Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but you still have time to book at least a quick long weekend trip for the next weekend, or surprise your Valentine with a romantic trip later on this spring. Why not gift a bag with the printouts of your romantic vacation reservations inside it? Here are some romantic spring vacation destinations to get you started with planning. Most of these are perfect as mini-vacations for a long weekend or 3-5 days.
When you hear “romantic vacation,” what do you have in mind? A private villa in a tropical island, long walks on the beach and drinking from a coconut? I think that’s what most people think of romantic destinations. I too dream of a vacation with my husband in the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, or snorkeling in Aruba, or eating the best barbequed seafood in the Jimbaran beach in Bali. However, I would like to showcase a few romantic travel destinations that are not your typical beach vacations.
2 Unexpected Romantic Travel Destinations
Romantic Family Cruise (it exists)
The closest to a romantic island vacation we have ever done is visiting Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, with three children in the tow. Which, by the way, was fantastic, because the Disney Cruise Line offers so many children’s programs (and free babysitting), and adults-only restaurants, spa, pool and activities. Disney cruise really offers the best of both worlds: combining a romantic getaway with a family vacation. You will have plenty of romantic alone time with 5-star dinners and couple’s massages, but you also know your children are having the time of their lives. Cruises are also great for multi-generational travel and great for grandparents to gift for their children and grandchildren - and then come along for the fun.
Texas wine country (yes, there is such)
If you can easily get to Sonoma or Napa counties in California, go. But if you are looking for an exotic wine destination in the US-soil other than in California, go to Hill Country in Texas. My favorite romantic destination in Texas is Fredericksburg, within each reach from Austin or San Antonio. Fredericksburg is a German-influenced town surrounded by vineries, and you can find lovely bed & breakfasts that combine the German charm and Southern hospitality.
Romantic Cities That Really are as Romantic as Their Reputation
New York City
Book a room at The Palace, or at the New York Peninsula Hotel, famous for their spa, and have the ultimate romantic NYC experience. See the city above from the top of the Empire State Building, go ice-skating in Central Park or Bryant Park, and spend an afternoon in the peaceful Guggenheim admiring modern art. Don’t forget to eat the huge portion of frozen hot chocolate in Serendipity on the Upper East Side, just like in the old movie that carries the name of the restaurant.
Venice, Italy
The magic of Venice starts by taking a water taxi from the airport to your hotel. Stay at the Hotel Danieli, where the movie Tourist was filmed with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. Take one day for seeing the famous tourist spots of the city like Piazza San Marco and the Rialto-bridge, but the real romance of Venice is discovering the hidden gems. I recommend walking tours with Walks of Italy, and having the best pizza at Da Mamo. I also recommend taking a boat to island of Murano to see how glass is done, or to Burano-island, famous for its lace, and where every house is painted in different color.
Paris, France
Springtime in Paris is quite spectacular, and even as simple as walking along the Seine-river, and having a French-bread-and-wine-picnic in one of the many parks is an experience you two will never forget. For a 5-star-accommodation, I recommend the Hôtel Montalembert on the Left Bank, within an easy walk to Louvre, which is probably the most romantic museum in the world. Wander the streets in Marais, and have an afternoon coffee and macarons at the famous Ladurée at the Champs-Élysées.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is known for casinos and wild bachelor parties, but head to Las Vegas and you can sit in a condola, see the Eiffel tower, eat the frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity, enjoy a luxury spa and five-star dining and accommodations all in one weekend and afford it all too. It’s the make-believe-land for adults, and while it’s not for everyone, there are plenty of opportunities for romantic experiences. Visit Minus5 Ice Lounge in Mandala Bay for frozen drinks, but stay at The Palazzo or Aria.
2 Romantic Experiences to do together
Telluride, Colorado
Photo: Visit Colorado
The opposite of the tropical islands are the romantic snow destinations. I can’t imagine anything more romantic than a day at the gorgeous mountains (on skis, of course), followed by dipping into a hot tub admiring the mountain views and ending the day with a candlelit dinner in a cozy ski town restaurant. One of my favorite romantic ski destinations is Telluride, Colorado, a small town in the southwest Colorado, where you can experience the old western lifestyle combined with après-ski luxury combined with a Rocky Mountain active lifestyle. You can stay in a lodge up in the mountain and take the condola down to the town for dinner.
Tuscany, Italy
Venice is perfect for a short trip, but Tuscany area in Italy is where you could stay forever. Instead of staying in a hotel, rent a car and drive to countryside and rent a private villa. Take a cooking class together, and learn to make Italian dishes (that you can do later on at home as well), shop at local food markets and for a week live the “Tuscan dream”. Visit the cities of Lucca, Verona and Siena, but more importantly just lost driving around the countryside and trust your rental car’s GPS will help you find back.
Katja Presnal is global lifestyle expert, and the editor-in-chief of SkimbacoLifestyle.com online magazine and author of the book Instagram as your Guide to the World. Katja has lived in 4 countries, and recently moved from New York to Sweden, where she hosts large dinner parties while not jetsetting the world. Featured in Glamour, Woman’s Day, Redbook, New York Times and many other media.