Whether we’re ready for it or not, Valentine’s day is well underway as February is fast approaching. This particular time of year provides the perfect opportunity to sweep your loved one away to that whimsical retreat you’ve been planning for ages. As cliché as it may sound, some of us do want to enjoy a romantic stroll on the beach while gazing into the eyes of our partner. After all, chivalry is not totally dead and perhaps a few of us are in denial about being hopeless romantics (read: not to be confused with stalkers or creepy people because that’s just weird). Word.

On the contrary, if you don’t have any Valentine’s day plans booked, no worries! From romantic city getaways to beach hideaways, here are five romantic getaways for the sweetest escape!

Montreal:

When most of us think of romantic cities, Paris seems to percolate to the top of our imaginary list of magical places people visit to experience the City of Love. However, for many of us hopping the pond may be inaccessible considering the distance and lack of approved time off from your supervisor (unless you snag a good flight deal; in that case just go!). But if you can’t get to Paris, consider Montreal! It’s the quintessential city that’s within reach with the Parisian feel on a budget. As the largest city in Canada’s Québec province, Montreal’s French influence provides a variety of decorative cathedrals, museums, shopping and a vibrant nightlife.

Niagara Falls:

When planning a dreamy getaway, it’s easy to ignore the beauty in our backyard when it comes to competing with designations from around the world. Niagara Falls is one of them. While the debate is still out on whether it is considered the 8th Wonder of the World, the Falls overlap the international border between Canada and the U.S. making it an ideal destination to celebrate Valentine’s day in one or both countries! Think of it as a two for one. With a passport or enhanced driver’s license in hand, head to the Canadian side to enjoy the delicacies, duty-free shopping and light show festivals.

Buzzards Bay:

Chances are you may be unfamiliar with Buzzard’s Bay if someone asked you to identify it on a map but you may be familiar with its more popular destination, Cape Cod. Located in the Atlantic Ocean near Massachusetts, the low-key town of Bourne is a quiet place to lay low with your boo. It wasn’t until we rented a beach house on the water one summer that it allowed me to appreciate the serenity and ease of having access to a lake to read, kayak, and enjoy a nature walk in the park. Plus, our house was pretty cute too!

A photo posted by Lisa Barber (@physicalcanvas) on

Bahamas:

For those of us who are pretty savvy with scoring flight deals, a quick getaway to the islands is right up your alley. Like many beautiful places in the Caribbean, you can book a picturesque beach bungalow, set on stilts over a crystal-blue lagoon and tranquil white sand for miles. Warm weather, sunshine and a hammock for two are all the ingredients you need for a romantic getaway.

Stay-cation:

As the days get busier and commitments accumulate to new heights, sometimes it may feel as if you are hardly home to spend quality time with your loved one. Many times, a holiday spent domestically versus abroad is the easiest way to turn lost time into quality time. Depending on your geographical location, you may not have access to a beach to watch the sunset disappear beyond the waves, but in the grand scheme of life, maybe the happy place for your relationship is vibin’ out to your favorite 90’s R&B songs or just simply catching up on the movies in your Netflix queue.

Remember, however you plan to spend your Valentine’s day it does not have to be over the top for anyone else as long as it is meaningful for you and your partner.

 

The following two tabs change content below.
Forever a thrill seeker for aspirational looks and global experiences, Lisa Barber is the creator of physicalcanvas.com which explores her love for fashion, travel and wellness across the globe while championing a minimal lifestyle abroad. She believes that the body offers the greatest artistic medium as the ideal canvas for beauty and style. The Fashion Institute of Technology alum has leveraged physical canvas since 2010 as a creative platform to discover new designers and attend Fashion Week in New York, Singapore and New Zealand. Given her love for culture, she embarked on a lifestyle change to pursue full-time travel by selling her home and resigning from her career to see the world. As a woman with a wanderlust for travel, she hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams. Follow her journey as she navigates her way from Rochester, New York to unique destinations around the world (@PhysicalCanvas).
Share
CLOSE
CLOSE
Viewport inner width = , height =