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Romantic getaways: The best destinations for Valentine's Day and beyond

Are you looking for inspiration for your next romantic getaway? When it comes to all the fantastic destinations you and your significant other could be enjoying together, the options are truly endless.

No matter which type of trip you're after - whether it's a holiday in the Caribbean, an unforgettable couple's escape to Thailand or a romantic city break somewhere in Europe, you'll find all the very best deals for a romantic getaway right here.

And don't think that romantic getaways are just for Valentine's Day. No matter the time of year you'd like to travel, there's always a reason to escape the routine and plan a holiday just for the two of you. Not quite sure where you'd like to go just yet? Find more inspiration for the best romantic destinations below, from sunny beach holidays to action-packed city breaks.

The best destinations for a romantic beach holiday

Can't think of anything better than kicking back and enjoying the sunshine at a beach? Booking a beach holiday is one of the most popular options for a romantic getaway - and this shouldn't come as a surprise at all!

From all-inclusive beach holidays to adults-only beach hotels, there are so many ways to make your romantic getaway perfect for you. All that will be left to do is to order a cocktail of your choice, pick your spot at the beach and spend the day relaxing with your loved one.

And while this might be the obvious choice for a summer holiday, you can even find some lovely winter sun beach holiday destinations too. Here are some of our favourite spots for a romantic beach holiday.

Santorini, Greece

Surrounded by beautiful blue waters, black-sand beaches and gorgeous blue-and-white buildings, Santorini looks like the ultimate island paradise. No matter what your budget is, this Greek Island happens to be an absolute must for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Catch the sunset in Oia or make the most of Santorini's photogenic coastline by soaking up the sun at beaches like Red Beach or Kamari Beach.

The Maldives

When it comes to romantic beach getaways, it doesn't get better - or bigger - than a trip to the Maldives. Located in the Indian Ocean, these islands are home to fancy beach resorts, white-sand beaches and impossibly blue water. Spoil your partner with a stay in a waterside chalet. While many beaches are owned by private resorts, some are public; the best public beaches in the Maldives include Hulhumale Beach and Bikini Beach.

Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Also known simply as the Whitsundays, this group of islands is found off the Queensland coast of Australia. Thanks to their proximity to one of the greatest wonders of the natural world - the Great Barrier Reef - these islands are a hotspot for watersport fans, especially diving and snorkelling. A perfect mix of luxury, jaw-dropping beaches and attractions, the Whitsundays are an ideal choice for anyone looking for a long-haul romantic getaway.

Hawaii, USA

If you're looking for a beach destination that offers something a bit extra, Hawaii could be your perfect match. One of our favourite spots in the USA, the Hawaiian island chain is packed full of beautiful beaches, watersport opportunities and epic hikes - as well as a range of accommodation types to suit all budgets. Some of the islands' most famous beaches include Waikiki Beach, Hanalei Bay and Makena Beach.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

You can't go wrong with a romantic getaway to Mexico. While Mexico is home to many beautiful beach locations, Riviera Maya is a hotspot for couples. Located on the Caribbean coast, this popular region offers excellent package holiday deals, impressive beaches and bucket list day trips. It's tough to pick favourites here, but some of the best Riviera Maya beaches have to be Playa Paraiso and Playa Maroma.

Seychelles

A popular island chain in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is made up of 115 islands and it's one of the best places to have a romantic getaway. And, despite what you may have heard, a trip to the Seychelles can cater to any type of budget. The three main islands - Mahè, Praslin and La Digue - are all great places to stay and the weather is consistently warm here, with averages of 26-32°C all year.

Romantic city breaks for two

If lazing all day on the beach doesn't sound like your cup of tea, then a romantic city break may be your answer. After all, you can usually find plenty of things to do during a city break, as well as a wide range of bars and restaurants. City breaks are also ideal if you only have a shorter time period to work with, such as a weekend.

Here are some of the most exciting romantic city break destinations you can check out with your loved one.

Reykjavik, Iceland

A romantic getaway to Iceland offers stunning scenery, natural hot springs and plenty of opportunities to cuddle up with your significant other. Reykjavik is an ideal base for adventure-seeking couples, as well as those looking for some picturesque day trip opportunities. Drive along the Golden Circle and witness geysers erupting, jaw-dropping waterfalls and wild ponies before retreating back to Reykjavik to experience the city's attractions and cosy coffee shops.

Charleston, USA

Located in South Carolina, charming Charleston is filled with romantic bed and breakfasts and photogenic rows of palm trees that lead the way to the beach. This Southern city is renowned for being a foodie destination, offering a huge selection of fine dining restaurants and casual eats. Stroll through the gardens and parks or pay a visit to Middleton Place Plantation, which provided the exterior shots for Scarlett O'Hara's home in Gone With the Wind.

Paris, France

You can't have a list of romantic city break destinations without Paris, can you? The French capital is synonymous with all things romantic, and it's not hard to see why. Take the short flight over and, in no time at all, you and your amour could be cycling through the city's photogenic parks, munching on flaky pastries and seeing iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe.

Verona, Italy

With its long-held associations to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Verona is another classic choice for a romantic city break. But apart from its status as the setting for this famous tale, there's so much to experience in this stunning Italian city. Impress your loved one with tickets to a live event hosted at Verona's colossal Roman amphitheatre or head up the Torre dei Lamberti for the best views.

New York, USA

If you and your partner feel like whisking off on a real adventure, a New York city break will never disappoint. There is so much to do in this busy city, from cosy dates at some of the world's best eateries to taking in famous sights like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and the Empire State Building. If the weather isn't on your side, duck into one of the city's many museums.

Barcelona, Spain

There are many destinations in Spain that could be the backdrop for a romantic city break, but colourful Barcelona is one of our go-tos. Filled with excellent restaurants and bars, this is a great choice for foodie couples. This is also a city break that grants you some well-deserved beach time, as well as access to famous Gaudi attractions like Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell.

The best holiday destinations for Valentine's Day

Is Valentine's Day around the corner but you still haven't booked your holiday? Don't worry - we're here to help! The good news is that you can always find plenty of last-minute and late holiday deals for Valentine's Day. This is especially handy when you're happy to be flexible about your holiday destination.

If you have a little more time to play with and want to get well and truly inspired before you book, we've listed our top destinations for a romantic Valentine's Day holiday below.

Cartagena, Colombia

Captivating Cartagena in Colombia is a stellar choice for a romantic getaway - and for Valentine's Day too! Offering vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, stunning sunsets and near-perfect weather all year round, this South American city is a must-see destination. Book a boat tour and explore the nearby islands, have a drink at sunset at Santo Domingo bastion and then return to your romantic boutique hotel to get ready for a night out.

Quebec City, Canada

Want to go to a destination that has a European feel but is still fairly long haul? Head to Quebec City this Valentine's Day and immerse yourself in French culture before heading off and exploring more of Canada. Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec before sharing a poutine with your special someone. If you are nature lovers, make a trip to Montmorency Falls, explore the Plains of Abraham or head to the top of Mount Royal.

Kyoto, Japan

Perhaps one of the most beautiful destinations on our list, you can never go wrong with a Valentine's Day holiday to Japan. Kyoto has that 'wow factor', where you and your loved one can admire the gorgeous temples and architecture of this ancient Japanese city before enjoying a traditional Kaiseki dinner. Kyoto is filled with stunning gardens, springtime cherry blossoms and an ancient culture that will warm the frostiest of souls.

Cinque Terre, Italy

It doesn't get more romantic than a holiday to Italy. This country seems to be packed full of beautiful and romantic destinations, and this is especially the case with the Cinque Terre. Made up of five towns, each more photogenic than the rest, it's the perfect location for exploring with your partner. Improve your kitchen skills by taking a cooking class or take a wine-themed walking tour through the quaint little streets for a taste of local culture.

Big Sur, California

Rugged coastline, beautiful cliffs and plenty of natural wonders await all those who choose to spend their Valentine's Day holiday in Big Sur, California. This is an ideal spot for couples seeking rest and relaxation accompanied by impressive viewpoints, quiet beaches and plenty of state parks. Big Sur is a Northern California gem - and is a popular place for a romantic weekend away. Don't forget to explore the coves before taking a drive across the famous Bixby Bridge.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Want to have a real adventure this Valentine's Day? Splash out with a long-haul trip to South America and discover a truly unforgettable Argentinean destination. Lively Buenos Aires is filled with possibilities for romantic adventures. Sip on some local wine and enjoy a tapas-based dinner. Stroll through the Japanese Gardens, explore the tiny side streets, check out the markets in San Telmo or turn up the heat on the dance floor after taking a couple's tango class.

Wellington, New Zealand

How about an adventure-filled getaway with your partner? New Zealand is famous for its gravity-defying and at-times outrageous adventure opportunities, and Wellington, the country's capital, is a great place to experience all of this. Bungee jumping, skydiving, zorbing... you can do it all in Wellington. Once you've had your thrill of the day, you and your loved one can relax at the beach or check out the Wellington City Walkways for fantastic views.

Cape Town, South Africa

With its mild year-round weather, Cape Town is a top choice for a memorable romantic getaway. Hop on a helicopter tour of the city, enjoying surreal views of the City Bowl, Robben Island and the gorgeous coastline you can find in this part of the world. If you're a wine enthusiast, go on a wine tasting tour of the nearby vineyards - you won't be disappointed! Lastly, don't forget to take the cable car trip up Table Mountain at sunset for a truly unforgettable experience.

Tips and tricks for planning your first romantic getaway

Is this the first time you'll be travelling with your significant other? While nothing brings two people together faster than sharing new experiences in an exciting destination, it’s important to set expectations ahead of time to make sure that you both get the most out of of your first holiday together.

We've put together some tried-and-test tips and tricks that will help you plan the best first romantic getaway.

  • Decide on a budget: Ah, the number-one topic that couples fight about: money. Set a budget early on so that money does not become an issue during your trip. Always find a holiday that suits both of your budgets.

  • Pick a suitable destination: Narrow down your options by each writing down 10 places you’d like to visit and see if any destinations overlap. Also, if one of you suffers from flying anxiety, it might be best to pick a destination closer to home!

  • Plan activities together: Maybe your ideal trip includes adrenaline sports but your partner's idea of a perfect escape revolves around lounging at the beach with a strawberry daiquiri in hand. Make sure that your destination has enough activities that you’ll both enjoy.

  • Split up tasks: If one of you is a seasoned traveller, you might want to take on the responsibility of picking the hotel or finding places to visit. If your partner is a foodie, maybe they'd enjoy choosing the restaurants? Play to your strengths and split up tasks accordingly for a smooth trip.

  • Be flexible: We all know it - things happen. Maybe your flight will be delayed or the tour you wanted is sold out. Instead of letting these hiccups ruin the mood, focus on the time you've got; in a few years, you'll look back and laugh at whatever inconveniences came up during your first romantic getaway.