Category Romance

Jordan might not immediately strike travellers as a hotspot for a romantic getaway, but it should. The warm hospitality, exquisite sunsets, endless outdoor adventures and otherworldly landscapes create a magical setting for making memories with your other half.

Here are our favourite activities that hit that sweet spot.

Indulge at the Dead Sea

After a tough trek or a day spent exploring ancient ruins, you’ll be ready for some R&R. Book a seaview room at one of the 5-star hotels along the Dead Sea, or spend a night at the nearby Ma’in Hot Springs Spa, which has a wide selection of relaxation options and is located just 15 minutes from the lowest point on Earth. For a natural and soothing skin treatment, soak in serenity at the hot springs or cover your skin in mineral-rich mud before taking a float in the salty sea. Schedule a couple’s massage and share some quiet time to unwind. Afterwards, peep the sunset from the Panorama Complex and toast your peaceful day in paradise.

Go on a rooftop hop in Amman

There is something undeniably and quite literally uplifting about sharing a meal or sipping a cocktail in an elevated open-air setting. Add to that experience some stellar views of ancient ruins and the captivating transition from sunset colours to sparkling city lights all across Amman, Jordan’s hilly capital, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a romantic evening out. The best way to begin your Jordan journey? Taste and sip your way across the roof terraces of Amman together. Whether you prefer coffee or cocktails, local flavours or international fare, a casual vibe or dressed-to-the-nines nightlife, Amman’s got you covered. Start or end your evening at Cantaloupe, just off Rainbow St in Jebel Amman. With a casual-chic vibe, happy hour offers and sweeping Citadel views, this double-level rooftop terrace is the perfect place to sample some Jordanian wine while watching the sun set over the old city.

Engage your senses and escape the crowds in northern Jordan

Want to steal some alone time with your sweetheart? Ditch the Petra-bound crowds and head north instead. Beit Al Fannan, an alluring guesthouse built into the hills overlooking the Jordan Valley and the ancient ruins of Pella, awaits. Formerly the creative retreat of a Jordanian artist, this charming villa invites visitors on a sensory journey, encouraging you to explore both within the walls of this hand-constructed home and beyond into the historically significant yet sleepy town of Tabaqat Fahl. Let the aroma of a traditional Arabic breakfast – prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and served on the terrace with views into the valley – awaken you.

After breakfast, spend some quiet time engaging with the many books, paintings and stories inside Beit Al Fannan or creating art of your own with materials provided on site. Afterwards, savour the tranquillity of a stroll through the ancient – and often tourist-free – former Decapolis city outside your door. If you’ve still got the energy and curiosity, hike hand-in-hand along the nearby nature trails, where sheep graze lazily and pine perfume lingers from the evergreens that line the trail. When night falls, cosy up by the fireplace with a mug of hot tea before lighting candles around an outdoor bed, where you can sip Jordanian wine, breathe in the placidity of this special place and cuddle under the starry sky.

Step out of your comfort zone and into the stables

If you’ve ever struggled to express yourself or wondered what your partner is thinking, step into the stables for an equine therapy session with Wadi Rum-based trainer Sandra Jelly and her horses, and you may well solve the mysteries together. As highly sensitive creatures, horses have the ability to immediately mirror back your inner thoughts and emotions. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable with the horses and each other creates an opportunity to address any emotional roadblocks in your relationship and strengthen your bond. These equine therapy experiences can get quite personal, so it’s best to book a private session for the two of you to share.

Request intimate dining experiences

Some of the most romantic activities in Jordan are ones you won’t see advertised but only require a little pre-planning. Surprise your sweetheart by booking a private dining experience in a dreamy setting: request dinner prepared by a private chef in the garden or along the shore at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea. Looking to pull off a proposal or memorable meal in southern Jordan? Enlist the help of tailor-made tour providers, such as In2Jordan and Experience Jordan, to arrange a candlelit table for two on the beach in Aqaba, in the desert sands of Wadi Rum, or even in a cave in the Lost City of Petra.

Connect with nature – and each other – on the Jordan Trail

Jordan’s diverse terrain and innumerable hiking trails invite you to lace up your boots, leave the distractions of your busy life behind and turn your attention to each other and the natural world around you. The recently opened 650km Jordan Trail crosses the entire length of the country, offering countless chances to get closer to the land and the love of your life. Whether you opt for a one-day hike or a multi-night camping trip, such as the popular and challenging Dana to Petra section, taking on a trail with a loved one means sharing the adventures along the way: encouraging each other up a steep incline, celebrating the accomplishment of reaching your destination and marvelling at the natural beauty you will encounter at each turn.

Rise above Wadi Rum in a hot-air balloon

Stretching more than 700 sq km and home to the lunar-like landscapes of Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian film fame, Wadi Rum is every bit as massive and mesmerising as you might imagine. It’s impossible to see all of this vast ‘Valley of the Moon’ if you only have a couple of days and are travelling by jeep or on foot. But where there’s a will – and a hot-air balloon – there’s a way. The gentle pace and bird’s eye view from the balloon basket create a divine setting for out-of-this-world photo ops and champagne bottle pops. Be sure to request a private ride and any additional arrangements (such as a picnic basket, photographer or beverages) when booking.

Watch a postcard-perfect sunset in southern Jordan

A sunset shared is arguably romantic anywhere in the world, but the dramatic landscapes of southern Jordan add an extra element of enchantment. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic basket and dig your toes into the desert sand in Wadi Rum, where the sun often paints the towering sandstone rocks in soft pinks and purples. If you prefer your sunsets with a side of sea, book a sunset sail on the Red Sea in Aqaba and wrap up this romantic day sipping Jordanian wine aboard a boat as it cruises the sapphire-coloured waters.

Sleep under the stars

Desert magic doesn’t stop simply because the sun disappears. Jordan’s night sky provides a brilliant backdrop for romance, and you’ll discover ample opportunities to snuggle under the stars. The lack of light pollution in remote areas such as Wadi Rum and Dana Biosphere Reserve make these places perfect for scouting constellations and sighting shooting stars. Whether you lounge atop the roof at Feynan Eco Lodge or cuddle up in a bubble tent in Wadi Rum, stargazing is bound to be one of your most memorable and romantic moments on your Jordan journey.

Vancouver-based travel journalist Amber Gibson recently returned from bucolic Vancouver Island, whose spectacular winter storms make for a surprisingly romantic getaway. Here’s what she recommends for this unexpected destination.

You should go storm watching on Vancouver Island because…

The huge storms that roll in from the Pacific Ocean are simply spectacular. There’s nothing between Vancouver Island and Japan but open ocean, and every year from November through March huge storms crash along the western coastline, bringing 30-foot swells and hurricane-force winds. On calmer days, intrepid surfers in wetsuits can be seen riding the waves.

Storm watching has been a popular off-season tourism attraction on the west coast of Vancouver Island since the 1990s, when hotelier Charles McDiarmid opened the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, with all rooms facing the sea. (Don’t worry: all the floor-to-ceiling windows are outfitted with hurricane-proof glass.)

On Vancouver Island, I stayed in…

Port Renfrew, more accessible than the better-known storm-watching destinations of Tofino and Ucluelet. Both cheaper and less remote than the alternatives, Port Renfrew is a two-hour drive from Nanaimo or Victoria, where most visitors arrive by ferry or plane. Port Renfrew and the surrounding lands sit on the ancestral homelands of the Pacheedaht First Nation.

The roads leading to Port Renfrew are paved, yet with plenty of twists and turns. It’s a beautiful drive – but if you’re prone to motion sickness, be forewarned. I recommend arriving before sunset because these roads can be tricky in the dark. At Wild Renfrew I checked into a seaside viewpoint studio with my boyfriend, a Vancouver native who has been fishing and storm watching on Vancouver Island since he was a young boy. The contactless check-in here is super easy. We received a welcome email the morning of our arrival with a door code, guest service hours, contact numbers and a map of the area.

Depending on how adventurous you want to be, you can do storm watching from indoors or outdoors. We tried both and discovered a uniquely Canadian version of hygge.

Storm watching on Vancouver Island is remarkably romantic because…

You’ll stay cozy and dry indoors as you look out at roaring wind and a steady deluge of rain. We loved our room’s heated floors, as, tucked into plush bamboo bathrobes, we watched the dramatic gray tempest raging outdoors. Storm watching can be as active or passive as you wish, and I felt safe snuggled in my boyfriend’s strong arms no matter how stormy the weather outside.

Our seaside studio came equipped with an outdoor hot tub, which we definitely took advantage of. The combination of cold raindrops falling on our faces as we floated warmly with plastic glasses of wine in hand felt incredibly luxurious, and the pure air whipping by felt like nature’s version of a fancy oxygen facial at a hotel spa. When our skin started pruning, we hopped out and fell into bed to find a thriller to watch on Netflix.

For eating options on Vancouver Island, we recommend…

Stocking up on snacks and eating at your accommodation. Port Renfrew is really remote: you can’t exactly order Uber Eats, and there are no great options for stores close by. So I stocked up at Wild Poppy Market in Ladysmith and The Market Garden in Victoria on the drive in. Vancouver Island also has a number of excellent cheesemakers, including Cowichan Station Creamery, whose Gruyère pairs wonderfully with Truffula’s sprouted seed and onion crispbread.

Restaurant-wise, there are only a couple of options in town; Renfrew Pub is your best bet for seafood chowder, burgers, poutine and fish-and-chips made with local rock cod, all washed down with 10 different Vancouver Island craft beers on tap. When the storms arrive, however, be sure your room is well stocked, as you won’t want to go outside.

We also stopped at Blue Grouse Estate Winery for a wine tasting before crossing the island to Port Renfrew, and its selection of sparkling, red, white and rosé wines included something for every palate. Vancouver Island wines are excellent and you can’t find them back home in the States, so this is your chance to sip something new and delicious.

You shouldn’t visit Vancouver Island without packing…

A rain jacket and a solid pair of rain boots or waterproof shoes. You don’t need any special equipment or skills for storm watching, but considering the amount of rain coming down, these are crucial wardrobe necessities. I loved the waterproof knit sneakers I got especially for this occasion by Vessi, a Vancouver-based brand whose snug shoes kept my feet and socks dry even as I was jumping in puddles and clambering along the rocky beach. They have good treads too, which helped me stay upright on the slippery algae.

At low tide, we discovered a bounty of mussels for the taking right next to our cottage. In British Columbia, you need a tidal water sports-fishing license for harvesting shellfish, which my avid-fisherman boyfriend luckily had. He plucked nearly a dozen mussels from the rocks and we cooked them up simply with butter and garlic in tinfoil pans. The massive mussels paired perfectly with the 40 Knots Winery extra brut sparkling wine we picked up along the way to Port Renfrew.

If you need to connect to the outside world on Vancouver Island…

You should expect to be out of luck. There’s no cell service here, and wi-fi can be spotty during a superstorm. So we recommend avoiding scheduling conference calls during your trip here. Consider a stay here a great chance to read a book, play board games or enjoy deep conversations with your travel companions. The powerful storms are humbling, reminding us of how seemingly inconsequential our individual lives are in the grand scope of the universe and Mother Nature.

Keep your eyes peeled for harbor seals, sea lions, orcas, otters and Pacific gray whales on the water. In the summer, Port Renfrew is known for world-class halibut and salmon fishing; it’s also the beginning of the West Coast Trail. In the calm between the storms, there are beautiful places nearby to explore too, including Botanical Beach at low tide. Another worthwhile hike, Avatar Grove offers view waterfalls, old-growth red cedars and moss-covered Douglas-fir trees (the grove is currently, temporarily closed for public safety and environmental protection). The upper Avatar Grove trail famously leads to Canada’s gnarliest tree.

As you plan your trip to Vancouver Island, you should…

Expect the unexpected, weather-wise. Vancouver Island’s west coast is one of the wettest places in North America – so if you stay for a few days, chances are high that you’ll experience the stormy weather the region is known for. However, these storms are as unpredictable as any other natural phenomenon. You might not get any storms during your stay, or you might be rained in and need to extend your stay because a road is washed out.

You’ll definitely want to review the forecast before your trip. If the weather seems severe – such as a gale or hail storm – stay inside and view the storm safely from your window. DriveBC.ca has info on road conditions in real time; note that winter tires are required by the province.

Deep in the South Pacific, Fiji is one of those destinations that feels like it’s still a little bit of a secret. It has much to offer every type of traveler: those looking for an island-hopping adventure; nature-loving families who also like a little luxury; and honeymooners after a wellness retreat to revive and reconnect. Blessed with stunning scenery, underwater wonderlands, and a culture of joyful hospitality – there are many reasons why Fiji should be your next island getaway.

Remote islands, easily reached

You can count storybook deserted islands with white sand beaches and swaying coconut palms among the 333 islands that make up Fiji. But you can narrow that number by focusing on the Mamanuca and Yasawa Island chains – both are easily reached from the arrival city of Nadi on Viti Levu and offer an array of experiences. Ringed by reef and surrounded by impossibly blue seas, these two island groups each have their claims to fame.

The Mamanuca Island chain, closest to Viti Levu, is famous for watersports such as kayaking, sailing, kite-surfing and snorkeling. It also has a range of resorts for all budgets, making it a magnet for travelers looking for laid back fun and unforgettable day trips – like taking in the familiar island of Cast Away (shot at tiny Modriki Island).

Farther-flung, the Yasawa Island chain north of the Mamanucas beckons with lush volcanic landscapes and remote villages. Easily reached by ferries from Port Denarau or by seaplane, this chain of islands is sparsely populated. Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly rooms to luxurious private villas, with thatched bures (thatched cottages) that run the gamut. But whether you’re saving money or going all-out, you’ll love snorkeling, hammock swinging, and heading to the fairytale limestone Sawa-i-Lau Caves.

Small resorts

Fiji’s resorts cater to all kinds of travelers, from families to honeymooners to scuba divers. But it’s the smaller resorts, some with fewer than 20 rooms, where you can really make the most of Fiji’s serenity. Gloriously quiet beaches and peaceful vibes are perfect for those craving a chance to get away from it all.

The Tropica Island resort on Malolo Island has just 30 refurbished bures, suites and rooms (all but the latter have outdoor showers, patios and cozy deck swings), scattered throughout 19 acres of tropical gardens, so there’s no chance of overcrowding on this island paradise. With a large infinity pool and spa, and handcrafted Fijian furnishings, this resort has character to spare.

For pure romance, Matangi Island Resort off Taveuni, in Fiji’s north, is a dreamily intimate option, as its 16 bures feature private verandas surrounded by tropical gardens. It’s romance run amok in the ‘treehouse’, perched in the tree canopy with wraparound decks, top views, outdoor Jacuzzis, lanterns aplenty and day beds. If that’s not romantic enough, book a private beach picnic or excursion to Horseshoe Bay, on the western coast of the island, accessible only by boat.

Over at Savasi Island Resort in Savusavu, seclusion is the name of the game. The resort is built around amazing sandstone caves and most of the private villas have private pools and incredible ocean views. They even have a converted sailing ship where you can stay. In keeping with the privacy theme, dinner can be served on a deserted stretch of sand or in a beach grotto.

Lush tropical landscapes

Fiji is not just a destination for relaxing on the beach – those who towel off are greatly rewarded with lush tropical scenery and plenty of exciting activities.

The northern reaches of the country are the tropical portions, with the island of Vanua Levu having the feeling of Hawaii’s Kauai. Its hideaway villages, mountain passes streaming with waterfalls, endless swaths of rainforest and an ever-changing coastline forgotten by the world is one of the tropics’ best-kept secrets. Take it slow, keep a smile on your face and savor rural Fiji on its grandest scale.

The nearby island of Taveuni (called the Garden Island for its ludicrously lush interiors) is blessed with a natural rock waterslide and the three-mile Lavena Coastal Walk at Bouma National Heritage Park, which ends at the twin falls.

To get really off the beaten track, the northern highlands of the main island of Viti Levu can be explored on foot with Talanoa Treks, which offers a range of hikes that let you scale mountains, swim in sparkling rivers and visit historic caves. The multi-day trips focus on Fijian culture as well as the landscape, and visitors will stay in traditional villages at night.

Snorkeling haven and divers’ delight

With warm, clear waters, colorful fish and ravishing reefs, underwater Fiji lures divers and snorkelers from across the globe. Known as ‘the soft coral capital of the world,’ the archipelago entices experienced scuba divers with Great White Wall off Taveuni – Possibly the best soft-coral dive in Fiji – the Nasonisoni Passage of Vanua Levu, and E6 in the Lomaiviti Islands, which features a phenomenal seamount that brushes the ocean’s surface.

There’s plenty for beginners as well: The Mamanuca Islands and Yasawa Islands are a particularly good destination for those just discovering the submerged wonders. The dive sites are generally safe for novices and beginners, and many resorts have coral gardens and other easy places to explore if you’re trying to convert snorkelers to divers.

At most resorts, snorkelers can simply walk off the beach into the water to find a beautiful undersea world. It’s easy to see why Fiji is known for its sublime underwater experience.

Cultural riches

Fijians are genuinely friendly, and visitors will receive a warm Bula welcome – often with open arms and song. The best place to experience this is at one of the villages that dot the countryside; visits usually involve a kava ceremony, and possibly a meke (ceremonial dance) or lovo (feast from an underground oven), and offer the chance to delve deep into local life.

Bring a sevusevu (gift) of yoqona (kava) root, and prepare yourself for the excitement of the village rugby-field sidelines. Food generally comes straight from the garden and includes such starchy staples as tavioka (cassava) and dalo (taro) roots alongside seafood in lolo (coconut cream).

From family fun and romantic getaways, to idyllic beaches and unsurpassed underwater adventures, Fiji packages it all with its famous hospitality, traditional etiquette and a fascinating history.

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Every February, couples receive a not-so-gentle reminder to rekindle their romance. While cards, flowers, and chocolate may be the norm as far as gift-giving goes, we know that some years may merit something a little extra. Why not turn those drugstore bouquets into beautiful flowering gardens, or try locally-made Mexican sweets in lieu of the usual heart-shaped candy?

Now is precisely the time to take advantage of a weekend getaway – especially if you’re looking to score major points with your sweetie. Picture oceanfront views and breakfast in bed, live entertainment and endless cocktails. Then add white-sand beaches as far as the eye can see. Whether you’re whisking away your beloved on Valentine’s Day, or surprising them with an upcoming romantic getaway, here are ten of Mexico’s best adults-only resorts.

Viceroy Riviera Maya

Romance means different things to different people, but if you’re both simply looking to stay in as much as possible (and who could blame you), you’re going to want to head to the Viceroy Riviera Maya just outside Playa del Carmen. Each private villa features not only the necessities (hello Egyptian cotton bedding to snuggle in and Italian linen robes to wear for days), but plenty of lovely additions like your very own heated plunge pool, outdoor rain bath and hammocks to laze about in.

If you do decide to wander out, stop by the Wayak Spa and opt for the Mayan-inspired Xaman-Ek (Love Ritual), where you’ll enjoy a number of treatments together, including a massage, feet ritual and a healing herbal bath.

Excellence Riviera Cancun

When your resort name features the word “excellence” in it, they better deliver on the promise. Fortunately, it’s just the adjective to describe how every facet of this property in Cancún is managed. Fans of the Excellence Riviera Cancun often remark on the high-level of service and personal attention you’ll receive as a guest, and this attention to detail also transfers over to other areas as well. Well-kept gardens, six pristine pools, five jacuzzis, and nearly a dozen international restaurants and bars can all be found here.

If you’re looking to get more adventurous, you and your significant other can borrow snorkel gear, sea kayaks, catamarans and more. Just don’t forget to book services at the Miilé afterwards; the highly-revered spa boasts indoor and outdoor service rooms and various water-based treatments including a Swedish sauna and their popular Temezcal steam baths.

Tata Tulum

If you and your beloved prefer a more bohemian-style escape, try booking a few nights at the Tata Tulum, an enchanting, down-to-earth resort that serves as the perfect backdrop for romance. Spend your days dipping your toes in the sands of Tulum, drinking tropical cocktails in the shade of the palapas and simply enjoying each other’s company.

Take a dip in the pool, ocean, or jacuzzi and feast on delicious Mexican cuisine. You could always rent bikes to explore town. Or, you know, enjoy those comfy rooms and cozy robes and reconnect while the waves crash just a few feet away.

Unico Riviera Maya 20°N 87°W

Opulence is at the heart of the Unico Riviera Maya experience, a 5-star resort that spares no expense to ensure all guests leave the property begging to return. Each suite has a personal host to manage all the little things: setting spa appointments, finding the ultimate adventure somewhere on the Riviera Maya, arranging late checkout or simply preparing your spa tub. You can request aromatherapy and custom scent amenities, or opt for a special PURE room to minimize allergies (and avoid ruining your romantic getaway).

You can even customize your stay ahead of time by noting your dietary preferences, how they should personalize your mini-bar, and whether you’re celebrating anything special (because you know they’ll make sure to go the extra mile for it). There are also three fabulous pools, a luxurious spa with numerous signature treatments, five unique restaurants, a cocktail bar and even a wine shop where a sommelier will help you pick the right bottle for the evening.

Palladium’s TRS Yucatan Hotel

The Palladium Group owns a number of hotels on the Riviera Maya, but none compare to the TRS Yucatan, an adults-only escape that is refined, thoughtful, and truly top notch. Each one of their 454 spacious suites feature a hydromassage bathtub, cozy robes and slippers, pillow menu, and butler service, among other delights.

It only gets better from there, as some suites boast private pools, wine climatizers, balconies and sunbeds. And then of course, there’s everything outside your room: six a la carte restaurants, a spa and wellness center, four pool bars, two private pools and an infinity pool with sea views and outdoor activities like yoga and kayaking.

Hotel El Ganzo

For a more off-the-beaten path experience, you’ll want to consider a stay at Hotel El Ganzo. Catering to creative couples, El Ganzo stands out from neighboring all-inclusives in a number of ways, from hosting live entertainment to having an artist-in-residence and even an on-site recording studio. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Situated beside a dock on the Sea of Cortez on the Baja California Sur, the eco-friendly hotel features 70 rooms, complete with 400 thread count linens, locally-sourced toiletries, reusable water bottles, and of course, splendid ocean views.

While there, you and your significant other can hit the rooftop infinity pool or, if the ocean is more your thing, El Ganzo’s staff will take you out to their private beach. Definitely an ideal getaway for hip couples looking for fun and connection.

Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos

This pristine, luxury resort near Cabo San Lucas caters to the power couple looking to relax in style. That means posh accommodations (373 to be exact) featuring Bvlgari bath products, aromatherapy options, handcrafted soap and bath salt menus, stunning views, even complimentary bottles of wine or tequila waiting the moment you step in.

High-end dining options abound at Le Blanc, as do top-shelf bottles for all your cocktail needs. More importantly though, you’ll both find serenity at the on-site spa (the Passion couple’s package includes a chocolate wrap, aroma essence massage, and oxygen facial you’ll want to book as soon as you arrive). And if you’re seeking off-property fun with your beloved, ask them to book you for a sunset sailing cruise.

Hilton Puerto Vallarta The Hacienda

While the Hilton Puerto Vallarta is open to people of all ages, the hotel has created a little kid-free hideaway in The Hacienda. This adjacent property is perfectly secluded for adults looking to sneak off and enjoy one another’s company. Book a room on the first floor complete with a private swim-up pool (perfect if you and your honey want to whisper sweet nothings sans prying eyes), or secure a junior suite on the top floor and spend the days alternating between the bed, terrace, and jacuzzi. The Hacienda also features two restaurants, a pool with swim-up bar, and most importantly: plenty of privacy, peace, and quiet.

Make sure you’re ready for anything with travel insurance from our trusted partners.

Mexico – Book

Sunset in the desert; an intimate meal with the waves of the Gulf lapping at your feet; enjoying a rooftop beverage with Doha’s skyline filling the horizon. Qatar offers a perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway, from the city to the desert.

Whether you are visiting Qatar for a special moment over Valentine’s Day, for a honeymoon, a proposal, or simply a vacation, there are so many options to choose from to make your stay special, you will be hard-pressed to squeeze it all in.

Romantic stays

For a romantic getaway that feels like staying in a village within steps of the city, book yourself into Al Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz Carlton Hotel. Al Sharq Village & Spa is a low-rise property at the far end of the Corniche, with the distant bright lights of the skyline offering a pretty horizon backdrop. Located on the beach looking over the bay, the hotel has a luxurious spa and offers one of the most romantic spots for a meal a deux in Qatar – The Zarb Experience, where diners can sample local delicacies in a private gazebo on the beach.

Alternatively, book yourself into the stunning Anantara Banana Island. Overwater villas make for a superbly relaxing and romantic stay. Just beware that the resort is dry.

Excursions for two

Head out at night into Doha Bay for a dhow cruise. On a traditional wooden boat, you will see the city sparkle all around you, with the light reflected on the dark, calm water of the Gulf, making it look iridescent.

Or you could head into the desert for a night safari, enjoy a drive through the sand dunes, maybe a camel ride, and a spectacular sunset, but most importantly a look at the vast sky filled with stars miles away from any light pollution. You can even opt to stay overnight in a luxury Arabian-style tent at the Regency Sealine Resort at the foothills of the Inland Sea.

Explore the mysterious signs and symbols of Qatar’s Al Jassasiya rock carvings

Take a walk

There is nothing more magical than walking in beautiful surroundings, together. A must-do in Doha is a walk along the 4.5-mile long Corniche with its two world-class museums: the National Museum of Qatar, reminiscent of a desert rose, a gypsum formation found locally in the desert; and the Museum of Islamic Art. Both offer perfect stop-off points for an art-and-culture fix along the way.

Then saunter through Souq Waqif, the bustling traditional market, and marvel at the windows in the Gold Souq, where there is practically nothing you cannot get in solid gold. Maybe choose a trinket as a reminder of your trip to Doha.

For a dash of European glamor, stroll along The Pearl, where you can explore the colorful Qanat Quarter, which comes with a copy of Venice’s Rialto Bridge and many Instagram-able spots, or café-hop in Medina Centrale.

Discover the best of Qatar’s art and architecture

Get pampered

There are superb spas in Qatar and going for a couple’s massage is a must. The Four Seasons Hotel Doha has a dedicated Private Spa Suite for couples and can arrange signature treatments and massages, as well as bespoke one-day or multi-day spa experiences.

If you have a few days, take a retreat to experience an overhaul of your wellness and nutrition. Enjoy a complete detox from stress when you book yourself into the new Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som on the northern tip of Qatar. It’s the world’s first center for Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) and the holistic approach includes herbal gardens, art, and a 4000-book library – all in a stunning setting alongside the turquoise sea.

Or try the Couple’s Suite at the Mandarin Oriental, Doha in the trendy design neighborhood of Msheireb Downtown Doha. The Omnia Treatment for two offers a spa retreat experience of hair and scalp treatment, invigorating massage, and facial.

Have a romantic dinner

With around 100 different nationalities living and working in Qatar, you can be assured of a cosmopolitan choice of cuisines, from Japanese to Italian, from French to, of course, Qatari. There are some stunning locations, perfect for a romantic dinner.

For some of the best views from high above, head to Il Galante, the Italian restaurant in the Banyan Tree Doha. From the 27th floor you have amazing views of Doha twinkling below you. For Qatari delicacies in a superb setting, have lunch in Jiwan Restaurant right in the National Museum of Qatar. From the terrace, the skyline of Doha and the bay stretch before you, and the food is simply divine. Or you could visit the Japanese restaurant Nobu, which is perched at the end of a pier with 360-degree views of Doha and the Gulf.

For something a little extra special, why not have dinner for two on a helipad, high above Doha’s West Bay skyline? At the JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha you can dine à deux, enjoying a menu designed to your special wishes and preferences, feeling on top of the world.

8 of the finest dining experiences in Qatar

A couple that shops together…

Finding a piece of Qatar to take home with you is a must, and shopping can include some wonderful experiences, too. Take a gondola ride through the canals of Venice within Villaggio Mall or wander through Doha’s luxurious Al Hazm Mall. There are not only great shops in a stunning setting, but also myriad restaurants, including Rosemary Café, whose ceiling is covered in pink flowers.

Alternatively, for a touch of Paris head to Galeries Lafayette, right by the Katara Cultural Village, which makes for a perfect après-shopping walk with its galleries, street art, and beautiful architecture right by the beach.

Whether you shop, dine, soak up culture or get pampered together, Qatar is the perfect place for a romantic getaway.

If you’re LGBTQ+ and looking for the perfect honeymoon destination, then not only do you want somewhere romantic where you can relax, you also want to feel accepted and safe. Married lesbian couple and travel bloggers Whitney and Megan Bacon-Evans of What Wegan Did Next have done the hard work to find the perfect gay honeymoon destination: Ko Samui, Thailand. Here’s their guide on where to stay, what to do and where to eat.

Thailand is considered the most welcoming and LGBTQ+ friendly country in Asia and we certainly experienced that. We received no awkward questions such as: “Do you want two single beds instead of a king bed?” – everyone was so welcoming and congratulated us. As a same-sex couple, it’s important to feel like you will be safe and that you will have a magical honeymoon: the wonderful Thai hospitality ensures every couple will be made to feel so special and welcome.

Where to stay

Ko Samui definitely does luxury well, and the good news is that it doesn’t break the bank.

SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort

Only 10- to 15-minutes’ drive from Ko Samui airport is SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort. Situated right by the beach, the resort has two pools, a restaurant and a spa on-site. We found the resort to be so peaceful and tranquil, with luxurious, traditional Thai architecture. We loved our villa suite with our its private pool and outside bathroom.

SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort

For a more modern vibe, check in to Sala Chaweng Beach Resort. Directly facing the beautiful white sands of Chaweng Beach, the resort has a ‘moon pool’ and beachfront restaurant. Opt for the Oceanfront one-bedroom pool suite for stunning accommodation complete with your own private infinity pool overlooking the beach.

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Silavadee Pool Spa Resort

For a luxurious hideaway, look no further than Silavadee Pool Spa Resort. Jump into a buggy and be taken to your scenic villa surrounded by lush tropical trees. We were mesmerised when we walked in to find a four-poster bed as well a private pool and deck. The resort has numerous dining options, two pools, a spa and an exclusive beach.

Bangkok pit stop

You’ll likely be flying via Bangkok, so why not stop for a night? The Peninsula greets you with pillows with your name on them, while the Mandarin Oriental is an exquisite hotel where you can have your own friendly butler. For peak romance, book a treatment at MO’s The Oriental Spa in one of its suites, complete with your very own steam room and private vitality pool.

What to do

If you’re anything like us, you’ll want to soak up every minute enjoying your amazing villa or suite. Make sure there’s time to relax and do just that, preferably with champagne in hand. But there’s plenty to do if you want to venture outside.

Enjoy some R&R at a spa

After flying to Thailand, we thoroughly enjoyed a couple’s massage at SALA Samui Choengmon. It’s exactly what your muscles need following a long flight and after dancing the night away at your wedding. For a unique spa experience, book ‘The Rainforest Indulgence’ hydrotherapy treatment at the Banyan Tree. You go through different spa experiences, starting with a hot steam room followed by a hit of freezing cold as you pull a bucket of ice over your head – we screamed and laughed a lot! Wind it up with a few different water-pressure massages in the pool and then relax on hot beds with tea.

Go on safari around the island

For an adventurous day out, opt for a safari tour around the island with Raging Bull Safari. It’s a great way to spice things up and see some beautiful scenery. Hop into the back of the truck and head off to explore different parts of Ko Samui. You’ll be taken to a waterfall and different temples, including the Big Buddha, Standing Buddha and Mummified Monk Temple. Take in the amazing scenery as you’re driven higher and higher into the mountains. You’ll be holding on tight to the truck but it will be worth it for the views and ending up at the secret Buddha Garden. After a few hours of sightseeing, you’ll have worked up an appetite for food at Jungle Route 360° restaurant, with breathtaking views of the island. If you’re lucky, you may get to pose at Grandfather and Grandmother rock… we’ll leave that as a surprise!

Take a trip to an ethical elephant sanctuary

One of the highlights of Ko Samui is a trip to the ethical Samui Elephant Sanctuary. It’s the first sanctuary for elephants on Ko Samui and it rescues elephants from the tourism and logging industries. You’ll find out more about the great work of the sanctuary by meeting the elephants and will get to hear their stories from the volunteers. The best part is that you also get to feed them: seeing an elephant completely delighted when crushing a whole watermelon brought us so much joy!

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Take a Thai cooking class

What’s more romantic than learning to cook together? We took a Thai cooking lesson at SALA Choeng Beach with the Head Chef Max, and got to make our favourite Thai dishes: vegetarian green Thai curry and a green papaya salad. Once you’ve finished cooking, you can enjoy your very own Thai meal sat next to the beach.

Visit Ang Thong Marine National Park

Ang Thong Marine National Park is made up of 42 islands. After a 45- to 90-minute boat trip (depending on the type of vessel), you’ll arrive in paradise. The islands are stunning and you’ll have the chance to stop at a couple of them to explore.

Where to eat

For rooftop views

For breathtaking views and romance at its best, opt for dinner at Star, Silavdee Resort’s rooftop restaurant. Make sure you head up before sunset to take in the spectacular view with a cocktail amid fairy lights and candles, and book dinner at one of the sunken tables; an optical illusion that makes you look like you are immersed in the sea. One thing we loved about Thailand is how accommodating restaurants are to vegetarians and pescetarians (like us) – there’s often a specific menu to cater for all palates. The chef at Star prepared a special menu for us, including black-sesame orange tofu, which was divine. Don’t leave without tasting the mango sticky rice.

For a beach dinner date

If sitting beachside in a gazebo is your vibe, then you’ll want to dine at SALA Samui Chaweng’s The Tent Beachfront Restaurant & Bar. For a refreshing bite to eat, choose the pomelo salad with a hint of chilli – it packs so much flavour and will make your taste buds dance. Another fantastic dish, which happens to be vegan, is the young coconut soup, consisting of coconut water and meat with shitake and shimeji mushrooms along with aromatic Thai flavourings.

For riverside romance

Up the level of romance with a boat trip from the Mandarin Oriental over to its restaurant across the Chao Phraya River. Terrace Rim Naam serves outstanding and unique Thai cuisine by Michlein-starred Chef de Cuisine Pom. Enjoy a beautiful alfresco dining experience while watching the boats passing by. We experienced an exquisite customised five-course dinner of lavish Thai flavours that concluded with mango sticky rice in the shape of a heart. Our overall experience was memorable and romantic, from the cuisine to the ambience and hospitality – a foodies’ dream come true.

Fiji knows how to do traditional romance. From private dinners on the sand with the sea lapping by your feet, to candlelit spa treatments for two, honeymooners and lovebirds are in for some serious island-style pampering. But a romantic adventure doesn’t have to stick to convention – when you reach your limit of gazing at each other in paradise, venture beyond the resorts to strengthen your love even further.

Hike mountains and slide down a natural waterslide

There really is something special about the rhythm of walking together in nature, looking out for birds and wildlife or foraging for unique plants. On Taveuni (the Garden Island), the three-mile Lavena Coastal Walk skirts the forest edge, linking beaches and villages before arriving at incredible twin waterfalls. Take a sarong and swimsuit and break up the walk back with an impossibly romantic waterfall bath for two. Also on Taveuni, you can hike up to Waitavala, a natural rock waterslide – ideally with a guide who can show you the best way to tackle the wild cascades. For forests and mountains with breathtaking views, head to Koroyanitu National Heritage Park near Lautoka on Viti Levu. Expect some sometimes slippery uphill walking to climb Mt Batilamu, as well as the chance to cool off in a clear water stream, or even organise an overnight stay in a village inside the park.

Dare to dive, snorkel or explore limestone caves

With warm, clear waters and an abundance of reef life, Fiji is a magnet for divers and snorkelers. Underwater visibility regularly exceeds 100ft, and when the current flows, the corals bloom with flower-like beauty. If you haven’t already, you can get your PADI open-water diving certification together while in Fiji. In the Yasawa Islands chain, you can snorkel with manta rays in the channel between Nanuya Balavu and Drawaqa Islands. Or you and your partner might be tempted to explore the romantic Sawa-i-Lau caves. This limestone island is known as ‘the heart of the Yasawas’ with unforgettable 50-ft-high caves bathed in shafts of daylight.

Base yourself at Taveuni to dive the Great White Wall, or at Savusavu to dive the famous Namena Marine Reserve. Just two hours away by boat, this protected 43 square-mile park is home to vibrant corals and abundant marine life. For soft coral formations, Great Astrolabe Reef, a 62-mile barrier reef at Kadavu presents a maze of faults, canyons and tunnels.

Sail together, stay together

Challenging yes, but with the right skipper at the helm vacationers in Fiji have the time of their lives learning how to sail the South Pacific. Yachting is all about communication and teamwork – and there’s nothing more exhilarating than getting all the ingredients right so you feel like you’re at one with the ocean, the sky, the elements and of course your other half. There are a number of yacht charter companies to head out with, and several marinas have private sailing schools. Check out the options at Port Denarau and Savusavu’s marinas to find the boat and team that is right for you. Then sail away together to a deserted island – you’re sure to find the perfect one for you among Fiji’s 300-plus.

For something a little bit different, consider a half-day sailing tour on a traditional Fijian drua, where you’ll get the chance to steer the ship, as well as swimming and snorkeling in the ocean. Rosie Living offers trips that depart from The Boatshed at Vudu Marina, and include transfers for the Nadi and Denaru areas.

Cover each other in volcanic mud

All the relationship advice suggests one shouldn’t sling mud at one’s partner, but that’s exactly what you will do at Sabeto Hot Springs. These natural, outdoor thermal pools near Nadi Airport are a hugely popular spot to unwind. Visitors spend the afternoon bathing in volcanic mud pools of varying temperatures before showering clean. The softening effect on your skin is immediate. Lathering your partner in mud and then drying off, like a couple of Roman statues in the sun, can be hugely therapeutic and a lot of fun.

Go rafting, tubing, and waterfall bathing on the Navua River

Couples after a completely different adventure have two options on the pristine Navua River. Head for the Upper River rapids to go rafting through deep gorges and past dramatic waterfalls; or choose a more sedate river tubing adventure, with occasional rapids to keep the heart rate pumping. The Navua River slices through lush rainforest on Viti Levu from its source on the south east slope of Mount Gordon, and flows for 40 miles to the Pacific. Along the length of the river are dozens of waterfalls to stop off at and get pummeled by. Tours to Navua River typically depart from Pacific Harbour, 30 miles west of Suva.

A day out on the river, sailing to deserted islands, or slipping down a natural waterslide definitely calls for cocktails, or a massage for two, back at your hotel in the evening.

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Whether you’re celebrating 12 months of marital bliss or your 50th anniversary, marking the milestones as you continue your journey through life together is an annual excuse to make even more memories.

So forget presents. For travel lovers, true romance means hitting the road. Swap cufflinks for cultural connections and flowers for far-flung adventures with these wedding anniversary trip ideas inspired by traditional gifts.

1 or 2 year(s) – paper: Dublin

You’re a year or two (depending which side of the Atlantic you live on) into the new chapter of your lives and so far, so good. The perk: you’ve made it to the grand customary gift status that is ‘paper’. But instead of an embossed journal or letter-writing set, why not treat yourselves to an experience that’s really worth writing home about?

Head to Dublin: This Unesco City of Literature is home to effortlessly romantic bookshops like the Winding Stair and Ulysses Rare Books, not to mention the beautiful Trinity College Library.

Alternative option: Go to Japan for shōji, rice-paper rolls and origami.

How to find ‘real’ traditional Irish music⁠ in Dublin

3 years – leather

Cowboy carousing might not be the most romantic anniversary activity but hey – this ain’t your first rodeo. Mix things up for your third anniversary and lasso your loved one on a trip to Texas. Grab your hat, leather boots and bullwhip (oo-er) and get down and dusty on a bonafide dude ranch.

Although a real working ranch, Dixie Dude Ranch in cowboy capital Bandera offers chilled-out horse rides and massage therapy – and if that still sounds like thirsty work, Hill Country’s wineries will oblige.

Alternative option: Shop for leather slippers and bags in Marrakesh or sniff out Instagrammable tanneries in Fez, Morocco.

The best US dude ranches to live like a cowboy

4 years – fruit: Sicily

Four years and things haven’t gone sour – time to reward yourselves! Put your zest foot forward on a trip to Sicily, where lemons and blood oranges grow like weeds thanks to the island’s volcanic soil and abundant sunshine. On long summer days, linger over limoncello, citrusy salads and lip-puckering granita.

Hide away in an agriturismo (farm stay) to walk among citrus and olive groves, enjoy home-cooked meals and practice charming your hosts – and each other, of course – in la dolce lingua.

Alternative option: Wine counts as one of your five-a-day… right? Keep telling yourself that as you sip a tipple while touring the vineyards of South Australia.

Sicily’s most beautiful national parks and reserves

5 years – wood: New Zealand

By this point in your lives, you’ve most likely laid roots. You may even be adding to your family tree. Admire whakairo – the Maori artform of carving wood, jade and bone – in New Zealand, where getting back to nature couldn’t be easier, even if there are toddlers in tow.

Geothermal Rotorua makes an ideal – if a little whiffy – base; after a day wandering around Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest or visiting Whakarewarewa Village (complete with carved wooden buildings), chill out with a soak in the area’s natural hot springs.

Alternative option: Pursue your own fairy-tale romance in Germany’s Black Forest.

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7 years – wool: Peru

Feeling the seven-year itch? Not if you switch your sheep’s wool for the llama or alpaca variety. Stock up on some silky-smooth textiles in Peru – colourful socks, bobble hats and ponchos are the standard – and snuggle up with your other half as you admire the Andean landscape.

Opt for an Inca Trail tour that stops at a weaving co-op, where you can learn about traditional weaving and dyeing techniques and pick up some souvenirs to keep you warm on the trail.

Alternative option: Track the world’s finest cashmere to its source in Mongolia.

Experience the best of Peru with these 8 iconic hikes

10 years – tin: the Caribbean

You may have subsisted on canned soups and tinfoil-wrapped sandwiches while saving for your wedding day, but now that you’re a whole decade in, you deserve a little indulgence.

Make like Tintin (see what we did there?) and take to the seas on a Caribbean cruise or sailing trip, exploring the likes of St Lucia, Jamaica and Cuba.

Alternative option: Tintin also travelled to Tibet – although hopefully you won’t encounter any yetis on your Himalayan trek.

The best Caribbean islands: a quick, easy guide to finding your paradise

15 years – crystal: Reims, France

A pair of matching crystal flutes makes for a nice anniversary gift – but why not swing by the home of Champagne itself? The French region is crammed with opportunities to get sozzled on the sparkly stuff.

Reims is the ideal base for a boozy tour of all the big-name producers: Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Dom Pérignon to name but a few. But if we’re sticking with the theme, perhaps the budget can stretch to a bottle of Cristal?

Alternative option: Swarovski fans will be all starry-eyed at Crystal Worlds in Wattens, Austria.

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20 years – china: China

Twenty years of matrimony is a quite a feat – and if it’s taken a few plate-smashing, vase-crunching screaming matches to get you here, who’s to judge? All is forgotten once you’re making up over steaming mugs of tea…

Journey to the home of porcelain (and your favourite loose leaf), China, for a cracking anniversary trip. Sip the hot stuff in Chengdu, before nipping to Jingdezhen for ceramic workshops and pottery purchases.

Alternative option: Clink china teacups during afternoon tea at the Ritz, London, the only UK hotel to have a certified tea sommelier.

The definitive guide to China’s national parks

25 years – silver: Uganda

Chances are by this point, both you and your beau are sporting at least a few grey hairs – but it’s best not to tease Uganda’s silverbacks the way you do your partner… That’s right – why settle for a silver charm or tie clip when you can witness our wild and distant relatives in the cloud-shrouded forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

The thrill of glimpsing the alpha male or a mother and her babies is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s even better when shared with a loved one. If reaching middle age together means adventures like this, who needs youth?

Alternative option: Pack your glad rags and hit the strip in Nevada’s so-called Silver City, Las Vegas.

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30 years – pearl: Fiji and French Polynesia

30 years in and the world’s still your oyster – so splash out on a South Pacific getaway, where turquoise waters and swaying palms make the perfect setting to reflect on your many happy years together.

Learn about pearls on a Fiji farm tour; hunt for a bargain at French Polynesia’s pearl markets – or simply soak up the iridescent sunsets from a hammock at Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort. Wedded bliss doesn’t get better than this.

Alternative option: Channel pearl-strewn Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s with some window shopping on NYC’s Fifth Avenue.

The A-to-Z of Fiji: 26 reasons to visit the island paradise

The adventure continues…

Still going strong after all these years? Make even more precious memories with these trip ideas:

40 years, ruby: Jordan or Arizona
Jordan for Mars-like deserts or the Grand Canyon for copper-red vistas.

50 years, gold: Australia or Canada
Australia’s Gold Coast or the Yukon for Canadian Gold Rush history.

60 years, diamond: Hawaii or South Africa
Honolulu for views of Diamond Head, or Cape Town’s Diamond Museum.

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It is a truth universally acknowledged that, despite countless hours of research, sometimes even the most eagerly anticipated trips can go spectacularly wrong.

Whether it was a poor choice of hotel, hiring an inept tour guide or trying those month-old ‘freshly caught oysters’, one poor decision can scar your experience of a great destination and leave you wishing you’d done things differently.

In celebration of these only-funny-in-retrospect moments, we’ve coerced a selection of Lonely Planet staff into reliving their travel traumas, and explaining how they’d avoid a repeat if they ever retraced their steps.

A hair-raising horseback tour of Honduras

I signed up for a riding tour of the countryside near Copán Ruinas against my better judgement. I distrust horses. I asked for a nag, a plodder, a laggard – the slower, the better; alas, my meek-looking pinto bolted within minutes of me clambering on its back.

So much for appreciating my surroundings. I didn’t see any members of my tour party for the next hour; didn’t see much at all, in fact, as my eyes were squeezed shut for 75% of the ensuing uncontrolled gallop. Which is a shame because, as I later discovered, the countryside is beautiful.

By the time the foaming beast finally tired of my terror and returned from whence it came, with me clinging half on, half off the saddle as it trotted into the stable yard, I had lost my precious Tilley hat, not to mention my dignity. And very nearly my wits. Carlos, my guide, chuckled, shook his head and said: ‘This little one has a fiery temper, no?’ Could have punched him, but he had a gun.

Next time: I’d take a two-footed tour. Of the many modes of transport available to travellers, my considered opinion is that nothing beats a walk.

James Kay is the Editor of lonelyplanet.com. Follow James’ tweets @jameskay123

In the doghouse in Vienna

Towards the end of a whirlwind summer spent trundling around Europe on trains, a group of friends and I arrived in Vienna, eager to ogle the Austrian capital’s imperial palaces and grand concert halls.

The problem was, we were skint, and the whole trip had been very capricious, so we didn’t think anything of buying dog passes for the U-Bahn to save a grand total of 50c.

I barely had a chance to poke my head out from the underground station and look around before realising a particularly wide-eyed member of our group had been stopped by a ticket inspector.

After failing to talk our way out of trouble in a myriad of broken languages, we all chipped in for the €60 fine. This badly ate into our limited funds and – accepting the event as a negative omen – we decided to scoot on out of Vienna on the same day, meaning we totally missed this gorgeous city. We sprung for adult-fare tickets on our trudge back to the train station.

Next time: I would prioritise the booze budget less and not be too tight to buy a human-fare ticket.

Niamh O’Brien is Lonely Planet’s Multi-Regional Destination Editor. Follow Niamh on Instagram @niamhtroody

Not feeling the love in Tokyo

My now-husband and I visited Tokyo, where a friend kindly let us crash on his futon, and decided it would be fun to spend a night ticking off some classic Japanese experiences.

After sushi and sake, vending machine beers and karaoke bar cocktails, we spontaneously decided to check in at a ‘love hotel’, having heard about their playful, kitsch designs. Roaming the Shibuya district, we discovered most had no room, but eventually found a vacancy.

After posting a credit card through a mysterious hatch, we were buzzed in by an unseen proprietor but were dismayed to discover there was no love in this hotel. The room was cramped, grey and stank of cigarettes. A thick plastic sheet lurked under nylon bed linens, and faulty air conditioning meant the room was boiling hot. A single plastic rose in a vase on the bedside table was the only nod to romance, and to top it all off our stay cost a fortune.

Next time: I’d research the best options beforehand – and save money by opting for a ‘rest’ stay of a few hours, rather than an overnight.

Orla Thomas is Features Editor of Lonely Planet magazine. Follow Orla’s tweets @OrlaThomas

Cashless in Copenhagen

When I was a master’s degree student, I used up my entire semester’s financial aid to book an ill-advised trip for myself and my best friend to the non-budget destination of Copenhagen.

When we got there, the first thing that happened was my friend’s camera got stolen while we were using the internet cafe in the railway station. This incident set the tone of the trip.

We were so skint we ate at the same Chinese buffet once per day. We avoided Nyhavn and the lure of its (pricey, at least to us) harbourside cafes with their Scandi-cool coffees. We skipped Rosenborg Slot and didn’t even consider springing for tickets to Tivoli Gardens. Worse still, we didn’t sample a single glass of Copenhagen’s renowned craft beer.

Instead of designer Danish digs, we stayed in a couchsurfing flat where our host engaged in loud all-night copulation in the room next to our sofa-bed, the only thing separating us being a grotty old sheet strung up across the threshold as a ‘door’. The final night, we slept on the floor of Copenhagen Airport to avoid a repeat.

Next time: I’d go back with enough cash to enjoy Copenhagen’s beautiful sights and have a proper Scandinavian coffee. And a hotel room.

Megan Eaves is Lonely Planet’s Destination Editor of North Asia. Follow Megan’s tweets @megoizzy

Laid up in Langkawi

With a copy of Michael Palin’s Halfway to Hollywood tucked under one arm and a folding chair in the other, I strolled happily onto the beach outside my hut on the island of Langkawi, Malaysia. It was morning. The beach was almost empty, the sea was shimmering and the sky cloudless.

There I was, chortling away, when I realised just how hot it was – and how long I’d been sitting in the sun. With no shade. And no water. ‘Was this bad?’ I thought to myself. ‘Probably,’ I decided.

It wasn’t until the evening that I started to feel a chill creep up on me, a prelude to the worst heatstroke I’ve ever had; the fever left me bedbound, forcing me to drink approximately 37 litres of water a day and pour roughly the same on my head.

Plans to see Langkawi Sky Bridge, the majestic 12-metre statue of an eagle taking flight at Dataran Lang, and the bound-to-be-thrilling-because-I-love-aquariums aquarium were put on hold. But as soon as I recovered and stopped vomiting, it was time to leave.

Next time: I would probably not sit on the beach all morning without any water or shade. In fact, I’d just stay inside.

Simon Hoskins is Lonely Planet’s Brand Copywriter. Follow Simon on Instagram @simon.hoskins

For travellers with a romantic streak, finding ‘the one’ should, in theory, open the door to a lifetime of loved-up globetrotting.

But what if Cupid’s not so kind? Forget squabbling about which side to stand on for a smug sunset selfie – we coupled-up fools are lucky if we can even agree on where to go, what to do and when to do it.

Don’t be disheartened. With these solutions to five common problems, there need be no trouble in paradise.

Your travel styles don’t match

They say opposites attract, but if you and your beloved have chalk-and-cheese travel dreams, trying to plan and book a trip together can be a polarizing experience. Sun-seekers will not be impressed by your Nordic fjord proposal; the thought of staying in a party hostel dorm will leave introverts in a state of panic; and sporty types will be twiddling their thumbs before you can even say ‘spa break’.

Relationship rescue: Compromise is key here. You could form a rota system, heading to the Alps for a ski holiday one year and lounging on a Caribbean beach the next; or search for a place that combines both of your priorities. Spending time apart to pursue your own interests is a wise move and if that’s just not possible in the same location, who’s to say you can’t each go solo once in awhile?

You can’t agree for love nor money

Money issues can be a source of friction in relationships – and changing currency doesn’t help. While being abroad is a great excuse to splash out, thrifty partners won’t feel comfortable when the budget goes out of the window – and no one wants to spend their time bickering over a restaurant bill. Spending priorities can also be a sticking point; if you’re saving to move in together, for example, a three-week jaunt to Australia could be difficult to justify…

Relationship rescue: Create a level financial playing field by starting a joint travel fund. Whether it’s adding pennies to a piggy bank each month or opening a shared account, this way the total saved dictates the travel budget, rather than your salaries – and having a separate pot for travel savings means other nest eggs are left untouched. Consider heading to more affordable locations like Southeast Asia, where luxury is available for less.

The fuss factor: excuses, excuses

Everyone is entitled to their personal quirks and qualms. But when your amour’s aversion to unfamiliar cuisine means they turn their nose up at anywhere vaguely exotic, or their fear of flying leads to whole continents being scratched off the travel wish list, once endearing idiosyncrasies suddenly become irritations.

Relationship rescue: Wannabe intrepid travellers must tread softly with a less adventurous other half. Dismissing their worries won’t work – neither does telling them to ‘chill out’, apparently – so try listening to them instead. Start small, venturing outside of your comfort zones by trying new experiences and places closer to home. If you’re lucky, each step into the unknown will boost their confidence. And while you might not be venturing into the Amazon any time soon, you’ll be surprised what you can both achieve with a little patience and understanding.

One of you is a control freak

Minute-by-minute itineraries, strict morning alarms and territorial behaviour surrounding guidebooks, paperwork and passports. Sound familiar? If one of you has an insatiable need to oversee every detail, prepare for any eventuality and dominate all aspects of your time away, you may come home more stressed out than when you left.

Relationship rescue: If your sweetheart is the travel tyrant, you have two options. Go for the route of least resistance, letting your loved one reign supreme, and you won’t have to bother organising transport, visas or all that other time-sucking nonsense – but you’ll be slave to their every whim and want when you’re on the road.

Alternatively, show them you are capable and willing to help bear the travel planning load, and you’ll ease your guy or girl’s anxieties. Persuade over-planners to add some free time into the schedule as a compromise. Working as a team will bring you closer together and create a healthy dynamic for your relationship in general. Or you could always just head to India for the ultimate lesson in winging it.

If the control freak is you… loosen your grip. Travel know-it-alls are no fun.

Your amour isn’t in love with travel

And now, perhaps the most puzzling of predicaments: what’s the protocol when you fall in love with someone who is simply not fussed about travel? ‘Never gonna happen’, you may scoff – but believe it or not, there are people out there who to all intents and purposes seem like rational, sane, fairly attractive human beings, yet meet your talk of romantic getaways with indifference. Alarm bells ring, but it’s too late – you’re done for.

Relationship rescue: Their lack of enthusiasm can’t cover all aspects of life, so find out what their true passions are and combine them with your own. Keen runner? Tempt them with an international marathon. Art lover? Get ye to the Guggenheim. Whether it’s food, wine, music or wildlife, you will find a way to overcome their apathy. And while you may never share that unmistakable lust for the unknown, at least you can both enjoy the journey.

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