We are quite an active couple. Between long hikes for our anniversaries or just because and tango events, we love to discover new places, usually on foot. After all, we look & walk.

However, neither of us likes crowded places, we both love to go to places that are at least slightly off-the-beaten-path, and we are glad when we do that before others discover the places.

This article is aimed at all couples. Whether you enjoy spending time outdoors already or want to do more activities in nature with your significant other, we hope that the outdoor activities for couples we suggest here will entice you to spend more time in the fresh air.

>>Forced to spend most time indoors but want to have fun with your beau? Check out these indoor activities for couples.

Outdoor Activities for Couples: Go on a long walk or hike

Especially if you live in Europe, chances are there’s some green oasis nearby or at least easily reachable. Between big parks, riverbanks, and urban forests, there are plenty of opportunities to put on those walking shoes, bring a water bottle, and rack up some steps, while holding hands and enjoying some quality time together.

You could also rent a car or take public transportation to the start of a hiking route and enjoy some hours on the trails.

We are lucky to live in an area that has quite a lot of hiking opportunities nearby, including an urban forest we can reach on foot. We do have to plan the hike here when others don’t have the same idea, though – so holidays and weekends during the summer are excluded for us.

The basic gear you need for a long walk or hike is:

• Waterproof walking shoes
• Waterproof light rain jacket
• Waterproof hiking trousers
• Bandana
• Water bottle
• Solar power bank
• Smartphone (with GPS and able to make emergency calls)
• (Optional) Hiking poles

Outdoor Activities for Couples: Dance

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A post shared by Cris (Looknwalk) (@cricketro) on Jun 15, 2020 at 11:33am PDT

Let me emphasize that you don’t have to be a professional dancer to dance anywhere you want (and is legal). And you don’t even need to have taken lessons before.

If you don’t want an “audience”, just find a place where it’s unlikely to bump into people.

While we couldn’t hold classes indoor during the pandemic , we’ve taken our Argentine tango practice in the great outdoors since the lockdown lifted. We’ve danced in various places in the city but also in the forest. And then, we realized we actually loved to shoot videos outdoors, just for fun.

The minimum additional gear you need to consider bringing is a waterproof bluetooth speaker. If you want to film, a small smartphone tripod would do the trick. We do have an action cam but, unfortunately, the battery is quite unreliable by now so we prefer to film with one of our smartphones.

>>Want to discover new music to add to your playlist? Check out these tango songs.

Outdoor Activities for Couples: Do couples yoga

Traditionally, yoga is an individual practice. You learn how to breathe, focus, and be in the present moment while on the mat.

But doing yoga with your significant other opens a world of possibilities and helps strengthen your relationship plus help with your overall health.

If you don’t know where to start, a quick search for partner (or couples) yoga should do the trick.

Just drive / hike to a secluded spot, roll that outdoors yoga mat and have fun.

>>Not keen on taking the practice outdoors? No problem, you can even attend online yoga retreats!

Outdoor Activities for Couples: Enjoy a snow day

Some couples love the snow and there there’s…us. We’ve actively avoided winter by living in Southern Italy. And if we happened to stay put in Central Europe, we thank heavens when it doesn’t snow in our area.

Still, it does snow sometimes. What’s there to do if we want to go outside? Usually, we’d go for a quick run to take photos. After all, cities do have a certain magic when that first blanket of snow falls. Albeit, I most certainly prefer to spend time at a Christmas Market in Europe if I decided I want to venture out in the cold.

That said, if you happen to be among those who enjoy the snow, dress accordingly (thermal underwear, ftw!) and enjoy your time out. Don’t be shy to play in the snow and then stop for hot cocoa somewhere. Or bring your own in an insulated water bottle.

Outdoor Activities for Couples: See the sunrise (or sunset)

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A post shared by Cris (Looknwalk) (@cricketro) on May 24, 2019 at 12:48am PDT

Even if you are not a morning person, waking up to see the sunrise is a great way to enjoy time together. And, by the way, especially if you are not a morning person, make sure you get enough sleep and wake up to a cup of hot coffee.

Certain places in the world are known to offer outstanding sunrise moments. However, I believe that if you happen to be at the seaside or in the mountains, all you need to do is look for that eastern point where the sun rises from and find a good vantage point.

If you are more of a night owl, sunsets will be up your alley. I love that even European capitals can put a show for the sunset. But seeing the sun dip in the sea or behind a mountain is, indeed, magical.

Outdoor Activities for Couples: Organize a (selfie) photoshoot

A selfie stick is useful and so is a smartphone tripod, but you can have fun with just your smartphone!

Be wild and creative! Bring different outfits if you wish and plan an itinerary, too.

I love that you can take interesting shots both in the cities and in nature.

While we do take a bunch of selfies when we go out, we’ve only planned walks to certain landmarks to take selfies when the plan was to write an article about those. Curious? Check out the best places to take selfies in Cluj-Napoca, Romania and the best places to take selfies in Budapest, Hungary .

Outdoor Activities for Couples: Try watersports

Loving the outdoors and being on the water? Then, why not indulge in some watersports.

Kayaking and canoeing are easiest you can learn, but you can always join a surf or SUP (stand-up Paddling) lesson.

And if you don’t feel like going for anything “extreme” rent out one of those paddle boats that can be found on any lake that offers activities for visitors.

Outdoor Activities for Couples: Take a road trip

Road trips are very versatile. Whether you spontaneously decide to go somewhere or plan the stops in detail you are going to have a great time.

Just be careful not to cram too much in a short trip. Research the possible stops along the way, as well as any activities you can do, and make sure you are not rushing around.

I love to stop at 2-3 sights to check them out – whether they are museums, churches, or the historical center of towns / villages.

If I feel like I want an active trip, then for sure a hike will be included. I love long hikes, but shorter trails are much better if you plan a day trip.

Looking to do something special? Pack a picnic and stop at a scenic spot!

Michelle from Romantic Explorers (Instagram ) talks about going on a road trip and enjoying a picnic at a lovely lookout:

“If you’re looking for low-cost date ideas, road tripping to lookouts and having a picnic is a great choice. If you search in Google Maps for “lookouts”, it will highlight the nearby lookout points. Clicking on each and looking at the photos will help you see which ones are worth visiting.

You should know that lookout points often have picnic areas too (or at least that’s the case where we live!). If you’re planning to enjoy a picnic at a lookout, check what the walking distance is from the parking to the viewpoint if your picnic basket is heavy.

A few essential picnic items you can pack in your picnic basket are a blanket to sit on, plates, glasses, cutlery, and a garbage bag. Some easy picnic food ideas include olives, sundried tomato, crackers, stuffed peppers, gherkins, cucumber or carrot sticks, fruits, vegan cheese and don’t forget the wine or your drink of choice!

Bringing a waterproof bluetooth speaker and some of your favorite songs, flowers, lanterns, and fairy lights can add a romantic atmosphere to your outdoor picnic. Plan to have your picnic during sunset for that extra wow factor!

A road trip to lookouts and having an outdoor picnic can be as affordable or luxurious as you like. If you’re celebrating a special occasion such as your partner’s birthday, Valentine’s Day, anniversary, or even a proposal, you can turn your picnic up a notch by renting a luxury car for the road trip or having the picnic set up for you by expert picnic stylists.”

Or you can plan to stay later and indulge in some stargazing. Although, unfortunately, this usually means driving quite far away from “civilization” to avoid light pollution. In this case, consider either bringing a tent to pitch or book an overnight stay ahead of time.

The basic gear you need for a road trip is:

• GPS unit
• Cooler
• Tent for two (if you stay the night)
• Sleeping bag

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