A romantic getaway is the best gift you can share with the travel lover in your life. The world is filled with incredible destinations that are sure to have your heart racing and will be perfect for a heart-shaped Valentine’s Day vacation.
Whether you enjoy relaxation or adventure, there are a number of breathtaking options for a romantic couple’s holiday. To celebrate 14 February 2024, Expat Explore has put together a list of the top 10 Valentine’s Day destinations and romance-filled holiday ideas; from classic romantic breaks to unique escapes and spots perfect for adventure seekers!
Here are the top 10 Valentine’s Day destinations for a romantic getaway:
Classic Romantic Breaks for Valentine’s Day
1. Paris, France
This beautiful, historic city is a classic romantic getaway, celebrated as the “City of Love”. On a trip to Paris, enjoy the art, culture, language and architecture which come together to create a super romantic experience. Take a stroll (or cruise!) along the Seine River to admire the sites like the Notre Dame Cathedral reconstruction and Musée d’Orsay. Wander through the beautiful halls of the Louvre before grabbing a freshly-baked croissant at a local patisserie. Walk through the beautiful Montmarte district, see the views from the breathtaking Sacré-Cœur (Sacred Heart) Church and top off the perfect Valentine’s Day with the Eiffel Tower’s gorgeous light show in the evening!
Related: Join a tour that travels through France and enjoy these stunning destinations.
2. Greek Islands
For incredible scenery and pure relaxation, head to the Greek islands on your next couple’s trip. Greece is a destination full of ancient history, beautiful landscapes and delicious cuisine. Islands like Santorini and Crete are known as destinations for romance; relax on the beach, take in the sunset views and tuck into mouthwatering Greek cuisine including fresh seafood, souvlaki and baklava.
Related: Live your best island life on a Greek tour to Athens, Mykonos and Santorini.
3. Italian Lakes, Venice and Tuscany, Italy
Wine, views and incredible food? Italy has it all! Venice is a fairytale-like “floating city” that offers a romantic retreat filled with gondola rides, art, palaces and authentic Italian cuisine. Travel north to the Italian Lakes region where you can enjoy the relaxing “lakes lifestyle”. Admire the picturesque views and visit charming towns around this ever-popular holiday destination. For a romantic escape into the countryside, Tuscany ticks all of the boxes! Sip wine in vineyards, take in the views of the rolling hills, visit ancient towns and, of course, indulge in fresh, authentic food!
Did you know? You can admire the marvellous landscapes of Italy on one of our Rail Tours.
4. Switzerland
Switzerland is a popular destination for newlyweds thanks to the spectacular views and exciting activities. If you’re an active couple, skiing or snowboarding at one of Switzerland’s resort towns is a great way to bond! Plus, after a day filled with adrenaline-pumping fun, snuggling up next to the fire with your loved one and a cup of hot chocolate is a great way to end the day! Visit vibrant towns like Lucerne, Geneva and Zurich to see the sites, enjoy the views and learn more about Switzerland’s history this Valentine’s Day.
Related: See the beauty of Switzerland on Expat Explore’s multi-country tours.
Exotic Adventures for a Romantic Getaway
5. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a tropical paradise filled with exciting things to see and do! From picture-perfect beaches to jungles and cloud-forests teaming with exotic wildlife and birdlife. One of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, Costa Rica is also an eco-tourists dream as 99% of the country’s energy comes from renewable sources. Surf, explore and live pura vida – the pure life!
6. Vietnam
Experience a vibrant mix of diverse culture, natural wonders and exotic destinations on a trip to Vietnam. This Southeast Asian country is great for couples looking for adventure, impressive scenery and an authentic taste of a country (the food is incredible!). Go from motorbike-filled cities, overflowing with energy and activity, to peaceful rice terraces and villages. See world-famous Ha Long Bay and learn all about Vietnam’s history and culture in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and more.
Related: Experience culture, adventure and delicious tastes on a tour of Vietnam!
7. Bali
Picture Bali and you’ll picture paradise. This popular beach getaway destination offers island romance with golden beaches and palm trees swaying gently in the wind. Explore the waters, relax on the sand, get to know the friendly locals and discover the incredible temples and rich Balinese culture.
Unique Getaways for Valentine’s Day
8. Slovenia
While Slovenia may not automatically evoke notions of romance the same way that Paris does, don’t count this beautiful country out! Slovenia is what fairytale destination dreams are made of! Complete with cities crowned by castles, mythical tales of dragons and gorgeous green scenery, Slovenia is real romantic escapism. Visit Ljubljana and Lake Bled. Learn about the storied history and venture into the green hills. Slovenia is a fantastic destination for couples who love the outdoors – go walking, skiing, hiking or even head to the Adriatic Coast to relax along the shore.
9. Turkey
Turkey is another diverse destination that is perfect for a romantic escape! Discover the hustle and bustle of Istanbul and discover where east meets west. Travel to stunning coastal towns like Bodrum for beach relaxation before exploring the ancient sites of Ephesus and the otherworldly Pamukkale! Finally, Cappadocia is a whimsical landscape like no other! Watch the hot air balloons float over the fairytale-like chimneys as the sun rises for an unforgettable romantic experience – better yet, hop into a hot air balloon yourself!
Related: See Turkey’s top attractions and hidden gems on a Highlights of Turkey tour.
10. Transylvania, Romania
Transylvania and romance? What?! Trust us on this one – a visit to Transylvania brings romance and intrigue! Home to famous castles, gothic architecture and valleys blanketed in sprawling forests, Transylvania is something out of a dark fairytale dream. While you won’t run into vampires (that we know of), travel Transylvania and take a step back in time in medieval villages, and explore the scenery on beautiful walks and hikes. There is definitely a unique kind of romance that comes with Romanian travel!
Did you know? Bran Castle in Transylvania is said to have been the inspiration for Dracula’s castle in the Bram Stoker novel.
BONUS: Two more romantic getaways to enjoy in 2024
African Safari
The unique romance of an African safari is unmatched! Think of wildlife-filled plains and exciting game drives complete with tasty sundowners. An African safari is all about the experience from the first moment you arrive to enjoy the timeless, “Out of Africa” style charm, to the heart-racing adventure of seeing predators and prey in the wild. It is an unforgettable experience to share with your loved one. See incredible wildlife in destinations such as Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Maldives
A trip to the Maldives is the ultimate destination for island relaxation! The Maldives is home to some of the greatest beaches in the world; gold sand and warm, crystal clear water. Truly idyllic! With a number of resort options from 6-star luxury to affordable getaways, it’s no wonder the Maldives is such a popular romantic destination! You’ll also find some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving around the island archipelago.
Celebrate love on Valentine’s Day in 2024 with these incredibly romantic destinations. Now is the perfect time to start planning your future travels with romance in mind – take a look at some exciting tours.