# Staying Connected: Long Distance Relationship Advice for Couples *By James Hills — Updated September 2024* Written by: [James Hills](https://coupleplaces.com/james-hills.html) Created: 17 September 2024 Last Updated: 17 September 2024 Top BlogHits: 3130Reading time: 03:18 When one spouse travels for work, the other may feel isolated and disconnected. Unfortunately, work-related travel is inevitable in many couples’ lives, but that doesn’t mean your relationship has to suffer as a result. Here are some key tips to help your marriage remain strong even when one partner is away. **Questions****Key Points****Article Index** {CONTENTPOLL ["id": 4]} KEY POINTS COMING SOON 1. [Plan For When You'll Be Reunited!](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#plan-for-when-you'll-be-reunited!)[Create a Shared Countdown Calendar](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#create-a-shared-countdown-calendar) 2. [Plan a Special Activity Together](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#plan-a-special-activity-together) 3. [Create a Surprise for Each Other](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#create-a-surprise-for-each-other) 4. [Set Personal Goals for the Separation Period](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#set-personal-goals-for-the-separation-period) 5. [Schedule Quality Time Right After Arrival](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#schedule-quality-time-right-after-arrival) [Creative Activities For Long Distance Couples](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#try-creative-activities-do-do-even-when-separated) 1. [Virtual Date Nights](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#virtual-date-nights) 2. [Collaborative Storytelling](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#collaborative-storytelling) 3. [Couple’s Journal Exchange](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#couple’s-journal-exchange) 4. [Take a Virtual Class Together](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#take-a-virtual-class-together) 5. [Play “20 Questions”](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#play-“20-questions”) 6. [Plan Future Adventures](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#plan-future-adventures) 7. [Send Handwritten Letters](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#send-handwritten-letters) 8. [Share a “Photo a Day” Challenge](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#share-a-“photo-a-day”-challenge) 9. [Create a Joint Playlist](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#create-a-joint-playlist) 10. [Practice Daily Gratitude](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#practice-daily-gratitude) [Don't Forget To Show Affection Despite The Distance](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/staying-connected-relationship-advice-for-couples-when-a-spouse-is-away-on-work-trips.html#don't-forget-to-show-affection-despite-the-long-distance)  First of all, communication is key. Try to make sure that you both stay [connected throughout the day via text](index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=136:digital-flirting-how-to-keep-the-spark-alive-with-texts-and-more&catid=9:relationship-advice&Itemid=151)or video chat, even if it’s just for a few brief minutes. Keeping an open line of communication is important to ensure that you remain in sync with each other. This regular connection can also help ease any feelings of loneliness or anxiety caused by being apart. ### Skylon Tower, Niagara Falls Ontario Observation Deck Admission Visit Skylon Tower for the best views of Niagara Falls. This admission ticket provides access to 'Ride to the Top,' the glass-enclosed elevator that whisks you up to the indoor and outdoor observation deck, which stands 775 feet (236 meters) above the waterfalls. Be wowed by the 360-degree views, and go at night if you want to see the illuminated falls and seasonal fireworks display. If you want a bite to eat, the Revolving Dining Room offers panoramic views while dining for lunch or dinner (food and drinks at your own expense). Viator$17.34 [View Details](https://ads2.flowmediamarketing.com/go/yKDVnpaUnL813V-5nR_6hA.640) ### Niagara Bench: A Wine Journey to Ontario’s Best Kept Secrets Explore one of Ontario's most celebrated wine regions, the Niagara Escarpment’s Bench. Known for its unique microclimate, the Bench provides the ideal conditions for crafting some of the province’s finest wines. Nestled between the towering Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, the region offers not only stunning vistas but also a perfect environment for growing cool-climate varietals like Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir. This scenic tour will take you through vineyards set on sloping landscapes where ancient limestone soils add a distinctive character to the wines. Learn about the terroir that gives Bench wines their signature minerality and elegance, while indulging in tastings at select boutique wineries. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, you'll enjoy an intimate journey through this picturesque wine country where tradition and innovation meet to create extraordinary vintages. - curated by our very own Marko Masonovich Viator$249.18 [View Details](https://ads2.flowmediamarketing.com/go/yKDVnpaUnL813V-5nR_6hA.641) ### 8 Hour Ontario Wine Tour with Cheese and Charcuterie Whether it's a relaxing day away from the hustle & bustle at home, or a bunch of bridesmaids out celebrating, wine tasting is a great way to spend an afternoon. One of our drivers will pick you up and transport you out to wine country in picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. You'll be chauffeured from one winery to the next to enjoy the best Niagara has to offer. We can alsooffer fully-customizable tours, in addition to wine tasting or wine tours, we can allocate some time to strolling through the historic town to view the colorful display of flowers, shops, boutiques. Maybe a break in between wineries for some lunch at the Shaw Cafe , Olde Angel Inn or Corks is to your liking. Possibly some time at the Outlet mall? We can accommodate. Viator$261.93 [View Details](https://ads2.flowmediamarketing.com/go/yKDVnpaUnL813V-5nR_6hA.642) Sponsored ## Plan For When You'll Be Reunited! It’s also important to set aside time as soon as possible after the business trip so that the person who was traveling can tell the other person what happened while they were away and catch up on any news from home. This ideally should be spent in a quiet or romantic setting. Holding hands over dinner at home or a leisurely walk around the neighborhood are two good examples.  ### Create a Shared Countdown Calendar Establish a shared digital calendar to mark important dates, including the day you'll be reunited. Use this as a space to add small reminders or notes, like "2 weeks to go!" or "Can't wait to see you!" This simple tool can help keep the excitement alive and give you both something to look forward to. ### Plan a Special Activity Together Instead of just returning to routine, plan a special activity for when you’re reunited. It could be a romantic weekend getaway, a dinner at a new restaurant, or a hobby you both enjoy but haven't had time for lately. Knowing you have a memorable experience waiting can help sustain you through the separation. ### Create a Surprise for Each Other Prepare a surprise for your partner to make the reunion even more special. This could be a heartfelt letter, a small gift, or even a planned event that they weren’t expecting. Surprises can reignite the spark and add a sense of excitement to your return. ### Set Personal Goals for the Separation Period Work together to set individual or joint goals to accomplish during the time apart. This could be related to fitness, personal development, or a shared project. When you reunite, you’ll have something new to celebrate and discuss, showing how you both used the time apart productively. ### Schedule Quality Time Right After Arrival Ensure your schedules are cleared for at least the first day or evening after your reunion. Plan to spend that time together without distractions. Whether it's a cozy night in or a planned date, having undisturbed time right after arrival is crucial for reconnecting and easing back into each other’s presence. ## Creative Activities For Long Distance Couples Another tip to consider is planning creative activities [together during long absences](index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47:how-married-couples-can-express-their-love-long-distance&catid=9:relationship-advice&Itemid=151), such as collecting postcards from every place traveled or taking up a new language together through online classes. These types of projects help keep the spark alive and provide an activity for you both to look forward to when back together. ### Virtual Date Nights Plan regular [virtual dates](index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=111:virtual-date-nights-creative-ideas-for-spending-quality-time-together-online&catid=9:relationship-advice&Itemid=151), like watching a movie, cooking together, or playing an online game to create shared experiences and foster closeness. ### Collaborative Storytelling Take turns writing parts of a story to explore each other’s imagination and humor, sparking deeper conversations. ### Couple’s Journal Exchange Maintain a shared digital journal where you both write about your day, thoughts, or feelings to stay emotionally connected. ### Take a Virtual Class Together Learn something new together, like a [cooking or dance class](index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=111:virtual-date-nights-creative-ideas-for-spending-quality-time-together-online&catid=9:relationship-advice&Itemid=151), to foster teamwork and provide fresh conversation topics. ### Play “20 Questions” Regularly ask thought-provoking questions to deepen your understanding of each other’s dreams, fears, and future plans. ### Plan Future Adventures Spend time planning future trips or activities to keep the anticipation alive and encourage meaningful discussions. ### Send Handwritten Letters Exchange handwritten letters to express emotions more deeply and create tangible keepsakes during the separation. ### Share a “Photo a Day” Challenge Send daily photos of meaningful moments to stay engaged with each other’s lives and maintain a sense of closeness. ### Create a Joint Playlist Build a playlist of meaningful songs to share a musical connection and feel closer through shared listening experiences. ### Practice Daily Gratitude Share three things you’re grateful for each day to encourage positive communication and strengthen your emotional bond. ## Don't Forget To Show Affection Despite The Distance Finally, it’s important to remember that relationships aren't solely based on physical presence. There are plenty of ways that long-distance partners can show their affection even when miles apart. Try writing love letters, exchanging special gifts, sending photos or playing on-line games together! These small gestures will remind both partners of how much they still mean to each other despite the physical distance between them (and no doubt give them something fun to look forward to after the trip). At times like these, it's easy to forget how much power lies within our ability to reach out and stay connected with those we care about most –  especially when faced with work trips that get in the way of seeing them face-to-face constantly. No matter what, though, don't forget to make quality time for each other whenever schedules allow. If nothing else, those moments shared together ultimately form the foundation for sustaining a healthy relationship through time apart! Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book Your Next Cruise With Heather at Flow Voyages! She is our prefered travel advisor for cruises and all-inclusive resorts. Call her today: 630-779-9301 Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Shop Now](https://ads2.flowmediamarketing.com/go/M4lIwky_BHA68EOOfImHTA.617) Sponsored --- Written by: [James Hills](https://coupleplaces.com/james-hills.html) Pro-BloggerExpert BloggerThought Leader James Hills is a travel blogger and relationship content creator who, alongside his wife Heather, a Certified Recreational Therapist, has spent over 20 years discovering how shared travel experiences strengthen marriages and deepen emotional connections. Through two decades of marriage, they've learned that the most meaningful relationships grow through intentional adventures, quality time together, and the kind of authentic experiences that create lasting bonds between partners. Drawing from their extensive travel experience and Heather's professional background in recreational therapy, James founded CouplePlaces.com to help sophisticated couples enhance their relationships through thoughtfully chosen getaways, romantic experiences, and premium travel opportunities. His approach focuses on substance over spectacle - identifying the specific elements of luxury resorts, cruises, and destinations that truly contribute to relationship building rather than just impressive social media posts. James specializes in helping established couples navigate the balance between comfort and adventure, creating travel experiences that accommodate different preferences while fostering deeper intimacy and connection. His practical advice stems from real-world experience managing the complexities of long-term relationships, from newlywed adventures to empty-nester rediscovery phases. ### 🚢 Ready To Book A Getaway? Need a cruise or all-inclusive resort for a romantic getaway? Let's [**Plan Your Couples Getaway**](https://coupleplaces.com/book-a-romantic-getaway.html) today! #### Testosterone Boosting Foods Worth Trying: Cruise and Resort Dining Guide for Male Vitality [Testosterone Boosting Foods Worth Trying: Cruise and Resort Dining Guide for Male Vitality](https://coupleplaces.com/food-and-drink/testosterone-boosting-foods-worth-trying-on-cruise-resort.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://coupleplaces.com/book-a-romantic-getaway.html) ### Related Articles #### Kadún Gives Couples a Different Option For A Romantic Cabo San Lucas Weekend Getaway [Kadún Gives Couples a Different Option For A Romantic Cabo San Lucas Weekend Getaway](https://coupleplaces.com/travel-ideas/kadun-boutique-hotel-cabo-san-lucas-couples.html) #### Before the Baby Arrives: A Practical Babymoon Planning Guide for Couples [Before the Baby Arrives: A Practical Babymoon Planning Guide for Couples](https://coupleplaces.com/travel-ideas/babymoon-tips-to-plan-pre-childbirth-getaway.html) #### Before You Book a Couples-Only Resort, Know What You're Actually Booking [Before You Book a Couples-Only Resort, Know What You're Actually Booking](https://coupleplaces.com/travel-ideas/couples-only-what-to-know-before-booking-an-all-inclusive-resort.html) #### Active Listening Ideas For Couples To Try On Vacation [Active Listening Ideas For Couples To Try On Vacation](https://coupleplaces.com/relationship-advice/active-listening-ideas-for-couples-to-try-on-vacation.html) © [Flow Media Marketing](https://flowmediamarketing.com) 2022 - 2026 CouplePlaces features Travel Blogger James Hills and his wife Heather, a Certified Recreational Therapist. 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