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Valentine’s Day is almost here. How do I know? I’m already out of Reese’s Peanut Butter Hearts. So while I consider whether to buy myself another bag or wait to see if Cupid’s gonna show his face this year, let’s look at some of the most romantic places I’ve traveled to. Alone.
7. Of course, there’s Paris.
My first trip to Paris was just a long layover by myself. I raced to the Trocadero at sunrise to get some pretty pictures of the Eiffel Tower. And I wasn’t the only one. I got to watch this couple set up for the wedding photos. Although chances were good they’re just models.
Sunset reflects off of Paris’ Sacre Coeur Basilica. This is also THE spot to get a view of the entire city. People were picnicking, drinking wine and listening to music with their loves. I just took selfies.
The Palace of Versailles might seem like a stretch for Romantic Destinations to people who’ve actually visited here. I mean, crowds of tourists wearing headsets and posing with nude statues is hardly romantic. But I found myself daydreaming about meeting my prince at a royal ball. If that ain’t romance…
6. Vigan City, the Philippines
Old towns always feel more romantic than new cities. The cobblestone streets make you walk a little slower and take in the scene. And horse-drawn carriages make that clip-clop sound like a beating heart. Vigan has live music at night and delicious empanadas during the day. Perfect for two. Or a really hungry one who doesn’t mind buying her own drinks.
Vigan also has a black sand beach perfect for reenacting From Here to Eternity. Or The Lady in the Water.
5. Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is home to a few palaces — one with a magical well, gorgeous views of the fairy tale town, and the best Pizza Hut I’ve ever eaten in.
4. Bali, Indonesia
In Bali, you can rent a private villa with a pool for a couple hundred bucks a night. Of course I didn’t do that, since a couple hundred bucks is my budget for the week. But my scooter ride to see the rice terraces was very cool. I rode past couples really enjoying the trip. I had to shove my afro into a helmet that was way too small and ended up with a headache. But that’s the way love goes.
3. Aveiro, Portugal
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Portugal’s on my list twice. I’m in love with this country. Aveiro was billed as the Venice of Portugal. That’s a stretch. But its canals, beautiful beaches and good food made it a definite hit.
Read more about my beloved Portugal, and why you’ll love it here.
2. Sydney, Australia
Finding a private spot in Sydney is literally a walk in the park. Sunset in the Royal Botanic Gardens sets the trees on fire.
And the gardens end with this view of the city.
1. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the most romantic place I’ve been. And that’s an accomplishment, since the city’s most popular foods, cabbage and sausage, don’t work in its favor. But everywhere you go in Budapest has an amazing view.
The gorgeous opera house has inexpensive tickets for a date night out. Gelato comes in the shape of a rose.
And beautiful architecture overlooks other beautiful architecture.
The pedestrian bridges are perfect for strolling hand-in-hand com sue amor. And you can lock it down while you’re here.
I took all of these photos with my iPhone 5s. You can see how grainy some of the lowlight pictures came out. For my trip to South Africa, I upgraded to a Nikon Coolpix digital camera. It’s still a simple point and shoot. But with better zoom and lowlight results than my smartphone, and way cheaper than a DSLR.
If romantic holidays for one aren’t your thing, read about Tinder dating all over the world here.
Being a solo female traveler means I get to see the most beautiful places in the world. Sometimes I wish I had someone to share the experiences with, but they’d probably also want some of my Reeses’s chocolate. So, I’m good.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Travel Buddy!
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Very nice Wonderful photos.
Thank you Monika!
This was a very good post. Enjoyable to read, loved your subtle sarcasm and writing style.
I have been to a few of your destinations, with my hubby though. I think it is fabulous that even though you travel as a single person, you won’t let it stop you. Good for you!! 👍🏻
I think I will actually sign up for your blog. This was a true gem.
Thanks for the kind words, Evangelina! I hope I did the cities you’ve visited justice. 🙂
Yes you did.
indeed, so romantic destinations!
Wonderful shots. Budapest bridge photo is the best for me. Nice composition.
Thank you. I really liked the bridges in Budapest. They’re pretty with wonderful views. 🙂
Those are some awesome pics and many of those places bring back great memories. I too explored them solo dolo.
Thanks Kim. 🙂
I haven’t been to any of your cities but loved the photos.
Thanks Carol. 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day!
It may sound bad, but I never really liked Paris. Of course, I was 12 years old when I went so it wasn’t really gushing with romance…
No, I get it. Paris is crowded and expensive. But I don’t know if anyplace in the world is more beautiful than sunset on the banks of the Seine with the Eiffel Tower twinkling. It’s definitely worth a second look. 🙂
Very interesting article and beautiful set of photos.
Fabulous shots indeed! Venice is a great spot for solo romance too.
I’m hoping to get to Venice this year! Maybe I’ll find a gondola partner. 🙂
Wonderful places!!
Great photos, fascinating places!
Worth a Thousand Words
I do love Paris but wow do some of these other places look amazing
Mollyx
nice post! #wkdtravelinspiration
Wonderful destinations, with or without that special someone! Anywhere can be romantic with the right person. And he will come! #wkendtravelinspiration
I can see the romance in your photos. I think romance is not about the place but the feeling and you picked some marvellous places for that feeling.
Stunning photos! There were so many I liked that I couldn’t even pick a favourite! This post reminds me of when I went up to the top of the Space Needle in Seattle alone and got a sad ‘just for one, honey?’ from the lady working there. It sounded like she felt sad for me that I was going up there alone…!
My husband keeps going to places like Budapest and Vienna without me. One day, I’m going to make him take me along and have a nice romantic getaway.
That was such a sweet post! I love it!
Your photos are always amazing! I love that you broke down the places and reasons why they are a place for romance. Thanks for sharing!
Xoxo
http://www.stylemefancy.com
Thanks Pentené!
I haven’t come across many bloggers who have been to Aveiro. Isn’t it so quaint. A lovely little town. I love Portugal as well but then again ‘m biased 😉 #wanderfulwednesday
Lillian, Portugal is now the Love of my Life. A local recommended Aveiro to me, and I’m so glad she did! It was like a secret that Portuguese people keep to themselves, right? 🙂
Some places just feel instantly romantic, don’t they? I find that lots of European cities create those feelings, I think it’s part of their charm 🙂
Absolutely, Marcella! Especially when the gorgeous architecture is lit up at night. I fall in love every time. 😉
I agree with so many of these choice, but especially Budapest. There’s an amazing spot in my heart for that city. I don’t know what it is, but it’s 100% one of my favorites. You’ve done a great job capturing the romantic skies of all these places. 🙂
That’s a huge compliment coming from you, Sara! Your post on Venice made me want to book a honeymoon, and I’m not even engaged.:)
Portugal making your list twice and I’ve never been there 🙁 lol. I want to so bad though. And I can see why Budapest is your No. 1. This is a fun list! It’s funny how cities can exude different personalities and these cities are definitely on the romantic side!
Haha this was funny 😛 I guess one of the perks of being in a long distance relationship is that I don’t have to share my Reeses cups either. I’ve been to a few of these places but Bali definitely sounds the most romantic to me! I’ve never traveled anywhere in Asia and would love to go!
Absolutely love love love these pictures! And I have one of the exact same “rose” gelato somewhere on my Instagram 🙂
Cool list, saving for later. I think I may not want to visit Paris alone, but everything else oh yes! #wanderfulwednesday
Hooray happy to see Sydney making number 2 on the list! I do think it’s a very romantic city personally. But if Sydney has to lose out to any city, I can’t argue with Budapest. I fell in love with the place when we visited, it’s just such a special place.
I cannot wait to visit Budapest and Portugal! There are so many great places to visit solo! #WanderfulWednesday
I Need to go to at least one of this places :D!! Wow Steph you’ve been to so many places!! Loved all the views and so on!!