Most couples love to be romantic and spend quality time with one another. But sadly, due to the pressures of daily life, it isn’t always easy to find the time for romance.
Modern couples these days have to cope with long work hours, raising a family, financial strain from the cost of living, and all of this leaves very little time for romance.
It’s easy to let routine and stress take over your lives, but it’s important to break away and really invest time in strengthening your relationship. One of the best ways to seek romance is by planning a romantic vacation.
There are plenty of romantic destinations around the world, but there are some destinations that just scream romance; always have, and always will!
So we’ve rounded up the classics; timeless destinations that have become known as cities of romance, and are still strong choices for couples breaks in 2020.
Classic Romantic Destinations That Are Still Popular in 2020
Things to Do in Each Destination
Before we jump into each individual destination, it’s important to consider what you’ll do once you get there. Though when planning your itinerary, remember to leave plenty of time for getting tangled between the sheets in the hotel room!
The main point is finding something that will be meaningful to you both. One of the reasons you are together is that you share similar interests on some level. Find those similarities and look for a meaningful experience that will match those.
Things like catching a sunset, or heading to a cocktail bar like when you were dating are great ideas for injecting romance into any destination.
That said, our advice is to remember how you acted at the beginning of your relationship. Did it really matter where you went on a date, or was it simply spending time together which was the mission?
Any destination you chose can be made extraordinary if you try and remember the main fact that you are experiencing that destination with your best friend, or the one you fell in love with, but without further ado, here are the classics!
Paris: The City of Love
Every superlative in the world has been used to describe Paris, and it’s easily the most classic destination for loved up couples.
The capital of France, couples dream of vacationing in Paris; of stealing kisses underneath the Eiffel Tower, of candle lit dinners, of strolling hand in hand across the lamplit bridges spanning the Seine.
Paris is nothing new when it comes to travel – it’s firmly cemented on the tourist trail, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. But it is, without a doubt, one of the absolute classics.
Expect grandoise palaces and boulevards, world class museums and historic facades, and cobbled backstreets with many lesser-known things to do.
Imagine waking up tangled in the sheets of a Parisian apartment, with the Arc De Trimophe as your view, and skipping downstairs to the market to eat your body-weight in French pastry.
Venice: The City of Romance
A city with canals instead of roads, Venice has long been known as the city of romance. And indeed, resting your head on his shoulders while being serenaded by a Gondola driver, as you sail peacefully through it’s rippling canals is the epitome of romance!
There are many landmarks and ‘main attractions’ here, but the magic and romance of Venice is a feeling and a way of life, and not defined by a list of attractions you should see. So don’t bother buying a tourist guide – plan on discovering Venice by foot and getting lost together.
Gondola rides are one of the main things couples will want to do, and you can jump on a Gondola almost anywhere across the city. But another great way to inject romance is to try and time your stay in Venice with concerts; there are concerts in the big theaters and also in churches.
Romantic tip: Of the many wonderful parts of Venice we discovered which are lesser known, be sure to include Isola delle Rose (a private island run by JW Marriott Venice with views of the skyline of St. Marks Square), and Cannaregio Sestiere (the northernmost district oozes with character and authentic Venetian charm).
There are fabulous cafes all across Venice, where you can enjoy a bit to eat or a relaxing drink as you soak up the gorgeous surroundings and the romance that surrounds you.
This is a great place to simply kick back and watch the world go by while you take a little well-deserved time out as a couple.
Prague: City of a Hundred Spires
Known as the city of a hundred spires, Prague is a fabulous city filled with incredible architecture and sights, fascinating history and culture, and a truly romantic yet Gothic atmosphere.
Winding cobbled streets, cosy pubs on every corner, bohemian outdoor markets and breath-taking views no matter where you look, the so-called ‘golden city’ was made for couples. In just a short weekend break you can see all its varied sights and enjoy plenty of quality time with your other half.
Lined with statues, the gothic Charles Bridge is Prague’s most recognisable landmarks and it looks it’s most beautiful at sunset. Or, if you’re morning people, a climb up Petrin hill offers stunning views across the whole cityscape.
Supposedly the largest ancient castle in Europe, the sprawling Prague Castle is must-see for history buffs and one of the best things to do in Prague. Nestled above the rooftops, it’s the perfect vantage point to play a game of spot-the-100-spires!
You can sign up to one of the many walking tours on offer, but taking a wander and figuring out the city by yourselves is much more romantic. While Prague may one of the most romantic cities of Europe, you can also find many romantic places nearby, ie heading into Vienna as a day trip from Prague.
Bora Bora
The ultimate romance fantasy, Bora Bora is part of the archipelago of French Polynesia and is always quoted as one of the most romantic destinations in the world.
Crystal clear seas and not a cloud in sight, this heaven on earth is definitely somewhere you must visit with the love of your life. It was even voted one of the best islands to visit by US News recently.
The most luxurious places to stay are actually on their own private islands, known as Motus. Most hotels have stunning overwater villas, with uninterrupted views of the crystal clear water.
There are a few top hotels to choose from, but perhaps the best known is the Conrad. Guests are transported to their room via golf cart, and the resort has become a favorite among the Kardashians.
Santorini
Ahhhh the Greek Islands! From cobblestone streets to stark white homes with colorful blue domes, straight from the front of a postcard, any couple would have the time of their life visiting Santorini.
On the southernmost border of the Aegean archipelago, Santorini is not only considered to be one of the most beautiful islands of Greece, but one of the most stunning in the world.
There are 3 cities that make up the island, each with its own unique atmosphere and vibe. This means that there’s a little something for everybody. But the sunsets in Oia are world famous.
Oia sunsets are spectacular, but keep in mind that this is not exactly a secret, and tourists flood the narrow streets every night). You may have a more private moment at sunset by booking a villa with a hot tub that overlooks the ocean.