Baecation Ideas (Part 1)

What in the world is the meaning of a baecation? It’s a vacation with Bae (a significant other/partner)! A baecation can be a short weekend getaway, a weeklong jaunt, or a trip around the world. Without further ado, here are couples vacation ideas or baecation ideas for those looking for a little beach & chill as well as for those who enjoy cities & bright lights.

Beach Baecation Ideas

Looking for couples’ destination ideas for relaxation, some beach time, and stunning ocean views? Look no further! Here are four beach baecation destinations on four different continents.

1. Maldives (Asia):

You’ve probably seen picture-perfect beach baecation images of the idyllic islands on the Indian Ocean. With each island being its own resort, the Maldives feels exclusive and it’s one of those places you feel very fortunate to visit. Sunny days, give way to quiet nights with thousands of stars above in the clear night skies. The Maldives is a dream couples’ vacation destination and a popular dream honeymoon destination for many.

There’s no need for shoes, but lots of time to be spent in hammocks, in the water, or in an overwater bungalow. The Maldives is generally an expensive destination, but there are cheaper ways to visit by staying on local inhabited islands for example. I spent a weekend in the Maldives in 2014.

At some point, it was midnight on a Saturday night; we were dancing the night away without shoes on an island far away from anyone we knew with honeymooners we just met. It was a night to remember!

Best Time to Visit: Nice weather all year round but the very best weather is November to April.

Best Time for Budget Travelers: High Season is December to March. So shoulder seasons are great. I went in May and definitely got a discount plus an upgrade to an overwater bungalow. October or May would be good options.

Blog Post About My Stay: Read about my weekend in the Maldives

Oneika’s Blog Post: Learn how to do the Maldives on a budget

2. Greece (Europe):

The Greek isles (especially Santorini) are on many a bucket list. I visited the Greek islands of Kos and Santorini on my first backpacking trip in 2010. To be honest, Santorini’s beauty is a dream, and the sunsets on Oia are straight out of a romance novel. Santorini makes a great wedding destination, couples beach baecation, and/or honeymoon.

Times to Avoid: I would discourage visiting in July and August to avoid crowds and peak prices.

Best Times to Travel: Instead, consider the end of May – June, and September for your Greek jaunt!

Other Greek Isles to Explore: Crete, Mykonos, and Zakynthos

3. Mexico (North America):

I lived in the US for over a decade before ever making it to Mexico. After visiting Tulum, Mexico in 2015 I wondered why it took so long! Visitors to the US (with a multiple entry visa) do not need an additional visa to enter Mexico. There’s so much of Mexico yet to explore!

Popular places to visit in Mexico: are Cancun, Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Tulum. I’ve recently heard of Zihuatanejo and I’d love to visit.

The Mexican Advantage: Mexico is the most wallet-friendly baecation destination on this list.

4. Mauritius (Africa):

This nation on the Indian Ocean will embrace you with its stunning views, friendly locals, tasty dishes, and all-around awesomeness. Mauritius is also popular with families looking to relax! When compared to Maldives, I found Mauritius to have more affordable accommodation options (but I would not call it cheap) and more activities. Adventure loving couples would love this destination!

Mauritius Experience: I share my experience visiting Mauritius solo in 2017.

Best Time to Visit Mauritius: Best time (weather-wise) is May to December.

Times to Avoid: Wet Cyclone Season – January to March

Times to Avoid the East Coast: July and August – It gets cold and windy. I visited in August and stayed in the North/Northwest

Shoulder Season: April

City Baecation Ideas

5. Cape Town (South Africa):

One of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited, Cape Town has something for EVERYONE! History (albeit painful), vineyards, stunning landscape, beaches, adventure sports, and amazing food. Cape Town is becoming popular for destination weddings on the African continent and I can see why. I visited Cape Town in 2017 and I will be back. If Cape Town is not on your baecation ideas list, you should check your list again!

Best Time To Visit: Cape Town is a great destination year-round. However late January – April is recommended for better rates, warm weather, and less crowds

Extra Tips: There are hundreds of beautiful affordable Airbnb listings in Cape Town. I’d wholeheartedly recommend staying in one with a view. It is absolutely worth it!

Blog Post About Cape Town: I was pleasantly surprised by this city. Check out my Cape Town experience for additional tips.

6. Dubai (UAE – Middle East):

I spent 3 days in Dubai in 2014 and returned again in 2022 and it’s fair to say it’s a solid destination. Only a few hours from many African and Asian countries, Dubai is impressive, especially looking at its transformation over the past two decades. Looking for shopping, skyscrapers, luxury, and beautiful resorts? Look no further! Avoid going in the summer though as it gets unbearably hot!!

Best Time To Visit UAE/Dubai: November to March (it is always hot in Dubai but these months are bearable)

Things to Do in Dubai: Beyond its many malls, go on a Dhow ride, rent a boat for your crew and go on a sunset cruise, check out the gold souk. Visit the Miracle garden, Water park, Burj Khalifa, go on a desert safari. Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi or even add on a stop in Oman on your middle eastern baecation.

Extra Tips: There are many hotels and serviced apartments in Dubai. Since the UAE is a Muslim country, tourists can only drink alcohol in certain licensed hotels, restaurants and clubs.Dubai is a great destination to combine with the Maldives.

7. Nice/Monaco (Europe):

The smallest of the cities on this list. You won’t see fancy skyscrapers here but the South of France and Monaco are all about the chill vibes. Want to live your best life and blow some money (if you have it and this is your thing!) on your baecation? Spend days on a yacht in the South of France (Nice, Cannes, St. Tropez) and invite me! Take a day trip to Monaco while you’re at it and get to visit the tiny nation with a reputation for flash and luxury. Aside from luxurious activities, a great time can be had in Nice on an average budget. Great food, great weather (for Europe), and a great place for a short baecation destination!

Best Time to Visit Nice: Before or after high Season – September/October, Late March – April

Things to Do in Nice: Try a food tour (I did), take a day trip to Monaco, check out the flea markets, and Place Massena. Museum lovers should check out the Museum of Modern and Contemporary art. Of course, stop by the beach but know that it is not a sandy beach.

Steal My Itinerary for a weekend in Nice and Monaco

8. New York City (USA – North America):

There’s no  where in the world like New York City! Bright lights, street food carts, street performers, the subway, Dumbo, Brooklyn Bridge, MOMA, Lady Liberty, yellow taxis, skyscrapers, shopping, and an amazing park right in the middle of the concrete jungle. New York is a city you love or hate and I love it. What a city to explore with Bae. Need I say more? I need another trip to New York!

There are several other destinations but I decided to speak to some of the places I’ve personally visited. Which of these baecation ideas would rank highest on your list or which others would you recommend? Are you a beach & chill or more into cities?

Need more ideas? Check out:

Couples Vacations: underrated destinations

Couples Vacation Ideas: Nature and Adventure lovers.

I’m all for vacations with a significant other (couples vacation), but I’m also a proponent of solo trips, and trips with friends whether you have a Bae or not. Why? Because it’s healthy, and too many of us wait to LIVE and to do the things we want, waiting for the perfect partner or conditions. Here’s the thing, the partner will likely come eventually, and there’ll be countless places to see and experiences to share. Time on the other hand is something we never get back! Remember, whether you’re single, married, engaged, or in a complicated situation, YOU are Bae so all these suggestions are 1000% for you.

Till Next Time,

Ms. Heels.