Cristina Ashbaugh and Rory Beyer, a couple from San Francisco, have developed a unique annual tradition that blends spontaneity with adventure in their travel experiences. Known as “swap trips,” the couple surprises each other with solo vacations, with each partner carrying a sealed envelope containing a carefully planned itinerary for the other. This innovative approach to travel has not only deepened their relationship but has also captured the attention of many on TikTok, inspiring others to embark on similar adventures with their partners.
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The couple, who have been together for 15 years, discovered the idea of swap trips in 2021. Each year, they plan solo vacations for one another, secretly deciding on the destination, activities, and accommodations—keeping much of the trip a mystery until they reach the airport. Ashbaugh, the founder of the outdoor brand Yardsale, recalled, “The catch is that you only find out where you’re going once you get to the airport. The entire trip is a complete surprise.”
Their first swap trip took place in 2022 when they reunited in Tahiti after separate adventures in Peru and New Zealand. This year, they met in Copenhagen, having planned their solo segments in Madeira and the Balkans. “It’s a fun way to see what your partner thinks you’d like,” said Ashbaugh, underscoring how the tradition allows them to explore new destinations while also affirming their understanding of one another’s preferences.
Travelling has always been a significant aspect of their relationship, with both individuals regularly exploring new places during their formative years. “We both travelled extensively with our families, which has instilled a love for adventure and the outdoors in us,” Ashbaugh explained. Now, with their careers established, they make travel a priority, whether embarking on journeys together or pursuing independent explorations.
The absence of strict rules regarding budget or activity type ensures greater creativity and spontaneity in their plans. The only consensus before each trip covers the ultimate destination, arrival date, and the duration of the solo parts of the trip. By focusing on experiences they believe the other will enjoy, they strive to create memories that reflect not just their adventures but their evolving partnership.
Keeping the surprise element alive is a meticulous process for Ashbaugh and Beyer. They book flights separately to avoid revealing the destination, and even the packing process is an exercise in stealth as they prepare bags filled with appropriate clothing and gear without giving away clues. “We’ll lay out what we’d bring if we were going somewhere warm or cold, then set out any activity-specific items,” Ashbaugh detailed.
The anticipation leading up to the reveal is one of their favourite parts. Each partner guesses the destination three times before unveiling the envelopes. Ashbaugh noted that this year’s destinations left both of them pleasantly surprised, as they ventured to lesser-known locations instead of more popular tourist spots.
While they imbue structure into their itineraries, both Ashbaugh and Beyer appreciate the spontaneity that comes with travel. Rather than scheduling every hour, they prefer to outline a couple of key activities while allowing for flexibility to explore unexpected opportunities. “We don’t love when trips are planned hour by hour,” Ashbaugh remarked, which ultimately leads to more enriching travel experiences.
Despite missing the chance to experience some planned activities due to unforeseen circumstances during their trips, Ashbaugh emphasises the importance of maintaining an open mindset while travelling. “You have to go into the trip with an open mind and a ton of flexibility,” she advised, acknowledging that it is often the unplanned moments that create the most memorable stories.
The couple shared their travel adventures on TikTok initially for friends to follow along, but the platform quickly turned their swap trips into a viral sensation. Numerous viewers expressed their desire to replicate the experience, demonstrating a growing interest in personalised travel traditions within relationships. This response has encouraged Ashbaugh to advocate for couples to embrace solo travel and self-discovery amid shared experiences.
“I think more people should take advantage of solo travel while they can,” Ashbaugh concluded, hopeful that their tradition will inspire others to explore the world alongside their partners in new and exciting ways. As more couples discover the charm of the swap trip, Ashbaugh and Beyer’s tradition reminds us all of the joy that can be found in adventure, surprise, and love.