The Most Romantic Travel Destinations
Where in the world would you most like to travel with your significant other? Whether you've been married for forty years or you're setting off on your first trip with your new significant other, we could all use a little bit more romance in our lives. There's a destination on this list for every kind of traveler. Take a dip in the ocean, eat a romantic dinner at sunset, or take a gondola ride down a scenic canal. Keep reading to find the perfect place to go.
Venice, Italy
A gondola ride down the aquatic streets of Venice is about as romantic as it gets. This isn't the only Italian city you're going to see on this list, but if you're looking for romance, this is the place to start.
Head to Venice if you want to see some stellar opera performances, shop in one of the most exclusive fashion districts in the world, enjoy scenic views, and indulge in some world-renowned Italian cuisine.
Paris, France
Paris really is the city of love. Thousands of people get engaged on or near the Eiffel Tower every year. Whether you travel to this city in the summer or the winter, there are always romantic experiences to be had here.
In Paris, you can visit the Wall of Love (or Le Mur des Je t'aime), enjoy a romantic picnic at the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens, take a sunset cruise along the Seine, or dress up for dinner at Hôtel Plaza Athénée.
Honolulu, Hawaii
There are so many romantic activities couples can take part in, on the islands of Hawaii. That's what makes this place such a popular honeymoon destination. Head over to the Diamond Head State Monument to take in some gorgeous views, check out the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve for an epic snorkeling adventure, or run along the sands of Waikiki Beach.
Honolulu is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. Enjoy a cocktail with your loved one while you listen to the sound of the waves.
New York City, New York
The best romantic movies you've ever seen have taken place in New York City. There is almost too much to do in the city that never sleeps. If you're looking for romance, take a walk through Riverside Park, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park, stroll the high line, or explore one of New York's many art museums.
Take your date to a Broadway play, or recreate one of your favorite rom-com scenes. If you're feeling brave, walk through a crowd of tourists in Time's Square.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali really is one of the most romantic places in the world. There are so many memories just waiting to be made in this stunning location. Catch the world's most romantic sunset at Uluwatu Temple, take a walk along Seminyak Beach and then stop for a beachside candlelight dinner, rent a tandem jet ski, learn how to surf, and visit the Ubud Monkey Forest.
A trip for two to Bali is definitely Instagram-worthy. Everything about this place is uber aesthetic.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is an absolutely enthralling city. You can spend time in Japan's sprawling urban center, or head out to the countryside to behold some of the most beautiful cherry blossom trees in the world.
Check out Inokashira Park and the Ghibli Museum if you're a fan of Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro. Ueno Park is a great place to sit down for a picnic or explore the Zoological Gardens. Tokyo's restaurant scene is also an aspect of the city that can't be missed.
Verona, Italy
Fair Verona is the setting of one of the most romantic tales of all time, Romeo and Juliet. Okay, so maybe their story didn't end so happily, but so many great love stories are based on that Shakespearean classic.
There is so much to do in Verona. You can enjoy the views from Castel San Pietro, visit Juliet's House on Via Capello, cross the Ponte Pietra (Verona's romantic stone bridge), and taste delicious wines at Verona's classical bottegas or wine bars.
Bruges, Belgium
A reviewer on Tripadvisor mentioned that the historic center of Bruges "certainly has the wow factor, quaint streets, a river-canal with superb boat tours, chocolate shops galore, shops selling interesting beers, lovely little restaurants, beautiful churches fascinating architecture lots to see an excellent feel to the market square would love to spend more time there."
Couples touring Bruges can also check out the De Halve Maan Brewery, the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde, Minnewater Lake, and many spectacular art museums.
Santorini, Greece
This is a photo of a restaurant patio overlooking the Aegean Sea in the village of Firostefani on Santorini Island, Greece. The picturesque architecture in Greece, and in Santorini specifically, really is something to behold.
Hunt down the gorgeous blue-domed buildings, watch the sunset at Oia, visit a winery with a view, and sunbake on the black sand beaches. This place is full of great food and great fun, especially for new couples. Rent a bike with your loved one and explore the island!
Napa Valley, California
This is a photo of Quintessa Vineyard in Napa Valley, California, one of the more than 400 wineries within famous Napa Valley wine country in Northern California.
Aside from wine tasting, you could have breakfast at Lucy Restaurant and Bar at Bardessono, pamper yourself at Spa Solage, get a bird's eye view from a hot air balloon, take a dip in the waters of Lake Berryessa, and relax at Pleasure Cove.
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha's Vineyard is the perfect place to relax with your significant other. It has adorable little cafés, gorgeous views, lush meadows, multi-million dollar properties, and peaceful bike trails.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a biplane ride over the vineyard. You can also visit Edgartown Lighthouse, check out the Aquinnah Cliffs, and walk around the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary which contains 194 acres of protected beaches, salt marshes, meadowlands, and woodlands, as well as 4 miles of walking trails.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavík is a romantic destination that's a little bit off the beaten path. There are lots of places to see in this city that won't be crowded or full of couples on their honeymoon. While in Reykjavík, make sure to catch the Northern Lights. You can also check out some very unique glaciers.
Otherwise, you can take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, relax at Laugar Spa, and indulge in some Scandanavian cuisine. The varied landscape here is really something to behold. Whether you come in summer or winter, there's always something to see.
South Africa
Forget taking a calm stroll down a wooded trail, head to South Africa if you want to step outside of your room and see giraffes just walking around and munching on trees. Go on an exciting, authentic safari or head over to Johannesburg to do some stargazing at the Wits Planetarium.
In Cape Town, you can picnic at the Kirstenbosch Gardens, take a sunset boat cruise from the V&A Waterfront, or catch a retro outdoor film with the Galileo Open Air Cinema.
The Alps
Whether you travel to the Austrian Alps, the French Alps, or the Swiss Alps, you won't be disappointed. This mountain range boasts some of the most fantastic views in the world. If you're into hiking, you really should climb to the top. It's a hard hike, so bring lots of water and prepare to be on the trail for several hours, but when you get to the top, the view and the feeling of accomplishment is definitely worth it.
Then take a gondola ride down the mountain and grab a fancy dinner at an authentic European restaurant.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a European vacation destination that's often overlooked. The colors of this city are absolutely gorgeous. The terracotta roofs and oxidized copper accents give the whole city a warm glow.
Prague is the birthplace of Franz Kafka (you know, the guy who wrote about a man transforming into a cockroach). He might not be the most romantic writer in the world, but his work is interesting. Check out the old city square, take a horse and buggy ride around the major sites, and enjoy a Czech trodlo (basically a giant churro filled with ice cream).
Lisbon, Portugal
If you find yourself with your significant other in Lisbon, Portugal, take a boat cruise on the Tejo river. Take a look at the landmarks from the water as the sun either rises or sets (depending on if you're a morning person or a night owl). You can also invite your soulmate to attend an opera performance at Teatro São Carlos, host to world-renowned operas and breathtaking performances.
Enjoy a romantic dinner by the water, take a walking tour of the city, and indulge in some authentic Portuguese custard tarts.
County Antrim, Ireland
Ireland is a lush and lovely country. If you're looking to spend some time pub-hopping with friends, go to Dublin, but if you want to enjoy some romantic time with the person you love, you don't want to miss out on the northern part of the country. Northern Ireland is the perfect place to explore countryside living.
Make sure to check out the world-famous Giant's Causeway on the North Antrim Coast, especially at sunset. The 40,000 basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago has captured the imagination of all who lay eyes on it.
Banff, Alberta
There are few places in the world more beautiful than Banff, Alberta, Canada. You have never seen water as blue as the water in Lake Louise. That true blue water next to lush forest landscapes against a backdrop of breathtaking mountains is enough to make you stop in your tracks.
After you're done hiking for the day, take a dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Rent a chalet and sip hot chocolate after a long day of skiing. You can come to Banff in the winter or the summer, but unless you're a ski enthusiast, we recommend visiting in the summer.
Tasmania, Australia
For the avid adventurers and couples full of wanderlust, there's Tasmania— the vacation destination that keeps on giving. The Freycinet Peninsula is a must-see location on the east coast, home to an expansive national park, salt-white beaches and the pink-granite peaks of the Hazards ranges.
Hike, sail, bushwalk, kayak, swim or cycle your way around the many national parks in Tasmania. After a long hike, kick back and relax in a private hot tub in the desert. It doesn't get much better than that.
The Maldives
The Maldives is an up and coming tourist destination that is getting the word out about its many attractions by partnering up with social media influencers. It looks like this place has everything you could possibly want from a honeymoon destination. You can stay in a villa that's literally on the ocean.
Enjoy diving at Naifaru Island, get a relaxing massage, eat dinner in an underwater restaurant, check out a beach that glows because of bioluminescent plankton, swim with large sea creatures, and walk along the beach at sunset.
