14 Top Vacation Destinations For Couples

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Sure, you can travel anywhere with your significant other and really make a great trip. But some places might be more suited to couples, or have activities that you would enjoy more with your partner. I travel alone quite often as I end up with more vacation time than my partner, but we do like to do one big trip a year together. And since we have limited time on our vacation together we want to make sure it’s somewhere we will really enjoy. I’m the planner, so I end up doing lots of research to find a great place to visit. Then I present options and away we go. So here are some of my top vacation destinations for couples. And since we’re just in time for Valentine’s Day, I found 14 places!

Big Island Hawaii

Hawaii is effortlessly beautiful. It had been a bucket list place for me for a long time. So I was over the moon when we finally got to visit. There are some of the best beaches in the world over there, and some of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. But it was Hawaii’s Big Island that I found to be a truly spectacular place. Especially for a couples getaway. It was so much quieter than Oahu, famed for it’s Waikiki Beach area and busy tourist towns. The island of Hawaii was much quieter with lots of luxurious resorts where you can relax by the pool, drink piña coladas with an ocean view, and drive through the quiet countryside.

Hawaii is effortlessly beautiful. It had been a bucket list place for me for a long time. So I was over the moon when we finally got to visit. There are some of the best beaches in the world over there, and some of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. But it was Hawaii’s Big Island that I found to be a truly spectacular place. Especially for a couples getaway. It was so much quieter than Oahu, famed for it’s Waikiki Beach area and busy tourist towns. The island of Hawaii was much quieter with lots of luxurious resorts where you can relax by the pool, drink piña coladas with an ocean view, and drive through the quiet countryside.

Where to stay in Hawaii

One of the nicest places to stay on the island is the Fairmont Orchid resort. With it’s own private beach, couples massages with an ocean view and green sea turtles basking on the rocks near the al fresco restaurant, you can’t get any more romantic. Book your stay at the Fairmont Orchid today. We could definitely have stayed here longer than we did, and we’re already planning our next relaxing resort vacation. If this place doesn’t convince you that Hawaii is one of the top vacation destinations for couples, I don’t know where will.

Read more about a stay at the Fairmont Orchid Resort here

What to do in Hawaii

There are tons of things to do in Hawaii. Go snorkeling or surfing if you love the ocean. Relax on a beach or keep an eye out for turtles if you prefer the dry land. You’ll need a car to get around the Big Island, but there are some great drives with incredible views around the island. We drove through the middle of the island, past the volcanoes and the volcanic rock at the side of the road, and we didn’t really meet anyone else all day. It was a great day out.

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Speaking of beaches, if you don’t make it to Hawaii, then Thailand could be for you. The busy, bustling city of Bangkok is far from being classed as one of the top vacation destinations for couples, but how about Koh Lanta? If you haven’t heard of it, then that could be because it’s one of Thailand’s best kept secrets. Although best to get there quickly before the secret gets out. Koh Lanta takes a little more work to get to which is why it’s not as busy as nearby Phuket or Koh Samui. But this sleepy little non-party island is the ideal getaway from all the noise and traffic that other parts of Thailand can bring. An ideal romantic vacation location.

Where to stay in Koh Lanta

There are some fantastic resorts on the island of Koh Lanta. Most of them are scattered along the west coast of the island (in the direction of amazing sunsets). But we found a wonderful location in the Crown Lanta Resort. The resort has private beaches, delicious food and gorgeous rooms. There are villa rooms if you want some more privacy but we opted for a pool access room. When else can you jump right into the pool from your own room? Book your stay at Crown Lanta Resort today.

What to do in Koh Lanta

I would suggest staying at least a few days in Koh Lanta during whatever Thailand itinerary you come up with. It’s peaceful, relaxing and different from any other place in Thailand. If you are looking for things to do, rent a motorbike and take a tandem bike ride to Lanta old town. Or go for a walk on one of the quiet, pristine beaches. And if you’re feeling more adventurous there are some great snorkeling and scuba diving trips from Koh Lanta.

Read more about my first time snorkeling, and hopefully you will take to it better than me.

Paris, France

Of course, right? This would be a list of the top vacation destinations for couples without me talking about Paris. As cliche as it might be, this is my favorite city in the world. Some people love Paris and others don’t seem to like it, but for me it’s the most magical place. There are really cheap flights to Paris around Europe and I’ve even seen some good deals from North America. So cross it off your list and spent a romantic sojourn in Paris with your significant other.

Where to stay in Paris

If you look hard enough there are some really good Airbnb options around Paris. Even some with amazing views of the Eiffel Tower if you’re lucky. I have often stayed around the Louvre area of Paris in the 1st arrondissement. It’s central to most things and gives you the opportunity for some evening strolls along the Seine. But when I was last in Paris I had the chance to stay at Le Hotel Royal Monceau Raffles hotel near the Arc de Triomphe and that was one of the nicest hotels I’ve stayed in. Modern chic interior mixed with old Parisian architecture the rooms come with a claw footed bathtub and have mirrors everywhere making them look even more spacious. Book your stay at Le Royal Monceau Raffle Paris today.

What do in Paris

What isn’t there to do in Paris? World renowned museums and some of the most iconic cultural landmarks, it’s always easy to find something to do. Take a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower, enjoy a drink and people watch at one of the sidewalk cafes, or take a sunset cruise down the Seine. If you have some time in Paris and want a budget activity to do, then head over to Montmartre. At first it seems a little seedy but make your way through the little side streets leading up to the Sacre-Couer and you’ll find some of the most amazing street art on every corner.

Read more about the street art you can find in the Montmartre area of Paris

Niagara Falls, Canada

This small yet vibrant city is one of the must visit places in Eastern Canada. Home to one of the most stunning natural wonders, Niagara Falls. Let’s all just agree right now that the Canadian side is better. Sorry America, but it’s true. But while you might expect the location of this amazing waterfall to be a sleepy little town you could be quite surprised. It’s essentially the Canadian Las Vegas, complete with casinos and all the entertainment that goes along with them. So can this really be one of the top vacation destinations for couples? Hands up if you’ve seen The Office? I mean this was a romantic trip for Jim and Pam on their wedding day right?

Where to stay in Niagara Falls

There are a number of hotels around the falls, but if you are here specifically to see them, I would recommend booking a hotel (or a room) with a falls view. That’s what we did. We booked into the Crowne Plaza hotel and had a high up room looking directly down to the falls. For a more reclusive home base, visit Niagara on the Lake, a 30 minute drive away but a much quieter area. Surrounded by wineries it’s full of cute little Bed & Breakfasts whether you want to be nearer the lake, the town or the wineries themselves.

What to do in Niagara Falls

Other than the obvious? I mean, it’s why you came here right? See the falls by day, take a tour of the caves and tunnels under the falls and feel the mist of the spray as you get some impressive shots. Or take the Maid of the Mist boat into the falls themselves. Warning: all the rows will get wet! The town of Niagara Falls is great for those who like a little noise and neon in their vacations. Hit up the casinos or play some crazy golf. And nearby Niagara on the Lake are some of the best wineries in the region if you really want to get away from the crowds. Take a wine tour with pickup from your hotel/B&B and enjoy the quiet Canadian countryside with a glass of vino.

Edinburgh, Scotland

This city is one of my favorite places to visit in the UK. Scotland’s capital city is a little quieter than its English counterpart, London. But it’s no less impressive. The beautiful buildings and cobbled streets are delightful, and the city is full of art and history. The city has a charm that isn’t easily replicated and the people are so friendly and welcoming that you’ll feel like you belong from your first taste of Haggis.

Where to stay in Edinburgh

Take advantage of the Scottish hospitality and find a nice little Bed & Breakfast in Edinburgh. There are lots of them around Edinburgh such as the Lyncliff B&B. It’s a short walk to the center of Edinburgh and you can still be at the Royal Mile within 15 minutes. But the good news about a B&B (other than the cozy feel, and the fact that breakfast is included) is that they are usually in a quieter location than the hotels. And generally a little cheaper. Click here to book your stay at Lyncliff Bed & Breakfast today.

What to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle at the end of the Royal Mile is probably the most famous attraction in the city. Castles are cool no matter where they are, but this one sits on top of a hill with the most amazing views of the city, and has a ridiculously interesting history. We enjoyed just chilling out in Edinburgh tasting whiskey in one of the many traditional pubs in the city. But if you want to go further, Edinburgh is a great base for a day trip to Loch Ness. I would have spent longer in the Highlands if I could but a trip to Urquhart castle and the infamous lake looking for a monster was a perfectly relaxing way to spend a day. The incredibly eerie views made for a wonderful backdrop for our photos.

Vietnam

Vietnam is a little more budget friendly than Thailand, more like Thailand was maybe 10 years ago. The people are so friendly, the food is top notch and there are countless things to do. Spend some time in the cities and experience the craziness but also make sure you get out of the hustle and bustle of urban life and enjoy some of the countryside or quieter towns. Vietnam is a big country but I class it as one of the top vacation destinations for couples because there’s a little bit of something for everyone.

Where to stay in Vietnam

Start in Hanoi and work your way down. I would recommend at least staying in Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the historic city of Hue if you have time, and perhaps Nha Trang for a resort getaway. In Hanoi we stayed at a nice central hotel called Sunline Paon Hotel in the old quarter. Breakfast is included, and it’s really good. In Hoi An, we stayed a little out of the town so it was a much more secluded, quiet hotel. Village Lodge was along a country road with a lovely pool area and private balconies in each room. Book your stay at the Village Lodge in Hoi An here.

What to do in Vietnam

While there are plenty of things to keep you busy, it never hurts to take a cooking class. What better way to impress your partner than with some of your new found cooking skills. Read more about my Hanoi cooking class here.

And a trip to Vietnam wouldn’t be complete without a couple of days on a Halong Bay cruise. The scenery is stunning, the cruises are relaxing and perfect for couples wanting some alone time from busy Vietnam cities. I met a few people there celebrating their honeymoon. Watching a sunrise over Halong Bay is the only time you’ll be happy about getting up at 5am.

British Columbia, Canada

But isn’t she from Vancouver? Who wants to stay at home to vacation? Well, yes I admit that I do live in BC, which is why I truly believe it should be one of the top vacation destinations for couples. You have beaches, mountains, cities, parks and islands. So many romantic locations wrapped up in one place. But don’t take my word for it, make sure you visit Canada yourself. Vancouver is a great city to start your trip, but I recommend you get over to Vancouver Island for some R&R (read more about what to do on Vancouver Island here), maybe a trip up to Whistler too. And to really get away from it all, the Sunshine Coast is just as amazing as it sounds.

Where to stay in British Columbia

For a few days in Vancouver you can either go fancy or budget. Fancy would lead me to recommend the Fairmont Waterfront hotel. Some rooms have harbor views, have a cocktail in Arc Lounge and try some of the local beer made with honey from the bees on the roof of the hotel. For a more budget stay, try the Sandman Hotel on Davie Street. The rooms have separate bedroom and living room so it’s more like an apartment, and you’re still central to the downtown area.

If you make it up to Whistler, one of the best couples hotels is the Nita Lake Lodge. A boutique hotel right on the lake with an award winning spa featuring couples packages. Make sure you also visit Tofino or Ucluelet for some world class ocean view resorts. Storm season in November is a great time to travel. Just cozy up by the fire with a hot chocolate and watch the waves roll in. Speaking of cozy, Sechelt along the Sunshine Coast is the ultimate couples retreat. We booked a cabin there last year that was the most secluded little weekend getaway. Ocean views, board games, a reading nook and a wood burning fire made this a romantic trip even in the winter.

What to do in British Columbia

British Columbia is a nature lover’s paradise. Hike one of the many trails with your partner and experience unparalleled views. There’s the Chief just outside of Squamish if you’re up for it, but also plenty of easy going hikes both on Vancouver Island and the mainland. Did you know BC is famous for its wine? The Okanagan valley is a top vacation destination for couples who like to sample all the delicious wine (and food) than BC has to offer. Book an Okanagan Valley wine tour today.

Rome, Italy

Who hasn’t dreamt about riding around Rome on a Vespa, the wind in your hair and some hunky man taking you for gelato? OK so I actually love the movie Roman Holiday so Rome was a dream vacation for me. The ancient historic sites, the Mediterranean climate, and of course the food. Oh the food. Of all the top vacation destinations for couples, this might be the only one where you need to pack your stretchy pants. Go all Lady and the Tramp with your beau in the Eternal City and make Rome part of your European vacation.

Where to stay in Rome

Rome has some really nice hotels, but there are also some questionable accommodations. The European standards don’t always seem to be as high as other places, and it’s easy to accidentally book a somewhat dilapidated building and not realize until it’s too late. So do your research. I recommend staying in the Prati neighborhood around the Vatican City. It’s a short walk from the old center of Rome, but there’s lots around you to see and do and since there are a number of places to stay in this area you can sometimes find cheaper accommodation. I loved staying in this area even if my hotel wasn’t anything to write home about.

What to do in Rome

Bust out the school books and get your inner history geek on. It’s time to check out some of the ancient monuments that Italy has to offer. Find classical art, Roman artifacts and stunning city views at every turn. Create your own Roman Holiday with a Vespa tour of Rome. And if you really want to take a little piece of Italy home, you just have to take a pasta cooking class, like this one on Viator with a 4 course tasting menu and wine.

New York City, USA

The Big Apple. If you like your trips a little less beach-like and more cityscape then New York City is it. Towering skyscrapers, busy streets and elite shopping establishments. But it doesn’t all have to be like that. New York City can still be one of the top vacation destinations for couples rather than singletons looking to make it big. Personally I would avoid the summer months, because sweaty hot and humid New York is not the funnest place to be during July and August. But fall and winter make for an ideal time to visit the East Coast’s biggest city.

Where to stay in New York City

New York’s transit, in particular the subway, make it easy enough to get around if you’re willing to have some time surfing the tracks. Brooklyn is a favorite area with much more affordable accommodation options. Plus you get a much better view of Manhattan if you’re not in Manhattan. If you want to be close to the action you could stay in Manhattan, but I would stay away from the ever busy Times Square. To really Kevin McCallister it up you could book a stay at the swanky Plaza Hotel with great access to Central Park. A much more romantic area. Book your stay at The Plaza today.

What to do in New York City

So much! Get a birds eye view of the city from the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock. Speaking of Rockerfeller Plaza, if you do visit in winter, then head on over to the inner city skating rink next to the most popular Christmas tree in the city. Or visit one of New York’s many museums. If you’re looking for an upscale evening to go with your new city surroundings, then get you glad rags on and have an evening at the theater with a Broadway show and a dinner at one of New York’s many world class restaurants.

Portland, Oregon

Food. Beer. Nature. Portland has it all. A hip, laid back city with more craft beer and food trucks than you will be able to get through in one trip. Portland is one of the top vacation destinations for couples on the West coast. Oregon is a beautiful state and if you want you can easily get out of the city and do some camping or go for a hike. But there’s plenty to see and do in the city itself. A pretty walkable city, I enjoyed spending time in the downtown area and seeing all this artistic city has to offer.

Where to stay in Portland

Downtown Portland gives you easy access to a lot of what the city has to offer. There are some great hotels like the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront hotel. But I really liked the Pearl District and Slabtown areas of Portland, just a short walk from downtown. The whole area seemed to have a bit more character. Plus it’s much closer to all of the fun drinking and eating establishments that you’ll want to visit. The Inn at Northrup Station has a funky feel to it, bright colors and spacious suites with really great access to transit.

What to do in Portland

Eat and drink until your heart is content. We spent an afternoon walking around visiting some of the really fun breweries Portland has. I love checking out craft beer places, so we actually booked a craft beer tour around the city. You don’t get more Portland than a bike and beer tour like this one. For book lovers you have to visit Powell’s bookstore, the world’s biggest independent bookstore. I must have been in there well over an hour. Portland is also all about donuts. They love them. Heard of Voodoo donuts? Well worth checking out. In fact, have a look at this Underground Donut Tour through Viator.

Morocco

Deserts and camels, markets and food, and of course the country that brought you one of the most compelling love stories of the 20th Century, Casablanca. Morocco is the gateway to Africa, but also easily accessible from mainland Europe. You can spend time in one of the cities like Marrakech or Fes, but there are also opportunities to get out of the cities and spend a night under the stars of the desert. Now that should certainly make this one of the top vacation destinations for couples.

Where to stay in Morocco

Take advantage of the riads in Morocco, and some of the more unique local houses. You can stay in a hotel anywhere you go, so try something different in Morocco. If you’re taking a Sahara desert tour, then the Hotel Xaluca Dades is amazing, with an outdoor pool looking out into the desert. If you make it to Fes, I fully recommend the most beautiful house on Airbnb. A full house to yourself with room for up to 6 people. Click here to sign up for Airbnb and get a credit for your first stay.

What to do in Morocco

Spend some time in Marrakech and browse the medina and the bazaar, haggling for some unique purchases. Marrakech can get a little crazy so a nice tranquil oasis in the city is the colorful Jardin Majorelle restored by Yves Saint Laurent in the 1980s. I recommend taking a guided tour through the desert and really experience Morocco. A camel ride through the dunes when there’s no one else around could be the escape you need. Read more about a 3 day desert tour with camel ride.

If like this tour you end in Fes, then make sure to do some shopping. The city is famous for it tanneries where you can see the leather being treated and dyed, and then purchase some clothing later in the day. You can also experience the craft of people hammering out copper cooking pots and buy some fancy cookware to take home.

Brussels, Belgium

If you ever need to win the lady over, take her to the land of chocolate. But in all seriousness, Belgium is a foodie paradise, and the old city charm of Brussels really makes it one of my top vacation destinations for couples. The city has a beautiful, ornately decorated main square with some fantastic bars and restaurants all around it. There’s heavenly food at every turn and since Belgium is within Europe which is incredibly well connected, it makes it super easy to get on a train and visit somewhere else in the country for a day like Bruges.

Where to stay in Brussels

The city has a number of hotels ranging from budget to far from budget. If you want something pretty cheap and really central then you can’t beat the Easyhotel. Same company as Easyjet, the low cost European airline. It’s a simple but clean room with no additional amenities, but it will keep you within budget and is very close to both the center of Brussels and the train stations. Need something a little more fancy? Then how about the Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place? It’s a beautiful hotel with all the necessities for a perfect romantic getaway in Brussels. Close to all the action, great views and first class service.

What to do in Brussels

Why not eat some chocolate? Or shop for some chocolate? Maybe a chocolate tasting tour? OK you’ve had enough of the chocolate talk, I get it. Beer! Belgium is also famous for beer. Try one of the lovely little pubs around the Grand Place. Our favorite was Le Roy d’Espagne. Doesn’t sound very Belgian but it was a lovely old building with an extensive beer list, and if you go to the second floor you can get a cozy booth by the window and look out on the Grand Place. Even if you don’t have time for an overnight stop, at least do a day trip to Bruges. This idyllic, romantic feeling small town is worth the hour long train ride. Visit the churches, quaint shops and enjoy a walk along the canals. Read about some of my budget friendly things to do in Bruges.

Canadian Rockies

We’re back to Canada. But what better area that the Canadian Rockies. So many mountains, beautiful out-of-this-world-amazing views and the nicest towns. Ditch the tour buses and rent yourself a car. Stop everywhere along the way, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Canadian wilderness on one of my top vacation destinations for couples. Seriously, you won’t believe some of the places you’ll see. The bluest lakes, the highest mountains and if you’re lucky a bear or two (from a distance).

Where to stay in the Canadian Rockies

As terribly touristy as it is you really can’t beat Banff. It’s a gorgeous town with mountain views in all directions. There are dozens of amazing restaurants and nice hotels. Personally I like the Rimrock Resort which is a little out of the town, and in a really unique setting. Their restaurant has great food and the lounge has some impressive mountain views. If you visit Lake Louise then I think you know you have to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. If you’re going to splash out by staying here then splurge the extra for the lake view room where you can leave your curtains open all night and wake up to the glacier views. It doesn’t get much more romantic than that. Speaking of Fairmont, read more about my afternoon tea experience at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel.

What to do in the Canadian Rockies

Hike, drive, climb, admire the views. Just get outside. Even if it’s cold, this is what you came here for. If you are lucky enough to be able to stay at the Fairmont Lake Louise then get up early and take a sunrise canoe trip out on the lake. Or hike to the quaint Lake Agnes tea house on a trail from Lake Louise. It’s quite the climb but you’ll be glad you made it. To read more about a trip to Alberta, check out this Canadian Rockies roadtrip guide.

Christmas markets in Europe

If you are traveling towards the end of the year (or the beginning) then try to make it for some of Europe’s famous Christmas markets. Dark nights, possible snow and millions of twinkly Christmas lights make them one of the top vacation destinations for couples each year. Browse the markets with a cup of hot mulled wine and relish in the magic of Christmas.

Where to stay in Europe for Christmas markets

There are so many places all over Europe. If you can, try to get to Germany for one of the more famous markets like Nuremberg or Cologne. Germany knows what it’s doing with Christmas markets for sure. I am a fan of the Eastern Europe for Christmas markets. Think about visiting Prague, always ranked one of the best. Or Tallinn in Estonia which was last year’s top European Christmas market, and a lovely old city. The Swissotel Tallinn an amazing hotel with all you could need, and just a few minute walk from the old town. Bonus: Estonia is much cheaper than Germany so you can generally get a stay in this 5 star hotel for about $100 USD a night. Book your stay at the Swissotel Tallinn today.

What to do at the Christmas markets in Europe

The markets are an ideal place to get some food on the go, buy some delightfully unique Christmas gifts, and stroll the old towns of Europe with a cup of hot wine in hand. Hunt out the local delicacies rather than just the standard Christmas market fare. In Helsinki I tried one of their delicious rye bread pastries filled with potato and brushed with hot butter. Oh. My. God!

Once you’re done shopping, enjoy some of the other activities the cities have to offer. Tallinn has some interesting KGB history, and a trip to Helsinki wouldn’t be complete without a Suomenlinna island adventure. Read about Prague in the winter here.

The perfect trip with the perfect person

Everyone is different and likes different things. Perhaps you and your partner are beach people. Maybe you’re city people. You could be outdoor adventure people. Maybe you’re even looking to have a vacation with your friend or solo. Whatever it is you’re looking for, these are some amazing places to travel to, and hopefully some of these top vacation destinations for couples have given you some ideas.

When you work full time, your vacation time is precious, and even more so when you and your partner might get different amounts of holidays. So treat yourself to a relaxing getaway, find the best place to stay, book some fun activities, and work your way through all the local food. You deserve it.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What’s one of your top vacation destinations for couples? Where are you planning to visit next?