13 Romantic Places to Travel

By: Shelley Seale
Composition of the Alps mountains during sunset with full moon and couple on swing from a heart shape cave. Artur Debat / Getty Images

What makes a great romantic travel destination? Awesome outdoor adventure options, great food and nightlife, and a kind of cultural uniqueness to create a romantic vibe are all good starting points. Here are some options that you should consider for your next adventure as a couple.

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New Zealand

"Hikers admiring scenic view from hilltop, Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand"
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With its abundance of natural features, Maori heritage, and adventure opportunities around every corner, New Zealand is among the best options for couples seeking a romantic vacation. You can plan your itinerary around some of the most impressive landscapes on earth, from the glaciers of the South Island to the impressive views of Mt. Cook and the eerie experience of entering into the Waitomo glowworm caves.

Jordan

Young Caucasian heterosexual couple looking at Al-Khazneh in Petra from above
Oleh_Slobodeniuk / Getty Images

Jordan is a completely safe oasis isolated from the instability of the rest of the Middle East. Travel through the red sand of the desert of Wadi Rum and share a romantic moment watching the sunset at the Dead Sea. Explore the millenary ruins of Petra and don’t forget to head to Amman for a taste of the best food around.

Buenos Aires

Young couple on an ice cream oriented date in Argentina
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Get to know the city by walking through its multiple barrios filled with music, culture, and people willing to show you why Buenos Aires is the most beautiful city in South America. Experience tango first hand in Plaza Dorrego, find a good spot to enjoy the view of Río de la Plata in the company of your couple, and celebrate life with a good glass of Malbec.

Havana

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To visit Havana is to travel back in time. The classic architecture of its buildings perfectly matches the vintage cars that traverse its streets and the relaxed vibe of the Cubans. Explore colonial plazas, spend some time in a coffee shop, and dance to Caribbean rhythms in one of the city’s many nightclubs.

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New Orleans

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New Orleans is not all bead tossing and Bourbon Street. There are plenty of opportunities to explore The Big Easy in a more relaxed and romantic way. Take a historical horse-drawn carriage around the French Quarter, cruise down the Mississippi on the Steamboat Natchez, and try some of the city’s famous beignets at Café du Monde.

Portugal

A woman reaches back to her husband's hand and entices him to walk through the old town of Obidos discovering the narrow colorful streets and it's old structures.
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Portugal is a country full of surprises for those who are willing to explore it thoroughly. Of course, the food scene in Lisbon and the wines of the Douro Valley are attractive options, but the true beauty of the country unfolds by getting off the beaten path. Isla de Madeira, Porto, Sintra, and Coimbra are just some of the places that’ll make you want to stay here for just a little longer.

Turkey

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Turkey has it all: unique cultural experiences, magnificent landscapes, incredible gastronomy, and friendly locals. Couples can spend their days visiting the historical Hagia Sophia, shopping in the Grand Bazaar, cruising down the Bosphorus, sailing in a traditional gulet boat, and dancing the night away at one of Istanbul’s various rooftop clubs.

Thailand

Middle-aged man and his companion handsome blond lady on a boat ride in Bangkok
itsskin / Getty Images

It doesn’t matter what kind of trip you and your loved one are willing to take, it’s highly probable that Thailand has the perfect option for you. You can head north and explore the Buddhist temples of Chiang Rai, find a lonely island to enjoy the pristine beaches of the Andaman Sea, or even have a scuba diving weekend in Koh Tao. And let’s not forget that Thailand offers some of the cheapest luxury accommodations in Southeast Asia, guaranteeing you’re in for a little treat.

Taormina

The ancient Greek Amphitheater in Taormina. Giardini-Naxos bay, Ionian sea coast, Taormina, Sicily, Italy.
Getty Images / © Elza Auer

The mountainous seaside town of Taormina, Sicily is the perfect Italian getaway. Catch an opera in the ancient Greco Teatro, take the cable car to Isola Bella, enjoy a wine tour around Mt. Etna, and brunch on the cliffs of the Belmond Grand Timeo. Try to visit in September or October when the crowds dissipate and leave the city to be explored at your leisure.

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Amsterdam

Couple at outdoor restaurant overlooking canal, Amsterdam, Holland, Netherlands
Getty Images / Photo © Peter Adams 2013

From a walk across the canals and long bicycle rides through the endless array of tulips to the exploration of its infinite collection of museums, it’s no wonder Amsterdam is one of the most romantic places for a lovers’ getaway.

Cartagena

Couple using cell phone while riding on a carriage sightseeing in Cartagena - people traveling
Getty Images / andresr

Cartagena is the perfect place for couples looking to add some spice to their relationship. The historic walled city is packed with boutique hotels, colorful colonial houses, and cobblestone streets where horse-drawn carriages complement the lively Colombian vibe. Make sure to rent a boat and take a trip out to the nearby Rosario Islands for an unforgettable experience.

Iceland

Couple on an Icelandic beach. Mountain range in background
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Couples who love adventure should head to Iceland immediately. Soaking in the hot springs of the Blue Lagoon, admiring Europe’s largest glacier, and exploring the waterfalls on the Ring Road are just a few of the experiences that will keep your spirit warm in this insular paradise.

The California Coast

Couple enjoying holiday in San Francisco
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With over 600 miles of sandy shores and rugged cliffs, the California Coast stands out as one of the world’s top destinations for couples. Rent a convertible and drive from San Diego to San Francisco, make a stop at the beaches of Palos Verdes, do some whale watching in Monterey Bay, and explore the streets of San Francisco. Make sure to take a small detour at the end of your coastal road trip to Napa Valley!

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