Europe | Inspiration

12 best vacation spots for couples

Recently updated on February 19th, 2025 at 12:43 pm

What’s better than a vacation? A vacation with your favorite person. There’s nothing quite like swapping mundane daily decision-making for a vacation destination where you have to choose between whether to sip cocktails by the pool or go exploring first. We’ve gathered this list of the best vacation spots tailor-made for two, from luxe romantic getaways to budget-friendly escapes. Read on to discover the 12 best vacation spots for couples and start planning your next adventure.

 

The most romantic destinations for couples:

1. Santorini, Greece

If romance were a place, it would be Santorini. This Greek island is liek stepping into a postcard with its whitewashed buildings, vibrant blue domes, and sunsets so stunning they should come with a warning label. 

Stroll hand-in-hand through winding cobblestone streets, sip local wine on a cliffside terrace, and soak up the jaw-dropping views of the Aegean Sea. Whether you’re honeymooning, anniversary-ing, or just treating yourselves because you deserve it, Santorini will make you fall in love all over again.

scenic view of white houses and blue domes on Santorini, Greece

2. Kyoto, Japan

Ancient tradition meets quiet romance in Kyoto, a calm destination where you’ll walk hand-in-hand through serene bamboo forests and sip matcha in a centuries-old tea houses. If you time it right, you can even catch the beloved cherry blossoms in full, fluffy bloom! 

Kyoto is the ultimate romantic trip for couples who love exploring new cultures and traditional customs. Here you can visit ancient temples, contemplate life while strolling along the Philosopher’s Path, and enjoy kaiseki dining. Spend three nights in Kyoto with your beloved on Trafalgar’s Classic Japan.

READ MORE: 7 of the most romantic travel experiences you can have on a Trafalgar tour 

Two people in traditional kimonos walking along a historic street in Kyoto, Japan, conversing in basic Japanese phrases, with a pagoda in the background during dusk.

3. Venice, Italy

No list of the best romantic vacation spots for couples would be cocmplete without a mention of Italy. And there’s nowhere like Venice, the floating city. Whisk your other half up in the cliched bucket-list romance of a gondola ride, and get lost in the city’s maze of canals, tiny bridges, and piazzas. 

Share a gelato as you stroll past historic palazzos, or linger over a long, wine-filled dinner at a canal-side trattoria. Venice is the kind of place where time slows down and each corner feels like a movie scene – and you can see it on the 7-day Italian Holiday.

GOndolier rowing a gondola over the Grand Canal in Venice

4. Lausanne, Switzerland

Lausanne is like Swiss chocolate: rich, indulgent, and impossible to resist! This charming destination is straight out of a postcard. Set on the shores of Lake Geneva, spend your morning wandering the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, sipping coffee at cozy cafés, or exploring its majestic cathedral. 

By afternoon, head down to the lake for a leisurely stroll, or hop on a boat to soak up the jaw-dropping Alpine views. If you have time, the nearby Lavaux vineyards are pure magic. 

Lausanne townscape with Lake Geneva in background, Switzerland

Best laid-back vacation spots for couples in the US

1. Maui, Hawaii

Say aloha to romance in Maui. Whether you’re lounging on golden beaches, chasing waterfalls, or snorkeling alongside sea turtles, this island adds a touch of adventure to your next couples vacation. 

Take a scenic drive along the legendary Road to Hana, complete with hidden beaches and lush rainforests. Then if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s scuba diving, hiking, and even whale-watching in the winter. Maui is the kind of couples’ getaway where laid-back luxury meets jaw-dropping natural beauty. 

Aerial view of a coastal area at sunset with mountains in the background, featuring a lush green landscape and a clear blue ocean, perfect for adventure family travel.

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is like no other city – vibrant, soulful, and with a little bit of jazz in its step. For couples who love good food, live music, and a dash of mystery, this city is the place to chase the beat. 

Stroll through the charming streets of the French Quarter, hand in hand, under wrought-iron balconies draped in blooming flowers. Indulge in beignets at Café du Monde, share a po’boy, or dive into a romantic dinner of gumbo and étouffée. After dark, cozy up at a jazz club, or join a spooky yet fascinating ghost tour. Trafalgar’s Tastes and Sounds of the South takes you there.

READ MORE: Finding Love: The Most Romantic Destinations in the World 

Adventurous holidays for couples:

1. Queenstown, New Zealand

But don’t worry – it’s not all heart-pounding action. Balance it out with a chill scenic gondola ride, wine tasting at nearby vineyards, or a cozy soak in an outdoor hot tub with jaw-dropping views.

If your idea of romance comes with a side of adrenaline, Queenstown is your place. The world’s adventure capital is nestled among dramatic mountains and crystal-clear lakes on New Zealand’s stunning South Island. It’s here that thrill-seeking couples thrive. Bungy jumping? Check. Jet boating? Absolutely. Skydiving? Why not? 

Man paragliding over a landscape with river, town and mountain in New Zealand

2. Patagonia, Chile & Argentina

For couples who love wild landscapes, endless horizons, and a dash of wanderlust, Patagonia is pure dream material. This region – shared by Chile and Argentina – is like nature on steroids. Here you’ll find glaciers, towering mountains, and sprawling, untouched wilderness. 

You can trek through the rugged Torres del Paine National Park, get up close with penguins on Isla Magdalena, or kayak through the stunning lakes and fjords. After a day of exploring, enjoy a cozy night by the fire with some local wine. This is the wild, and you can explore with Trafalgar’s Wonders of Patagonia.

3. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is a colorful, chaotic feast for the senses and the perfect spot for couples who crave warmth, a city buzz, and something new. Step into a world of vibrant colors, intricate mosaics, and the intoxicating scent of spices. Wander hand-in-hand through the maze-like souks, bartering for handmade treasures, from silver jewelry to woven rugs. 

When the sun sets, head to a rooftop restaurant to share a tagine under the stars, then relax in a riad with a private courtyard pool.

READ MORE: 10 of the most romantic things to do in Rome

Romantic colorful hanging lanterns decorate a rooftop at night, overlooking a cityscape with a lit mosque tower in the distance.

Iconic cities for a romantic couple trip

1. Paris, France

Paris is the OG of romance. Love is practically written into the air in Paris, and no matter how many times you’ve been – it always feels like the first time. Stroll along the Seine, sip wine at a sidewalk café, and steal a kiss under the Eiffel Tower.

Wander the Louvre contemplating art, explore charming Montmartre and the creative side of the city, or simply getting lost exploring new arrondissements (neighbourhoods). Paris is filled with moments that make your heart skip a beat, making it one of the best vacation spots for couples – and you can explore it with Trafalgar’s deep-dive Paris Explorer tour.

Couple sitting in front of the Tour Eiffel

2. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is overflowing with fairytale charm. And who doesn’t want to experience their own love story in a place that feels straight out of a medieval romance? Cobblestone streets, an ancient castle, and the warm glow of street lamps as you cross the iconic Charles Bridge will have you feeling straight out of a Hallmark movie.

Aerial view of Charles Bridge crowded with people, with Prague Castle in the background at dusk during European trips.

3. Lisbon, Portugal

Sunny, vibrant, and endlessly cool, Lisbon makes the perfect romantic trip for couples who want to soak up a little history, a lot of culture, and plenty of good vibes. Wander through the historic Alfama district, where narrow streets open into hidden squares, or take a ride on the famous tram 28 for an offbeat tour through the city’s most picturesque spots. 

After a day of exploring, grab a glass of vinho verde and watch the sunset from one of Lisbon’s stunning miradouros (viewpoints). Explore Lisbon on Trafalgar’s Best of Portugal.

Portuguese fado

That’s our list of the best vacation spots for couples. Is there anywhere in the world you think we should add? Leave us a comment…

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