Romantic Travel for Everyone
This month, I’ve been receiving requests for honeymoon travel for the summer and fall-so much fun to talk to couples and to plan these celebrations. I’ve also had the joy of planning romantic trips for people farther along in their relationship: 25 year anniversary trip to Italy; empty-nester celebration in the UK; a family trip to visit the European village where the parents lived when they were newlyweds, 60 years ago. And I’ve been exploring the best options for singles looking to find a little romance while they travel. Being alone and watching a beautiful sunset in a place you adore-that's romantic, too.
What I’ve learned quickly is that “romance” means something completely different to everyone (obvious, probably, but I hadn’t really thought about it before). Sandals all-inclusive is a dream for some of you-swim up suite, butler service, sun and beach. Others hate the idea of sitting still on a beach and want to adventure-zipline, kayak, hike. For me, I love the idea of visiting a new place in Europe with my love, wandering alleys, drinking a glass of local wine at a cafe while my husband becomes best friends with everyone at the bar. Our plan, once kids are grown, is to walk the Camino de Santiago together-nightmare for some but so exciting for us to think about. I
’ve also thinking a lot about how romance requires safety. LGBTQIA+ travelers and BIPOC travelers can run into hostility when traveling anywhere, but particular places can be more welcoming than others. I’ve put together this list-do you have any places you’d add?
Romantic (and safe and inclusive) Honeymoon destinations for LGBTQIA+ couples and allies in 2026
Greece (Santorini? Yes please!)
Puerto Vallarta-Zona Romantica
Barcelona. Nightlife and culture and food!
Canada. Whistler and Banff or go urban in Toronto or Vancouver.
Iceland! Make it your destination or add a stopover on your Icelandair flight to Europe.
Portugal-Lisbon then head to Porto and the Douro Valley for wine.
Netherlands-Amsterdam is amazing.
Australia-the long flight is 1000% worth it. Friendly people, sun and beach.
Uruguay. May be the best South American country right now for LGBTQ travelers.
Malta. This tiny country is the hot new thing and a global leader in LGBTQ rights.
Finally, I'll add that we can find romance in any destination, at any age. It doesn't die after the honeymoon. From the private dinner in Cabo that clients just had to celebrate their 40th, to a photographer meeting you at dawn in Cinque Terre to take pictures, to holding hands while breathing in a view....the smallest moments can live with you as romantic memories.
With love,
Sara
