100+ Romantic Getaways: Best Destinations for Couples

If you are searching for a great place to take your next vacation, then you have come to the right place. This post analyzes over 100 destinations, offering unbiased suggestions for your next perfect escape. Whenever we have published a separate post for that destination we are including a link to that post so that you can learn more about why it is a great place for your next vacation.

Methodology

We believe that when we present a list of our favorite places (destinations in this case), we should first explain our methodology for ranking them. So, here’s our approach to ranking our list of the best vacation spots in the world.

Ranking is based on the Following Four Criteria:

1. Places we’ve enjoyed and visited recently (over the last few years).
2. Places we plan to visit in 2026-2028, based on prior visits or research.
3. Places referenced in “Ultimate Journey for Two – Extraordinary Destinations on Every Continent.” (see below for more information)
4. Other places, not previously referenced, are high on our bucket list.

Destinations will have one or more superscripts next to their name indicating which criteria is being applied. In addition, destinations identified in Blue and Underlined are links to the specific posts of that destination. If you wish to read more about the destination, please click on the link. Destinations without a blue link but having only a “2” superscript next to them will be future posts.

Ultimate Journey for Two – Extraordinary Destinations on Every Continent

This is a fabulous book and was the first travel book that motivated us to become part-time digital nomads. The authors of the “Ultimate Journey” book are Mike and Anne Howard. We met them on a cruise in French Polynesia. Surprisingly, we learned that they were the authors of the book that we had at home and used to plan our trip. Mike and Anne quit their jobs in New York after they got married. They ended their apartment lease in 2012 and began their honeymoon with an endless trip.

Similarly, we consider the past few years, after our Maui Wedding in 2022, to be our endless honeymoon. They were the first full-time digital nomads we met, and they helped encourage us to become half-time digital nomads. (Heck, we’re a lot older.)

We love including the Howards’ recommendations as each couple travels quite differently, partly because of the difference in our ages and also because of our different interests. The Howards manage a great website known as Honey Trek. You can purchase their book on Amazon.

Category 1: Romantic Getaways for Couples: Best Beach Destinations

We have found some great romantic getaways for couples, including some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Please follow our links to learn more about the “Best Beach Destinations.”

 

International Destinations:

Top 5 – Gold

• Barbados^1,2 – The Pink Sand Beaches in Barbados are very well known. Also, the tour around the island can be fun. Check it out. We stayed at the Crane Resort, a great place with wonderful private plunge pools.
• Thailand 1,3 – Collectively, with HoneyTrek, we can recommend four places in Thailand worth visiting. We recommend Phuket and Bangkok based on our visits. HoneyTrek recommends Khao Sok, which has a rainforest and caves. They also recommend Railay, which has a great beach, is only reachable by boat, and has high mountains similar to Phuket’s, including the famous James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay. In 2025, if we make it back to Thailand, as we plan to, we want to revisit Bangkok and perhaps Railay.
• St. Martin^1,3 – Maho Beach, in St. Martin, is an unlikely attraction. You would think that being directly under an airplane flight path would be a deterrent. However, watching 747s sweeping 100 feet over your head and hanging on to a fence to avoid the force of the jets when they take off attracts thousands every day. Somewhat strange, but compelling!
• Mexico^1,3 – Our favorite places in Mexico are on the Baja Peninsula Sur (Los Cabos and Loreto). Driving there from California is possible, see our post. HoneyTrek likes Durango, Guanajuato, and Tulum Beach, where you can see Mayan Ruins. Each time we return to Mexico, we find another undiscovered gem, whether it is a new restaurant, a cooking class, or some aspect of the community we had yet to know.
• Indonesia^1,2 – I have visited Bali three different times, and I still want to visit again, as well as other places in Indonesia. Robina and I will return in 2028 and, this time, also visit Komodo to see the Komodo Dragons. While Bali has some very nice beaches, it is the interior, the people, and its strong culture that draw me back. For more adventure, HoneyTrek recommends Central Flores, an island in Indonesia’s Nusa Tenggara region.

Must See: Silver

• Portugal^1,2 – Portugal has many good beaches. Nazaré is known as the home of the biggest surfable waves on the planet. We missed the big waves when we were in Nazaré, but we spent a fair amount of time in Agave in southern Portugal (5 days) and highly recommend a visit. 

Honorable Mention – Ranked in Another Category

• French Polynesia¹ -Moorea, Bora Bora, and Tahiti
• Australia^1,3 – Bell’s Beach in Victoria, Rainbow Beach in Queensland, Bondi Beach in Sydney, and the beaches on the Ocean Road near Melbourne.
• Vietnam^1,3 – Ha Long Bay
• Ecuador^3,4 – Espanola in the Galapagos

United States:

Top 5 – Gold

• California^1,2 – Well known for its surfing beaches, California also has some very pretty beaches for the non-surfer. We loved Pfeiffer Beach State Park on our coastal ride down the Pacific Coast. We also find Half Moon Bay and the Monterey Peninsula to be our favorites. HoneyTrek likes Moss Beach along the dramatic bluffs of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
• Florida^1,2 – Okay, we live here, so that may make us biased. However, in terms of coastline length, Florida outshines California. Florida boasts an impressive 1,350 miles of coastline, beginning near Jacksonville, wrapping around the peninsula and the Keys, and then heading back up the Gulf Coast to the Panhandle. In contrast, California’s coastline is much shorter, clocking in at only 840 miles. So, if we’re measuring in miles of coastline, Florida takes the lead!  Many find the beaches of the Panhandle to be the best, while others love St. Petersburg. And no one will argue that the beaches of Captiva, with its endless shell collecting, is how they wish to spend their quality time. Florida is also well known for having the USA’s oldest city, St. Augustine. 
• Hawaii^1,2,3 – The Hawaiian Islands are our favorite place to visit; we just returned from our annual visit. Not only is there fun and adventure on each of the islands, but the culture and history are incredible. We love the people, although they may not love us since they are considering a tourist tax. Oh well, things are expensive in Hawaii, but it is worth it. As for beaches, if you are a surfer, you must visit Sunset Beach and the Bonsai Pipeline on Oahu and Jaws on Maui. HoneyTrek recommends you visit Kauai. Whether it’s the black beaches of Hawaii or something as tourist crazy as Waikiki, there is something for everyone.
• Maryland/Delaware¹ – Rehoboth and Ocean City are great beaches for the Mid-Atlantic community. We visited in 2023 and enjoyed it. Go mid-week, definitely less crowded.

Must See: Silver

• North and South Carolina^1,2 – Some great beaches and easy access to the mountains. Charleston (and Sullivan’s Island Beach or Kiawah Island) is a must-visit city, but it gets overwhelmed when a cruise ship visits. Look for a new post on Charleston and the region later in 2026.
• New Jersey2 – Living in the shadows of New York is a challenge, but New Jersey has some great beaches, including Long Beach Island and Atlantic City.

Honorable Mention – Ranked in Another Category

• Massachusetts^1,2 – Cape Cod
• New York^1,2,3 – Jones Beach and Robert Moses State Park
• Georgia^1,2 – Tybee Beach and St. Simons
• Maine^1,2 – Maine’s beaches are mostly rocky, but the coast is long, and the coastal fingers are spectacular, with amazing scenic places to enjoy nature.

Category 2: City Escapes: The Most Must-Visit Vibrant and Romantic Getaways for Couples

City Escape must-visit destinations for couples couldn’t be more different from our first category: Romantic Beaches. That is the beauty of this ranking process; we are covering all extremes.

International:

Top 9 – Gold (we couldn’t decide who was silver)

• Great Britain^1,2 – London and Edinburg are top-rated cities in the world. We have been to both in 2023 and will return to London this year.
• France^1,2 – Paris is perhaps the best city for couples to visit in the world. Known as the “City of Love”, we last visited in 2024 for the Olympics, and will likely return in 2026. Everyone loves the Eiffel Tower, or a leisurely stroll down the Champs-Élysées. With some of the most romantic places in the world, a perfect place for a honeymoon destination, along with gourmet dining. 
• Germany^1,3 – Berlin and Munich are world-class cities. Traveling the Rhine Gorge on the Upper Middle Rhine River between Rüdesheim and Koblenz is a wonderful experience.
• Czech Republic¹ – Robin and I visited Prague in 2023, my second visit in the past ten years. What a wonderful city. My first trip was during the Christmas Season. It was crowded but magnificent.
• Brazil^1,3 – Rio de Janeiro is world-class. We stayed in Copacabana, but we preferred Ipanema. Santa Theresa is well worth a visit. Get a guide.
• Japan¹ – Tokyo and Kyoto should be on everyone must visit list. We headed back again in 2025.
• South Korea¹  – We visited Seoul and Jeju Island in 2025. Very different than what we expected.
• Singapore¹ – We did a one-night layover in Singapore for one main reason: to see the world’s #1-ranked airport. It didn’t disappoint.
• Hong Kong¹ – Cos had visited Hong Kong on several business trips and two vacations. Robin joined him on the second vacation trip in 2025. Despite the changeover to Chinese rule twenty-five+ years ago, Hong Kong is still wild, and a great place to visit. 

Must See: Silver

• Vietnam¹ – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hanoi are both must-visit cities. Unfortunately, they didn’t make the top 6 cut, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. We visited both in 2023, and it was life-changing. The other cities in Vietnam, including Hoi An and Ca Tho, are also worth visiting; check out our very informative post. HoneyTrek recommends a fishing village called Mui Ne. It is similar to places we visited on the Mekong River.
• Macau¹ – We visited Macau on a one-day excursion from Hong Kong. Both Country-Cities are worth a visit.
• Sweden¹ – It had been almost 25 years since Cos first visited Stockholm. But he still told everyone who is going there that they must visit the Vasa Museum. We returned in 2025 and saw the Vasa Museum again, as well as the ABBA museum.  We had some great meals while we were there.
• Denmark¹ – Copenhagen is considered by many to be the world’s top foodie city.
• Slovakia⁴ – Bratislava is definitely worth a visit—whether you’re a budget traveler, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a relaxed European escape. 

Honorable Mention – Ranked in Another Category

• The Netherlands¹ – both Amsterdam and The Hague
• Argentina^1,3– Buenos Aires
• China² – Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an
• Thailand^1,2,3 – Bangkok

United States

Top 5 – Gold

• New York City^1,2,3 – The city that never sleeps offers something for everyone. We love the Broadway shows, the museums and the restaurants. In additional to our overview post, which is the link attached to the title, we also have posts on the Museums in Manhattan and the Restaurants in Lower Manhattan. While there you must visit the “Top of the Empire State Building”, the most popular attraction in NYC.
• Nevada^1,2 – We don’t gamble, so why do we love Las Vegas, Simply, it’s the shows and the food. Furthermore, adding the football team. the hockey team, the F1 race, and soon the baseball team didn’t hurt either. It is becoming a sports mecca.
• Texas^1,2 – Name a state that has three cities that can meet the definition of a “Vibrant and Romantic City for Couples.” Well, it’s Texas: Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. You could add Austin as well, but it was struggling when we were there in 2021, so we might just stick with the big three. San Antonio is our clear favorite. It has some great culture and history. Plan to return in 2026 or 2027.
• Louisiana^1,2 – New Orleans (NOLA), the Big Easy. Great Food and a lot of fun. If we don’t get back in 2026, it will be 2027. We love New Orleans. Great place for a romantic dinner. Galatoire’s is our favorite restaurant.
• Tennessee^1,2 – The Music Capital, Nashville, is one of a kind. Great place for a bachelorette party, but why no Bachelor parties? Oh, they prefer Las Vegas. With Robin’s daughter living close by, we will definitely be there in 2025 and 2026. Trip scheduled for September 2025.

Must See: Silver

• Illinois² – Plans to revisit the windy city, Chicago, in 2026 as part of a great northern trip to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the USA.  Wonderful city, plenty of activity, and great architecture. Unfortunately, Cos is not a fan of deep-dish pizza (a New Yorker all the way). But there is plenty of other really good food, museums, and great architecture in this well-planned city.
• Washington^1,3 – We visited Seattle in 2022 and loved it. HoneyTrek recommends hikes by Mt. Rainier and in the Olympic Peninsula. We were blown away by the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, which is incredible. No definite plans yet, but we want to visit the Olympic Peninsula and even return to Victoria in Canada. If it is as good as HoneyTrek says, we may need to bump one of the other places out of the Top five.

Honorable Mention – Ranked in Another Category

• Florida^1,2 – Miami
• California^1,2 – LA/SF
• Massachusetts^1,2 – Boston
• Pennsylvania¹ – Philadelphia
• Georgia^1,2 – Atlanta
• Washington, DC¹

Category 3: Off the Beaten Path Adventures: Hidden Gem Romantic Getaways for Couples

This category will highlight must-visit destinations for adventurous couples. Primarily, HoneyTrek’s favorites as they love “glamping” and hiking. While we love adventure as well, we prefer the amenities of hotels and are clearly not as adventurous in our 70s as the Howards. However, we do love our golf courses.

Our first Hidden Gem is the Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. We toured it with GetYourGuide.

International:

Top 5 – Gold

• Argentina^1,2,3: Iguazu Falls, Patagonia, and Mendoza are three places we visited in Argentina that are truly adventurous hidden gems. HoneyTrek agrees with us on Iguazu Falls. They say it is a destination to be explored. The glaciers in Patagonia are also spectacular, and the wine in Mendoza isn’t bad.
• Cambodia^1,3 – I don’t know if there has been another place where we were so moved by the beauty of the temples and the spirit of the people in Cambodia. If you can survive seeing the horror of the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh, then you will absolutely be impressed by Angkor Wat and the other temples in Siem Reap.
• Albania¹ – We visited Albania in 2024, and it was an incredible Hidden Gem. Please view our new post for all the details. This country will totally surprise you.
• Slovenia^1,2 – In 2022, we visited the western part of the country to stay at the Hiša Franko B&B and eat at their highly rated restaurant (ranked in the top 50 in the world). In 2024, we returned to Slovenia, this time to visit Ljubljana and Lake Bled. Both visits were spectacular.
• Croatia^1,2 – In 2022, we visited Dubrovnik and Split. In 2024, we returned for a second time and visited Korcula and Hvar on the Dalmatian Coast. We also visited Rovinj and Pula in the Istria Province and both Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes in the central part of the country. In 2025, we visited the eastern part of the country, where there is still bitterness from the 1990’s war with Serbia. This is a country that you want to spend some serious time visiting, both for the fabulous Dalmatian Coast as well as to learn about the history of the former Yugoslavia. 

Must See: Silver

• Peru³ – Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley is the valley that leads up to Machu Picchu, a cornerstone on everyone’s travel bucket list, except ours. We don’t do well with heights. Nevertheless, we would be wrong not to mention it here. If we visit Peru, it will be in Lima and perhaps Lake Titicaca. HoneyTrek recommends an alternative path through the valley up to Machu Picchu.
• Bolivia³ – HoneyTrek recommends visiting Lake Titicaca in both Bolivia and Peru. But staying in the quirky colonial town of Copacabana in Bolivia. They also recommend visiting the town called Department of Potosi, near the Chilean Border. Both sound like a lot of fun, but they are both quite a way up in the sky, so we may have to pass due to our difficulties with heights.
• Georgia3,4 – Tbilisi, the capital of the Country of Georgia, is a recommended destination by HoneyTrek’s friends, Lisa Gant and Alex Pelling. They manage a website 2people1life. This is a wonderful website about the 70+ wedding ceremonies they have celebrated in almost as many countries around the world. Georgia is the crossroads between Europe and Asia. Nearby is one of Europe’s oldest wine-producing regions. I just put it on our Bucket List, assuming Russia leaves it alone, and we can arrange a trip to other countries (e.g., Turkey) in the area.
• China²’³- Cos has been to China twice, once to Hong Kong and the neighboring city of Guangzhou, and the second time to Beijing, the city of Xi’an, and to Tibet. The first trip was in the late 1980’s, shortly after China was opened to the West. And the second trip was less than 15 years later in the early 2000’s. My, how things have changed. I hope to return, but probably not until 2028 or later. HoneyTrek recommends visiting Mount Emei in Emeishan.
• Ecuador^3,4 – While not a place that we have yet visited, or plan to in 2024/25, the Galapagos is on everyone’s travel bucket list. We hope to get there soon. With a thousand giant tortoises and other wildlife, HoneyTrek ranks Espanola as truly a wild day on the beach.

Honorable Mention – Ranked in Another Category

• Canada^1,3 – Montreal, Quebec City, Banff, Jasper, Vancouver, Victoria, Churchill
• Portugal^{1 –} Porto and Douro Valley, perhaps one of the most beautiful places we have been. The vineyards are all planted on terraced slopes. They make a trip through the valley a lifelong memory.

United States

Top 5 – Gold

• Alaska¹ – We have been to Alaska twice, 2018 and 2023, both on a cruise ship. On the first trip we flew to Fairbanks, and took the train to Denali, then to Anchorage and then bussed to Seward. On the second trip we flew to Anchorage, really enjoyed our time there and took the train to Seward. The train to Seward was the highlight of both trips, incredible.
• Colorado^1,2 – Mesa Verde and the Million Dollar Highway, both near Durango are truly off the beaten path hidden gems. Our experience on the Million Dollar Highway was quite terrifying, particularly where the roads were becoming icy with no guardrails. We also love Red Rocks near Denver and Colorado Springs as great places to visit. When it comes to skiing, you can’t beat Vali, and Aspen, or any of the other great ski resorts in the state.
• Maine^1,2 – New England’s largest state is a true hidden gem for adventure. It is Robin’s home state, so we try to get back annually. The coast is most popular, but the mountains are also spectacular. One of the few places in the United States where you can visit the beach one morning and the mountains in the same day. While there is definitely a tourist influence, you can still find those moments of solitude and tranquility in gorgeous settings.
• Vermont³ – Highly recommended by the HoneyTrek folks as the place they got married (Killington). Perhaps the cleanest state in the country, no billboards on the roads.
• New Hampshire¹ – Stuck between Maine and Vermont, the “live free or die” state is a must visit and a true hidden gem. Route 112 from Conway to North Woodstock, better known as the Kancamagus Highway is well worth the drive.

Honorable Mention – Ranked in Another Category

• Utah1,2,3 – Park City, Moab, Zion, and Bryce Canyon.

Category 4: A Taste of Culture, History, and Art: Best Destinations for Couples

On our trips, History and Art are two of our favorite must-visit destinations for couples. Here are the best ways to enjoy culture, history, and art.

Our first destination is Italy. If you are planning to visit the Sistine Chapel, we recommend booking a guide on GetYourGuide.

International:

Top 5 – Gold

• Italy¹ – How could we not start with Italy as our #1 choice for history and art? We have traveled to Italy more than anywhere else, and since we threw some coins in the Trevi Fountain, we will return, perhaps in 2026. Rome and Florence are must-see, along with a number of other hidden gems. Also, a definite must-see is Lake Como, as well as the Amalfi Coast. 
• Greece^1,2,3 – The only place we know with more history than Italy. We have traveled there to visit a Greek island via cruise ship in the past, but in 2024 we are hitting the islands again (Santorini and Mykonos, which we missed on our last trip) and also spending time in Athens, Delphi, and Meteora before we venture into the Balkans. There, we found the ideal spot to gain plenty of spiritual energy.
• Spain^1,2 – I have made over a half-dozen trips to Spain and I have enjoyed every one of them. We were there in 2022 and headed back in 2024. This time, to follow the famous pilgrimage trip across the north of Spain from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela. But unlike the pilgrims, we weren’t walking. Visiting Cartagena and Malaga in 2025.
• The Netherlands 1,3 – I worked in Amsterdam for 6 months in 2001. Hard to believe it was that long ago. We visited in 2022 and again in 2023 with some good old friends and had a great time revisiting our favorite museums (Van Gogh in particular) and restaurants. We also ventured to The Hague, which exposed us to more art and history.
• Austria1 – Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg are great cities to visit, as are the various ski places in this wonderful country. Robin has always longed to return to Kitzbuhel, where she skied, among other trails, the Hahnenkamm, site of world-class downhill racing. Certainly, the history, architecture, and music in Vienna are world-class.

Must See: Silver

• India^¹’³ – India has a unique culture and a rich history. Cos traveled to India in the 1990s for business. He did get to see the Taj Mahal, which is magnificent. While there, he visited Delhi and Chennai, which made me somewhat of an “offshore computing” expert at the time. Back then, the infrastructure was horrible, and they often lost power several times a day. He was never sure how they could run a computer business with those conditions. I hear things are better today. HoneyTrek recommends visiting Ladakh in the mountains, which has a rich culture influenced by its neighbor, Tibet. Robin and Cos returned to India in 2025 and visited Mumbai and Goa.  Check out their visit in the linked post. 
• Turkey³ – HoneyTrek highly recommends Cappadocia and Pamukkale. Cappadocia is a beautiful, historic area that HoneyTrek recommends you explore with a tour agent. Pamukkale is a great place to find history and Roman Ruins. Istanbul, the capital, is where we would start and, of course, visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. We plan to visit in 2027 or 2028.
• Romania¹ – We visited Romania in 2025. We spent two weeks and traveled around the country searching for Dracula.  We didn’t find him in Transylvania, but did see his castle. It was late October, and the castle was well prepared for Halloween. We did find him back in Bucharest. If you are looking for a less crowded country with a fascinating history, check out the post and visit the country. We took a river cruise on the Danube from Budapest to Bucharest.  Great way to visit. 
• Philippines^1,3 – I visited on business in the 1980s. Those were hectic times, as there was a violent government coup just after I left. Much more peaceful now, although still some unrest. Revisited in 2026. Like much of Southeast Asia, much has changed. Check out our post for a tour through the old walled city, Intramuros. 

Honorable Mention – Ranked in Another Category

• Great Britian^1,2 – London and Edinburgh
• France^1,2 – Paris and Normandy
• Germany^1,3 – Berlin, Munich, Rhine and Danube Rivers
• Vietnam¹ – Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hoi An, The Mekong Delta and Mui Ne
• Cambodia^1,3 – Phnom Penh and the ancient temples in Siem Reap
• China^2,3 -Beijing, Hong Kong, Xi’an and Shanghai
• Japan^1,2 – Tokyo and Kyoto
• Portugal² – Lisbon and Porto
• Curacao¹ – Kura Hulanda Museum
• New Zealand^1,3 – Auckland, Wellington, Rotorua, Tasmania, Whangarei and the South Island
• Australia^1,3 – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Tasmania, and Adelaide
• Croatia^1,2 – Ivan Mestrovic Gallery in Split and famous Croatian Sculptures in Zagreb

United States

Top 5 – Gold

• Washington, DC¹ – The Capital of the Country. There is so much to explore, museums everywhere. If you talk to your congressman, you may get a private tour of the Capitol. With the extensive Smithsonian Museum network, that alone is a reason to go. Add the incredible monuments and historical setting and this is a winner.
• Pennsylvania¹ – Philadelphia and Gettysburg are both full of history. We visited Philadelphia in 2023 for a wedding and had an official Philly Cheese Steak at Ginos while we were there. It has been years since I have visited Gettysburg. But I highly recommend it. You can also visit the Amish Country while you are in that area.
• Virginia¹ – Virginia is for lovers. But it also completes our threesome of Mid-Atlantic States with amazing history and culture. The three-city region in the Southeastern part of the state, Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown is a must visit.
• Massachusetts^1,2 – We only gave Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket an honorable mention for their beaches (Category I), and Boston for the City (Category II), so it is listed here for history and culture.
• Deep South: Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama¹ – Collectively, these three states and South Carolina are the heart of the Deep South. We followed the Civil Rights trail across these states and learned a lot, much of which we never learned in history class in school. We highly recommend it.

Honorable Mention – Ranked in Another Category

• New York^1,2,3 – NYC, we love all the fun museums in New York City.   The Metropolitan Museum of Art, next to Central Park is a must visit. 
• Tennessee^1,2 – Nashville and Chatanooga
• Texas¹ – San Antonio and the Hill Country

Category 5: Luxurious Getaways: Must-Visit Destinations for Couples in Need of Relaxation

This must-visit destinations for couples category is for those of us who really want to relax and are looking for a romantic hideaway. While there may be some overlap here with the Beach Group (Category I) you can still relax at other places as well.

International:

Top 5 – Gold

• Mexico^1,2,3 – We own timeshares in San Jose de Cabo and Loreto which are wonderful places for relaxation and golf. HoneyTrek looks for a little more adventure and recommends Guanajuato and Durango. Guanajuato is in the central part of the country near the capital. Durango is near Mazatlán which is on the western coast of Mexico.
• St. Lucia^1,3 – There is probably not a more beautiful island in the Caribbean than St. Lucia. The Pitons and the rain forests are a true landmark. We made two recent visits via cruises in 2022 and 2023. While there we had a great lunch and cooking class in Soufriere with Orlando, a famous Caribbean Chef. Friends of the Howards, Nat and Jodie, two other full-time digital nomads, recommended the Ladera Resort where we had lunch on our first trip. The view was exceptional as was the food and service. In fact, Orlando worked at Ladera prior to opening his own restaurant.
• St Barths¹ – Island where the rich Europeans love to visit, it is home to one of the great resorts in the world, Eden Rock. We had lunch and emptied our wallets. Oh well. Also, stand at the hill that the planes need to avoid as they land at the airport. Missing the end of the runway means one wet ocean soaked airplane. Quite an experience!
• French Polynesia¹ – If you wonder what Hawaii was like 100+ years ago, go to Tahiti and the other islands in French Polynesia. You’ll find it amazing. Our favorite was Moorea, easily accessible from Tahiti by ferry. There we stayed in an over-water bungalow, at about half the cost of the ones in Bora-Bora.
• Croatia^1,2 – We visited Croatia in 2022 and will be returning for a grand 20-day tour in 2024. While Dubrovnik and Split are great places to visit on a cruise, staying in the islands and the smaller towns are part of our plan.

Honorable Mention – Ranked in Another Category

• Barbados¹ – The Crane Resort
• Portugal² – Algarve, Lisbon and Porto

United States

Top 2 – Gold

• Puerto Rico¹ – Robin and I have been to Puerto Rico many times during our lives. It is very easy to get to from all the places where we have lived. San Juan is a great place to visit. Robin’s favorite place to stay is the Condado Vanderbilt and I prefer the Hilton, but either place is well located to easily get around the city. Marmalade is our favorite special restaurant. If you sit at the bar, you can watch the bartenders in action and meet some interesting people.
• Rhode Island² – Despite being the smallest state in the United States, Rhode Island has a rich history, including colonial architecture, lighthouses, and maritime heritage. Newport with its opulent mansions is a great place to visit. Having just read Anderson Cooper’s book about the Vanderbilts, we plan to spend some time there in either 2024 or 2025.

Honorable Mention – Ranked in Another Category

• Hawaii^1,2,3 – Oahu – Outrigger, Maui – Four Seasons, Hawaii – Mauna Kea, Kauai – 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay and Grand Hyatt
• Colorado^1,2 -Denver
• Florida^1,2 – Miami – Fountain Blue; Palm Beach – Breakers
• New York^1,2,3 – The Carlyle, Waldorf Astoria; we also love Saratoga Springs, (my daughter owns a horse there) expect a post soon. HoneyTrek highlights Niagara Falls.
• California^1,2  – Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe

Category 6: Romantic Getaways for Couples: Mountains and Lakes Galore

Natural Beauty, Mountains and Lakes is one of our most favorite must visit destinations for couples. There is nothing like finding a beautiful place to enjoy God’s creative work.

 

International:

Top 5 – Gold

• Canada^1,3 – A must visit destination for every couple living in North America is to get to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. This area is truly magnificent. HoneyTrek suggests Churchill, way up north, which they claim to be the #1 polar bear capital in the world.
• Switzerland^1,3 – If you love mountains, then Switzerland is the place for you. We did a road trip through Switzerland in 2022 and spent time on the Italian border in Lugano. HoneyTrek likes the Lauterbrunnen Valley. We also took a 12-day train tour across the country in 2025. The Matterhorn in Zermatt and the Bernini Express were our favorites of the trip.
• Chile^1,3 – We had a great 2024 trip, first to Santiago, then catching a cruise ship in Valparaiso. Santiago was a complete surprise, very sophisticated, charming and beautiful. A trip up the Andes to see a sunset was magnificent. Traveling down to Patagonia and Cape Horn was also spectacular. HoneyTrek, likes the Atacama Desert.
• New Zealand^1,3 – If you are looking for pure mountain and lake beauty then the South Island in New Zealand is the perfect, romantic must visit destination for couples (HoneyTrek agrees). Stay in Queenstown and travel the whole island. Robin and I were planning to get married in New Zealand by helicopter in 2020, but Covid got in the way. Don’t feel sorry for us, we settled for a beach wedding on Maui at sunset in 2021.
• Iceland^1,3 & Greenland – We did a 2021 trip to Iceland, despite having to go through the absolute worst COVID tests ever invented. However, it was worth it. We got to see the Blue Lagoon, the Earth-splitting of the American and European tectonic plates, and hike the live volcano. You will never have more delicious fish because the water is incredibly cold. HoneyTrek doesn’t recommend a place in Iceland, but they love Western Greenland. Put that on our bucket list. We are returning to Iceland in the fall of 2026. This time to travel around the entire country,

Must See: Silver 

• Montenegro^1,2 – Montenegro is a gem nestled in the Balkans. It offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. The port city of Kotor is where the cruise ships stop. It is truly a wonderful medieval city to visit. Our tour bus zig-zagged up the 25 curves on the mountains, giving us hair-raising confrontations with cars or busses coming towards us, but ultimately culminating in a magnificent view. We visited in 2022 and will be returning in 2024. It may move up to Gold.
• Albania¹ – When it comes to mountains, Albania is the place to visit. Beautiful, panoramic views all over the country.

United States

Top 2 – Gold

• South Dakota^{1 –} This is a wonderful state to visit. However, when we were there in 2020, during Covid, nobody seemed to take the pandemic seriously. Nevertheless, the Badlands, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, and Mount Rushmore are all must visit destinations for couples.
• Wyoming¹ – Yellowstone, what more needs to be said? How about the Grand Tetons? It is a challenging area to drive. On the road from Devil’s Tower in South Dakota to Jackson Hole, we took a short cut through a mountain pass and ran into an unexpected snowstorm. Scariest drive I have ever been in, likely because I was the passenger. However Robin put her Maine driving skills to the test and passed!
• Arizona^1,3 – The Grand Canyon, need I say more. Yes, when combined with the Grande esplanade coming down from Utah, and the other National Parks in and around Flagstaff, this is a natural wonderland. HoneyTrek agrees and sites Zion, Bryce and Sedona as must visit destinations for couples.
• Montana¹ – I drove from Yellowstone up to Whitefish on the way to Banff. Long, but a great trip. This was a few years back, and Glacier National Park was already melting. Unfortunately, I suspect it is hurting more these days.
• Idaho¹ – Two different times I have done drive-thru in Idaho. Once was through Sun Valley, which was spectacular, stopping in Twin Falls. The second trip was departing from Yellowstone and stopping in Idaho Falls. One day we might spend some real time there.

Honorable Mention – Ranked in Another Category

• Utah^1,2,3 – Zion, Bryce and the rest of the Grande Esplanade, Park City
• Maine^1,2 – Sugarloaf Mountain
• New York^1,2,3 – Niagara Falls
• California^1,2 – Yosemite
• Hawaii^1,2,3 – Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Molokai

Category 7: Best Road Trips for Couples

The “Best Road Trips for Couples” is well documented in our post Best Road Trips for Couples. Check it out. We recommend hiring a tour for your scenic drive on the Great Ocean Road. It is a long day. We used Get Your Guide.

International:

Top 5 – Gold

• Australia^1,3 – Hard to believe, but given the distance from the US, I have made it to Australia three times I my life and would love to go back. Despite driving on the “wrong” side of the road, a trip to Australia always feels close to home. Perhaps because I, too, have convict blood (not true!). Anyway, we love the place. Still looking for a trip to the Outback. However, the Great Ocean Road, just west of Melbourne, which we took in 2023, is one of the truly great must visit road trip destinations for Couples. #1 on our list.
• Ireland² – Both Robin and Cos have visited Ireland many times in our lives, but never together. Our favorite place is the Dingle Peninsular. In 2024, we will be flying through Dublin twice on our way to Greece and back from the Paris Olympics. We’ll see if we can get a quick Guiness at the airport. HoneyTrek recommends the north Coast of Ireland starting in Belfast to see the Giant’s Causeway.
• Norway^1,2,3 – For a great road trip, HoneyTrek recommends the Atlantic Ocean Road through Romsdal County. They also suggest checking out the Norwegian Fjords. We visited Oslo and the Fjords in Norway in 2025 and will return in 2026 to visit Bergen at the start of a Northern European Cruise ot the British Isles. 
• South Africa^3,4 – Of all the places in Africa that put on our bucket list, South Africa will be at the top. HoneyTrek recommends the Sani Pass for a great road trip. You need a 4×4. Also, they like a coastal drive starting in Cape Town and heading past the Cape of Good Hope.
• Morocco^3,4 – The second place on our African Bucket List. This time, at the northern end of the continent. HoneyTrek recommends a camel ride following ancient caravan routes in the Sahara Dessert.

Honorable Mention – Ranked in Another Category

• New Zealand^1,3 – South Island, Christ Church to Queenstown via West Coast
• Mexico1,2,3 -US Border to Cabo San Lucas
• Slovenia^1,2 – Ljubljana to Lake Bled
• Canada^1,3 – Icefields Pkwy, Lake Louise to Jasper
• The Netherlands^1,3 – Flower Route, in the spring, Haarlem to Leiden

United States

Top 3 – Gold

• Utah^1,2,3 – Park City and Moab. Our favorite city for skiing and the world-famous Sundance Film Festival is Park City. We go every year and usually find something new to do. But the big hidden gem is the southern part of the State, starting in Moab and leading to the Colorado River/Grand Canyon. This area, known as the Grande Esplanade, is also highly recommended by HoneyTrek. You can visit some of America’s best National Parks: Bryce Canyon and Zion. etc.
• Oregon^1,2 – I worked in Oregon, outside Portland, for 3 years back in the 1990’s. Oregon has a real focus on the outdoors, despite the constant rain. It has a very unique feeling than almost anyother place in the United States that we have visited 
• New Mexico^1,2 – I have been to New Mexico once. Albuquerque and Santa Fe are really neat places to visit, very artsy and very romantic. Albuquerque is famous for hot air balloon rides and its festival, which occurs in October each year. New Mexico is in the center of the famous Route 66. The highway, which became one of the most famous roads in the United States, ran from Chicago, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before terminating in Santa Monica in Los Angeles County, California, covering a total of 2,448 miles (3,940 km).

 

Honorable Mention – Ranked in Another Category

• Virgina¹ and North Carolina^1,2 – Blue Ridge Parkway
• California^1,2 – Pacific Coast Hwy, Monterey to San Luis Obispo
• Hawaii^1,2,3 – Road to Hana
• Florida^1,2,3 – Florida Scenic Hwy, Florida City to Key West
• Colorado^1,2 – Million Dollar Hwy
• Vermont³ – Smuggler’s Tunnel in the Fall

Category 8: Best Destinations for Couples: Bucket List Not Yet Traveled

This final category is the must-visit destinations for couples: Paul and Robin’s Bucket List (i.e., places we have never visited but would like to someday). Some of the items have been identified by HoneyTrek, and they are so noted. The Golds could happen in 2024, 2025, or later. As to the Silvers, don’t hold your breath.

International:

Top 5 – Gold

• Cuba^3,4 – Our Church has a regular ministry visit to one of the parishes in the eastern part of the country. It is on our bucket list to do it one of these days. HoneyTrek recommends a road trip through the western part of the country and a visit to the cities of Trinidad and Cienfuegos. Cienfuegos translates to a hundred fires, which is appropriate for this post. We are reporting on 100+ must-visit destinations for couples that should light your fire.
• Costa Rica^3,4 – Despite having been to Panama twice, I feel guilty for never having visited Costa Rica. No plans yet, but we will make a trip in the next few years. HoneyTrek recommends Monteverde on the Pacific side and Tortuguero on the Atlantic side.
• The Balkans^1,2,4: Of the eleven countries that make up the Balkans, we are pleased to say that we have visited ten. Having added three more in 2025: Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. That leaves Moldova as the only one we will not have visited. Given the war in Ukraine, we are putting off Moldova until we can also visit Ukraine in the future.

Must See? Silver – Maybe

• Laos and Mynmar^3,4 – Two very interesting places in Southeast Asia that we have never visited. We could work them into a 2025 planned trip to Japan and South Korea. Would definitely be an adventure.
• Africa: Egypt, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda^3,4 – This is a long shot, and I would not bet on it. Nevertheless, despite not wanting to visit Africa, as we travel the world, we are getting more interested. Aside from Egypt, HoneyTrek recommends the other four countries. We have tentative plans to visit some of these countries in 2027.
• Antartica3,4 – We are traveling to the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of South America in 2024. That is as close as we will get to Antarctica anytime soon. HoneyTrek recommends a weeklong paddling excursion while in the Drake Passage. Not being that adventurous, we will pass.
• Nepal^3,4 – my good friend Ton Hey was there in a major earthquake and HoneyTrek says this is the best place in the world for hiking. Since neither Robin nor I is a big mountain hiker, it is a very unlikely trip for us. Nevertheless, if you have the young adventurous spirit of the Howards, or my buddy Tom, go for it.

United States

Top 5 – Gold

• Michigan² – I have visited Michigan several times and have always enjoyed it. Most of the trips have been to Detroit, but I have also been to the cereal-producing part of the state (Battlecreek) and to Benton Harbor on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. The reason Michigan is on our must-visit destinations for couples list is that neither Robin nor I has been to the Upper Peninsula, and that is a must-see. We plan to spend the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026 on Mackinaw Island and other parts of the Upper Peninsula.  Stay tuned, for an update, expect a new post soon. 
• Missouri^1,2 – We visited St. Louis on a national park 2020 tour of the United States and also Kansas City on that same trip. Nice to see the arch and great BBQ in KC. We didn’t see Kelse or Taylor Swift, so we may need to return. And we will. 2024 trip planned, first time in the Ozarks.

Conclusion: Best Destinations for Couples

Wow, if you’ve read all that and got here, you deserve an award. And we are thinking about one, but we just haven’t finished it yet. Stay tuned, we may get it up here soon.

When I started writing this post, I wasn’t sure where it would end up. It now turns out to be a great summary and index of our lives as half-time digital nomads over the past few years. Starting in the middle of the COVID pandemic in the fall of 2020, when we needed to get out of the house, we jumped in Robin’s car and took off. The car still had 5,000 miles left on its lease, and it was soon to be turned in. So, we made a sweeping tour of the US National Parks. That fired up our desire to travel the world, and the rest is history.

So, what did you learn? There are lots of places that qualify as Must-Visit Destinations for Couples. Some are beautiful beaches or pristine natural places, and others are in the world’s greatest cities. This post contains over 100 links to other articles, either on our blog or other places where we have learned about must-visit destinations. We have articles on the blog for 40 of the listed countries and for 22 of the listed US States. We have identified 30 additional countries in the post with no links and 15 states without links (I have some work to do over the next few years). Please follow the links if you wish to learn more and to begin your DIY Travel journey.

Call to Action

This post took over a week to develop. Artificial Intelligence (AI) was of little help. I would really appreciate your feedback, especially if you disagree with something we have said or find a broken link or an error. Please either post your comments or email us at info@cosquide4travel.com. Thank you and have a great DIY Travel Journey.

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