The Plaid Zebra
Travel helps to broaden the mind and offers new perspectives. It is even better when you can share it with the person you love most in the world. Taking vacations together helps you create wonderful memories and shared experiences that you can draw from when times get tough. The world is full of unique and romantic destinations, but here are some that you should absolutely add to your couple’s travel itinerary.
The Mediterranean
At nearly a million square miles in area, the Mediterranean Sea is a large body of water. It offers great variety along its coasts. Santorini, with its eclectic food and drink, scenic walks, and clean, white-washed houses, draws honeymooners from all over the world. Some of the best Greek islands for couples are remote and sparsely inhabited, allowing you to relax and escape the hectic pace of your everyday lives and focus on strengthening your relationship. Of course, if you and your spouse would prefer more excitement, there are cities along the French Riviera renowned for their nightlife. There are historic Italian cities, such as Venice, and hidden paradises, such as Cinque Terre on Italy’s northern coast. No matter what you are looking for, the Mediterranean offers something for everyone.
Paris, France
Paris has had a reputation as a romantic city for many years. When you go there, you’ll find that it lives up to the hype. It is an old city with a lot of historic buildings and influential architecture. It has its own unique culture with art museums to suit every taste. The Eiffel Tower is not only a marvel in itself, but it also offers a spectacular view of the city when you travel to the top, which you can do by elevator. When you get hungry, you and your spouse can grab a quick bite in a café and feel like early 20th-century expatriates. Paris offers a lot of scope for imagination.
Kauai, Hawaii
Hawaii is another travel destination that is impossible to over-rate despite its popularity. Each of the eight main islands is popular with tourists and has something unique to offer, but the most romantic may be Kauai. Its natural beauty may account for its nickname as the garden island. If you and your spouse are primarily interested in relaxation, you can lounge by the pool of a resort or stretch out on one of the secluded beaches. If you prefer to pursue adventure, you can take a hike to one of the multiple waterfalls. If you would like to see what is happening on one of the other main islands, it is very easy to get around. Kauai is everything that Hawaii is reputed to be and more.
Iceland
Iceland is a volcanic island nation in the North Atlantic and a study in contrasts. While the climate is usually cold, the geothermal activity makes conditions warmer and milder than it seems like they should be. There really isn’t a bad time to visit Iceland. Temperatures dip during the winter and the nights get longer, but the waning daylight offers you more opportunity to witness the seemingly magical Northern Lights. Just be sure to dress warmly for the expedition as temperatures decline rapidly once the sun goes down.
Neuschwanstein Castle
If you’re interested in a fairytale vacation, this castle in Germany may be the closest you can possibly get. Not only does it look like an illustration right out of a storybook, but it was the actual inspiration for the castle in the Disney animated adaptation of “Sleeping Beauty.” It is equally stunning in the summer sunlight or the winter snow.
Big Sur, California
You do not necessarily need to leave the 48 contiguous United States to have an unforgettable, romantic vacation with your spouse. Big Sur is a picturesque 90-mile stretch of highway along the California coast. If your spouse cannot decide between visiting the mountains or the ocean, Big Sur is the destination for you because you don’t have to choose.
Whether you are newlyweds, retirees, or somewhere in between, travel as a couple can help to strengthen your relationship.
