Travel and romance go hand-in-hand, whether you’re off on a spontaneous weekend getaway or taking that long-awaited trip to Japan you’ve dreamed of all your life. With so many weekend getaways for couples and romantic international destinations available, how do you choose? To help you narrow things down, here are our picks for the best vacation spots for couples.
Why Couples Travel Strengthens Connection
Why are couples’ vacation ideas so important? Travelling together lets you focus on each other in a way that isn't always possible in daily life, with all the pressures of work, chores, and family responsibilities. Here are a couple of reasons why even short weekend getaways help strengthen your relationship and keep romance alive.
Shared Experiences and Memories
Travelling together is a wonderful opportunity to share experiences and create new, lasting memories. That hidden lake in the Rockies you stumbled upon, that little cafe in Rome, or that spectacular sunset over the Serengeti are shared experiences you’ll remember forever. Even the little hiccups and challenges that are part of travel can make for happy memories—sure, you missed the tour bus to the Acropolis, but that’s why you went antique shopping and found the perfect clock for your mantelpiece.
Reconnecting Away from Routine
It’s easy for a once spontaneous relationship to settle into a comfortable routine. After a while, you might feel like you’ve settled into a rut. Travel offers a chance to explore and adventure outside your normal routine, creating opportunities for romance, fun, and new experiences. For some couples, this means trying whitewater rafting in Costa Rica. For others, it means relaxing on a tropical beach and enjoying candlelit dinners. Either way, you’re off on your own, doing something you love together, and isn't that what being a couple is all about?
Top Romantic Destinations Around the World
Napa Valley, California — Wine Country Escapes
Wine, sunshine, and excellent dining make Napa Valley rank high on our list of the best vacation spots for couples (not to mention a great destination for girls-only road trips). Tour some of the world’s best vineyards, sample local wines, and enjoy relaxing spa treatments and hot springs. Book a dinner trip on the Napa Valley Wine Train (or sharpen your couples’ sleuthing skills on a 2.5-hour, film noir-inspired Murder Mystery journey), complete with a multi-course gourmet meal.
Paris, France — The City of Love
It may be cliché to list Paris among couples’ vacation ideas, but the City of Lights remains one of the world’s most romantic destinations. From the dazzling view atop the Eiffel Tower to an alfresco meal at a Montmartre cafe, Paris never fails to stir the blood and heighten the emotions. Add in Seine River cruises, the Louvre, and beautiful parks like the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, and you’ll quickly see why the city earned its amazing reputation.
Maui, Hawaii — Luxury Beach Retreats
If the urge for a romantic getaway strikes you in the winter, hop a flight to Maui. With its amazing beaches, stunning sunsets from atop Haleakala, and lush green valleys, Maui is a tropical vacation lover’s dream. Pamper yourself at one of the island’s luxury Beach Resorts, or stay at a local AirBnB, and spend your days snorkelling, surfing, hiking, or whale-watching.
Santorini, Greece — Sunset Views and Charm
If you want an island vacation with a European flair, hop a plane to Santorini, Greece. This volcanic Aegean island has everything you need for a couple’s vacation: picturesque white-washed villages, exceptional sunsets, black sand beaches, and azure Mediterranean waters. Highlights of Santorini include the ruins of Oia Castle, known for its amazing sunsets, Ammoudi Bay, with its local seafood restaurants, and the preserved Minoan City of Akrotiri. Expect a slow, leisurely pace of life on Santorini, with plenty of time for relaxation and romantic dining.
Weekend Getaways for Couples in the U.S.
Asheville, North Carolina — Cozy Mountain Romance
Weekend getaways for couples abound in the US. One of the most popular is Asheville. Nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge mountains, Asheville is known for a vibrant arts scene, galleries, museums, and historic architecture. Spend the day hiking part of the Appalachian Trail or touring the cultivated gardens of the North Carolina Arboretum, then enjoy a cozy meal in the walkable downtown core.
Sedona, Arizona — Adventure and Serenity
Close to Flagstaff, Sedona is an Arizona desert town known for its mild climate, red-rock buttes, pine forests, and canyons. Horseback riding, hiking, and scenic drives are popular couple’s activities, or you can take a sunrise hot air balloon ride to see the landscape from a new and thrilling perspective.
Charleston, South Carolina — Southern Charm for Two
Delve into the history of the antebellum South in Charleston. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride along historic cobblestone streets, explore the elegant French Quarter, or see the city from the water with a harbour tour.
How to Choose the Perfect Couples Destination
Budget vs. Experience
The best vacation tours for couples balance the need for new experiences with the realities of your budget. Fortunately, the sheer number of romantic getaway ideas makes it easy to reconcile the two, especially in the U.S.A., where a short domestic flight can take you to a myriad of interesting, exciting locations. Remember, Mexico and Canada are only a road trip away!
Considérations saisonnières
Consider seasonal popularity when choosing couples’ vacation ideas. Peak seasons draw large crowds and families, which can detract from romance. Instead, look into off-peak and shoulder seasons, when crowds are sparser and destinations often have a more laid-back, relaxing atmosphere.
Shared Interests and Travel Goals
Communication is key to a healthy relationship. Talk about your travel dreams and interests, and plan trips that appeal to both of you. The whole point is to have fun together, so look for common ground when choosing destinations.
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