These dreamy romantic getaways give us all the loving feels, so grab your other half and book the next available ticket to one of (or all of) these lovely travel destinations…
Bali, Indonesia
Despite being a well worn travel path for backpackers, families and couples alike, there’s just something about Bali that lures you in time and time again. Perhaps it’s the rolling green rice fields or ornate temples around the cultural hub of Ubud, or maybe it’s the warm waters, colourful fishing boats and fine beaches of the Gili Islands. Whatever the secret formula is for romantic travel destinations, Bali has it by the bucket load.
Go here for: Romantic sunsets, epic diving, locals with a smile that brighten your day
Cotswolds, UK
If romance to you means long windy walks, chocolate box cute English villages and evenings spent by a roaring fire with a bottle of red wine and board games, get yo’ self to the Cotswolds, possibly one of the most picturesque areas of the English Countryside in the whole of the UK. And the best part? It’s just a 2 hour drive from London. Pack your weekend bag, your wellies and a warm scarf and get the romance on.
Go here for: Windy walks, stunning scenery, wonderful English pubs
Paris, France
Roll your eyes at the cliché inclusion of Paris, but they don’t call it the City of Love for nothing. Best explored on foot, grab the hand of your ‘amoureux’ (that’s lover in French don’t you know), and just get lost. Of course the classics are always a must – Pont des Arts bridge, a moonlit cruise down the Seine, the Eiffel Tower lit up in all her glory – but the less touristy parts of Paris are just as, if not more romantic. Take a wander round the lesser known neighbourhoods where locals outnumber tourists, or spend afternoons hopping between patisseries and old school Parisian chic cafes that look like they haven’t changed in decades. If it’s true, classic romance you’re after, it’s true, classic romance you’ll get in the City of Love.
Go here for: Hollywood glamour, delectable pastries, true love
Santorini, Greece
Oh Santorini, the little island in the heart of the Aegean Sea that packs the biggest of romantic punches. Seriously, if romance could be defined by a destination, this would be it – sun drenched white wash buildings, blue domes for days, sleepy afternoons spent napping under colourful umbrellas and achingly beautiful views of the Med in all her glory. Young lovers, honeymooners and old timers alike flock here for a slice of the romance pie, and it’s not hard to see why. A word of wisdom – high season can be pandemonium, so if it’s a peaceful getaway you’re after, consider booking in Spring/Autumn.
Go here for: Mediterranean waters, killer Greek food, memories to last a lifetime
Caye Caulker, Belize
Forget paradise lost, its paradise found at Caye Caulker, where the motto for life seems to be ‘no shirt, no shoes, no problem’. The epitome of an island getaway, this little slice of heaven separates itself from the likes of the Maldives or the Seychelles thanks to its laid back Rastafarian vibes, reggae beat and go slow lifestyle. If you and your other half are water babies, prepare to spend much of your romantic getaway underwater as you explore the tropical wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef, or stay above the sea with a kayaking adventure through the mangroves.
Go here for: Laid back vibes, hammock swinging, an escape from reality
Copenhagen, Denmark
Fairy tale charm meets city chic in Copenhagen, the perfect destination for a romantic mini break with a difference. The cobbled streets, colourful buildings and majestic Royal Palace will win you over in no time, and that’s before you’ve even chowed down on a traditional Danish pastry. Essential sights include the famous Hans Christian Andersen Little Mermaid statue, the Christiansborg Palace and Bryggebroen harbour where you can seal you love with a padlock on the bridge, but really the best thing about Copenhagen is the fact that it’s so small and compact, so you can wander round hand in hand and really feel like you’ve conquered the city in just two days.
Go here for: Epic Instagram shots, tasty treats, the perfect romantic city break
Yosemite, USA
If you’re more of a rambling, camping in the woods kinda couple, you can’t go far wrong with an adventure in Yosemite (yo-sem-it-ee) National Park, the third oldest national park in the grand old US of A. And with more hiking trails than you can shake a walking stick at, you can be sure to find your very own undisturbed romantic picnic spot for two no problem. Stand in awe under the drenching mist of Yosemite Falls, marvel at the sequoias of Mariposa Grove or spot wildlife as you get back to nature in this stunning landscape.
Go here for: Challenging hikes, picnics with a view, wildlife spotting
Ko Kradan, Thailand
It wouldn’t be a true list of romantic travel destinations without the inclusion of Thailand, the original tropical paradise for romance seeking couples. Yet whilst the well travelled islands of Ko Phi Phi and Ko Pha Ngan are still the go to destination for party seeking young travellers, if you’re after true escapism and desert island paradise, you need to look a little harder to find it these days. Enter Ko Kradan, a relatively under the radar Thai Island on the east coast that still retains that desert island white sandy beach beauty. The island is so tiny, in fact, that you can kayak round it in just three hours, breaking intermittently for snorkelling adventures. The vibe here is seriously laid back, so grab a hammock, a cold Chang and just let the world roll on by.
Go here for: Desert island escapism, cocktails in coconuts, lazy days
Banff, Canada
It used to be that the definition of a romantic holiday destination was white sandy beaches, azure blue waters and a sky without a cloud in sight. But as we slowly begin to embrace our sense of adventure and our desire for travel experiences a little out of the norm, it seems to be the rugged great outdoors that now lures people in, and no more so than in Banff National Park. In winter, Banff is the dream for snow loving couples who dream of hitting the fresh powder all day, then snuggle up by open roaring fires by night. Yet it’s summer for us that holds the real appeal, thanks to the absolute jaw dropping beauty of Banff National Park and in particular the totally Instagrammable Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Just imagine an invigorating walk with your better half, coffee flask in hand, then wondering upon the sight below – #relationshipgoals.
Go here for: Views of a lifetime, killer snow, cosy cuddles
Lisbon, Portugal
Fast becoming one of the coolest cities in Europe, Lisbon has character, charm and beauty in abundance, helped largely by every other building being colourfully lavished in decadent Portuguese tiles. Barrio Alto is where the cool kids hang, all cobbled streets, local restaurants and hole in the wall bars, or if its rooftop sunset drinks you’re after, Park bar is totally epic, located on the roof of a car park (sounds dodgy, it’s not). For a romantic dinner with a difference, head to the boat terminal behind the Cais do Sodre train station and catch the ferry across the river to Cacilhas. Once there, walk down the pier towards the bridge, and you’ll come across a restaurant known only to the locals called Ponto Final, which offers undisturbed sunset views and absolutely killer seafood. The perfect end to your romantic city break.
Go here for: trendy rooftop bars, beautiful buildings, old age charm
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Get completely lost! One of the most amazing feelings while traveling is when you stumble upon a hidden gem by accident. Amalfi is one of the places where it begs you to escape with someone special and explore, especially with spots like the Roman Catholic Cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo, the winding cobblestone streets and the beach. However, to find the best spot you must truly get lost…. Find ‘Ye Olde Staircase’ and take it to the rooftop and then wander down a long corridor and if you are lucky, you may find a quiet roof-top garden art gallery over-looking all that Amalfi has to offer. Great for long conversations…. time has no meaning here.
Le Mont Saint Michel, France
Paris has nothing on this place if your definition of romance involves the ocean, Romanesque architecture and history. This 11th century Abbey becomes an island in the evening when the water comes in. If you are walking the outer walls of this island commune, it’s lit up with different coloured lights in the evening, making for quite the intimate setting, especially if the two of you stop to hear the gentle sound of the tide coming in.
Blue Grotto – Island of Capri, Italy
Try to get yourself onto one of the boat tours that includes a little romantic excursion into the Blue Grotto. It will be the bluest water you have ever seen in your entire life combined with the fact you’re in a cave, in a rowboat with only a touch of sunlight coming in. That’s Amore!
Machu Picchu, Peru
There’s something romantic about a journey, especially if it’s to a seemingly far off place, where you leave the modern world behind. Imagine a trek along the Inca Trail, a mountainous path that takes you up into the clouds and then down again and just when you think you might not ever get a clear view of this mystical place you have heard about, but never seen, the clouds pull back like a curtain and the sun shines down to reveal Machu Picchu. It’s pretty powerful indeed.
Uluru, Australia
Speaking of colours… Red is the colour of passion and NO other landform on this planet does that colour better than Uluru. Especially if you are there at sunrise or sunset, when it shows off a number of different shades of red as the sun’s rays reflect off of it. Again, sit back, cozy up to that certain someone and let it set the mood.
Moraine Lake / Lake Louise, Canada
Yes, I’m going into my own backyard for this one. There’s nothing like a little hiking, a little climbing and maybe even a little scrambling to increase the bond between two people. The amazing thing about this mountainous location, it doesn’t matter what season you are there. Whether you are there for a hike up to Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass in the summer, there to see the leaves change colour in the Fall or going for a skate on Lake Louise in the winter. It’ll definitely bring the two of you closer.
The Windmills – Mykonos, Greece
Yes, Mykonos is party central, jammed with tourists which can put a cramp in a quiet evening, especially when you are trying to cuddle up close to someone. However, if you are by the windmills when the sun is setting, a hush usually falls over the crowd as the ‘awe’ factor sets in. Don’t overthink it….just let the Windmills, sun and Aegean Sea do their thing.
Brisbane River, Australia
Of all the places in Brisbane to sit and enjoy the city-scape, the best has to be on a boat cruising the Brisbane River before and after sunset. The towering buildings along the river will really strike a chord with you and your significant other. If you’re not into being on the water, the Riverwalk also provides close to the same experience where you can both sit and steal the night away.
Bath, England
The second you step foot into this town, you’ll find your mind wandering the streets with the Georgian architecture, it beckons for you and your company to follow the streets and see the history that awaits around every corner. There’s a reason the Romans set up the original baths in this town.
