My husband and I LOVE to surprise each other with overnight trips!

It all started a few years ago when he was particularly stressed at work. I thought he could use some R&R, so I secretly began researching quaint little inns within a reasonable driving distance of our house.

I found a perfect little place that offered a wonderful romantic getaway package! It included one night’s stay, champagne and chocolates in the room, dinner, and shopping vouchers at their shops.

Before I booked it, I made sure he didn’t have any conflicts with the date I picked.

I like to get the most mileage I can from a surprise, and part of that, I think, is the anticipation! While it might be nice sometime to secretly pack a suitcase, pick him up from work, and whisk him away, I decided to tell him I was planning something so he could look forward to it for a couple of weeks.

After booking a room, I searched out entertainment options on the way there and near the hotel. You know what your partner likes, so plan something they will truly enjoy. We love museums, so I picked one on the way as a “bonus” surprise. Maybe you could get tickets to a sporting event or the symphony. Whatever your partner would love to do!

Since he doesn’t do well as a passenger (I don’t know if it is my driving or he really does get carsick!), I printed out the directions to everywhere we were going and just told him where to turn. It was cool for him to not know where he was driving to!

The inn I chose was just beautiful! There was a fireplace in the lobby, and our room was just gorgeous. We spent the afternoon walking through the shops. Dinner that evening was fantastic. The dining room was very cozy, and the food was excellent. The next day I took him to an animal park before we headed home.

This past February, it was ME who was feeling stressed out at work. So Chris planned a surprise overnight trip for me! He got a package that included dinner and breakfast, a gift basket in the room, and a jacuzzi suite. It was just what I needed and it really rejuvenated me.

We both had such a good time, we decided it would be a great idea to take turns planning a surprise trip in February for each other! It gives us something to look forward to as the cold winter months drag on. And there are so many interesting things to do in and around your own hometown, that I bet you never get a chance to do.

You don’t have to do something really expensive or fancy. We always stick to one night so we don’t have to worry about using up vacation days or anything like that. We also stick to less than a two hour drive so we don’t spend all weekend in the car!

Sometimes you’ll find a two-night minimum at a hotel, depending on the day of the week and the season, so you might have to plan a whole weekend. Most places these days have specials online so you can get a good deal AND have some of the planning done for you!

I was inspired this week and got a head start on planning a surprise trip, since it is my turn next. I found another great hotel with some really cool add-on options.

But just like Chris, you’ll have to wait until February for more details!