Over a month ago, I got married. Needless to say, having a honeymoon during a lockdown wasn’t exactly what we had planned. With so much of the world stuck at home and unable to travel, I thought it’d be fun to share a list of stay at home date ideas for couples. I’ll include how to make it as romantic and realistic as possible. Some of these can be done for cheap, but if you want to go all out, you can bring travel straight to your home with a few accessories.
Camp in the “Mountains”
One of the easiest ways to feel like you aren’t stuck at home is to get outside. Start by setting up a tent in your backyard. Luckily, with your house next door, it’s a bit more like glamping than camping. Bring comfy blankets and pillows. Dine in the yard, picnic style. Download a few songs that sound like nature (birds chirping, a waterfall, the beach, etc.). Have a bonfire, roast marshmallows and spend the night gazing at the stars before bed.
Set the tone:
- Check out the “Nature Sounds” playlist on Spotify to transport you to the rainforest, a river, or a walk in the countryside.
Bring it to life:
Check out these items on Amazon to make your stay at home date night perfect…
Dinner in “Italy”
One of my favorite vacations was to Italy. As beautiful as it was, it was the food that made it most enjoyable. Why not take a trip to Italy without leaving home? Most people can make some basic Italian food, but try cooking something special together. You’ve got all day to plan, so might as well go all out. Learn to make handmade pasta and sauce on YouTube. Play Italian music while you work. Let’s not forget a bottle of fine Italian wine! Once you’re done eating, watch a movie set in Italy.
Set the tone:
- Watch a YouTube video on How to Make Homemade Pasta.
- Learn to Make a Homemade Italian Sauce from fresh tomatoes.
- Check out the “italian music” playlist on Spotify for classic Italian music while you cook and eat.
- Last, but not least, watch a romantic movie set in Italy. Some examples are Under the Tuscan Sun, La Dolce Vita, A Room with a View, Letters to Juliet, Eat Pray Love, or Roman Holiday.
Bring it to life:
Check out these items on Amazon to make your at home date night perfect…
Wine Tasting in “France”
If you’ve been dreaming of a trip to France, then fear not. You can visit France in your own dining room if you really want to. First, you’ll need to purchase a few bottles of French wine to enjoy a tasting in your very own private vineyard. Add a little music, some food, and a movie based in France and you’re ready to go. Don’t forget that the French never leave home looking less than chic. Don your favorite outfit so that you look the part!
Set the tone:
- Check out the “French Café Lounge” playlist on Spotify to set the mood.
- Purchase an array of French cheese along with French bread to accompany the wine.
- Pair the tasting with a movie set in France or about wine. I recommend Uncorked, Amelie, The 100 Foot Journey, Moulin Rouge, or Midnight in Paris.
Bring it to life:
Check out these items on Amazon to make your date night perfect…
Foreign Film Night
Having a foreign film night can be so much fun. But, let’s make it extra special. Flood the floor with pillows and blankets. Light candles and watch a few films with a movie projector so it feels like you are at the theater. Don’t forget the popcorn and movie candy! Some of my favorite foreign films are The Intouchables (French), Pahuna (Nepali), Hunt for the Wilderpeople (New Zealand), Queen (Indian). Most of these are available on Netflix right now.
Set the tone:
- Candles and a ton of blankets and pillows makes for a romantic and snuggly movie experience.
- Crack open some wine or pop some popcorn for the perfect night in.
Bring it to life:
Check out these items on Amazon to make your movie night special…
Gamble in “Vegas”
You may not be able to hit a real casino to play big, but you can play at home. When I lived in New York, our power was notorious for going out during snowstorms. My parents had a tabletop poker set which made it feel like we were in a real casino. We used to sit and play Texas Hold ‘Em for hours to pass the time. To make it a date night, get dressed up, prepare some fancy drinks and enjoy a night of gambling!
Set the tone:
- One of the fun parts of going to Vegas is getting all dressed up. Put on a cocktail dress or a suit to get started.
- Fix yourselves some fun cocktails that you can easily make at home.
- If you’re into cigars, this is the perfect opportunity to smoke one.
- Check out the “Vegas Party Mix” on Spotify to get amped up.
- When you’re done gambling, watch a Vegas inspired movie like 21, The Hangover, Last Vegas, or What Happens in Vegas.
Bring it to life:
Check out these items on Amazon to make your date night perfect…
Picnic in the “Park”
Having a picnic in the “park” is an easy way to change up your at home routine without dropping big bucks. Simply take your meal outside. When was the last time you had a picnic? It’s something we do on vacation or at the beach, but never in our own backyards. Make your favorite meal and eat it on a blanket outside with some sangria!
Set the tone:
- You may not be able to go out, but don’t use that as an excuse to show up in pajamas. Get dressed up in your favorite sun dress, sandals and floppy hat and khakis and a button down for the gents. Don’t forget to do your hair and makeup.
- Relax outside reading poetry in the fresh air to make it extra romantic.
Bring it to life:
Check out these items on Amazon to make your date night perfect…
Salsa Dance in “Cuba”
Who says you have to get on a plane to experience Cuba. Try taking an online dance class instead. You can YouTube salsa lessons or find a virtual teacher. Once you’ve got the hang of it, turn off the learning videos, play some Latin music and just have fun! You can go all out and have some Cuban cuisine and watch Dirty Dancing afterwards to complete the night.
Set the tone:
- Watch Salsa Dance Classes on YouTube. If the beginner class is too easy, you can step it up a notch with something a little more challenging.
- Make Homemade Cuban Cuisine for dinner.
- Check out the “Salsa Cubana” playlist on Spotify.
- Snuggle up and watch Dirty Dancing once you’re done.
Bring it to life:
Check out these fun items on Amazon to make you feel like a real salsa dancer…
Brew Beer in “Ireland”
If you want to get your man on board with your stay at home date night ideas, then this one is sure to win him over. Have an Irish themed date where you make your own beer, eat pub food, and watch Irish inspired movies! Did you know, you can make beer in 30 minutes?
Set the tone:
- Check out the “Best Irish Pub Songs” playlist on Spotify to get in the beer making mood.
- Try your hand at making some traditional Irish food.
- Make beer together using a beer kit.
- Finish the evening off with a movie inspired by Ireland like The Guard, Leap Year, or Brooklyn.
Bring it to life:
Check out these items on Amazon to make your date night perfect…
Relax at the “Spa”
One of my favorite parts of vacationing in Asia is getting massages since they are much more affordable then New York. Nothing says vacation to me more than a trip to the spa. This one is easy to do at home and doesn’t have to be expensive at all. Start with a face mask while you soak your feet. Then take turns with a foot scrub. Take a bath with rose petals and end the evening by giving each other a massage using coconut oil.
Set the tone:
- Check out the “Relaxing Massage” playlist on Spotify to feel like you are at the spa.
- Put slices of cucumber in your water just like a luxurious resort would.
- Sprinkle rose petals in the bathtub. Because why not? You’re at an “expensive spa” after all.
- Light a candle with a lavender scent to relax.
Bring it to life:
Check out these items on Amazon to make your date night perfect…
Make Sushi in “Japan”
A great date night is making your own sushi! First of all, it’s not as easy as it looks. But, it is a lot of fun and you’ll truly appreciate the art of sushi making when you’re done. Not to mention, your hard work will pay off when you get to eat what you made.
Set the tone:
- Check out the “Japanese Traditional Music” playlist on Spotify to set the mood.
- Enjoy some traditional Japanese sake while you work.
- After eating, watch Jiro Dreams of Sushi to see inside the sushi industry.
Bring it to life:
Check out these items on Amazon to make your date night perfect…
Tour a “Museum”
Some of the most popular attractions on vacation are museums. Did you know you can do a virtual tour or visit online exhibits from home? You can easily visit museums in London, New York City, Washington D.C., Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Florence, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, and more! While you can easily access these on your computer, I recommend a movie projector to make it feel like you’re actually walking the halls of these famous spots!
Set the tone:
- Visit the Louvre
- Visit the National Museum of Natural History
- Use Google Street View to take virtual tours of multiple museums around the world!
Bring it to life:
Check out these items on Amazon to make your date night perfect…
Drink Tea in “Turkey”
If you’ve spent any time on Instagram or following travel bloggers, I’m sure you’ve seen the famous photos of people having Turkish tea while watching hot air balloons take off in the distance. In the west, we never seem to just have tea. This one takes a little more imagination and money to make it a reality, but if done correctly, it can be a pretty epic at home date. Enjoy the slow life of another country where having tea can take hours.
Set the tone:
- Lay out an oriental rug, lots of vibrant pillows and get cozy sitting on the floor.
- Check out the “Turkish Songs” playlist on Spotify to feel like you’re there.
- Light incense to excite all of your senses.
- Order Turkish tea, Turkish delight and a fancy teapot to serve it.
Bring it to life:
Check out these items on Amazon to make your date night perfect…
Experience the “Opera”
I’ve always wanted to go to an Opera, but it’s not cheap. I’m afraid I would hate it and think I wasted my money. Now’s the perfect time to go to the Opera… from home. You can watch a lot of different Operas on YouTube for free. I recommend having a movie projector so that you feel like you’re in the theater.
Set the tone:
- It’s not a night at the opera unless you’re dressed to the nines. Dig out your old bridesmaids, prom, or wedding dress and get ready!
- Break out the champagne and have a toast.
- Check out some of the Opera’s on YouTube.
Bring it to life:
Check out these items on Amazon to make your date night perfect…
Make Chocolate in “Belgium”
A few years ago, I had a chocolate making party with my girlfriends before Valentine’s Day. We all made handmade chocolates to give to our boyfriends, but the chocolate making process ended up being the most fun. It was surprisingly easy too! All you need is a few ingredients and a couple hours of time to spare. Making chocolate with your partner is a great date night idea that doesn’t require leaving home!
Set the tone:
- Spend a few hours making chocolates truffles.
- Watch a movie while the chocolate sets. I recommend Chocolat, Love, Romance & Chocolate or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- You can even listen to the Chocolat Soundtrack while working.
Bring it to life:
Check out these items on Amazon to make your chocolate making date night perfect…
Watch the Sunrise or Sunset
This one is super easy, but that doesn’t make it any less romantic. When we travel, we often wake up extra early to watch a magical sunrise. But we never do this at home. Why not? It’s just as romantic from your house as other places in the world. Give it a shot.
Set the tone:
- Get a thermos of coffee and two cups to take outside with you.
- Bring a cozy blanket big enough for two.
You might also like…
Michelle Della Giovanna
Writer at Full Time Explorer
I’m just your average New Yorker who quit her job in the fashion industry to explore the world. Come find out what it’s like to trade in five-inch heels for squat toilets.
I am sorted for whole lockown days now!
Haha yes, this should help fill the time! 🙂
i like this inspire travel to mention share with us
This list is awesome! You took the idea of traveling while home and ran with it. Such a creative idea!
Awe thank you so much! I had a lot of fun writing the post and thinking of fun ideas!