Chocolates, petal-studded numbers, sandy beaches – boring. Your love is unique, so avoid the cliché by choosing a Valentine’s Day getaway that caters to your couple’s quirks.
Krabi, Thailand, for adrenaline seekers
If the thought of candlelit dinners or spa treatments bores you, unite this Valentine’s Day with a collaborative challenge. In Krabi, located on the west coast of Thailand, every limestone cliff is filled with adventure. Within a few days, you can conquer caves, zipline through the forests, go canoeing, go on a jungle trek and ride quad bikes. Start by climbing up the karst cliffs overlooking Railay Beach (for those who dare to look down) or explore the forest trail to the Tiger Cave Temple – you can always drop down to the beach at the end of the day.
Portland, Oregon for craft beer lovers
If roses and red wine leave you cold, head to Portland, the heart of amber nectar. Proudly eccentric Portland has been the craft brewing capital for decades, and with the highest concentration of breweries in the world, you won’t be short of choices. Take a tour of the brewery if you want to try a whole bunch of beers. But if a booze bus ride unsettles your couples getaway, Portland establishments are easy to find on foot: Start with your favorite local restaurant, Hair of the Dog.
Carcassonne, France, for Medieval Romantics
Maybe it would have been better for you and your lover to have been born in a different era, when corsets were tight, armor was polished, and the likelihood of death from bubonic plague was… never mind. Cross the drawbridge and return to fabulous Carcassonne in the south of France. During the summer, armies of tourists storm this fortified city; head to it during high season to let your imagination run wild as you and your loved one roam its medieval turrets. Carcassonne stretches far beyond the old city, so choose your location carefully – the luxurious Hôtel du Château is located right at the entrance to the medieval city and is sure to meet the strict standards of knights and princesses.
Hawaii for stargazers
The universe is huge, but somehow you found each other. The clear skies of Hawaii are perfect for contemplating your place in space, whether you’re dreamers or dedicated astronomers. Head to Mauna Kea for one of the most inspiring starry skies in the world.
Venice, Italy, for cultured vultures
For lovers who like to mix things up, nothing beats the thrill of a masquerade. The world’s most decadent carnival takes place every February amid the gilded domes and canal-lined piazzas of Venice. Put on a Venetian mask, dress to the highest standard and surrender to the hedonistic atmosphere: you will see gondolas, elegant period costumes and open-air theatrical performances leading up to the unrivaled Gran Ballo delle Maschere.
Cambridge, England, for bookworms
If your love blossomed against the backdrop of harrowing prose and philosophy in a pub, then you need an intellectual break. Where better than one of England’s most historic university towns? In its 800-year history, Cambridge has produced such intellectuals as John Milton, Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking, and scientific discussions continue to reverberate off the walls of every pub. Sit back in the boat for a guided tour past university icons like King’s College Chapel and under the Bridge of Sighs, with commentary from one of Cambridge’s modern nerds (many of the guides are current students).
Tasmania for escapists
Many of us would love to lace up our hiking boots to get away from the frou frou on Valentine’s Day. Isolation seekers should head to the rugged wilderness of Cradle Mountain National Park in the island state of Australia. Even a half-day hike allows you to see the remote beauty of Tasmania; if you are an experienced hiker, take the challenging Overland Track. Against the backdrop of the formidable silhouette of Cradle Mountain, when there is nothing around you but many kilometers of thickets and mirror lakes, you will feel like the only two people on Earth.