As a traveling couple, we know what it’s like to cater to differing travel tastes. No two travelers are exactly alike: One may prefer luxury accommodations and thrilling activities, while another may seek out inexpensive destinations that offer opportunities for utter relaxation. Generally it’s easy enough to satisfy one traveler’s vacation needs with a single, ideal destination — but when that traveler becomes a couple with competing ideas of the perfect place for their next big trip, things start to get complicated.
Travel is taxing on even the most rock-solid relationships, as it requires unlimited patience and willingness to compromise. This is no less true in the planning stage of the trip, when two partners must agree on where they’ll go and what they’ll do. To make the process simpler, here are five romantic destinations that offer a vast array of experiences to suit any travel taste.
Netherlands: Party Animal and Culture Enthusiast
Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ capital city, is known for its lax attitude regarding small doses of recreational “soft” drugs, the city is highly regarded as a haven for travelers looking to party. Indeed, even outside of its smoky “coffee shops,” Amsterdam is proud of its club culture, which is raucous and rowdy in the best possible way.
Couples who book tickets to the Netherlands benefit from an incredibly cultural country, with exceptional access to art and history. Some of the West’s most remarkable painters lived and worked here, including Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and many exceptional paintings hang in esteemed galleries around the city.
Croatia: Beach Bum and Nature Lover
Though tropical locations are usually much more common among travelers looking to escape and relax, Eastern Europe has a surprising number of beautiful beaches that offer the perfect atmosphere for unwinding. Croatia is a perfect example: On the Dalmatian Coast, visitors can enjoy the warm sun and refreshing surf without the crowds and noise of more popular laid-back destinations.
Plus, while one partner catches up on R&R at the beach, the other can explore Croatia’s foreign culture, from the ancient medieval city of Old Dubrovnik to the natural wonder of Plitvice Lakes Natural Park. Visitors should embrace the Croatian diet, as well, which is deliciously unique though healthfully Mediterranean in essence.
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Israel: History Buff and Modern Adventurer
One of the oldest nations in existence — despite the country’s modern creation — Israel boasts some of the world’s most ancient landmarks, including the Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall, and the fortress at Masada. Tourists who visit Jerusalem alone are sure to receive a heaping dose of history just wandering around the old city.
Still, modern Jerusalem has plenty to offer travelers with less interest in ancient history. Tel Aviv has an incredibly active nightlife, and the countryside between cities is perfect for adventures and explorations.
Thailand: Discerning Foodie and Bargain Vacationer
Thai food is beloved around the world for its complexity and nuance. Thai chefs believe that every dish should layer at least three of the five taste sensations: sweet, spicy, salty, sour, and bitter. As a result, Thai cuisine is delicious and satisfying from the first bite to the last. It should be no surprise that Thailand is one of the most popular culinary travel destinations, as visitors spend days sampling the width and breadth of regional restaurant fare.
However, Thailand is a desirable destination for more than its delicious cuisine. The beaches are pristine, with excellent water for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, and the club culture is thriving, with exciting new party opportunities for most Western travelers. Plus, the country is incredibly inexpensive to visit, so couples should be able to afford compromising on all sorts of activities.
Belize: Adrenaline Junkie and Luxury Traveler
Adventure can be found in every corner in Belize. Divers fall head-over-heels for the mysteries of the Great Blue Hole, which famed marine explorer Jacques Cousteau labelled one of the best dive spots in the world. Meanwhile, trekkers find bliss in jungle tours that take them to the hidden Mayan archaeological sites around the country. There are ample opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, zip-lining, wildlife-watching, and more, so travelers will never get bored.
Yet, Belize is nestled comfortably in the tropics, with stunning beaches along the crystalline Caribbean Sea. There are dozens of luxury resorts with indulgent amenities perfect for the traveler who wants to relax in style. So, to balance the days of high-octane activities, a couple can enjoy some of the most lavish treatment imaginable.
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