David Skelton
Capturing Moments, Sharing Stories
How Travel Strengthens Our Love: Adventures Across the US
My husband Gio and I have an unquenchable thirst for adventure. Since tying the knot in December 2015, we’ve embarked on countless journeys, exploring the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the United States. Traveling together is a way to see our country and a powerful tool to strengthen our relationship. In this blog post, I’ll share highlights from our US adventures and how we keep the spark alive while on the road.
Our First Adventure as Newlyweds: A Four Corners Road Trip
In December 2015, eight days after our wedding, we set off on our first couple’s adventure – a week-long, 2,000-mile Four Corners road trip. We explored Grand Junction, the Rocky Mountains, Denver for New Year’s Eve, the Air Force Academy, Durango, the Four Corners Monument, Williams, and the Grand Canyon. It was the perfect way to start our married life together, filled with adventure and discovery in our backyard.
December 2017: Adventure in Honolulu
We spent an unforgettable few days in San Francisco, where we sailed under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, explored Chinatown, Nob Hill, and Haight-Ashbury, and rode the Powell-Hyde Cable Car. The city’s vibrant energy and cultural diversity made this a memorable experience.
December 2019: San Francisco, California's Golden City
We spent an unforgettable few days in San Francisco, where we sailed under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, explored Chinatown, Nob Hill, and Haight-Ashbury, and rode the Powell-Hyde Cable Car. The city’s vibrant energy and cultural diversity made this a memorable experience.
August 2021: South Lake Tahoe Vacation Nightmare Turned Adventure
Our trip to South Lake Tahoe didn’t go as planned due to the Caldor Fire. However, even with the unexpected evacuation and canceled flight, we turned it into an adventure by driving 450 miles home and making the most of the situation. It taught us to adapt and stay positive even when things don’t go according to plan.
June 2022: Two-week Summer Vacation in Miami
Miami was a tropical paradise. We spent two weeks exploring Biscayne Bay, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling in Key West, and cruising around Miami Beach. This relaxing vacation allowed us to recharge and reconnect in the Sunshine State.
April 2024: Four Corners Road Trip 2.0
Eight years after our first Four Corners adventure, we embarked on a second one, this time in reverse. We revisited some of our favorite spots and discovered new ones, including Page, AZ, the Four Corners Monument, Santa Fe, Denver, Winter Park Ski Resort, Grand Junction, the San Rafael Reef, Beaver, and the Virgin River Gorge. Seeing how much we had grown as a couple since our first trip was incredible.
Getaway Days and Concert Nights: Short Trips, Big Impact on Our Bond
In addition to our bigger vacations, Gio and I love taking frequent “Getaway Days.” We’ve been to Las Vegas nine times, zip-lining on the Fremont Street Experience, taking helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon and Red Rocks, visiting the Hoover Dam, and jet skiing on the Colorado River. We’ve also attended 38 concerts with 60 bands, including Kenny Chesney, Billy Joel, Guns N Roses, Elton John, and Jimmy Buffet. These shorter trips are crucial to keeping the excitement alive in our relationship and creating lasting memories.
A study by the U.S. Travel Association found that couples who travel together report higher levels of relationship satisfaction and are more likely to say “the romance is still alive.” We’ve found this to be true in our own experience. Stepping away from our daily routines and experiencing new things together helps us reconnect and appreciate each other more greatly.
Southern California Adventures: From Catalina Island to San Diego
Southern California offers a plethora of exciting getaways for couples. We’ve explored Catalina Island, a charming island off the coast of Los Angeles, where we toured the wilderness, searched for American bison, explored Lover’s Cove marine life, and took a golf cart tour of Avalon.
We also love San Diego, which we’ve visited 16 times. We’ve attended concerts and jet skiing in San Diego Bay, cruised around the harbor, visited SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, and shopped and dined at the US/Mexico border. There’s always something new to discover in this beautiful city.
California's Central Coast: Hidden Gems for Couples
We’ve also explored California’s Central Coast, visiting Moro Rock, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Santa Barbara, and taking a day tour of San Francisco. This region is a hidden gem, offering stunning natural beauty and charming coastal towns.
The Secret to a Healthy Relationship While Traveling
Traveling together has been an incredible way for Gio and me to bond, grow, and create unforgettable memories. The key to keeping a healthy relationship while traveling is to:
- Communicate openly: Discuss your expectations and preferences before and during your trip.
- Be flexible: Things sometimes go differently than they are, so be prepared to adjust your itinerary if needed.
- Compromise: Find activities you enjoy and are willing to try new things together.
- Take breaks: Spend some time apart to recharge and pursue individual interests.
- Cherish the moments: Remember to relax, have fun, and appreciate your time together.
Research shows that couples prioritizing shared experiences, like travel, tend to have higher relationship satisfaction and commitment levels. So, whether it’s a grand adventure or a short getaway, traveling together can strengthen your bond and create a lifetime of memories within the diverse landscapes of the US. So pack your bags, grab your partner’s hand, and embark on your next American adventure!
