I always say that those who can travel well together, stay together! And travelling with your beau is a great way to get to know them better. Getting away means not being constrained by the daily rhythms of work or obligations. It also pushes you into the new, exotic and exciting, allowing you both to see new sides of each other. It’s also been a hot minute since we’ve been able to travel freely, so now’s the perfect opportunity to plan a romantic escape! But if your travel muscles are bit rusty from lack of use, here’s some of my favourite getaways to get your imaginations going!
Visit a National Park
Immersing yourself in nature is the ultimate getaway from the rest of the world. And if that appeals to you, go visit a national park! It’s a great romantic escape for the active couple: You can go waterfall chasing, soak up some hot springs, or hike to the top of a mountain for a glorious view.
Whether you’re exploring Kakadu in the top end, heading to the Great Barrier Reef, or hiking the Grand Canyon, consider turning off your phones. Taking a digital break means you can concentrate on each other and removes the distraction of the real world. Or social media! Explore the outdoors – and each other in the outdoors of course! If you want to kick it up a notch, go on a overnight hike with camping and cooking over a fire you build yourselves. Or stay in a mountain resort for the comfort route, and enjoy keeping the cold outside as you retreat to the spa or sauna after a long day of walking.
For me, the ultimate national park in the southern hemisphere is Fiordland National Park. It houses Milford Sound – the best fjords you can see outside of Norway. Want a less obvious Aussie escape? Try Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast and hike the border track into New South Wales and all the waterfalls along the way!
Escape on a Romantic Beach Getaway
Relaxing on the beach is an easy classing and always worth considering. Beaches are beautiful, put the focus on being together, and mean you won’t be wearing a lot! Get a truly stress-free experience with an all inclusive holiday package, so all you have to do is show up, grab a deck chair, and work your way through the cocktail list.
When picking the next restaurant is the most stressful thing you have to do, there’s plenty of time to focus on each other. And each other’s bodies. Think bikini time, shower time, and afternoon nap time for a start…
And don’t forget the rubbing in sunscreen time.
Oceania is full of amazing beaches, from the holiday resorts in Bali down to the squeaky beach at Wilson’s Promontory in Victoria. So pick your seaside escape of choice and there’s probably going to be a good beach there. Mix in some diving and go off the beaten track at Ningaloo Reef, or maybe take the 100 beach challenge on the South coast of New South Wales. And don’t forget to christen as many as you can. Discreetly of course.
Have a Romantic Winery Escape
Great wine, good food and beautiful scenery- what’s not to love? The winery getaway has been one of my favourites for years, and I’ve systematically worked my way through all the states of Australia by winery region. The Barossa and Margaret River are tied for first place for the most romantic escape locations, in case you were wondering.
The wine trip is great because it gives you an interactive focus for the day – trying new flavours to see what you like. It’s also great in winter! After a long day of wine tasting, just retire to your accommodation with a cheese platter and your favourite bottle of red. Wine, cheese and a snuggle by the fire? Yes, please!
Go Island Hopping
Island hopping is a great romantic escape, whether you’re heading up the coast of Queensland, or exploring the waters around Thailand. It combines the sun, sand and swimwear beach escape with the phone-free adventures of a national park trip. Plus snorkling or scuba diving if you’re so inclined.
There are crystal clear blue waters, white sand and coral reefs full of wildlife for you to explore. Procure a boat and find your own private island for the day. Or even overnight. And of course enjoy sunset on the beach with your special person and a bottle of champagne.
In Australia, Great Keppel and Fraser Island in Queensland are favourites, with the Philippines being an amazingly affordable and underrated destination. Kangaroo Island in South Australia is also worth a look, although it’s more singular island destination than an archipelagic exploration.
Have Yourself a City Break
Cities are full of romantic potential. Catch the latest Broadway show, eat at a Michelin star restaurant, or wind down in an underground bar. Visit the latest museum or art gallery exhibition. Go to a gig, and then dance until dawn at the hottest new nightclubs. And don’t even get me started on the shopping.
City based romantic escapes can mean booking the fanciest hotel with the best views of the city lights. Pretend you’re rock stars for the evening, and get everything delivered to your couple bubble. Or book into a homestay and discover the charm of someone else’s neighbourhood. And hope they’ve left you a list of their favourite spots!
Any new experience where you can learn more about each other, relax, play, and laugh together is a great romantic escape. What are you into as an individual? As a couple? What can you show each other and share together?
Melbourne is my all round favourite city for a cultural couple break, with amazing shopping, museums and shows, plus great bars and restaurants. For a more low key vibe, I like Queenstown in New Zealand, with that ski resort feeling and plenty of adventure activities to enjoy.
Bonus Round: My 5 Most Romantic Escape Destinations
Now that we are all free to travel the world again, here’s my top five most romantic travel destinations:
Europe: Paris, France
What’s more romantic than the original city of love?
Paris is a museum on the outside as well as the inside. It has wide boulevards to stroll down and amazing structures to climb and explore. Start your romantic escape with a boat trip on the River Seine under all those famous bridges, including the Ponte des Artes where so many couples have secured their love with a padlock. Just because it’s illegal now, doesn’t mean you can’t go there and enjoy that Parisian charm!
There are many romantic little street cafes and bistro’s where you can get your fill of decadent food. I like sitting outside and people watching, spotting other couples on their own romantic adventures with a glass of Bordeaux red in hand. And of course, don’t forget to get that classic Insta-shot of you and your loved one at the Eiffel Tower.
Oceania: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Yes- this is that place where you can rent those huts over the top of the water.
Right, you’ve all gone to book them, now right? No? Okay, there are some huts where you can see the fish in the ocean through the floor! White sandy beaches, crystal clear blue water and consistent year round temperatures make Bora Bora a perfect romantic escape at any time of the year.
There are also a selection of couples activities to choose from. Take a sunset cruise, eat dinner over the water, or experience a Polynesian wedding ceremony. Spend your days relaxing on the beach, and your nights in each others arms, looking out over the ocean.
The Americas: New England, USA
Forget autumn in New York, spend this romantic time of year in New England. It’s the best place to see all those autumnal colours and celebrate new beginnings.
New England has a plethora of small towns across six states to choose from. From Vermont to Rhode Island, there is a postcard perfect romantic escape for everyone, be it a mountain retreat, or a seaside stay. As an additional bonus, the colder weather is perfect for getting up close and personal with your partner.
Africa: Marrakesh, Morocco
If you ever wanted to feel like a king or queen, Marrakesh is the place for you – rent your very own own riad complete with a private butler to cater to your every whim. Riads are mansions or palaces built around a central courtyard, and feature luxurious rooftop terraces. They’re your own hidden oasis in the desert, often with a pool in the centre of the house. Spend your days exploring the deserts or the markets, then retreat to your little bit of luxury for some loving.
Arabian nights never looked hotter.
Asia: Sihanouk ville, Cambodia
Although it is slowly being taken over by high rises, there are still some hidden secluded pockets to be found in Sihnanouk ville. And they’re worth visiting now while you still can. So grab your lover, and a scooter, and find your own private beach for the day. Nudity is essential. No really.
Explore the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat, have a massage, then hit a beach bar or find a dance party in the forest. And if you’re able to, plan your trip so you’re there for Songkran. It’s the world’s biggest water fight, where everyone is fair game and armed with water pistols and flour. Take on the world, and you’ll have a lot of fun making sure you’re both really, really clean afterward…
Taking Your Toys With You
This is Wild Secrets, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t give you some tips on bringing your sex toys with you. Finally having time to spend together means you may well want to experiment with new sensations – and toys can be exactly that. Just make sure you’re thinking ahead and consider the following.
- Check the local laws and customs on sex toys. Some places may have a ban on such items or seize them if found.
- Where laws are vague, try going for non-anatomical sex toys. It’s easier for authorities to turn a blind eye to silly tourists if you’re not bringing sculpted genetalia along.
- Look for toys with travel locks to prevent them turning on when you’re going through screening. Alternatively, try unpowered toys.
- If you’re bringing powered toys, make sure you have batteries and chargers. If you’re bringing a lot, a USB hub is a great investment.
- Pack your lube into your checked baggage. Bottles can leak as the cabin pressure changes, and you’re likely going to be restricted to 100mls anyway. That you may have to show off in a clear bag. To everyone. If you really want to join the mile high club, bring a sachet.
And that’s it! Happy travels, and I hope you find your romantic happy place!