The notion of international travel might still be up in the air, but the good news is that there’s nothing stopping you from planning that dream vacation with your significant other. So, open your computer, fire up Airbnb, Atlas Obscura, Lonely Planet, or whichever website holds the secrets to your deepest travelling desires, and get planning. Let’s get started with a few suggestions, whether you’re looking for romance, adventure, relaxation, or all three.
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Iceland
If you and your partner are the adventurous type that would enjoy driving around the country in a camper van, hiking to the top of mountains, and swimming in natural hot springs, then you should put Iceland at the top of your list. I recommend heading to the South Region and relishing in the picturesque scenery. The waterfalls, the mountains, and the rolling hills will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the Hobbit, sans the orcs. Make sure to visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, possibly two of the most stunning waterfalls in existence. Any cardio required to see the spectacular views this country has to offer is worth it. If you’re bold enough, rent a clear bubble hotel room and sleep under the stars; you might just get lucky and catch sight of the Aurora Borealis in all its colourful glory.
Costa Rica
Playa Grande, Costa Rica is the perfect location for couples that are looking for a highly active vacation, a highly relaxing vacation, or a blend of the two. If you’d like to vacation in a place where its warm enough to swim at sunup, and where its commonplace to feel like you have the entire beach to yourself, then book yourself two plane tickets. Playa Grande is a small, quiet surf town in the Guanacaste province where you can spend your days being a total beach bum, or engaging in snorkeling, surfing, swimming, and deep-sea fishing. The food is to die for, and the drinks are strong. The priority here is surfing and environmental conservation, so the restaurants and bars close early. You can watch the sunset on the beach, but after the sun goes down, the beach is off limits to protect the turtles. If you are looking for a night out on the town, the Tamarindo bar scene is only a twenty-five-minute car ride away.
Giethoorn Village
If you’re in the fairy tale stage of your relationship, dating a Disney fanatic, or perhaps you and your partner just really enjoy small towns that look like they were built by the Gingerbread Man, then you need to visit Giethoorn Village in the Netherlands. The main part of the village can only be reached by foot or by boat, truly making you feel like you’ve fallen into a storybook world. It’s picturesque and romantic, with brightly coloured flowers, thatched-roof houses, and small shops and cafes. Giethoorn Village is beautiful year-round but try visiting in the autumn when crowds are thinner and fall colours are blooming. You’ll leave with a calm, peaceful feeling, and enviable photos.
