Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you have a Valentine this year or not, the world is full of romantic spots. Some areas are just incredible to appreciate the history of romance, and some are great with your Valentine in tow. If you’re looking for a romantic vacation beyond the beach and Venice, read on!
The Taj Mahal, India
This is a monument built to love. Thus, it’s the perfect place to reflect upon love! Not to mention, it’s an incredible testament to human accomplishment. The level of detail in the marble inlays is stunning!
Learn more about visiting the Taj Mahal.
Abu Simbel, Egypt
An odd choice, here’s why Abu Simbel is a great place to reflect upon love: it’s one of the only temples in Egypt where the Pharaoh had a second temple built for his queen. In that day in age, that was an act of true and visible love!
Find out more about traveling from Aswan to Abu Simbel.
Avignon, France
Avignon is the very heart of Provence, and the opportunities for romantic experiences are endless. There are paths to walk along, as well as the Rhone river. The food is sublime, and the wine is even better. The vineyards, lavender fields, and more make for a romantic spot. The entire area looks like it’s straight out of a Van Gogh painting! (And Arles is an easy day trip away!)
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum is serene and the perfect getaway. If you want to see the stars with more clarity than you’ve ever seen before, Wadi Rum is the place. There are a number of camps (glamps) that offer different accommodations including “Martian” style domes that have clear roofs!
Discover itineraries and ideas for what to do while you’re in Jordan.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From the shores of Copacabana beach to the top of Sugarloaf, Rio is a great place for romance. Brazilians manage to be far more comfortable with their bodies and romance, which make it even more fun. Head up to Santa Teresa for expansive vistas and great food!
Meteora, Greece
If you want to go to Greece but aren’t wanting the crowded shores of Santorini, check out Meteora. It’s a small town on the mainland of Greece. It’s known for the monasteries that are perched on cliffs! They’re hundreds of years old, and have museums featuring all kinds of relics. Meteora is a great place to get away from it all and experience something amazing.
Find what you need to know before you head to Meteora.
Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan is on the plains of Myanmar and is filled with thousands of pagodas. Sunrise and sunset are the main attractions here, and they deliver! During the cooler months you can even get a sunrise hot air balloon ride.
Just don’t go to Myanmar in 2018.
Korcula, Croatia
Korcula is the island where it’s always Sunday. Frequently referred to as the “mini-Dubrovnik” it also has a walled old town. It does not have the incredible crowds of Dubrovnik. (whew.) It’s known for a wine called Grk, which is only grown on Korcula. There are vineyards that run straight into the sea, and tasting rooms overlooking it all. Skip the craziness that is Split and Hvar, and head to Korcula. You won’t regret it.
Lake Como, Italy
The crowds and traffic at the Amalfi Coast are insane. Same with Cinque Terre. Skip that, and head to Lake Como. It’s less touristy than the coasts, and so much more amazing. Varenna, Bellagio, Como, and Lecco are amazing places to relax and eat!
Machu Picchu, Peru
There is something about the energy at Machu Picchu that makes it powerful beyond belief. Take the ruins, and add the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo, and you’ve got an awesome trip. Pro tip: spend the extra money on the Inkaterra or the Sanctuary Lodge.
There are many places around the world where you can appreciate love, fall in love, and enjoy being in love. Don’t confine yourself to the old favorites of Venice, Paris, and the beach!
