The Ultimate Couples Travel Bucket List

Sam and I have been together for a little over five years now and over the last five years we have done some REALLY cool things and created a tremendous amount of memories together.

Every time we talk about some of our all time favorite adventures, we’ve come to the conclusion that most of them push us outside of our comfort zone together.

Over the past few years we’ve checked off many bucket list adventures but we’ve also added countless more to our ongoing list.

We wanted to provide y’all with a list of our favorite couples travel bucket list items that we’ve checked off our list so far.

Continue reading below and you’ll find a list of items that we adore and believe all couples should add to their couples travel bucket list to do together!

The Best Couples Travel Bucket List

Continue reading below as we dive into the best couples travel bucket list to inspire your next great adventure.

1. Snow Ski

If you haven’t learned by now, we are in love with skiing powder. Sam is absolutely obsessed with snowboarding and talks about it all year round, whenever he gets the chance.

Sam learned how to snowboard in college and fell in love with the sport. I had learned how to ski when I was in elementary school but hadn’t touched snow skis again until I started dating Sam.

Sam taught me how to snow ski the first winter we started dating and it quickly became our most adored winter hobby! You can catch us skiing practically every weekend from December to April. 

We truly believe that skiing is one of the top outdoor adventures that all couples should do together!

It’s such a fun opportunity to explore the mountains, enjoy the snow, and grow as a couple.

Snow skiing (or snowboarding) should be at the top of your couples travel bucket list because it’s the perfect winter escape to experience with your significant other.

2. Scuba Dive

Getting our PADI Open Water Diver Certification was one of the most challenging accomplishments that we have ever done together.

I could not be more thankful that I had my husband by my side for this adventure. It pushed us far outside of our comfort zones but it has definitely been one of the most rewarding experiences. 

There are countless couples that travel to Rome, Paris, the beach, or whatever destination you have in mind. BUT not many people can say that they’ve gotten their scuba diving certification or gone scuba diving with their partner before.

Over 70% of the world is covered by the ocean and we highly recommend that you and your partner join us and the scuba diving community in discovering the other 70% of the world.

There is a whole world waiting to be explored under the sea and what better way to experience that beauty than with your soulmate!

So, add scuba diving to your couples travel bucket list, it’s not your typical adventure, which we personally love.

3. Go Backpacking Together

Whether you are backpacking through Thailand, Europe, or just in the wilderness… we highly recommend you grab your backpacks and go exploring (at least for a few nights!)

The first time I ever backpacked was with Sam and his brother. We hiked 18 miles in two days in the Pisgah National Forest and camped down by a river.

We ate what I like to call, space food. We “showered” in a river. We had no cell service and truly immersed ourselves with nature. 

Backpacking is a budget friendly experience that requires you to live on the items that you packed in your one bag.

You can backpack like we did in the woods or go backpacking in places like Asia or Europe, no matter what your version of backpacking looks like, it’ll be an experience that both challenges and excites you.

As a couple, you learn to roll with the punches. You learn to enjoy and appreciate the little things (like Sam packing more in his pack so mine isn’t super heavy).

You create lifelong memories that you’ll laugh at and talk nonstop about. We cannot express enough how much fun backpacking is and it most definitely needs to make every couples travel bucket list!

4. Find A Hidden Gem

Whether it is a hidden beach that only a handful of people know about, discovering a speakeasy that is only word of mouth, or finding a local restaurant that the tourists haven’t found yet… we highly recommend that couples put finding a hidden gem on their couples travel bucket list. 

Everytime we find something unique, quaint, and hidden we rave about it to one another.

The first BIG time this happened was when Sam found a hidden beach in Phuket, Thailand.

Before leaving for our trip, Sam had been reading some articles and found a cute beach that took a little bit of a hike to get to.

We had read that not many tourists know about the attraction and that it took some navigating to get to. Once we arrived, it was pure bliss.

There were only a handful of people on the beach as compared to the hundreds on the main beaches of Phuket.

I could have laid on that beach ALL DAY LONG and still dream about that experience. 

The same has happened when we were roaming the streets of Denver with a local and he took us to an ultra secretive speakeasy bar.

Another example was a small Italian restaurant in Rome that was off the beaten path and consisted of mostly locals, the prices weren’t uber high, we were practically the only tourists, and we discovered the most delicious pasta and steak of our entire trip.

So, no matter where you are, we urge you to get off the beaten path and discover some of life’s hidden gems!

It is a must have on any couples travel bucket list and you’ll be sure to talk about the experience for decades to come. 

5. Have A Spa Day

We aren’t too big on Spa Days but when we do indulge in one, we always have a relaxing and memorable time!

Whether you are in Thailand and get a Thai massage or you are visiting Switzerland and want to experience a Swiss massage or even just want to hit a local spot in your hometown!

It’s a rare experience for you both to get pampered and allows you to take time for yourselves and your wellbeing as a couple.

It’s sure to slow time down and allow you both to appreciate each other and your health.

6. Explore A Foreign Destination

We highly recommend that you book a trip as a couple to a destination where you don’t speak their language!

Visiting a foreign country that doesn’t speak your native language will push both you and your partner out of your comfort zones.

Not only will you both have to learn a few key phrases in a different language like hello/goodbye, thank you, bathroom, water, etc. but you’ll both have to learn to rely on each other when things get tough or you need some help.

There have been countless times when Sam or I will look at each other and be like “What did they just say?!”

This forces us to figure it out together and 9 out 10 times one of us was able to decipher what the individual said.

Besides figuring out the language barrier of a country, there are other aspects of foreign destinations that are good for your relationship as well.

You’ll both have to figure out a different currency, new ways of living, and new forms of transportation.

Each of these require you both to do some research, figure out a new skill or two, and have a great deal of communication between you and your partner. 

7. Winter Wonderland Getaway

Traveling to a destination that feels like stepping into the most beautiful Christmas movie… full of snow, twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and tranquil cabins is a must for all couples.

A trip to a winter wonderland destination is ultra romantic. Being filled with all the Christmas vibes, amazing food, toasty fires, and memorable times.

Whether you want to travel somewhere far like Canada, Switzerland, or Paris or maybe you want to travel to a winter wonderland in the United States like Jackson Hole, Aspen, or Bozeman… a winter wonderland getaway is a perfect bucket list item for all couples!

8. An Italian Vacation In The Amalfi Coast

Nothing makes my heart sing like talking about the beautiful and picturesque Amalfi Coast in Italy.

From the mouthwatering food, the jaw dropping landscape, and all of the romantic vibes in the air… the Amalfi Coast is on countless peoples couples travel bucket list and rightfully so.

The beautiful shops, endless lemon trees, and the beach umbrella lined coasts…It’s an unforgettable vacation that everyone should do at least once in their lifetime! 

9. A Tropical Destination Vacation

There is nothing like hopping off a plane into the warm and tropical destination of your choice.

Spending a week, or maybe even a long weekend, in a tropical destination is an ideal vacation for almost everyone.

Take a trip to somewhere that has aqua blue waters, white sand beaches, fresh seafood and fruits, and take several days to relax with your partner.

So many of our lives are surrounded by the hustle and bustle of working 9-5 jobs, running errands in the morning before work and in the afternoons following work, weekends filled with packed schedules… although having a busy life is often a good thing.

Make sure to take a moment to visit somewhere tropical and take some time to yourselves to enjoy each other’s company and live in the moment. It’s surely a trip that you’ll never forget.

10. Go Winery Hopping

Whether you have some local wineries near you or you want to plan a trip to somewhere like Napa Valley or Tuscany… Winery hopping is a great experience for couples!

You can take in the rolling hills of the vineyards, enjoy the warmth of the sun, try different wines, and hangout with your partner.

This is one of our favorite experiences when we are traveling to new areas that we’ve never explored.

We recently went winery hopping in the Palisades in Colorado and had the best time figuring out which wines we enjoyed and picking out our favorite vineyards. 

Pro Tip: We highly recommend that you walk, ride bikes, or even take a tour! This allows you to have fun and stay safe while trying all those different wines. 

11. Go Hiking

We say this all the time, whether you have been reading our blog or following us on Instagram, you probably know by now that we LOVE hiking.

It’s my all time favorite hobby and doing it with my husband makes it 100 times better.

You are able to get outside, put your phones and computers away, take in the scenery around you, sweat away some calories, and truly enjoy time together!

If you’ve never hiked with your partner before, make sure to add it on your list or if you have… go somewhere you’ve always wanted, like Rocky Mountain National Park or Saguaro National Park, to do that big hike you’ve always wanted to do!

It’s one of those hobbies that you can appreciate for the rest of your life and there are endless opportunities and mountains to discover. 

12. Go Camping

Camping is a great experience for all couples! Most of the time, you are off the grid with no cell service. It requires quite a bit of planning and communication ahead of time AND you get to take in and immerse yourself with nature.

It’s one of our favorite hobbies year round and requires you as a couple to communicate extensively!

Whether you need to talk about what the plan is, what you need to pack, what your meals are going to be, or even how to put up the tent.

Camping is a great way to work on communication or if you have that nailed down, it’s a great way to take some time to yourselves!

Sam and I love getting to a campsite and talking about our week or getting out our bocce balls and playing a game or two!

It allows you to take a step away from the world and enjoy the moment you are in. PLUS, our black labrador retriever, Clover, absolutely adores camping so it’s a win-win-win. 

13. Take A Road Trip

Road trips are such memorable opportunities to spend time as a couple and explore new environments.

Road trips can be as small as you want them to be or as big as your heart desires.

We recommend making a playlist before your journey begins so that you have plenty of songs to listen to on the way.

Another tip is to pack a cooler full of good snacks, sandwiches, and beverages for your trip.

This will help you keep your stops to a limit and it saves some money on fast food trips.

A road trip is a great idea for couples looking for something new to do on the weekends!

14. Visit A Castle (Or A Few)

Our first international trip together was going to Ireland over St. Patrick’s Day!

The trip was filled with endless pints, breathtaking views, delicious food, and beautiful castles.

Visiting castles is a fun activity to do as a couple because oftentimes, it’s a new experience for you both!

You can take in the outer beauty of the castle together or plan a trip to see some castles from the inside.

It’s always fascinating to learn about the origins of the buildings. Plus, the pictures you take from the inside and the outside of the castles are sure to make great memories and portraits for your house down the road. 

15. Rent Vespas

We rented vespas in Thailand and it was one of the most memorable parts of our trip.

Vespas are a huge mode of transportation in Europe and Asia and a great form of transportation for when you are tired of walking or having to travel great distances.

There were 6 of us that rented vespas together in Thailand and it was such a fun experience riding around on our scooters with the locals. 

16. A Trip To The Big Apple

New York City, one of the most iconic and vibrant cities in the world, is a must see for any couple.

Coming from a small town in central Virginia, New York City could not be more different.

The city has endless shopping, countless restaurants, skyscrapers towering over you, and everything in between.

The Big Apple is a must see for all couples because it’s an experience like no other.

You learn the ends and outs of navigating the busy sidewalks, you learn to deal with the honking, the never ending sirens, and noises surrounding you, you have to communicate with each other on your plans, and you get to appreciate one another during the midst of all the madness around you.

Beyond the craziness, NYC is a magical place with contagious energy that can only be felt while strolling the streets themselves.

NYC always makes me think of how talented people are, from the actors on Broadway to the gifted engineers that build all those skyscrapers.

It is a city that makes you feel small but makes your relationship with your partner feel so big… because in a city that has so much happening and so many people going in different directions, you know that you have found your soulmate.

New York City is a bunch of things wrapped up into one and a trip to New York City will be a memory that you will never forget.

17. Live On A Houseboat

A bucket list item that not many people think of, couples should live on a houseboat together for at least a few days.

One of my all time favorite family memories and Sam’s first trip with my family, was to Lake Powell.

We rented a houseboat and set sail for about a week. The experience is so cool for couples and families because it’s unlike anything else.

You are living on a boat on the water! This requires so much planning in advance such as reservations for the boat, where you’ll fly into and how to get to the boat, what groceries you need, what supplies you’ll need on the boat, and so much more.

The week we spent on Lake Powell was unforgettable, filled with games, laughter, good food, and crazy amounts of swimming.

Living on a houseboat is not an ordinary couples travel bucket list item but we truly believe it should make it on every couples list!

18. See One (Or All) Of The Wonders Of The World

The first Wonder of the World that we saw together was the Colosseum in Rome. It was my number one bucket list item ever and it lived up to all the hype.

Between the history behind the Colosseum, experiencing the views of the Colosseum during the daytime and nighttime, and walking inside of it… it was truly one of the best experiences of my life.

Seeing the Wonders of the World is an incredible opportunity to experience as a couple because you get to put into perspective why these attractions are world renowned and get to gain your own appreciation for these things together. 

19. Go Horseback Riding

Sam’s favorite excursion that we’ve ever done is horseback riding and I definitely loved it too.

We went horseback riding in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on our honeymoon and it was an excursion that we’ll never forget!

The experience was wonderful as we rode the horses throughout the beautiful fall foliage in the mountains surrounding Jackson.

Horseback riding is a great experience because you get to spend time outdoors and with such beautiful creatures.

We highly recommend that couples look into horseback riding when visiting beautiful states out west like Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, Colorado, and the list goes on.

Horseback riding out west is an awesome opportunity because you can ride the horses through the mountains and the temperatures are oftentimes more moderate than on the East Coast because of its humidity.

Furthermore, many of the states out west are known for their cowboy roots so you can really put yourself in their shoes while riding a horse up a mountain!

For many couples, this may not seem like something you want to do and I was pretty skeptical of horseback riding myself because I hadn’t ridden a horse since I was in elementary school.

However, the experience is truly something that we believe all couples would enjoy. You get to immerse yourself with the “cowboy culture” and vibes that out West has to offer.

Meanwhile, you are able to take in the picturesque mountains and scenery from a whole new perspective!

The experience brings so many new memories that you might not have thought of… Sam always laughs about how his horse kept wanting to pass mine.

We highly recommend that couples add horseback riding to their couple travel bucket lists because it’s unlike anything else!

20. Live Somewhere New Together

Moving to Denver has been one of the most incredible, life changing experiences that we have ever endured.

We were born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia and after we got married, we bought a house that was 5 minutes down the road from both of our parents.

When we broke the news to our families that we would be moving across the country… It was shocking to say the least.

This experience has opened our eyes to new adventures and has been so awesome for our relationship.

We have learned to rely on each other in every situation. Living somewhere new together has allowed us to embark on crazy adventures and opened up new doors to hobbies and adventures that we had never even considered before such as scuba diving!

You gain a new perspective on life and truly appreciate the things and people who matter the most. 

Final Thoughts On The Ultimate Couples Travel Bucket List

We hope this couples travel bucket list encourages you to embark on new and exciting adventures together and see all that the world has to offer!

Creating a couples tracel bucket list is a great idea for any couple that wants to travel near and far.

We are constantly adding things to our bucket list and checking new experiences off and hope to encourage you all to do the same. Happy Exploring!