Every year Valentine’s Day rolls around and every year Bahamians break out their favorite red outfits and sit patiently at work, waiting for their big bouquets or baskets to come through the office doors. We think it’s time this tradition gets an upgrade! There’s a whole big wide world out there full of romantic destinations waiting to be explored by adventurous lovers.
Before you book your regular table for 2 at your usual restaurant or share a tropical, conch salad with two spoons at a local hangout, Going Places Travel have some suggestions! Whether you are good for a last minute getaway or need some time to plan for V-Day 2020, here are 5 romantic places around the world to whisk your love away for Valentine’s Day.
New York, New York
Start spreading the news - New York is a place for lovers of that old city charm. Steeped in the beauty of spending Valentine’s Day is that there are so many different ways to enjoy it. Explore the icons with a V-day high tea at the infamous Russian Tea Room, topped off with a showing of the Opera at the legendary Carneige Hall. Strap on your walking shoes and explore the charming old streets that have been reworked with a modern twist, hand-in-hand, taking in the world’s most infamous cultural melting pot. Visit the historical Lady Liberty, Grand Central Station and the modern LOVE statue (another perfect spot to propose, by the way!). It would be impossible for all the amazing ways to celebrate the day of love with your lover in New York!
Going Places Travel Advisor Tip: We want you to whisk your love away for Valentine’s Day. This location is the easiest and most affordable last-minute off-island escape for V-Day 2019. We can help you find a ticket and hotel package deal to suit your budget. Call one of our professional travel advisors today!
Exuma, The Bahamas
Ok, hear me out - Exuma. Is. EVERYTHING! Any Bahamian paying attention to the media these past few years have seen the azure waters of the Exumas sparkling all over tv and social media. Exuma is a literal paradise nestled along the Tropic of Cancer. The sad part is, Bahamians often don’t take advantage of the sheer beauty of the island that really is theirs to enjoy. This V-Day, take your lover to the Island voted Top Island by Travel + Leisure and make it a weekend of relaxation and pure island vibes.
Keep it low key and personal with a bed and breakfast along the beach or indulge in the luxury of a private villa or hotel. Do something a little different and connect with a local tour operator to plan a private picnic for two on one of the many exotic Exuma Cays during low tide. What’s more sexy than living out your secluded island fantasies with the sparkling water mere inches away from your feet!
Going Places Travel Advisor Tip: February is still considered peak season in The Bahamas. Even if you’re a local resident of The Bahamas, you can still run into “on season” prices. Consult your Going Places Travel Advisor o who can pair your romance needs with the right type of hotel and help you book during the right time to get the best pricing.
Aspen, Colorado
Trade powdery white sand for pillowy snow banks with a complete 180 from the sunny Bahamas. Aspen, Colorado with its infamous Rocky mountains, is the perfect chilly location for creating blazing hot nights in front of a warm fireplace. Imagine a snow-filled day of trying new things together like skiing the Buttermilk mountains or driving snowmobiles around the T-lazy-7 ranch. Then prepare to turn up the heat at night with a romantic night-in for two at one of Aspen’s ski lodges, complete with fireplace, hot tub and a bed full of red rose petals. Don’t forget to pack your “Do Not Disturb” sign with your scarves!
Going Places Travel Advisor Tip: Think of your Travel Advisor as your personal romance concierge. Beside the country you’d like to visit, communicate all of the amenities that would help make your wintery-escape, Valentine’s Day trip as special as you’d like - including looking for lodging with hot tubs, etc. Your Travel Advisor will be able to find the perfect spot to meet your needs.
Bora Bora, French Polynesian Islands
As the islands that need no introduction, Bora Bora has made the over-the-water villas the absolute dream destination for romance junkies. Absolute seclusion and privacy are the top reasons to make this Utopia top of your list for a steamy get away. Pick one of the many (many!) resorts that offer an over-the-water room experience and ask your Going Places Travel Advisor for a price match to get the best deal. This time next year, you and the love of your life can be staring out at the crystal clear waters from your bedroom while you lay in each other’s arms.
Take a tour of the island, walk hand-in-hand, visit the volcano, put a flower in your lover’s hair - guys, I want this for you!
Going Places Travel Advisor Tip: Travel time to the French Polynesian islands can be over 8-12 hours depending on your connecting city. If you are uncomfortable spending over 12 hours in the air at a time, consider connecting in a city where you can spend a few days before making the longer trip to the islands. We recommend a few days around Miami or LA as a mini-vacay to calm pre-flight jet lag before you fly out and on the way back home.
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Guys, listen up. If you’re planning on making this V-day extra special and proposing to the love of your life, you won’t find a more beautiful and scenic locale. Described as a literal coastal gem, the Amalfi Coast of Italy is the perfect blend of mediterranean, nautical romance and old Italian charm. Plan a boat ride around the coast to take in the beauty of this seaside town and see the mountains dotted with rustic villages and colorful fauna. You’re sure to find the perfect high point with a view to pop the question. As Italy is also, undisputedly, one of the food capitals of the world, there are many charming Italian cafes and restaurants to choose from. This location is perfect for the foodie lovers.
Going Places Travel Advisor Tip: Awww, you guys - proposals are our favorites!! Don’t leave it up to chance, take the best advice we can give you - plan ahead! Destination proposals can be an incredibly memorable experience, but let the pros help you out. We can help you find the best locations, the best time of day depending on local weather and even help you find local professionals to help you capture the moment. Call us - we love to celebrate love!
*Bonus Destination: The “Aurora Borealis” aka The Northern Lights
Literally “WOW” your sweetheart with a night like they’ve never experienced before. If you’re not familiar with this spectacular phenomenon, The Aurora Borealis or as they’re more commonly called, The Northern Lights, are one of the most spectacular and mesmerizing natural light displays on earth. Natural lights of varying colors are emitted across the Earth’s Sky, offering up an ethereal experience like you’ve never seen. I definitely recommend looking up the science behind this natural occurring event. For the nature and earthly wonder lovers, this is the most amazing Valentine’s Day experience in the world - hands down.
Going Places Travel Advisor Tip: The Northern lights can actually be seen from several different locations. Make the Northern Lights the highlight of a European getaway and visit the northern parts Norway, Sweden or Finland. If you prefer to be a little closer, take a trip further up North America and see the Aurora Borealis in James Bay, Canada or Alaska. Call your Going Places Travel Advisor to help plan the best way to this location.
Try and get your relationship Going Places (wink, wink).
Contributing Writer: Sania Duncombe
Interested in seeing the world? Your Going Places Travel Advisor can help you plan your next adventure!
Come in to any one of our offices or give us a call at today!