The 10 Most Romantic
Cities in Europe

Can you picture it? A romantic gondola ride through the canals of Venice with the water gently lapping at your boat as the songs of your gondolier echo off the ancient and beautiful buildings. Toasting to 50 years together in Paris, your glass full of real champagne as you enjoy one of the best meals of your life. Wishing your love a happy birthday as you reach for their hand, strolling a white sandy beach, the Aegean Sea sparkling in the Greecian sun.

One of the best parts of a relationship is having a travel companion. One of the best parts of traveling with your love is the quality one-on-one time you get while exploring different parts of the world together. Whether domestic or international, a trip with your significant other means exciting experiences and maybe even learning something new about each other.

"Happiness is planning a trip somewhere new, with someone you love.” – Marty Rubin

Why You Should Travel with Your Partner

According to a survey of 1,000 couples on different ways traveling together affects their relationship, it turns out that travel actually strengthens relationships and helps ignite romance.

Travel Strengthens Relationships and Ignites Romance

Couples who travel together believe that travel positively impacts their relationship in several ways. 86% reported that traveling together makes them significantly more likely to be satisfied in their relationships, communicate well with their partners, enjoy more romance, spend quality time together, and share common goals and desires.

Travel is Better Than Getting Gifts

Nearly twice as many respondents believe that travel is better to improve the spark of romance in a relationship than getting small gifts. Over four times as many believe travel sparks romance better than giving big gifts. 

In the end, is there a better treasure than the everlasting memories you'll create as you explore the world together? We think not.

Tips for Traveling With Your Partner or Spouse

You could be the ideal travel companion. You could be compassionate, money-conscious, a sound sleeper, and well-versed in all the challenges you could face before and during a trip. Or, you and your partner could be first-time adventurers, not knowing who the better navigator is or who should be the last to shower each day of your getaway. No matter the situation, there’s always room to grow and show your special someone that you can be that patient, mindful travel partner.

From carving out a practical budget to keeping your companion’s quirks you so lovingly adore in mind, you and your partner can agree upon a host of tips as you explore the world.

Set a Travel Budget

It’s easy than you think to spend money while traveling. When you book your tour, all your hotels, sightseeing, transportation, and most of your meals are taken care of. However, you’ll still want to budget for any optionals you’d like to enjoy, additional tips for local guides, meals on your own, and bringing home souvenirs and authentic mementos. Work with your partner to set a travel allowance, with an allotted amount dedicated to extra meals, trip optionals, and emergency toiletries. Regarding the budget, no matter how high or low, it’s crucial to know your partner’s expectations. When in doubt, allow an additional 25% of your budget for the unexpected.

Be Mindful and Thoughtful

You may have gotten used to your partner’s habitual behaviors and unshakeable routines during your normal home life. It’s important, though, to remember that those things still matter when you’re on a trip together. If you know your companion needs coffee first thing in the morning, grab a cup for them if you’re up first. Keep prescriptions in mind when they need to take their medicine. Think ahead and try to remember what frustrated them during previous trips. Before going on your adventure, it’s always good to discuss these expectations so that you’re more likely to be a considerate travel companion.

Be Patient When Hunger Strikes

Being on vacation doesn’t mean your body’s schedule and needs change. Just as your circadian rhythm ticks, so does everything else. Remember when your partner might be showing signs of hunger and the irritation accompanying it.

Pro Tip: It’s best to pack a couple of emergency snacks for the day. While there will be meals, you or your partner might need a little pick-me-up during the busy moments of your day. To avoid grumpy disasters, be willing to try local foods and keep in mind to grab a snack when you stop, even if you’re not that hungry.

Decide Who is Taking Direction Each Day

When the two of you are setting out on your free time during a guided tour, decide early on who is managing whichever form of navigation you’re using. Letting your partner take the reins during free time will help give you a break. Then, switch and take charge of the next free-time adventure. Luckily, both of you will get the chance to relax when the tour guide leads the way.

Plan A Surprise

Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about planning when you book a guided tour. Even better – you can reach out to your Travel Director when you enter your trip preferences to let them know you’re celebrating a big occasion or that you’d like to do something special for your partner. No matter how big or small the thought, your Travel Director most likely will go out of their way to help you create a magic moment.

Setting out on a trip together is an invitation to make new memories. And while doing so, you can celebrate the past by reserving a special anniversary trip for you and your loved one. No matter the reason for your vacation, don’t let tiny irritable moments take away from the big-picture experiences and memories you are creating together.