Labor Day is coming up which means a three-day weekend. Some people may be thinking of sleeping in three days in a row, while others may be itching to getaway. Either way you think of it, this three day weekend can be a great way to strengthen your marriage! This post is geared more towards those who are looking to get away (a post geared towards those looking to stay in will be coming next week). 

In order to have a successful getaway, it is important to keep a few important principles in mind while you plan. If you forget about these principles, you may find that you experience additional stress both while on your trip and even afterwards.

Planning for Your Getaway

Stay on Budget

There is nothing worse than coming home to realize that you don’t have the funds you need to pay the next month’s rent or that you cut into your emergency savings without realizing it. Make sure that when selecting a destination, where to stay, and what activities that you want to do that you keep the budget in mind. Make sure you and your spouse are on the same page about how much you want to spend and that you feel okay with how it fits into your finances.

Plan Activities Appropriately

 If you organize a schedule full of activities that you like but your spouse doesn’t, you might find that while you come home from your getaway rejuvenated, your spouse comes home resentful. You want to make sure that you do things that both of you enjoy. It is perfectly acceptable to do a few activities that one of you enjoys and the other doesn’t. It provides the opportunity to show each other your love and also gives the opportunity to try new things. Just be sure to include some things that are enjoyable for both of you.

Make Preparations Accordingly

 I was recently talking with my in-laws who went camping in Yellowstone with their family. They brought air mattresses, but forgot to check if they worked beforehand. As they went to sleep that night, my mother-in-law quickly realized her air mattress had a hole, and she spent the rest of the camping trip sleeping on the solid ground. They also brought a cooking stove along with canisters of propane. Upon trying to cook dinner, they found that their stove took butane rather than propane. When they tried to start a fire with the wood they had brought, it was not dry enough. Suffice it to say, had they been a bit more prepared, the trip would have been much more enjoyable.

Make sure that you take the time to test out your equipment. Make sure your car is functioning properly and you have a spare tire, the tools to change it, jumper cables, and anything else you might need. Bring extra water and snacks in case you need them. If you’re flying somewhere, double check you have all necessary documents before leaving for the airport. If a little extra preparedness can make for a less stressful experience, it is absolutely worth it!

Using Your Getaway to Strengthen Your Marriage

With these principles in mind, you are ready to have a weekend getaway that will fortify your marriage.

Turn Off Your Phones

Maybe it’s work or maybe it’s your mother calling, but either way, if you want to have a marriage strengthening weekend it might be best to turn your phone off. Give your full attention to your spouse! The time you normally spend scrolling Instagram can be spent doing something new with your lover. If you’re serious about using this weekend to strengthen your marriage, be more intentional about your cell phone use!

Take Time to Communicate

Whether you’re out hiking or road tripping to a new city, you might find there are more opportunities to talk on your weekend getaway. If it feels right, maybe find a moment on your getaway to have a vulnerable conversation! Or, take a focus on the future and make some new plans for your life together.

Do/Eat Something New

As much as it’s great to do the same things you already know you love to do or eat, trying something new is a great way to make new memories. You might even find whatever new thing you do/eat is something you want to do/eat more of!

Make Time to Make Love

Don’t forget this activity on a marriage strengthening weekend! Maybe try something new! Tammy has a list of ideas on ways to spice up things in the bedroom here.

I hope that this post has been helpful in planning a getaway with your sweetheart and that you come home feeling rejuvenated and more committed to each other than when you left! If you have any additional suggestions about strengthening your marriage while on vacation, please leave them below!