In 2005, my world fell apart. I was widowed with four young children, left to navigate life as a single mother while barely keeping my head above water. There were days when just making it through was a victory. Travel was not a dream - it was my life. As a travel agent, I was constantly on the move, but always solo or with my kids. Seeing the world through their eyes was special, but deep down, I longed to share those experiences with a partner.
Life has a way of surprising us, and in 2017, I was given a second chance.
I call him my gift from God—a man who never lets me down, who made every love song and Hallmark movie suddenly make sense. He came into my life with a heart wide open but a passport nearly empty. Before we met, he had barely been out of Canada, save for a couple of trips to the U.S. and one vacation down south. That changed quickly. Today, his passport is bursting with stamps from all over the world, and together, we've made memories in some of the most beautiful places on earth.
Of course, romance in travel is deeply personal. My idea of a romantic getaway might be entirely different from yours, and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you love adventure, fine dining, cozy hideaways, or cultural immersion, there’s a perfect place for you. But if you’re looking for inspiration, these are my top picks for romantic travel destinations—some might even surprise you!
1. A French Château escape: Wine, markets, and timeless romance
There’s something about France that feels like it was made for love. But skip Paris (as beautiful as it is) and instead immerse yourself in the French countryside. Driving through the vineyards of Burgundy, Loire Valley, or Bordeaux, stopping at tiny markets to pick up fresh cheese and baguettes, sipping wine in historic cellars - it’s the kind of romance you can taste.
Tips for a perfect French getaway:
-
Rent a car and take the back roads. The magic is in the journey.
-
Book a stay in a château—many offer wine tastings and candlelit dinners.
-
Visit a local market early in the morning for fresh pastries and the best people-watching.
-
Try a cooking class together to master classic French dishes like coq au vin or boeuf bourguignon.
2. A UK road trip: Theatres, pubs, and Cotswold charm
I was born in the UK, so every trip back feels like a homecoming. And while London is always a must (especially for the theatre lovers like us - there’s nothing like seeing a West End show), it’s the Cotswolds that have my heart. Rolling green hills, honey-coloured stone cottages, cozy pubs with roaring fires… it’s straight out of a storybook.
One of our dreams is to visit Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm. Maybe not traditionally romantic, but when you find someone who loves the things you love, every adventure together becomes special.
Must-dos for a UK road trip:
-
Spend a night in a countryside inn, where the food is homemade and the locals are friendly.
-
Visit Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, and catch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
-
Stop by quaint villages like Bourton-on-the-Water or Castle Combe for picture-perfect moments.
-
End a day of exploring with a pint in a 500-year-old pub (they don’t make them like this anywhere else in the world!).
3. Christmas Market River Cruise: The magic of Europe in winter
Of all our travels, this might be the one that feels the most magical. Drifting along the Danube or Rhine, stopping at Christmas markets that smell of spiced wine and roasted chestnuts, bundled up together against the cold—it’s pure romance. My favourite stop? The Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market in Vienna. It’s elegant, festive, and truly feels like stepping into a winter fairy tale.
One evening, we attended a classical concert in Vienna, and it was one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life. The grandeur, the music, the way the moment seemed to slow down - it was like we had stepped into another era.
What makes a Christmas market cruise unforgettable?
-
Sipping mulled wine while strolling through twinkling market stalls.
-
Buying handcrafted ornaments and gifts that hold memories of the trip.
-
Indulging in seasonal treats like gingerbread, bratwurst, and roasted nuts.
-
Watching snow fall over the rooftops of old European cities from the deck of your boat.
4. The Romance of the Rails: A train journey through Africa
We are not “fly and flop” people - lounging by a resort pool for days on end just isn’t our style. We crave adventure, movement, discovery. That’s why one of our dream trips is a luxury train journey through Africa with Rovos Rail. Picture old-world elegance, five-star dining, and watching the landscapes of South Africa unfold before your eyes. From Cape Town’s vineyards to the rugged beauty of Namibia, it’s the kind of trip where every moment feels cinematic.
Why train travel is so romantic:
-
The rhythm of the rails and the ever-changing scenery create a dreamy atmosphere.
-
Dressing up for dinner in a vintage dining car? Yes, please.
-
No stress of navigating—just sit back, sip champagne, and enjoy the journey.
-
There’s something about long conversations, uninterrupted by WiFi, that makes you fall in love all over again.
Love, travel, and the journey together
Falling in love the second time around came with a deeper appreciation for what truly matters. Travel isn’t just about the places we visit—it’s about who we share them with. It’s in the quiet moments, the unexpected detours, the way we laugh when things don’t go as planned - which happens oh so often!.
So whether you're just starting your journey together or finding love later in life like I did, let the world be your playground. Pack your bags, take the scenic route, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that love and adventure go hand in hand.
