As we enter the first few days of February, people around the world are busy making plans to spend the day. Wherever you go ads for chocolates, jewelry, perfumes, and other gifts will follow. They grace billboards, interrupt you in the middle of TV binges, and even pop up on social media. This can make it confusing to know what to plan for the big day.
However, what if you opt to travel instead for Valentine’s Day? While chocolates are sweet and jewelry makes for a beautiful gift, nothing can top going on a romantic getaway with your travel buddy for life. After all, even a short vacation with your partner can prove to be beneficial for your relationship.
I absolutely love the idea of going on adventures with a special someone. That’s why, today, I’ve compiled a list of places in famous culinary destinations France that make for perfect getaways. If that’s something you’re interested in, keep reading for my comprehensive guide on Valentine’s Day travels this 2023.
Book A Romantic Trip to Paris, France
You simply can’t make a list of top locations for Valentine’s Day travels in 2023 and not include Paris. Known as the city of love, it’s the ideal location to take that special someone for a romantic getaway. The city is full of breathtaking sights, unique architecture, and rich culture that make it an unparalleled experience for you and your partner.
However, there is also a lot to do and see in the city of love that it can get overwhelming. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
If you can afford it, stay in a hotel with a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower to ensure every moment feels magical. However, if that’s not something you can do, hotels in Montmartre have incredible architecture, mesmerizing views, and unique rooms.
I recommend taking romantic strolls through the streets because there are many picturesque ones in the city. Walk through the streets of Montmartre or take in the beauty of the Sacré-Cœur. If you and your partner are movie buffs, you can even check out the streets made famous from classic movies like Funny Face or Rouge. In addition, you can visit locations from the recently-made hit show Emily in Paris. Another popular romantic spot for lovers in Paris is the Pont des Arts. It’s located between the Louvre and the Institut de France and is frequented by couples taking walks or clicking pictures.
If your relationship is becoming serious, or if you’re thinking of proposing, I’d recommend planning a picnic. Temple of Love is probably the most well-known spot when it comes to lovers. It’s frequented by lovers across the globe to propose to their partners because sharing a kiss there is believed to strengthen love.
The mesmerizing neo-classical building is located on a Versailles field on an island near two branches of the Hudson River. It was erected by Richard Mique in 1778 after Queen Marie Antoinette ordered him to construct it.
Luxembourg Gardens located on the 6th arrondissement or Parc des Buttes Chaumont on the 19th are also great spots for picnics. However, if you’re looking for something more traditional, have a picnic at the Trocadéro Gardens near the Eiffel Tower. After all, the monument designed by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel is not known as the symbol of love for nothing! You’ll also get the ideal proposal pictures there!
In the evening, you can also visit the champagne bar at the top level of the tower (276 meters). From there you can see all of Paris, which makes it all the more romantic.
Another great evening plan is to head to the Louvre. This is especially true if you and your partner are art buffs. The museum houses numerous artworks in its exhibition and is a lot quieter during the night. Take in all the rich art, culture, and history France has to offer, and even take great pictures outside the building, what’s not to love?
Experience the Rich Culture in Venice, Italy
While we are on the topic of experiencing rich cultures, it’s important to mention Venice. It is the perfect place for your Valentine’s Day travel in 2023. Italy in itself is the epitome of everything that is romance and culture from the romantic vineyards of Tuscany to the remarkable architecture of Rome.
However, when it comes to romantic getaways, few can top the magical feeling of Venice. After all, with its endless winding canals and charming alleys, the city is known to enchant hearts. Its artistic heritage and gorgeous architectural elements set this place apart and create the ideal romantic atmosphere.
That being said, you can’t have a romantic trip in Italy without taking a gondola ride. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that can’t be replicated, so I recommend not missing out on this one. Just imagine yourself and your partner in a picture-perfect scene from a movie, cozying up in a gondola as you drift through the breathtaking canals of Venice. However, it’s imperative you don’t take one on the main canal as it is more crowded. Instead, take one on the back ones for a quieter ride.
Another great way to celebrate the day with your partner is to watch opera at the Teatro La Fenice. It’s a unique experience to see a romantic show surrounded by this mesmerizing architecture. You and your special someone are sure to marvel at the golden details of the venue as the opera comes alive before your eyes. It is the ideal ambiance to fall in love all over again.
Venice is full of unparalleled experiences, and such popular ones include its wine bars. The city has its own version of them known as the Bacaros. A Venetian Bacaro serves ombra with cicchetti. I recommend you go and sample it to really make your trip memorable. This is especially true if you go to the oldest Bacaro, the Cantina Do Mori.
Don’t forget to have a great dinner with your loved one in Venice. After all, Italy is known for its delectable cuisine and the Northern Italian cuisine here is significantly different from the rest of Italy. It has a long history because Venice used to be a port for England. If a fancier place like Osteria Giorgione de Masa is not feasible, go to a good rooftop one for a great ambiance.
Spend Time Together in Bali, Indonesia
A popular beach destination among lovers, Bali is another great contender on my list of top romantic spots for Valentine’s Day travels this 2023. This island is known for its stunning temples and natural beauty consisting of lush green, sparkling beaches, and looming volcanoes. It’s no wonder why it’s termed the Land of the Gods.
When it comes to planning your romantic getaway, I recommend that you put checking out the Uluwatu temple at the top of your list. That’s because the location has a breathtaking atmosphere and a great view of the sea. It is a Hindu temple located in the south of the Pecatu Village. I especially recommend that you head over during the day to catch one of the most gorgeous sunsets.
Another great experience to add to your itinerary is to have dinner at the Samaya Ubud. This location is set in the middle of a rainforest near rice fields and provides an unforgettable ambiance. In fact, you can have dinner there surrounded by nearly 100 candles. It’s definitely a romantic experience that feels right out of a fairytale.
During the day, you and your special someone can check out the Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall, which is a 90-minute drive away from Ubud. Once you reach there, you’ll also have to hike for about 20 minutes in a banana plantation. However, the sight of the sparkling quartet waterfall surrounded by a lush forest is nothing short of a treat for the eyes.
If you’re interested in finding out about other spots for Valentine’s Day travels this 2023, check out my travel and food blog at Irina Bukatik.
I’m Irina Bukatik, and I’m a blogger sharing my love for food and travel on my little space on the internet. I absolutely love globe-trotting, and I’ve gone on many adventures over the course of years. I love exploring the numerous cultures and cuisines of the world, and I also adore sharing them with others. If that is something that piques your interest, you’re welcome to follow me on my travels right from the comfort of your home.
Keep up with me during my travels by checking out my socials, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Tumblr. If you also get in touch with me, contact me here.