10 Most Romantic Destinations Around the World
Here are the most enchanting locations across the globe for a romantic getaway.
This Valentine’s Day, you might be feeling tired of the same old date night ideas and yearning for a romantic getaway. Fancy dinners, flowers, and chocolate are perfect for the first few dates, but they do get stale eventually. What better way to reignite your passion than going on a thrilling adventure with your other half? Join us as we round up the most romantic destinations that are sure to bring any travelling couple closer together. Here are 10 Most Romantic Destinations Around the World
Also read: 30 Unique Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
Romantic travel destinations for every type of couple’s vacation
1. Langkawi – Malaysia
Langkawi is known as the Jewel of Kedah, and it’s easy to see why. The archipelago of 104 islands is mostly uninhabited, allowing it to maintain pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re looking for honeymoon spots or options for anniversary trips, there’s plenty to do here for lovers of all kinds.
Adventurous couples who aren’t afraid of heights can head to the 660m-high Langkawi Sky Bridge. From the bridge, they’ll get unrivalled views of Langkawi’s rugged mountainous landscape. If the Sky Bridge isn’t exciting enough, why not try skydiving or paragliding over Malaysia’s most beautiful coastline?
Those whose idea of romance is taking it slow with their S.O. can book a stay at one of the island’s luxury resorts, which offer spas, waterfront views, candlelit dinners on a private beach, and more.
Best time to go: December to April. Avoid visiting during the rainy season from September to October.
2.Seoul – Korea
Big cities with their bustling crowds are not typically associated with romantic destinations. However, for fans of K-dramas who desire to replicate the iconic scenes of their favorite on-screen couples, Seoul is the ultimate romantic getaway. As the capital of South Korea, Seoul is home to various filming locations where couples can envision themselves as the protagonists of a captivating love story.
If you’re a fervent fan of historical K-dramas, Dae Jang Geum Park is a must-visit destination. The park has served as a filming location for numerous series, including Mr. Queen, The Moon Embraces the Sun, and The King: Eternal Monarch. Additionally, visitors can rent hanbok attire and take a leisurely stroll with their companions amid buildings that replicate the architectural styles of Imperial Korea.
Deoksugung Palace is another popular filming spot, having appeared in Goblin, More than Friends, and Find Me in Your Memory. Visit in autumn to experience a romantic walk along the Deoksugung Stone Wall Road under dazzling golden-red foliage.
Best time to go: September to late November
Also read: Recreate your favorite K-drama scenes in Seoul!
3. Mount Yoshino – Japan
Pink is often associated with love, so what could be more romantic than an entire mountain blanketed in pastel pink sakura? Every spring, the 30,000 cherry trees on Mount Yoshino in Japan’s Nara Prefecture explode into full bloom. Experience a hanami session together in this cherry blossom spot that has fascinated people for over 1,000 years.
Best time to go: Early April
Also Read: 10 best places to visit in Japan
4. Phi Phi Islands – Thailand
For couples who enjoy a vibrant party scene, the Phi Phi Islands off the coast of Phuket offer an excellent romantic travel destination. During the day, these islands provide a peaceful summer paradise. However, at night, the atmosphere changes as they transform into a lively hub of beach bars, fire shows, and open-air parties. The most significant celebrations can be found along Loh Dalum Bay, where numerous bars are packed with party-goers dancing under fluorescent paint until the break of dawn.
Best time to go: November to April
5. Lapland – Finland
Do you find tropical honeymoon spots a bit too cliché? Well, get your cashmere sweaters and heavy-duty boots ready, because a romantic winter adventure awaits in Lapland. In this bitterly cold region, you can rekindle love’s flame by chasing the Northern Lights with your partner. Nothing unites people more than a shared goal, after all.
Alongside viewing the Northern Lights, Lapland also offers a plethora of other thrilling activities that you can enjoy with your partner, such as riding on husky sleds, experiencing reindeer rides, and snowboarding. To increase your chances of witnessing the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, it’s recommended to visit towns near the North Pole like Rovaniemi and Kemi.
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus and holds the Santa Main Post Office, where you can mail in your festive wishes. It is also home to the Arktikum, a museum showcasing the culture and science of the Arctic. Meanwhile, Kemi has the largest snow castle in the world, and the Icebreaker Sampo, which has been taking tourists on cruises in the Gulf of Bothnia since 1988. Even if you end up missing the Northern Lights, you’ll leave with plenty of memories made with your special someone.
Best time to go: December to March
7. Verona – Italy
Of course, Romeo and Juliet’s hometown can’t be left out of a list of the best couples vacations. Verona is a picturesque city along the Adige River known for its gorgeous wines and architecture, as well as being the setting of Shakespeare’s most famous play. Some must-do couple activities here include: climbing up to Juliet’s Balcony, which offers a panoramic view of the city; leaving a padlock on the Love Lock Bridge; and visiting the 11th-century Basilica di San Zeno, where the fictional star-crossed lovers married in secret.
Best time to go: March to May. To dodge high hotel prices and crowds, avoid visiting in the summer months from June to August.
8. Lombok – Indonesia
Frequently, the most popular destinations for couples’ getaways can be quite crowded, which may discourage those looking for a peaceful and relaxing vacation. As a less explored substitute to the neighboring Bali, Lombok is one of the top honeymoon destinations for individuals who seek a tranquil retreat.
For couples visiting Lombok, a challenging but rewarding experience is hiking up Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano. However, due to its difficult nature, only experienced hikers seeking to test their relationship should take on this climb.
For those who want a more laid-back vacation, Lombok holds many beaches with lapis lazuli waters and powdery white sand. There is also the Pink Beach, which owes its distinctive hue to bits of coral reef that fall off and get mixed in. This is located in a secluded part of the island’s east coast. If you are unable to drive, you will need to hire a local driver who can take you there.
Best time to go: March and October. These months are at the start and end of the peak season, offering dry weather with smaller crowds.
9. Luang Prabang – Laos
The northern city of Luang Prabang is among the most underrated romantic destinations. As the former capital of Laos, it is known for its sophisticated pagodas, French architecture, and a mesmerizing festival of lights.
In October, the city celebrates the Boun Lai Heua Fai Festival (Festival of Lights), which marks the end of Boun Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent). Boun Khao Phansa is a three-month period in which monks remain in their temples or monasteries to meditate, teach, and pray.
During the festival, Laotian people will cover bamboo-framed boats with candles and launch them down the Mekong River. Streets, houses, and temples will also light up with candles and lanterns, creating a magical setting for a nighttime walk with your partner.
Best time to go: Late October. The Boun Lai Heua Fai Festival will fall on 30 October in 2023. If you’re not planning to see the festival, you may visit from November to February when the weather is dry and not too hot.
10. Sapa – Vietnam
Romantic travel destinations don’t have to be far-flung and expensive. Sapa, aka the Town in the Clouds, is an affordable option for Southeast Asian travellers who love the great outdoors. This charming mountain town is famed for Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Vietnam, as well as the sea of clouds that hangs over Muong Hoa Valley.
From Hoang Lien Station, couples can take the highest cable car ride in the world to Fansipan Peak. With the pristine Sapa Forest and Muong Hoa Valley below, it will feel like you’re on top of the world. After the cable car ride, you should go on a slow-paced coffee date with your partner at the Fansipan Terrace Cafe. Here, customers can sip aromatic Vietnamese coffee while watching the cotton candy clouds roll over the valley.
While in Sapa, make sure to stop by the Thac Bac Waterfall (Silver Waterfall) and Love Waterfall. Located 1,800m above sea level, Thac Bac Waterfall is one of the few places in Southeast Asia where you can find snow. You will pass by Love Waterfall at the start of the trail leading up to Fansipan Peak. Steeped in a romantic legend, this waterfall deserves a spot on any couple’s itinerary.
Best time to go: December to February if you want to see snow. March to May if you prefer warmer temperatures and catching flowers in full bloom.
Also read: 7 finest romantic getaways for adventurous Couples
Travelling with your partner isn’t only about escaping from everyday life. It’ll test your teamwork and help you understand each other on a deeper level. Regardless of which romantic destinations you choose, just remember that the two of you have a much longer journey ahead (hopefully)! and that’s our list of 10 Most Romantic Destinations Around the World