One of the best parts of being in a relationship is having a built-in travel buddy, and one of the best parts of traveling with that built-in buddy is getting unobstructed one-on-one time while exploring unfamiliar parts of the world. Whether domestic or international, a trip with your significant other almost always guarantees sharing unusual experiences and learning something new about each other.
When deciding where to venture with your significant other, you'll want to consider which components of a romantic getaway matter most to you, from beautiful sites and adventurous activities to intimate settings and stunning views. 1. Bali, Indonesia Bali, aka the Island of the Gods, is a versatile haven with something to offer every type of couple. If your version of romance is hiking through lush greenery, monkey forests, and rolling rice paddies, you're in luck. If you think romance is dancing to DJ sets and light shows until the wee hours of morning, Bali is also known for its nightclub scene. Want to feel spiritually enlightened? Bali has countless temples and shrines to visit. And if you're all about beaches, the island's bevy of beaches range from from white-sanded shores on the south coast to the more unexpected black sand you'll see on the northern and western coasts. 2. Santorini, Greece Santorini is a cloud-like oasis that envelops travelers in an ethereal fantasy. The romance of the island pretty much sells itself; wandering the hilly, weathered streets, you're surrounded by bright white walls and blues roofs, and in the evenings you have front-row seats to incredible sunsets. Once the sun is down, the city lights up and the houses, churches, and restaurants glow like stars. 3. Tanzania, Africa Aside from traveling to Tanzania to hike the intimidating Mount Kilimanjaro, many visit the country because of the incredible wildlife conservation sites and national parks. Going on safari opens your eyes to a completely unfamiliar part of the world, allowing you and your significant other to share some firsts: the first time you see a lion, the first time you drive across the African plains dotted with baobab trees, the first time you meet someone from a local tribe. You'll definitely want to visit Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest inactive and intact volcanic caldera. The bowl-like shape makes a natural border for the animals, boosting the chances safari goers will be able to spot all of the Big Five - lion, cheetah, rhino, elephant, and buffalo - during a tour. Serengeti National Park is another popular safari destination because of the area's mass seasonal migrations of wildebeest and zebra, large lion population, and diversity of habitats and animals. 4. Tulum, Mexico Two core pillars of many romantic vacations are intimate settings and exotic experiences, and Tulum has a lot of both. You can rotate between lounging out on tropical beaches, snorkeling at the nearby "aquatic theme park," Xel-Ha Park, swimming in a natural sinkhole (or cenote), and touring the Mayan ruins, which make up one of the most intact sites of their kind. After a day packed with leisure, adventure, or both, the cherry on top will be a drink at a bar that feels more like a jungle. 5. Whistler, Canada A great way to bond as a couple is by getting active, and skiing on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains is great for both veteran and beginner skiers alike. You can take on the mountains, with numerous trails of varying intensity, enjoy an overhead view of the snow-capped trees from sprawling gondolas, break for lunch at the mid-mountain lodge, and top off the day with an après ski at one of the slope-side bars. If one day of skiing leaves you with wobbly legs and your fill of downhill action, there's a lot more action at the base of the peaks. Whistler Village is a lively, pedestrian-only hub of bars, shops, and restaurants. The little winter wonderland is as charming as the inside of a snow globe, and what's better for a romantic getaway than that? 6. Oxford, England Only two hours from London, Oxford offers a quaint escape into Medieval British architecture and cozy neighborhood pubs. Everywhere you look makes an ideal backdrop for a postcard or inspiration for a dollhouse blueprint, with cloak-clad students and professors whizzing by to get to an event at the University of Oxford. And with the pervading presence of the university, the oldest in the English-speaking world, you can't help but feel like you're playing a part in a romantic period piece, in which grand gestures and romance are the main themes. 7. Paris, France Most clichés became clichés for a reason, and so is the case with Paris' romantic reputation. Looking at pictures of couples in the City of Light, you can practically see the cartoon hearts in their eyes as they embrace in front of the Eiffel Tower. Paris and romance go together like Valentine's Day and pastries, anniversary dinners and candlelit bistros, marriage proposals and world-famous landmarks... all of which Paris is not-so-coincidentally known for having. 8. Burning Man, Black Rock City, Nevada An effective way to let the strength of a relationship shine is by stripping away the comforts and conveniences of modern life. At Burning Man, technology is eschewed for a more rough-and-tumble, go-with-the-flow lifestyle, but it's also much more than a regular camping experience that offers bonding solely through waking up with twigs in your hair and unbrushed teeth. No two couples will have the exact same experience at Burning Man, allowing you to share memories and connect in ways completely your own. Burning Man fosters an open environment to explore yourself and your relationship with spiritual and holistic workshops, events, and parties. Suspended from reality at Burning Man, you'll experience art in new ways, encounter people and situations you never would in normal day-to-day life, and probably discover some of your partner's less obvious traits, thoughts, and beliefs. 9. Northern Lights, Norway If you've ever considered stargazing a romantic experience, northern Norway really ups the ante with its unbelievable events in the sky. The region, which covers about one-third of Norway, is considered a top destination to see the Northern Lights from autumn to mid-April, while from May to July, the sun is still visible at midnight in a phenomenon called the "midnight sun." Venture even farther north if you dare to Svalbard, the northernmost inhabited region of Europe, to experience 24-hour daylight between April and August. On the opposite end of the light spectrum, Svalbard's January and February months have "polar nights," when night lasts for over 24 hours, making the Aurora Borealis particularly visible. 10. Amalfi Coast, Italy Known for its natural and architectural beauty, the Amalfi Coast is a prime choice for a romantic Mediterranean getaway. Travelers bask in the natural scenery, hiking through small villages with picturesque sea views, and visit famous sites like the "Emerald Grotto" (Grotta dello Smeraldo), medieval churches, gardens, and museums. When you need some quiet time for just the two of you, there are a number of secluded hotels that offer ocean-front views and luxurious amenities. 11. Barbados The west coast of Barbados is home to several high-end resorts with various offerings to make your Caribbean escape extra memorable. Of course, you can arrange some classic island excursions, such as snorkeling, private boat trips, and visits to local attractions like the spectacular Hunte's Gardens and Rihanna's childhood home. For a dose of the local cuisine and culture, enjoy an upbeat Friday night at Oistins fish fry or sample some of the island's best rums at Mount Gay rum factory. You could also kick back and make relaxation your number-one priority by simply enjoying the beautiful beaches and temperate water. No matter how active you decide to be, Barbados makes for one of the best vacation spots for couples. Some hotels offer unique experiences for couples wanting to up the romance even more. The House by Elegant Hotels, for example, is an adults-only property with a romance concierge whose main job is to help you personalize your trip and create experiences that are perfect for the two of you. For an off-property dinner you won't soon forget, head to The Cliff, which overlooks the water in a sultry, fire-adorned setting.
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