Check and check. See recent posts by Katie James Watkinson. When in Andaluca, Seville should also be a top priority. Feast on killer food and drink in Austin: Get a free crash course in history in Washington, D.C.: Sky Noir Photography By Bill Dic / Getty Images. "My husband and flew to NYC and eloped at the clerks office on Christmas Eve, then spent a magical week in the city. When the sun goes down, things get sultry. That, and the food, the masks, the fog; the grandeur. Though maybe not in that order. Bike rides, picnics, fresh fruit and cheese, castles, rolling hills and plush fieldsthats what were working with here. Id recommend renting one of the artsy offerings on AirBnB, hiking all day, and then cooking at night, eating by the fire, with all the stars above. If the two of you live for aquatic experiences (or trying new things), Hamilton is located at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. This city is another on the list that straddles two culturesthe European influence is apparent (more of those cobbled streets I love), but the colors and sensuality of the Caribbean and South America are also there in full force. At Harmony Hotel, surfers and yogis are as welcome as the white-faced monkeys and iguanas youll spot roaming the property. Even the humidity is sensual there. Most clichs became clichs for a reason, and so is the case with Paris' romantic reputation. But dont sleep in: there are more than 100 wineries and farm-fresh al fresco restaurants such as Malva, Deckmans, and Tras Lomita to fill your daysand bellies. Use our insider connections to know where to go and what to do. Its built-in conversation all around you. And what better way to bond than over late night karaoke or getting adventurous with some delicious street food? Sip some tea and just take it easy. Lauren Y. So, theres plenty of diving, snorkeling, sailing, and making out in the water to be done. For a day-to-night date, La Boca is a vibrant neighborhood known for Tango dancing and a pedestrian walkway lined with crafts and houses and shops painted in bright primary colors. If you think romance is dancing to DJ sets and light shows until the wee hours of morning, Bali is also known for its nightlife scene. If youre singleor otherwise want more travel inspiration, check out our companion piece 39 Best Vacation Spots for Single Guys: The Travel Guide For The Solo Warrior. Reporting on what you care about. After a day packed with leisure, adventure, or both, the cherry on top will be a drink at a bar that feels more like a jungle. If your version of romance is hiking through lush greenery, monkey forests, and rolling rice paddies, you're in luck. There is something really special about experiencing new music or art with someone youre into. The most magical experience was spending New Year's Eve at the Ngorongoro crater. But back to the more urban aspects. Both areas are remote and make for really enchanting, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. You can also opt for a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train for more scenic views. Floating high above the rocky terrain in a brightly-designed hot air balloon, you'll feel like characters wandering the pages of a Dr. Seuss book or like astronauts discovering a civilization on the moon either way, the other-worldly experience will have you recapturing childlike wonder and awe together. We also got passes for Voodoo Fest, their 3 day music festival. Makrolon polycarbonate and with aluminium handles and laptop holder, these nonconformist beauties are built to survive even the wildest of trips. You know how sometimes being around really attractive, stylish people can make you feel better looking yourself? Choose your own adventure here, be it stirring or sleepy. The vibe in this southern part of Spain is so relaxed and friendly and the weather is totally perfectrent a car and cruise around for days. Ticket, passport, headphones. Stayed at The James in Tribeca, window shopped on 5th Avenue, and ate like kings. What could be more romantic than snuggling up by the fire after a day out in the snow? In addition to the historic temples and shrines Bali is known for, the island is also home to high-end resorts, yoga classes, spas, and Australian-influenced cafes. There is something so sensual about it alldistant prayers sung out into the sky, the setting sun, dim lights, rich aromas, warm nights, ancient fortress walls. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. (You know that song The Middle that you had stuck in your head for all of 2018? Cruise on the Bosphorous at night (or walk along it by day), sip some Turkish coffee on the riverbank, and take in the incredible views of Hagia Sophia from the water. We snorkeled, swam with dolphins, and we did something I had never heard of: personal underwater submarining. The romance of the island pretty much sells itself; wandering the hilly, weathered streets, you're surrounded by bright white walls and blue roofs, and in the evenings you have front-row seats to incredible sunsets. Alice is a freelance editor and writer with an overused Netflix account and a full shopping cart. But isnt a hint of danger titillating? St. Lucia boasts waterfalls, rainforests, volcanic spires, reefs, hot springs, and of course, pristine beaches and crystal-clear water. If you dig 1970s Venice Beach skateboarding culture, you'll dig the retro-cool Floyd Cabin travel cases. We ended our trip in Lima. I sure hope you like wine. Everywhere you look there are fields of green dotted by grand mountains. Many people told us we were crazy for not wanting to do the typical all inclusive resort but that's just not who we are. Mallory N. More: 26 Reasons To Pack Your Bags And Visit Peru Right Now. Resorts on the island include Timbers Kaua'i and Koa Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach. "My husband and I backpacked around Indonesia for 40 days and had the most incredible experience. Also: Beautiful hot springs, glaciers, volcanoes, Northern Lights literally everywhere I looked, I was in awe." But instead, lets focus on you and your romance. We did a morning climb and the views were breathtaking! By day, you and bae can surf, play in the sand, or meander around the charming town. Whether you opt for the eco-lofts at Encuentro Guadalupe, the vineyard-adjacent cabins at Cuatro Cuatros, or the clear bubble domes at Campera Hotel Burbuja, your accommodations will be Insta-ready. One word best captures this Moroccan city: vibrant. So named for the Dr. Seuss-esque Joshua trees that line its landscape, this desert town is home to some funky shops, but most importantly a National Park that feels like visiting another planet. Being surrounded by cool people and design seems to raise your own cool factor. JFK and Jackie handpicked this as their own honeymoon destination, a pair famous for their great taste (if not the best marriage). Channel some ~magic~ in Edinburgh, Scotland: Find renewal in the Indonesian rainforest: Take in the culture of Ireland and Northern Ireland: Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images, Sergio Formoso / Getty Images, Win-initiative / Getty Images, Bruce Yuanyue Bi / Getty Images, Want to be featured in similar BuzzFeed posts? We spent a few days in downtown Dublin, then rented a car to drive to Belfast and Londonderry. You cannot beat their barbecue." He loved the culture and history of the countryside, I loved the energy in the city - it was a fantastic trip! There is so much to see, do, and try, minus the overwhelming sounds and crowds of similarly active and exciting locales. Foodie couples will want to eat their way through Paris's fine restaurants or sip through scenic Portugal, while active travelers might prefer a ski trip or snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. We hold major institutions accountable and expose wrongdoing. It was perfect." Whether you choose to keep your feet planted in the white sand of the areas beaches, enjoy a hammock nap together, dip into the water for some snorkeling, or venture into the jungle to check out ruins (or one of the late night jungle parties, complete with DJ), thats up to you. This is a more familiar entry for those of you feeling a little skeptical about the romantic potential of Portland or Prague. If you're looking for something truly special perhaps for celebrating an anniversary or another special occasion Sailrock Resort is a luxury property nestled within natural brush along white-sand shores that lead into crystal-clear water. These afford incredible views and allow you take in many historic sites and other attractions. You can choose to just see adults-only hotels, or filter for more family oriented accommodation, which means you'll find the precise type of vibe you're looking for on your trip. Bali, aka the "Island of the Gods," is a versatile haven with something to offer every type of couple. Venice is all about fantasy and opulence. Or just be beach bums together and catch up on reading (or sleep) on the sand. Plus, the weather was great, and the food was amazing. Here are my top three reasons to go with a hotel instead of an Airbnb for your next trip: In addition to a burgeoning culinary scene, Id recommend taking advantage of the amazing people-watching opportunities here. Outside of Lisbon, check out Sintra, vora, and bidosall three are ancient and picturesque (and a little bit more off the beaten path when it comes to tourism). It was the best vacation I've ever been on." If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. About two hours away from Sydney, is a gorgeous stretch of Australian wine country. For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the sellers site. And Sedona, with its red rocks and mysterious vortexes, is another popular destination among wellness travelers. "We used our airline points for tickets, and spent a week unplugged at a private resort. Extra credit: Visit Madeira and/or the Azores (both islands) off the coast. Switching gears completely from sun-drenched island life, we have Bruges, nestled in northwest Belgium. Sarah S. "We spent a long weekend in Denver and crammed in as much as we could: beautiful hiking, great food, local brews, and a concert at Red Rocks. With the mountains of the Basque region in the background, this beach town in the Bay of Biscay sort of has everything. Travelers mainly book Turkish gulets (or small yachts) with separate quarters for the crew, and companies like Adriatic Holiday offer packages with a captain, chef, and one to two crew members who help curate not just your route, but everything else you do while on water or shore. Its equal parts welcoming and unpredictable, which is totally sexy. Pretty much everything you eat has been grown on the island or caught in the water that surrounds it. Paris and romance go together like Valentine's Day and chocolate, anniversary dinners and candlelit bistros, marriage proposals and world-famous landmarks all of which Paris is not-so-coincidentally known for having. Add a new destination to your list of firsts as a couple, be it somewhere close by or decidedly more exotic. Kyoto is a perfect place for a spring getaway. * Nearly a decade of experience writing, editing, and strategizing for lifestyle publications * Former deputy editor at Real Simple * Former lifestyle news editor at Time * Received a bachelor's degree in English from Vanderbilt University, Elizabeth Rhodes joined the Travel + Leisure team in 2019 as an associate digital editor, covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. I love the bright colors and sunny disposition of this Caribbean island. Island Hopping in Thailand: 7 Perfect Days in the Lesser-Known Kohs. "It's very serene and not as crowded with tourists. What else? Access insider tips and hotel recommendations from our travel tastemakers. Going on safari allows you and your significant other to share some firsts: the first time you see a lion, the first time you drive across the African plains dotted with baobab trees, the first time you meet someone from a local tribe. While youre there, go to a museum or simply take in the street art, and be sure to go to a concert. Everyone we met thought we were crazy for driving such long distances but that time spent in the car really helped us bond as a couple and we came back closer than ever with an added bonus of a stowaway, due in May." In the nearby Duoro Valley, you can visit the vineyards where the wine has been produced for 2,000 years, sample the wine, and participate in some harvesting practices like stomping on the grapes. So, eat, dance, drinkreally live it upwhile youre here. The west coast of Barbados is home to several high-end resorts with various offerings to make your Caribbean escape extra memorable. The bright white, sun-soaked buildings contrast in such a wildly perfect way with the surrounding deep blue waters and rocky mountains. There were monkeys everywhere, and we were even able to play with them. There are even vintage trams to help get you up the citys sometimes-steep walkways. Best of all, Seoul can be enjoyed on the cheap, though you might want to avoid the more upscale Cheongdam-dong and Gangnam if youre trying to save your pennies. ), lush landscapes, rainbows, snorkeling, waterfalls, and the Napali coast. Zalikha Mis'ari, Facebook, More: 27 Reasons To Drop Everything And Explore Turkey, "We rented a car and drove as far east as we could, then made our way slowly back west traveling the entire southern side. Emily Odom C. More: 21 Delicious NYC Foods That Wont Break The Bank, "We got an Amtrak multi-pass and travelled around the country: Chicago, LA, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake City, DC, New York, and Boston. Always check and adhere to local government policies. Whether you prefer the cowabunga or namaste state of mind, the quiet beachfront village of Nosara has you covered. You'll experience the type of picturesque serenity you thought was only accessible to movie stars yet there the two of you will be, sipping colorful cocktails together on a hammock at the beach's edge, with nothing but the open, beautiful horizon spanning ahead of you. Just a few beats away from city life, youll find pulsing green jungles, waterfalls cascading down mountains, hot springs, ancient villages, temples, shrines, monks, and elephant sanctuaries.