February 14th, a day that causes most people to panic and run to the nearest store late at night for a card they forgot to buy for their sweetie. If they’re lucky, they’ll have planned dinner and perhaps a gift or two. But what if there were a better way, one that was guaranteed to make memories and something that was packed with opportunities to be romantic.
Nothing sets the stage for romance quite like a change of scenery. Why not plan a getaway for you and your sweetheart with plenty of time to relax, catch up, and enjoy each other’s company? It’s not hard to find romantic destinations across the world that offer a range of activities just for adults, including wine tastings, nightlife, art, and music.
Here are my picks for the top vacation ideas for couples both in the U.S. and around the world.
All of Italy has a romantic slant, but Venice is definitely the country’s most romantic. Whether it is the narrow lanes, the charming bridges, or the canals filled with gondolas, every inch of Venice encourages couples to hold hands or sneak a kiss. The city of Venice is actually quite compact and can easily be explored on foot. Take the time to wander away from the main squares and find smaller restaurants and cafés.
Paris, The City of Light, is also the city of love. Whether you’re strolling along the Seine hand-in-hand or enjoying a candlelit meal at a cozy bistro, the romantic ambiance is hard to ignore. Finally, take in the wonder and experience of visiting the Eiffel Tower at night, nothing beats the view on a clear night with the lights sparkling in the distance.
There’s a good reason why Napa often pops up on lists of most romantic destinations. This destination is tucked within California wine country and is full of romantic bed and breakfasts. Wine country is designed for couples, with its relaxed pace, winery tours, and excellent restaurants. Couples can choose activities to match their interests, from cycling tours to lazy picnics in vineyards to antique shopping. A combination of fresh air along with peace and quiet sets the stage for a relaxed romantic getaway.
Along the West Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is where you will find Mexico’s Riviera Maya, a tropical paradise catering to a variety of travelers. Here the water sparkles turquoise and the sand gleams white as the warm sun shines down on vacationers. Magnificent resorts and exotic excursions are only a couple of things that draw in people from far and wide The beaches are as beautiful as they are relaxing in the Riviera Maya.
Bermuda is about 180 islands and islets — located 650 miles east of North Carolina — that offer couples a tropical getaway that’s close to home and a cinch to navigate. Offshore, abundant coral reefs and the numerous shipwrecks have earned this British colony the nickname “Isle of Devils.” On shore, one of the most unique features of Horseshoe Bay is the pink sand beaches, found in very few other places in the world.
Visit an island with a cultural history that’s as rich as its landscape. Barbados is one of the most developed and popular islands in the Caribbean. Though the Spanish discovered it, it would later become a British colony and still has many cultural remnants from their rule today. The interior is as lush as the coast; there are large plantations, botanic gardens, and plenty of wildlife. It also has the most luxury properties per square mile in the Caribbean. Barbados travel definitely won’t disappoint a couple looking for an adventure or simply a peaceful escape.
While it’s too late to take a trip this Valentine’s Day, these destinations aren’t just great as a gift in the middle of February, they can be planned at any time and are sure to help you make memories with your sweetie.
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