Looking for alternative romantic escapes? Something off-the-beaten-track?
Tired of overdone Paris, over-touristed Venice, hyper-pretentious New York?
Travel widely has always been my motto. And the world is full of romantic escapes that see just a trickle of tourists.
#1 Alternative Romantic Escapes
Sundowners on the rooftops of Khiva, Uzbekistan
After a long day in Khiva there’s nothing better than reclining on the roof of your guest house while you sip Russian beer, nibble on raisins, sunflower seeds, and sweet sesame snacks, and watch the sun go down.
And the best thing of all?
You’re likely to be the only ones doing it.
#2 Alternative Romantic Escapes
Picnic on Little Pigeon Island, Papua New Guinea
Take a picnic lunch on the tiny, uninhabited sand cay 10km offshore from Kokopo in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. You can dive, snorkel, swim, or just lie on the beach in view of Mt Tavurvur, PNG’s most active volcano.
Best of all, apart from a few local daytrippers, you’ll have the place to yourself
#3 Alternative Romantic Escapes
Sunrise over Borobudur
Okay, this one involves an early start, but the shifting colours and lingering mist from which the temple of Borobudur gently emerges is breathtaking. Follow it up with a trip to the temple itself.
#4 Alternative Romantic Escapes
Poolside vista of Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
I don’t think there are any 5 star resorts here, but there are plenty of decent hotels with balconies overlooking this dramatic, mud-brick ksar. Some places even have pools! All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the view.
It’s also where they filmed Gladiator and a few scenes from Game of Thrones.
#5 Alternative Romantic Escapes
Sunset from the Park of Love, Lima, Peru
Enjoy the stunning sunsets from the promenade known as the El Malecón in Lima, Peru. There’s even a section of El Malecón known as El Parque del Amor, or The Park of Love, where a statue called El Beso (The Kiss) depicts two lovers embracing.
#6 Alternative Romantic Escapes
Kalesa ride through the historic centre of Vigan, Philippines
A kalesa is a local horse-drawn carriage. It’s a great way to explore the beautifully restored historic centre of this once-grand colonial city.
`#7 Alternative Romantic Escapes
Watch lenticular clouds form over Volcán Concepción, Ometepe, Nicaragua
Grab your picnic gear and head to Punta Jesús María, a narrow spit of white-shell-covered black sand that juts into Lake Nicaragua. Sip champagne as you watch this natural phenomena in action.
`#8 Alternative Romantic Escapes
Dhow ride to idyllic beaches, Lamu, Kenya
Looking for an exotic, labyrinthine Swahili port city that time forgot? Don’t go to Zanzibar*, go to Lamu. The best thing about Lamu is the absence of cars, it gives Lamu a sleepy, Old World atmosphere that can’t be beat. After exploring the town itself, take a dhow trip to nearby beaches. (NB. check the security situation before heading to Lamu).
*Actually Zanzibar is great too.
`#9 Alternative Romantic Escapes
Glacier tour, Cerro Torre, El Chaltén, Argentina
Sip whiskey cooled by 10,000 year ice on a tour of Glaciar Grande in southern Patagonia. Views aren’t bad either.
`#10 Alternative Romantic Escapes
Winter wonderland in Zakopane, Poland
I thought I’d better throw in one European destination or the Europeans would feel neglected. 😀
Zakopane isn’t that well known outside of Poland. And that’s a shame as it’s a delightful ski resort town. Spend a day hiking to Morskie Oko, then relax in a cafe admiring the falling snow.
Worthy contenders:
These destinations didn’t quite make my top ten, but I thought they deserved a mention nonetheless.