Alternative Destinations For Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is approaching and many of you may be hoping to surprise a loved one with a romantic trip away. If you don’t want to follow the crowds and visit cliché destinations, consider these alternatives that allow you to get the same experience.

Below are five original ideas to replace highly popular romantic destinations to visit around Valentine’s Day. Which will you pick?

Buenos Aires Instead of Paris

Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is often referred to as ‘Paris of the South’. The reason for this is because a mix of French, Italian, Spanish and German architects moved here in the 1800s and implemented their cultures and traditions on the city’s architecture, making it look somewhat European. The buildings in public squares and down side streets feature many European aspects, including Art Nouveau, Neoclassical and Art Deco.

You may have imagined yourself and your partner walking through the beautiful gardens of Paris with the Eiffel tower in the background, but you can do the same in Buenos Aires in the Parque Tres de Febrero. Don’t forget to grab a coffee on a street corner and watch various European cars like Peugeots and Renaults zoom past.

Ios Instead of Santorini

One of the most visited Cyclades Islands is Santorini and it may be where you’re thinking of going this Valentine’s Day. However, to avoid the crowds trying to get that perfect shot of the sunset, travel to the Greek island of Ios, located just above. Here you can wander across 75 kilometres of beach, hike up a steep hill to the main town and enjoy spectacular sunsets without the mass of tourists.

A highlight of both Santorini and Ios is their archaeological sites. Skarkos is a well-preserved early Bronze Age settlement situated in the west of Ios. Built in a circular shape on a hill to allow the settlers to see both the port and sea, this prehistoric site features remnants of houses including 13-feet-high stone walls.

Mabul Instead of the Maldives

If you’re hoping to have a more extravagant holiday this February, the Maldives may be on your radar, but the price tag could put you off. A cheaper alternative is Mabul Island in Malaysia, where you’ll still find swaying palm trees, oversea villas and clear waters filled with colourful sea creatures such as blue-ringed octopus, frogfish and spike-fin gobies.

Relax on Mabul’s white sandy beaches with the hot sun beaming down and shallow waters lapping on the shore. Watersports are a popular activity, so if you want to add a bit of adventure to your romantic holiday, why not go scuba diving or kayaking? Turtle hatching is a reason why many people travel to the Maldives, but you can also enjoy watching this adorable scenario in Mabul.

Philadelphia Instead of New York

For those wanting an American experience, New York is more than likely to be on your list to catch a glimpse of the world-famous monuments and attractions. The thought of thousands of others doing the same may ruin your romantic idea, so live the dream in Philadelphia, just 100 miles further south.

This American State has a slightly slower pace than New York, allowing you to take things at your speed, potentially making it a little more romantic. Whether it was the awe-inspiring skyscrapers, culinary experience at Michelin-starred restaurants or everlasting history that drew you to the big apple, it all can be experienced in Philly too. Go up the ONE Liberty Place to see the idyllic skyline and wander around the Museum of Art to learn the city’s rich heritage.

If you wish to find out more about the various locations mentioned above, get in touch with us by filling out our online enquiry form or calling us on 0800 021 3237. Alternatively, you can visit our Ipswich, Framlingham or Woodbridge Travel Agents to speak to a member of our team.