your spouse. It makes for great memories, and new cherished books and authors.

7. Get Out. Take the kids on a walk, and bring something meaningful back to your spouse - a bouquet of wildflowers, a handful of blackberries, a gorgeous stone or shells. Take a kayak or canoe out on the water. It's a nice way to slow down and relax, together.

seashells

gathered seashells 

8. Throw some peat on the fire. All of our house rentals overseas have had fireplaces. There's something cosy and romantic about a fire, whether you are all reading, playing games, watching tv, or listening to music.

9. Watch a Sunset. Whether it is from the top of a mountain you all just hiked, sitting on a beach (where we seem to gravitate), it's a wonderful end to the day. Gaze at the moon together, after the kids have gone to sleep.

Moonrise, Ireland

Moonrise, Ireland 

10. Take the road less traveled. In exploring a new place together, you'll cherish what you already love about your spouse, and discover new qualities that shine through, making you fall in love all over again.

Gap of Dunloe, Ireland

Gap of Dunloe, Ireland 

 

All photos copyright Jessie Voigts

 

 

  4 New Year, New Places, New List

Every month a group of expert, independent travel bloggers converge on a single topic in a Travel Blog Mob. Our topic for this month? Creative Romance!​