Ever heard someone say they’re taking a BAE vacation and wondered what that actually means? It’s not a fancy resort chain or a new airline loyalty program. A BAE vacation is simply a short, intentional getaway-usually just a night or two-taken by couples to reconnect, relax, or reignite something special. The term comes from the slang ‘BAE,’ which stands for ‘before anyone else,’ and it’s become shorthand for those intimate, low-key trips where the focus isn’t on ticking off landmarks, but on being together.
Why BAE Vacations Are Everywhere Right Now
After years of remote work, blurred work-life boundaries, and digital overload, couples are craving moments that feel real. A BAE vacation isn’t about spending big-it’s about spending quality. You don’t need a private villa in Bali. You need a cabin with a wood stove, a quiet hotel room with room service, or even a cozy Airbnb just an hour outside the city.
It’s not new, but it’s become more intentional. In 2025, 62% of couples under 35 in North America reported taking at least one short romantic trip in the past six months, according to a survey by Travel Trends Canada. And 78% of them said those trips improved their relationship satisfaction more than a longer, more expensive vacation ever did.
What Makes a Trip a ‘BAE Vacation’?
Not every weekend away counts. A true BAE vacation has a few key ingredients:
- It’s just the two of you. No kids, no pets, no roommates tagging along. This is about undivided attention.
- It’s unplugged. Phones stay on silent. Notifications are off. No checking work emails. The goal is presence, not productivity.
- It’s low pressure. No itinerary. No must-see sights. No photos for Instagram. You’re not trying to impress anyone-not even yourselves.
- It’s personal. Maybe it’s the place where you had your first date. Or that little bed-and-breakfast you both loved but never booked. Or the lakeside cabin you’ve been talking about for two years.
It’s not about luxury. It’s about intimacy.
Real Examples of BAE Vacations (No Fluff)
Here’s what it looks like in real life:
- Driving two hours north of Toronto to a rustic cabin near Algonquin Park. You pack sandwiches, a bottle of wine, and your favorite playlist. No hiking. Just sitting by the fire, talking about nothing and everything.
- A one-night stay at a downtown boutique hotel in Hamilton. You order room service, watch a movie in bed, and wake up to coffee delivered to your door. No sightseeing. Just slow mornings.
- A weekend in Niagara-on-the-Lake. You walk through the vineyards, sip local wine, and eat at a tiny bistro where the owner remembers your names. You don’t take a single photo.
These aren’t Instagram posts. They’re memory anchors.
How to Plan a BAE Vacation (Without Overthinking It)
You don’t need a spreadsheet. You don’t need to book six months ahead. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ask each other: ‘What would make you feel loved this weekend?’ Maybe it’s silence. Maybe it’s a massage. Maybe it’s pancakes at 10 a.m. on a weekday.
- Choose a location that feels safe and cozy. Think: warm blankets, quiet streets, no crowds. Avoid places that feel like tourist traps.
- Set a budget you’re both comfortable with. BAE vacations don’t need to cost more than $200-$300. A night’s stay, a nice meal, and maybe a small gift-like a book or a candle-can be enough.
- Plan one thing, and one thing only. A sunset walk. A shared bath. A board game. That’s it. Don’t overfill the schedule.
- Leave your phones in the car or on airplane mode. Seriously. This is non-negotiable.
What Doesn’t Count as a BAE Vacation
Let’s clear up the confusion:
- Going to a concert with friends and calling it a ‘couple’s night’? No.
- Staying at a hotel while one of you works remotely? Not a BAE vacation.
- Visiting your in-laws for the weekend? Nope.
- Booking a spa day where you’re both scrolling through your phones while getting facials? Still not it.
A BAE vacation isn’t a fancy treat. It’s a quiet promise: I choose you, right now, without distractions.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Relationships don’t die from big fights. They fade from small moments of neglect. A BAE vacation isn’t a Band-Aid for a broken relationship. It’s a daily habit that keeps love alive.
Studies from the Gottman Institute show that couples who regularly spend even 20 minutes a day in focused, distraction-free conversation report higher relationship satisfaction. A BAE vacation just amplifies that. It’s 24-48 hours of pure, uninterrupted connection.
It’s not about fixing problems. It’s about remembering why you fell in love in the first place.
Where to Find BAE Vacation Spots Near You
You don’t need to travel far. Here are a few easy options in Ontario:
- Prince Edward County - Wine, quiet beaches, and tiny cafes with no Wi-Fi.
- Blue Mountain - Cozy lodges, snow-covered trails in winter, and fireplaces in every room.
- Algonquin Provincial Park (backcountry cabins) - For couples who love nature and silence.
- Hamilton’s West End - Quaint B&Bs, indie coffee shops, and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Winnipeg Beach (if you’re up for a drive) - A throwback to 90s summer vibes with lakefront cabins and no cell service.
Google ‘romantic weekend getaways near [your city]’ and filter for places with ‘no kids’ or ‘adults only.’ Most will be under $250 a night.
Final Thought: It’s Not About the Trip. It’s About the Intention.
A BAE vacation doesn’t need a fancy name. You could call it ‘our quiet time,’ ‘just us,’ or ‘the reset.’ But calling it a BAE vacation makes it feel intentional. It gives it weight. It says: this matters.
It’s not about being trendy. It’s about being present.
Next time you feel like you’re drifting apart, don’t wait for a holiday. Don’t wait for ‘someday.’ Book a night. Turn off your phones. And just be together.
Is a BAE vacation the same as a romantic getaway?
Almost, but not quite. A romantic getaway can be any trip meant to spark romance-sometimes it’s extravagant, sometimes it’s for a special occasion. A BAE vacation is simpler: it’s a regular, low-key, distraction-free escape just for two. It’s not tied to anniversaries or holidays. It’s about consistency, not celebration.
Do you have to spend a lot of money on a BAE vacation?
No. Most BAE vacations cost under $300 total. You can find cozy cabins, budget hotels, or even sleepovers at a friend’s empty cottage for way less. The value isn’t in the price tag-it’s in the focus. A $50 night in a quiet cabin with a bottle of wine and no screens beats a $1,000 resort where you’re both glued to your phones.
Can a BAE vacation fix a struggling relationship?
It won’t fix deep issues like trust or communication problems. But it can create space for healing. When you’re not distracted by work, kids, or social media, you start noticing things again-the way they laugh, how they hold their coffee, the quiet moments in between. That awareness is the first step toward rebuilding.
What if one person doesn’t want to go?
Don’t force it. Start small. Say: ‘I’d love to just sit together for two hours this weekend with no phones. Can we try that?’ If that goes well, suggest a night away next month. The goal isn’t to pressure-it’s to invite. Sometimes, people just need to feel safe before they’ll say yes.
Is a BAE vacation only for couples in romantic relationships?
Not necessarily. The term started with romantic partners, but the idea works for any two people who mean a lot to each other-best friends, siblings, even parents and adult children. It’s about deep connection, not romance. If someone is your ‘BAE’ in the truest sense, then a quiet weekend together counts.
If you’ve been feeling distant from someone you care about, try this: pick a date next month. Book a room. Turn off your phones. And just be there. No agenda. No pressure. Just you, them, and a little quiet space to remember why you’re together.