When was the last time you stopped the clock on this crazy thing called life to celebrate the fact that, in a world full of billions of people, you found each other? You culled through all the noise and the nonsense and, somehow, found one another.
If that’s been on your mind lately, we have a list of 15 different destinations you can travel to if your only goal is to get swept away all over again. From the obvious choices to the lesser-known considerations, we’re absolutely confident that any one of these cities will give you a new lease on love.
Paris, France
This isn’t a cliché. No article about romantic travel destinations can exist without mentioning Paris. It’s a city that has a lock on love. Here, the skies are truly pink. People still picnic in parks. Friends and lovers roll out blankets and sit by the river with nothing more than cheese, bread, and a bottle of wine… They’re all… living. They work hard, but they also know when to stop and smell the proverbial roses — whether or not they’re in the Jardin des Tuileries.
Paris is for lovers. You can stay in any arrondissement and sense that feeling in the air. But, since this is a travel article and we need to be more specific than all that, the best suggestion for first-time lovers in Paris is to stay in Le Marais or the Latin Quarter.
In either of these neighborhoods, you can hold hands in a multitude of cafés, walk along the river as she shares some of her secrets with you, whisper in quiet corners of ancient bookshops, savor decadent meals, and then return home to your lovely Airbnb, filled with wonderful memories of a few free and easy days in the City of Love.
Venice, Italy
Venice has a similar sense in the air. She’s an ancient city with so many secrets, you can’t help but feel how wise she is. The trouble is, in the summer, she swells with tourists. To make this a truly intimate and romantic getaway, come in the winter, instead.
You’ll have all those cafés to yourself. You’ll get to know the locals better. You can dip in and out of ancient churches and cathedrals and get a better sense of the holiness of this place. Few things on earth can form a tighter bond than that, no matter your religious persuasion.
Best of all, if you happen to be coming from London or other parts of Europe, the best way to arrive in Venice is via the Venice-Simplon Orient Express. It’s a chart-topper on our list of 24 must-take train trips, and you’ll see why when you look at the pictures.
Galway, Ireland
It’s a terrible oversight not to consider Ireland a romantic country. Instead, it’s taken on this sort of rebel persona. And, while that may be true, that dew-filled air is very much saturated with love. Think of all the great poets and writers that have emerged from this land, as well as the musicians and playwrights.
Sure, Dublin and Cork City may be a bit on the rowdy side. But you need a balance of romance and rowdiness in your life. After you’ve enjoyed the fruits of those bustling cities, come to Galway. Rent a small Airbnb in Salthill so you can overlook the harbor with ease.
Then, walk or drive into Galway at night, where the rain dapples the pedestrian-only Quay Street, and the musical notes from all the live Irish music sessions fill the air. Pull up a barstool, tap your feet to the reels and jigs, and then cry your eyes out when a local stands up (out of the blue) and sings a ballad that’ll pierce your heart and make you cling tighter to the one you love.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The same goes for Scotland. It doesn’t put a spotlight on love the way Paris and Venice do, but its potion is just as potent. Edinburgh is enchanting, especially at night when the light reflects off its misty cobblestone streets and barely peeks into its numerous secret passageways.
If you can swing it, stay a night at The Witchery. It’s consistently rated as Scotland’s most romantic hotel, and you can easily see why. The moment you step inside its doors, which just so happens to be the entryway to a 16th-century building, you’ll feel as though you and your lover have stepped through a portal.
Like Paris, you can easily wander the streets of Edinburgh, even without a solid game plan. Visit Edinburgh Castle to see how kings and queens used to live. Walk the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Stroll the Royal Botanic Gardens. Then, you can seal it with a kiss at a whisky distillery before re-entering your secret lair at The Witchery.
For more on how to enchant your stay, this magical guide will show you the ins and outs of this most magnificent city.
Santorini, Greece
With the sound of the sea splashing in your ears, it’s hard not to be filled with waves of love. Santorini is the place to come with little more than a plan to lay back on a chaise lounge and watch the clouds go by.
Here, luxury hotels abound. But, if you can swing a few nights at Nobu Hotel, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of the sea, be it from the window in your master suite or the infinity pool. You can just smell the fresh air when you look at their website.
When you’re ready for a little bit of action, you can always go for a hike on the Fira Trail to soak up its exceptional views. When you’re ready for a different angle on sunset, you can also head down to Oia, a coastal town on the northwest tip of the island. Then, either early in the morning or late in the evening, you can also savor a once-in-a-lifetime stroll on the Black Sand Beaches on the southeast side of the island.
Bali, Indonesia
We mentioned the spirituality that streams through the air in Venice. But Bali also has it in spades — in a different kind of way. If you and your partner prefer a spiritual retreat, there’s nowhere else on earth to go. On an island filled with dense forestry, climbing up steep mountains, and endless panoramas over the Ayung River, the healing is pervasive.
There’s also no doubt that, if you like, you’ll meet like-minded couples looking for a soul-cleansing experience. If that’s something that interests you, check out Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape. Set in Bali’s Buahan village, it’s a luxury no-walls, no-doors retreat with a central pavilion to meet like-minded couples and dip in and out of a delicious infinity pool that extends all the way into the valley.
Ibiza, Spain
Sticking with the notion of island time, Ibiza can also offer you a romantic retreat. Best of all, if you come here in the springtime, you’ll be treated to blossoming groves of almond trees. Like the cherry blossoms in Japan, these trees explode in peaceful swathes of white and pink blossoms. You can just envision the hand-in-hand strolls that await. When you’re here, the best place to take that stroll is from the beautiful inland valley, Pla de Santa Agnès Corona.
Kyoto, Japan
Speaking of Japan, have you ever considered Kyoto as a lover’s retreat? It surely is — and it’s a world away from the bustling streets of Tokyo. Here, you’ll find onsens, or hot springs, to release all the stressors of everyday life. You’ll watch the mists rise off the mountains in the morning and savor the most wholesome meals at night.
If you have any credit card points or spare change lying around, take a look at the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto. Nestled into the blossom-fringed banks of the Kamogawa River, you’ll feel like a member of the royal family when you’re here. For a taste of what’s about to come, check out this silent vlogger’s take on a most majestic property.
Quebec, Canada
Have you ever dreamed of Christmas in Quebec? We can assure you that it’s straight out of a Hallmark film. For Americans, it’s an easier feat than Europe, with all the charms of a European city. We’re talking cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, French architecture, and more.
Art lovers unite in this city. So, if that’s something you and your partner love to relish together, Quebec may become your go-to anniversary retreat. After you’ve toured the city itself, particularly Old City, be sure to make your way to Ile d’Orleans for a spectacular wine tasting overlooking the Montmorency Falls.
New York, New York
We just mentioned Tokyo’s frenetic energy and gave the impression that you can skip over it on your way to Kyoto. So, it may seem counterintuitive that we’re suggesting New York. And yet, it makes perfect sense because the city is an enigma. Yes, it’s high-energy, but it’s also high on love.
If this is your first time, your best bet is to stick to Midtown. With easy access to Grand Central and Central Park, it’s a safe part of the island to tackle. If you happen to be partnered up with a book lover, consider staying at The Library Hotel on 41st Street. You’ll be steps away from the New York Public Library, and Bryant Park is behind. When you’re on the property, you’ll be treated to lush bedding and a beautiful rooftop bar where you can savor a nightcap and watch the lights go down in the city.
Seattle, Washington
Sleepless in Seattle, anyone? It’s no surprise Hollywood immortalized Tom Hanks’ and Meg Ryan’s best rom-com in this sleepy city. Somehow, the rain isn’t oppressive when you’re here with your lover; it’s deeply calming and mystifying.
Whether you embark on hour-long hikes through lush forests, stroll along Puget Sound in Golden Gardens Park, or dip in and out of coffee shops and bookshops, Seattle will reignite the flames of your romance.
While you’re here, book a luxe Airbnb and visit Pike Place Market on your first day in town. There, you can stock up on wine, cheese, bread, and chocolate and savor those delights on the nights you don’t even want a courteous waiter to disturb you.
Sonoma Valley, California
With over 400 wineries in this region, it’s a safe bet that you’ll be able to nestle into this beautiful valley for a night or two. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, for example, will swathe you in plush cotton robes and luxurious bedding while offering a poolside retreat and easy access to the area’s wineries.
Allow their concierge to help you find the finest winery nearby, indulge in some small plates and large flights of wine, return to your room for a mid-day siesta, and then take a moment to dance beneath the stars before doing it all over again tomorrow.
Breckenridge, Colorado
If you’re at the stage where your head is still in the clouds, why not go 10,000 feet in the air in beautiful Breckenridge? Come when winter is in full spring, and the light makes the snow dazzle like diamonds. Whether or not you’re a major skier, there’s plenty in store for you in this delightful little town.
With only one Main Street, you’ll find plenty of places to sip on hot cocoa during the day and dine in delight in the evening. If you stay at the Grand Colorado on Peak 8, you’ll have easy access to the mountain in case you want to give the slopes a try one day, as well as a host of other on-site activities, including an indulgent day spa.
Savannah, Georgia
Since Savannah is a true Southern Belle, you know charm is around every corner. Stay at a historic inn while you’re here, like the Gastonian, where romance abounds. If you sense a spooky vibe in any of these inns, you’re probably onto something. Follow through on that and go for a ghost tour on your first night in town.
The next night, head down to River Street to watch the sun go down on the Savannah River from the rooftop bar at The Bohemian Hotel. Their cocktails are delectable, the views are unstoppable, and you’ll have the most pleasant walk home through a city that seeps with love.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Alas, we come to the end along the restful shorelines of the Atlantic. Like Venice, if you can come to Bar Harbor in the winter instead of the summer, you’ll have the place to yourself. Some of the shops won’t be open in the off-season, but there’s still plenty to see and do.
Bundle up and go for a hike through Acadia National Park until you find the Bass Harbor Head Light Station. Stroll through the downtown, even if everything isn’t open. You’re still sure to find a lovely bookshop or two and a warm cup of soup before returning to your B&B for the night with a roaring fire and nothing more than that feeling you’ve been hooked on for all this time.
Let Love Blossom
What will it be? Chianti in Venice or vin chaud in Quebec? Whichever city beckons you, we hope you find restorative peace as you reignite the love that’s united you for eternity.
Before you set sail, be sure to bookmark our corresponding destination guide. Whether you intend to wander hand-in-hand or craft a more solid game plan, we’ll help bring your dreams to life.