33 Virtual Long-Distance Relationship Date Ideas

If you and your partner are currently in a long-distance relationship, you likely already know that these types of partnerships aren’t the easiest to handle. Between coordinating busy schedules and finding time to meet in person, it takes a lot of money, time, effort, and love to sustain a union when you can’t physically see your person whenever you’d like. That said, your relationship doesn’t have to suffer just because you and your significant other aren’t living in the same city, state, or country—and with the right amount of creativity and effort, you can keep the spark alive even when you’re miles apart. In fact, there are a variety of date ideas couples can embrace to keep their relationship fresh from afar, especially since today’s technology provides us with the ability to connect with anyone from anywhere.

The trick is to make these virtual dates as special as possible—and that’s not as challenging to do as you might think. “Anything that says ‘I took this date seriously, and I’m thinking of you’ makes it special,” affirms Dr. Terri Orbuch, PhD, a professor and relationship expert at DatingAdvice. “Get dressed up, as if you were meeting in person. Tidy up the space around you so that what your partner sees on screen is clean and not messy. Turn off your phone and other distractions.” Touches that go the extra mile might be preparing the space with items or foods you know your partner loves; placing a bouquet of flowers in the background (or better yet, ordering them to their door!) shows that you’re keeping your love’s favorite things present in your life.

Thoughtful additions and prep work aside, the most important thing is to plan a date that both fosters connection, drives your relationship forward, and keeps the spark alive. It’s that last part that many long-distance couples struggle with, especially since chatting on the phone just doesn’t replace the energy and excitement that comes with trying new restaurants, strolling through farmers’ markets, or attempting that cooking class together in person. Distance, however, doesn’t mean you can’t get more adventurous—you just have to think beyond that nightly phone call. “When you first started dating, everything you did as a couple was new and exciting,” says Orbuch. “To get back to that, try new activities on your long-distance dates that are truly novel.” Since “little surprises go a long way,” consider setting up a mystery date night once a month, Orbuch suggests. Perhaps you have ingredients for that pasta dish he sent you on Instagram or movie night supplies (like popcorn and a cozy blanket!) delivered to his door an hour before the date. The options are endless—and the element of surprise is entirely up to you.

Ahead, we put together a list of 33 long-distance date ideas that will keep you and your partner close no matter how far apart you are. Just remember: Whatever type of virtual date night you choose, the goal is to prioritize some level of togetherness, so don’t feel pressured to make every date night extremely involved. Sometimes, a simple phone call is all you need.