Picture this: You and your partner, alone in the wilderness, with only each other and the basic necessities for survival. Whether this sounds like a dream or sounds like a nightmare, I urge you to read on! Some of the best moments of my own relationship have been while camping, and there’s truly nothing I look forward to more in the summertime. If you’re still not convinced, let me share my top six reasons why camping is the ultimate couples getaway.
It’s an Instant Bonding Experience
For starters, just like building Ikea furniture is a true test of your relationship, so is setting up a tent together. When you’re both forced to fend for yourselves, you’re also forced to work as a team. Helping each other do the essentials like setting up camp, cooking, and cleaning up is like moving in together in the wilderness, and the two of you will find yourselves bonding very quickly. Beyond the basics of your day-to-day, there’s no other bonding experience quite like spending a few days together sans a real bathroom and shower.
It Forces You to Unplug
Most campsites won’t have service at all, and even if they do it likely won’t be great. One of the best things about being out in nature is taking advantage of this and using the trip as a chance to disconnect with the craziness of your usual world. Less time on your phone means more time spent with your loved one having real conversations or basking in the silence of being away from the city.
It Can Be Super Romantic
I know you’re probably thinking that there’s no way spending an extended amount of time with your partner without a shower, sleeping on the ground can be romantic in any sense, but that’s where you’re wrong! I guarantee that nights spent cuddling by the fire, watching the stars, and talking about life will be some of the most romantic you’ll have. Being alone together outdoors, especially by the fire, tends to bring out our most vulnerable thoughts and spark those deep conversations you always wish for but don’t usually have. I mean, what more could you ask for?
It’s Really Inexpensive
It’s hard to deny that camping is about as cheap of a getaway as you can get. If the thought of spending hundreds of dollars on a hotel is what’s stopping you and your partner from exploring this summer, camping is the answer to your troubles! If you love a good adventure, you can find plenty of campsites for free or for a small backcountry permit fee. Otherwise, most government-maintained campsites only charge $10-$25 a night. Once you no longer have to worry about the cash, you’ll have more time to sit back, relax, and just be together.
It’s the Best Kind of Escape
Sure, you can hide in your room watching Netflix all you want in an attempt to escape from life’s daily stressors, but nothing quite has the same effect as spending a weekend off the grid, unplugged and worry-free. You get to trade in your favourite show for your favourite book, your daily workout for a hike or swim, and your morning alarm for the sun and the sound of the birds. Truly escaping your regular routine, especially with your partner, leaves you feeling completely refreshed and ready to tackle anything together.
Nature Cures Everything
Being in the outdoors just feels good, not to mention there are a ton of actual proven mental and physical benefits to being outside. If there was any lingering tension between you and your partner, you might just find that a camping trip is all it takes for it all to melt away. Spending time in nature improves your mood significantly, and when you’re both feeling happier you’ll develop a new appreciation for one another and will likely reconnect in a way that just isn’t possible in the city.
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No, roughing it is not for everyone. That being said, even if camping isn’t your style I would encourage you to get yourself out of your comfort zone and try it with your partner if not for the reasons listed above, at least for the experience. You never know, you might discover a new hobby, all while falling in love all over again!
