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
