With Valentine’s Day energy still in the air, traveling with your significant other is a great way to strengthen your relationship. Traveling allows you both to work together to navigate new territory, work through challenges that could arise, and help you confront conflicts healthily.
What’s also great about traveling abroad is getting a new perspective on your partner’s mind and passions. It’s a great way to allow you to compromise because you both will likely participate in something you’re not 100% interested in but will agree to do so for the sake of your partner.
The best part about traveling together is that you will come back with a stronger bond and understanding of your partner that you may not have had before.
On the flip side, traveling abroad could make you realize the person you’re dating is not the one for you, as it exposes the red flags when things go wrong because something is bound to go wrong. That’s what makes it a risky adventure.
If you’re ready to take your relationship to new heights and take a more extended flight, here are the best first-time international destinations to travel to with your partner.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Language is one of the main challenges with traveling, which can only heighten the friction and frustration when there are two of you. English is the main language spoken in Belize, so getting around will be easier for couples navigating the international space for the first time.
Ambergris Caye will involve another plane once you land in Belize City, which is typically a seaplane, so prepare for that to be an adventure in itself. With its location situated along the Caribbean Sea, expect to spend a lot of time on the water. You can snorkel and spend time at the beach for a relaxing day. When you all are ready for some adventure, do a day trip to the jungle to see the Mayan Ruins up close.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Couples looking to mix a relaxing beach vacation with outdoor adventures should consider Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Tortola is the largest and most populated island of the more than 60 islands of the British Virgin Islands.
The fun will begin with how you get there because you will notice there are more flights to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands than to B.V.I. It’s typically easiest to take the ferry to Tortola from the USVI. Once there, you will find that Tortola is more intimate than St. Thomas, so plan to spend your vacation relaxing on the beaches or at the national parks.
B.V.I. is known as one of the world’s sailing capitals, so remember that the best way to explore is by taking a ferry or hiring a private yacht charter. One of the best islands to explore is Virgin Gorda, where Baths National Park is located. “The Baths,” as the locals call it, will put you two to work as you have to journey on a hike to get to its natural beauty found on the beaches. You can rent a car to finish exploring the island and stay at a luxurious resort before heading back to Tortola.
London, England
The international and multicultural city of London is a great place for foodies and art-loving couples. London is a big city that’s easy to navigate without prior experience abroad for couples traveling for the first time internationally together.
Couples can do a lot of pre-planning beforehand to take the stress from traveling. You two can purchase Oyster cards and deliver them to your home before you leave. The card is how you travel on the bus, Tube, DLR, tram, and most national rails in London. The London Underground, known as the Tube, is the most popular way to get around. You can download the map and plan your destinations easily.
For the itinerary, a good place to start is The London Pass. With more than 90 attractions, the pass allows you to pick and pay for your top attractions ahead of time. It’s also a great way to save money.
For fantastic food, you will not find England’s native food to be appeasing, except fish and chips. International cuisine is the only way to go in London. Neighborhoods such as Brixton, Shoreditch, and Peckham are home to African and Caribbean cuisine.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona has everything. Between the beaches, parties, cuisines, shopping, and romance, Barcelona will be the destination of baecation dreams.
Like London, Barcelona is an effortless city to navigate, even though the first language is Catalan. You can start your day by strolling through Gràcia, one of the coolest neighborhoods in Barcelona, where you will find Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Vicens and Park Güell. Explore new cuisine at Mercado de La Boqueria, a public market that’s well known for its tapas restaurant, stalls of small bites, smoothies, and spices.
Nightlife ends at 6 a.m., and there’s no shortage of entertainment for couples who like to party. Laut, Jamboree, Pacha Barcelona, INPUT, and Opium are great venues for couples who can still hang with the high-energy crowds. For something more low-key, London Bar, Slow Barcelona, and Jacqueline Barcelona are the best options for intimacy.
One of the best experiences couples can have in Barcelona is visiting The Bunkers, which provides some of the city’s best views. Going ahead of the sunset is the best time to go.
Athens, Greece
A top destination in Greece that doesn’t pack a hefty price tag is Athens. Surprisingly, you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy Athens because it has more to offer than its iconic ancient ruins.
Athens is home to world-class beaches, spas, and fantastic rooftop bars. Couples should have wine tasting on their itinerary along with taking a stroll around the National Garden. A great activity you can both participate in is a cooking class to learn how to cook Greek cuisine. The classes can be helpful when you’re both back home and missing your adventures.
If you’re not afraid of adventure that packs some adrenaline, consider a hot air balloon experience over the beautiful city.
An experience that doesn’t cost much money but takes some effort would be visiting Filopappou Hill, often referred to as Philopappos Hill. It offers an iconic viewpoint and has a reputation for being the perfect place to bring a blanket and have a picnic.
