It can be difficult to keep the romance alive when you’re in a long-distance relationship. With the aspect of physical intimacy taken away, there’s an added layer of effort and intention it takes to make sure you still feel connected.
Between regularly scheduled Facetime calls and apps designed for long-distance lovers, there are many ways to keep that spark burning, including planning out date ideas. While you can’t exactly go to the cinema together or plan a pretty picnic, there are plenty of long-distance date ideas that can feel just as exciting virtually. From letting your inner child run free with two-player games to having a virtual movie night in, these long-distance date ideas bring fun into your relationship and let your partner know you still value quality time with them.
Cook a Meal Together
What’s even better than going out for dinner? Setting up your phones and have some fun attempting a new dish together. Take some time to scour the internet and find an enticing recipe you can each make at the same time, turning it into a friendly competition to see whose dish looks more delicious at the final hour.
Work Out Together
A couple that gets fit together, stays together. With plenty of fitness classes online to choose from, have some fun challenging yourselves with a new workout from the comfort of your respective living rooms. Just make sure to pick out a low impact workout if you’ve got downstairs neighbors.
Play Online Games
While you and your partner may not be big gamers, this date idea would be the equivalent of spending the night out at an arcade or escape room. There are plenty of websites that have exciting two-player games, and platforms like this tabletop simulator let users play their favorite IRL games online.
Watch a Movie
While you may not be able to physically Netflix and chill together, plenty of platforms have the option of syncing your streaming. Being able to pause each other’s screens makes it easier when you need to make your plot predictions or vent about your least favorite character being painstakingly obnoxious.
Visit a Museum Virtually
Did you know that plenty of museums from around the world offer virtual tours? From London to Seoul, it’s easy to get in some culture with your long-distance lover in with a virtual tour of your favorite museum style, whether you’re into history, art, science or even prefer to visit a zoo.
Make a Craft Together
There’s nothing more stimulating than giving a new DIY project a try, and doing so together over Facetime can make it all the more fun. Even if you aren’t the DIY type, making something with your hands will get you both laughing and you’ll have a memorable creation to encapsulate the moment when you’re done.
Play a Question Game
While uno may be a bit difficult card game to execute virtually, games like We’re Not Really Strangers, designed to deepen meaningful connection, can make even the furthest couples feel closer than ever. Get to know your partner on a whole new level, exploring their fears, dreams and childhood memories.
Have a Book Club Night
There’s nothing more sophisticated than choosing a book you both are interested in diving in together and planning a book club night. Schedule out chapter checkpoints and plan your meeting dates accordingly. This means dressing to the nines, pouring a glass of wine, and discussing predictions, qualms and takeaways you’ve both had since reading the novel.
Plan Out A Future Trip
At the end of the way, you’re just excited to be back together with your partner. A fun date idea that can make the time in between your reunion fly by even quicker is vision boarding your next trip together. Collaborate on a Pinterest board and drop in some dream destination ideas, as well as outfit inspo and recreational activities to do when you get there.
Don’t Let Distance Discourage You
While long-distance relationships certainly aren’t for the faint of heart, don’t let it stop you from prioritizing romance and connection in your partnership. With a bit of creative thinking and collaboration, any night can be date night, even when you’re a thousand miles away.