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Valentine’s Day is coming up! What are your plans?

For me, spending Valentine’s Day somewhere new and exotic is the most romantic thing I could ask for.

You’re probably thinking of Paris or Venice right now… but I’m going to skip the obvious today and show you 9 oh-so romantic places on Earth that you might not have even heard of!

1. Isle of Skye, Scotland Highlands

If you’re ever visiting the Isle of Skye, you’ll most likely be staying in the fishing village of Portree as a base.

The reason it’s on this list is that you feel so far away from the rest of the world due to its location, yet so right at home.

There’s so much history and culture wrapped in jaw-dropping natural beauty here — it’s just the most romantic thing to be able to share it with the person you love.

2. Bruges, Belgium

First thing you’ll notice here are the cobblestone streets. It’s a quiet, poetic little town, surrounded by canals and medieval architecture.

After dinner, take a stroll along the canals — the night lights make this little city so, so romantic.

I was photographing my way to the old town, on this little bridge, when this guy literally just started proposing to his girlfriend out of nowhere.

I was left in that awkward position where, if I wanted to keep going, I had to squeeze past them on the bridge. So yeah, I ended up awkwardly witnessing the entire proposal from about 100m away. ☺️

Anyway, moral of the story: Bruges is a city that’ll make you want to put a ring on it. And don’t leave Belgium without trying some naughty-shaped chocolates and waffles!

3. Volendam, The Netherlands

When I visited Amsterdam, I got a day pass and wanted to check out every stop to make full use of it.

That’s how I discovered this little fishing town on Markermeer Lake, northeast of Amsterdam.

This place is so cute and vibrant — you can really feel the Dutch culture, from authentic music to the houses, and people dressed in traditional clothing as if it’s a special market day.

You must try their raw herring: they use the freshest fish in a hot dog roll, topped with a slice of pickle. It literally melted in my mouth! 🤤

4. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Replublic

Cesky Krumlov is a really cute, picturesque town in South Bohemia.

Visit the castle and go up to the bell tower for some breathtaking views of the old town. The whole place feels like a utopia.

The houses here have red roofs, just like in fairy tales. There are cute shops everywhere.

People are having so much fun in the Vltava River; this whole place is just so harmonious.

5. Lake Como, Italy

When we first checked in to our hostel, I noticed a letter on the wall. It’s from a boy who had been diagnosed with cancer.

Instead of being treated in the hospital, he decided to travel the world. He wrote this letter to his parents, telling them just how beautiful Lake Como is and that he wished he could one day bring them there.

Of course, that day never came.

Years later, his parents finally came to Lake Como, sitting at the exact same spot, watching the same scenery he had described in his letter…

I shed a tear. 😢

On the ferry to Bellagio — or any other village, for that matter — you are surrounded by the beautiful snow-capped Alps and glossy, deep blue water.

Sometimes the clouds are so low they blend in with the fog, and the houses seriously look as though they’re floating above in heaven.

It’s that surreal.

Update 2025: Lake Como was overrun by tourism in the recent years. We recommend Lake Ghada instead. 🙂

6. Solvang, California, USA

I definitely did not expect to come across a town so rich in Danish heritage on a road trip to San Francisco.

From the architecture to the market, it really feels like you’re living in a fairy tale.

There’s even a dedicated Hans Christian Andersen museum, which made Solvang hands down one of the most fairy-tale-like places I’ve been.

Try some Danish ice cream and chocolates — they’re so rich, you’ll be sugar-high for the rest of your day!

7. Queenstown, New Zealand

Talk about natural beauty — Queenstown takes the medal for all four seasons!

Wherever you go, however you snap a picture, it’s ready to be framed.

What’s more romantic than staring at the Milky Way at night and being surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth?

8. Byron Bay, Australia

Ok, I live in Australia, so I’ll try not to be biased.

But Byron Bay definitely makes the list because of its beautiful lighthouse, hippy shops, and a long stretch of white sand, packed with bikini bodies.

This is one of those places that, once you’re here, you do not want to leave.

Artists absolutely love it here — it’s a haven for creators.

With trendy restaurants and bars, nothing can go wrong! (If you don’t do silly things, that is.)

9. Honeymoon Lagoon, Efate, Vanuatu

Honeymoon Lagoon is off the map — we discovered it by accident while wandering around Port Villa, Vanuatu.

You can get there by taking the Pango back road on a scooter.

It’s a perfect natural marine reserve with crystal-clear water, and there’s even a tree with bare branches to hang your clothes. (Not sure if it’s still there now.)

Seriously, it’s so perfect it’s almost like a man-made aquarium or saltwater pool in the middle of paradise.

You can snorkel right in the lagoon and swim with Nemo! Just be careful of the sharp corals.

Alright, to help you locate this secret gem: according to my GPS, the coordinates are approximately 17°46’24.1″S 168°16’11.0″E, just off Honeymoon Beach. 🤫

Good luck!

Last Notes

There you have it!

My 9 favourite off-the-beaten-track secret spots around the world, perfect for exploring with that special someone this Valentine’s.

What are you waiting for? Grab your partner, pack light, and set off on an adventure that’s a little off the map — the kind of trip that will stay with you both long after Valentine’s Day is over.

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