First, Happy Valentine’s Day. I trust that wherever you find yourself today, you are taking a moment to stop and appreciate what you love about your life and the world around you.
I came across a post from Valentine’s Day a couple years back where I talked about some of the ways you can spread love as you travel.
That got me pondering how love and travel fit together in other ways and I started thinking of the many romantic places I’ve visited in my travels around the globe.
I’d like to share some of them with you today.
Florence, Italy
The first spot on my list, there is no way you can’t feel the love in Florence. From the architecture to the art, Northern Italy is quite romanticized to begin with. As I walked through the streets of my first European city I couldn’t help but feel my heart beating fully in my chest. Italy is a must for any couple in love, and Florence is the perfect example why.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
One friend described Ljubljana as the most beautiful place they have ever been to. Each and every building is more stunning than the one before it. As you walk the streets you feel as though you’ve entered a magical wonderland and what better way to experience such a place than with your hand holding that of the person you love.
Machu Picchu, Peru
I’ve decided to include Machu Picchu on this list for a different reason than the other places. While it might not pop to one’s mind as the most romantic place in the world, I distinctly recall wishing I had someone special by my side to admire the stunning view and creation of both humankind and mother nature. A difficult part of travelling alone is those moments where you come across something so spectacular that only the love of your life can truly appreciate it with you. When this happens, you must make a note to return, together.
The Taj Mahal, India
Widely known as the greatest symbol of love, The Taj Mahal is a giant contradiction. Standing there before it you can’t help but admire the incredible beauty of this 17th century masterpiece. At the same time, the stifling heat, loud and pushy tourists and smoggy air had me distracted from what I had come all the way to Agra for. My friend’s Captain and Clark got engaged there, further adding to their one of a kind love story. At the end of the day, it’s worth fighting the crowds. At the very least you’ll know if you and your partner can survive extreme travel together.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
On my most recent trip to Amsterdam, I fell in love with this city. It was winter, snow was sprinkled here and there. Walking along the canals, bundled up tight, the crisp air had me feeling full and joyful. City dwellers still rode around on their bicycles despite the cold and at night the lights twinkled, illuminating the classic and often tilted buildings. I look forward to the day I join the locals and stroll the canals with the one I love.
Buenos Aries, Argentina
Wine. Steak. Passion. Need I say more? From the beautiful sound of Spanish, to it’s countless architectural masterpieces, Buenos Aries is no doubt a place for lovers. The European influence is all around and your wine glass will never be empty. One of the most romantic things we do as humans is dine together, and this South American favourite will offer you many an opportunity to sit and learn about your better half. And if you’re flying solo, you might just find that special someone.
Oia, Santorini, Greece
I will never in all my days forget Oia. It was the end of a perfect day on the island of Santorini when I found myself perched on a city wall, watching the sun hanging low in the sky, teasing the sea below it. I wasn’t alone. Every walkway, fence, ledge and patio was full of fellow spectators, there to experience one of the most spectacular shows on Earth. As the sun slowly but surely disappeared into the water, the crowd erupted into applause and cheers, celebrating this gift from Mother Nature. It was then that someone got down on one knee, professed their love and asked their partner to spend the rest of their days together. The answer, was yes. We cheered once more.
While these are just a few of the romantic spots I’ve encountered around the world, I am sure there are many more that I’ve yet to experience. I just hope that when I find them, I am accompanied by the one I love, the way it should be.
Happy Valentine’s Day my friends. Believe me when I say, you are oh so loved, each and every one of you.
Love,
Brock
