100+ Must Visit Destinations for Couples [2024]

Methodology

We believe that whenever we present a list of some of our favorite places (destinations, restaurants, etc.), it is best for us to first describe our methodology for ranking the places. So, here goes.

How We Rank

Rankings are being done by category. We have developed eight categories. Click on them to see the details. They are:

• Paradise on Earth: The Most Romantic Beach Destinations
• City Escapes: The Most Vibrant and Romantic Cities for Couples
• Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Gems for Adventurous Couples
• A Taste of Culture: Must-Visit Destinations for History and Art-Loving Couples
• Luxurious Getaways: Destinations for Couples in Need of Relaxation
• Natural Beauty: Mountains and Lakes Galore
• Roads More Traveled: Best Road Trips
• Not Yet Traveled Bucket List

Our destinations are identified as being either a Continent, Country or U.S. State. They may only be ranked as Best in one of the eight categories. If they qualify in a second or third category, they will only get an honorable mention listing in that and not a full description.

Ranking is based on the Following Four Criteria:

1. Places we’ve enjoyed and visited recently (last few years).
2. Places we plan to visit in 2024/2025, based on prior visits or research.
3. Places referenced in “Ultimate Journey for Two – Extraordinary Destinations on Every Continent.”^**
4. Other places, not previously referenced, but 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 a “2” superscript next to them will be future posts.

Ultimate Journey for Two – Extraordinary Destinations on Every Continent

^**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 of authors of the book which we had at home and used to plan our trip. Mike and Anne quit their jobs in New York after they got married. They exited their apartment lease in 2012 and began their honeymoon on an endless travel trip.

Similarly, we consider the past few years, after our Maui Wedding in 2012, also as our endless honeymoon. They were the first full-time digital nomads that we met and helped encourage us to become half-time digital nomads. (Heck, we’re a lot older.)

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

I. Paradise on Earth: The Must Visit Romantic Beach Destinations for Couples

International:

Top 5 – Gold

• Barbados¹ – 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, great place.
• Thailand^1,2,3 – Collectively, with HoneyTrek we can recommend four places in Thailand that are worth a visit. We recommend Phuket and Bangkok based on our visits. HoneyTrek recommends Khao Sok, which has a rain forest and caves. They also recommend Railay which has a great beach, only reachable by boat, and high mountains similar to Phuket with its famous James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay. In 2025, if we make it back to Thailand, which we plan to do, 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 Baha Peninsular 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 Myan 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,
• Indonesia¹ – I have visited Bali twice and I still want to visit again, as well as other places in Indonesia. While Bali has some very nice beaches, it is the interior, the people and its strong culture, that draws me back. For more adventure, HoneyTrek recommends Central Flores which is an island in the Nusa Tenggara section of Indonesia.

Must See: Silver

• Portugal² – Portugal has a number of good beaches. Nazaré is known as the home of the biggest surfable waves on the planet. We hope that we might see these monsters when we visit this summer.

Honorable Mention – Ranked in Another Category

• French Polynesia¹ -Morea, 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 Monterrey Peninsular 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, when it comes to coastline length, Florida outshines California. Florida boasts an impressive 1,350 miles of sprawling 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 just what they love.
• Hawaii^1,2,3 – 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 gets overwhelmed when a cruise ship visits. Look for a new post on Charleston, and the region later in 2024.
• 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.

II. City Escapes: The Most Must Visit Vibrant and Romantic Cities for Couples

International:

Top 6 – Gold

• 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 to visit in the world. We will be going again in 2024 for the Olympics.
• Germany^1,3 – Berlin and Munich are world-class cities. Traveling the Rhine Gorge on the Upper Middle Rhine River between Rudesheim 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 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.
• Japan^1,2 – Tokyo and Kyoto should be on everyone must visit list. We are headed back again in 2025.

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 post, very informative. HoneyTrek recommends a fishing village called Mui Ne. It is similar to places we visited on the Mekong River.
• Singapore¹ – We did a one-night layover in Singapore for one main reason: to see the #1 ranked airport in the world. It didn’t disappoint.
• Sweden⁴ – It has been almost 25 years since I last visited Stockholm. But I still tell everyone who is going there they must visit the Vasa Museum.
• Denmark⁴ – Copenhagen is considered by many the top foodie city in the world.
• 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^1,2,3– Buenos Aires
• China² – Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Xi’an
• Thailand^1,2,3 – Bangkok

United States

Top 5 – Gold

• New York^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. We also love Saratoga Springs, (my daughter owns a horse there) expect a post soon. HoneyTrek highlights Niagara Falls.
• 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.
• Texas¹ – 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.
• Louisiana^1,2 – NOLA, the Big Easy. Great Food and a lot of fun. If we don’t get back in 2024, it will be 2025.
• 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 2024 and 2025.

Must See: Silver

• Illinois⁴ – No immediate plans to re-visit the windy city, Chicago and last visits were a few years ago. Wonderful city, plenty of activity and great architecture. Unfortunately, I don’t like deep-dish pizza, 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 5.

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

III. Off the Beaten Path: Must Visit Hidden Gems for Adventurous 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 clearly are not as adventurous in our 70’s as the Howards.

Our fist Hidden Gem is the Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. We toured it with Get Your Guide.

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 state to stay at the Hiša Franko B&B and to eat at their highly rated restaurant (top 50 in the world). In 2024 we will return to Slovenia, this time to visit Ljubljana and Lake Bled.
• Croatia^1,2 – In 2022 we visited Dubrovnik and Split. In 2024, we returned to both a second time and visited Korcula and Havar 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. This is a country that you want to spend some serious time visiting.

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 thru 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.
• Georgia^3,4 – Tblisi is the capital of the Country of Georgia and is a recommend destination by HoneyTrek’s friends Lisa Gant and Alex Pelling. They manage a website 2people1life. This is a wonderful website about their 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 the oldest wine producing regions in Europe. 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.
• China^2,3 – I have been to China twice, once to Hong Kong and the neighboring city of Guangzhou and the second time to Bejing and the city of Xi’an. The first trip was in the late 1980’s, shortly after China was opened to the West. And the second trip was less that 15 years later in the early 2000’s. My, have things changed. I hope to be able to return in 2025. 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 life-long 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 finds 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

• Utah^1,2,3 – Park City, Moab, Zion and Bryce Cannon.

IV. A Taste of Culture: Must Visit Destinations for History and Art Loving Couples

On our trips History and Art are two of our most favorite must visit destinations for couples. Here are the best places to enjoy culture: history and art. If you are planning to go to the Sistine Chapel we recommend getting a guide on Get Your Guide.

International:

Top 5 – Gold

• Italy¹ – How could we not start with Italy as our #1 choice for history and art? We have travelled 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.
• Greece^1,2,3 – The only place we know with more history than Italy. We have travelled there in the past, but only to the islands via cruise ship. In 2024, we are hitting the islands again (Santorini and Mykonos, which we missed last trip), and also spending time in Athens, Delphi and Thessaloniki before we venture into the Balkans. Really looking forward to this trip.
• 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 won’t be walking.
• 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 some additional 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 Hahnenkann, site of world class downhill racing. Certainly, the history, architecture and music in Vienna are world class.

Must See: Silver

• India³ – India has a very unique culture and some great history. I traveled to India in the 1990s for business. I did get to see the Taj Mahal which is magnificent. There I visited Delhi and Chennai which made me somewhat of an “offshore computing” expert at the time. Back then the infrastructure was horrible, and they usually lost power a few times a day. I was never sure how you ran a computer business with those conditions. I hear things are better today. HoneyTrek recommends visiting Ladakh in the mountains which has a great culture as it is influenced by its neighbor Tibet.
• Turkey³ – HoneyTrek highly recommends Cappadocia and Pamukkale. Cappadocia is a beautiful, historic area that HoneyTrek recommends you work with a tour agent to help you explore. 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.

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 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
• Tennessee^1,2 – Nashville and Chatanooga
• Texas¹ – San Antonio and the Hill Country

V. Luxurious Getaways: Must Visit Destinations for Couples in Need of Relaxation

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

VI. Must Visit Natural Beauty Destinations for Couples: Mountains and Lakes Galore

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.
• 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 – 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 America’s and European tectonic plates, and hiked 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.

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

VII. Must Visit Roads More Traveled: Best Road Trip Destinations for Couples

Must Visit Best Road Trip destinations for Couples is well documented in our post Best Road Trips for Couples. Check it out. We recommend hiring a tour for your trip 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^3,4 – For a great road trip, HoneyTrek recommends the Atlantic Ocean Road through Mor og Romsdal County. they also suggest checking out the Norwegian Fjords.
• 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 stating 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 2 – 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 Cannon, Zion. etc.
• Oregon^1,2 – I worked in Oregon, outside Portland, for 3 years back in the 1990’s. Oregon has a real outdoor focus, despite the rain which falls constantly.
• 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. Alburquerque is famous for its balloon 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

VIII. Must Visit Destinations: Bucket List for Couples – 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 some day). 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 Western part of the country and visiting 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.
• Philippines^2,3,4 – 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. Hope to get back in 2025.
• South Korea^2,4 – We hope to visit South Korea, where we have never been, also in 2025.
• Costa Rica^3,4 – Despite being to Panama twice, I feel guilty that I have never 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 seven. However, in 2025 we plan to visit three more: Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. That leaves Moldova as the only one we will not have visited. Given the war in the Ukraine, we are putting off Moldova until we can visit the 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 longshot, and I would not bet on it. Nevertheless, despite not wanting to visit Africa, as we travel the world, we are getting more interested. Other than Egypt, HoneyTrek recommends the four other countries. Given the problems in the Middle East here in 2023-24, we probably will not be visiting Egypt or the Middle East anytime soon.
• Antartica^3,4 – We are traveling to the Cape of Good Horn at the south tip of South America in 2024. That is as close as we will get to Antartica 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 are big mountain hikers, 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 a number of times and have always enjoyed it. Most of the trips have been to Detroit, but I also have 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 have been to the Upper Peninsular and that is a must see. If we can find an inexpensive Great Lakes Cruise, we may do it that way.
• 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: Must Visit 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 in 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 that it has become a great summary and index into our life as half-time digital nomads these 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 5000 miles left of its lease 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 pure natural places, and others are in the greatest cities in the world. 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 35 of the listed countries and for 22 of the listed US States. We have identified 34 additional countries in the post with no links and 15 stats with no links (I have some work to do in the next year). 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 really would appreciate your feedback, especially if you disagree with something we have said, or if you find a broken link, or an error. Please either post your comments or send us an email at info@cosquide4travel.com. Thank you and have a great DIY Travel Journey.