Long-distance relationships can be tough, but it can be worth it when you’re willing to put in the effort. Just because you and your partner are on opposite sides of the country, there’s no reason why you can’t get creative with virtual date night ideas. Exploring new and exciting ways to spend time with your significant other, even if it’s not in person, can keep the spark alive in a long-distance relationship.

Long-distance dates may seem like the least practical, but they can be a great way to have fun with your partner. Regular phone calls and FaceTime sessions can get tedious, so we have some ideas on keeping a connection alive even if you are thousands of miles apart. Here are five date night ideas to spice up long-distance relationships.

1. Plan a virtual dinner date.

Virtual dinner dates are a cute and creative way to spend time with your partner over the phone. Plan a night where you order your significant other’s favorite meal and have it delivered to their doorstep. Facetime with each other and wear your best outfits to make the date feel as real as possible. To set the mood, dim the lights, open a bottle of wine, and put on a shared playlist to create a romantic atmosphere.

2. Go on a walk together.

Hop on a video call with your partner and walk together. There’s nothing like enjoying the fresh outdoor air and taking in the beauty of nature with your partner. Just because you two aren’t in the same place, that doesn’t mean that you both can’t take in the sights together. Plan to pick your favorite nature trail to show each other over Facetime. Share your favorite spots and spend the time talking and connecting. This is also a great way for both of you to get exercise in your daily routine.

3. Arrange a cozy movie night.

A romantic movie night is one of the easiest and coziest evenings you can plan with your significant other. Pick a film you both enjoy and gather your favorite snacks for a virtual movie night. Get creative with it! Follow a theme, from the outfits to the drinks and snacks. Platforms such as Teleparty and Amazon Watch Party allow you to use a chatroom to discuss the film you’re watching. If chatrooms aren’t your thing, stick to phone or FaceTime calls. When you can’t meet with your partner for a traditional movie date, this is the next best thing.

4. Have a couples game night.

Tap into your competitive side with a couples game night. Pick another couple who also may be long-distance and plan an online game night. You can choose mobile multiplayer games or video games and see who comes out on top. This is a fun and exciting date night idea to spice up long-distance relationships.

5. Plan a virtual wine tasting.

Nothing is more fun than getting lit with your partner, even if it’s virtual. Go to the store and stock up on wines you and your partner have never tried. Take turns tasting them over FaceTime and rating them on a scale of 1–10. This could be a fun way for you and your significant other to relax and let loose with each other. Are you and your partner not into alcohol? Try tasting and rating nonalcoholic drinks, or even ice cream and candy.

Distance doesn’t have to affect your relationship if you don’t want it to. Get creative and tap into these fun date night ideas to spice up long-distance relationships.

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