Enchanting Valentine's Day Escapes: Discover Love Around the World

The big holidays are out of the way, your family and friends have all gone home, and now you're free to plan a little quality together time for you and your special someone for Valentine's Day. And this year, you've decided it's going to be all about romance; that's your byword, and you're thinking of escaping from it all with some romantic travel to - where else - some far away romantic destinations to rekindle that romantic fire. But there are so many enticing romantic travel possibilities you're having trouble deciding where to go. Well, never fear because The Parking Spot is here to help.

We've compiled a short list of some of the most popular and best-loved Valentine's Day travel destinations, guaranteed to inspire romance and ignite your love and passion. We'll guide you to some of the best attractions and sights and maybe even help you save some money along the way.

Top Romantic Valentine's Day Destinations

Let's look at the top romantic destinations to rock your Valentine's Day:

Travel to Paris

Ask any random person on the street to name a romantic travel destination, and they'll most likely say Paris without hesitation. The City of Light has been known as a place for lovers for centuries, and it seems almost specifically designed to entertain couples.

Begin your stay at one of the city's historic and luxurious hotels, such as the Hôtel de Crillon near the Champs-Élysées or the Shangri-La Hotel Paris close to the Eiffel Tower and overlooking the river Seine. Of course, plenty of more affordable options are available, including all the familiar hotels and scads of B&Bs and short-term rentals.

For your daytime activities, you'll want to visit the Eiffel Tower, share a glass of champagne at the top-tier bar, and perhaps have a picnic at the Champ de Mars park in its shadow.

Then you can work off your meal with a trip to Montmartre to climb the steep hillside to Sacré-Cœur Basilica, where you can take in a breathtaking view of the city, then stroll down to the Place du Tertre, where local artists display their wares.

You also want to visit the famous Louvre art museum and relax in the beautiful Tuileries Garden nearby. Maybe visit the Pont des Arts, better known as the 'Love Lock Bridge,' where lovers once hung padlocks engraved with their initials, or the Le mur des je t'aime, the 'I Love You Wall,' with the words 'I love you' written in 311 different languages. Of course, Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral is a must-see attraction, though it is currently under repair.

In the evening, you can enjoy a leisurely dinner cruise down the Seine or a candlelit meal at one of the many restaurants and cafés serving authentic French cuisine. Finish off your day with a horse-drawn carriage ride to see the city lit up at night.

Paris is truly one of the top romantic travel destinations in the world.

U.S. Virgin Islands

If a tropical paradise is more your idea of a romantic destination, you could hardly do better than a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands. You don't need a passport to travel there as it is a U.S. territory, and English and U.S. currency are used. Most people travel to the islands on cruise ships, so a Valentine's Day cruise to the Virgin Islands could be the perfect choice for your romantic travel plans.

The archipelago consists of three islands, St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, each offering unique attractions and activities. They all feature wonderful white sand beaches and clear blue waters with all the associated ocean activities. The nightlife in each is famous, with a wide variety of bars, lounges, and restaurants available.

Consider spending a day snorkeling at Trunk Bay on St. John, with one of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches, or explore the historic site of Annaberg Sugar Plantation.

Take a boat ride to St. Croix, sample the wares at the Cruzan Rum Distillery, and learn about the island's famous rums and their history. Or visit Blackbeard's Castle on St. Thomas for stunning ocean views.

For a couples-only experience, enjoy a day spa package for two at one of the luxury resorts or experience a romantic sunset horseback ride and picnic on the beach.

Venice

Venice, Italy, with its vast network of canals traversed by iconic gondolas and its ancient buildings, bridges, and palaces has always inspired romance, passion, and love. The city's winding, narrow streets and canals can be a challenge to navigate, but there are some great travel apps that will help you get around to all the best sights and attractions.

Its hotels and accommodations reflect the reputation of the city. You might want to book a luxurious room in the Ca' Sagredo Hotel, a restored and repurposed 15th-century palace overlooking the Grand Canal, or the smaller and cozier Palazzo Barbarigo, also located along the water.

Then, of course, you and your sweetheart will want to take a romantic gondola ride with an experienced gondolier, who may be persuaded to serenade you for a small fee. For a more intimate experience, choose one of the smaller canals away from the busy Grand Canal.

While you're at it, you'll want to share a kiss under the ancient Bridge of Sighs, constructed in 1600 and one of the most popular Valentine's Day travel destinations in Venice. It is said that those who kiss underneath it will enjoy love, passion, and romance forever.

Then you can take a tour of The Palazzo Ducale, more commonly known as the Doge's Palace, built a thousand years ago to house the princes of the city. You might attend an opera at the famous Teatro La Fenice opera house or wander over to feed the pigeons in the Piazza San Marco, another romantic favorite for couples.

Of course, fine dining on authentic Italian cuisine is abundant, as is the nightlife and after-hours entertainment. These are just a few reasons Venice is one of the world's premier romantic travel destinations.

Hawaii

Hawaii is a top vacation choice at any time of the year, but it can be especially attractive as a romantic travel destination. The islands of Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island, Kauai, are well known for their lovely climate, gorgeous beaches and forests, and the warm waters of the Pacific, and you'll find plenty of fun and intimate things to do to help rekindle your romantic fire.

Since Hawaii gains much of its income from tourism, you'll find a wide variety of accommodations wherever you stay. Choose from one of the many high-end luxury beach resorts available or a more private and intimate stay at a bed and breakfast on the beach.

On the island of Oahu, Waikiki Beach has been immortalized in song and poem as a place for lovers, and you and your special someone can enjoy a sunset stroll on the beach in the shadow of the imposing Diamond Head peak. In the morning, you can hike to the top of that mountain to take in thrilling, panoramic views of the islands and the surrounding ocean.

Over on Maui, you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in the Molokini Crater, the remains of an extinct volcano, and then take a tasting tour at the Maui Winery in Ulupalakua.

Kauai boasts the beautiful Hanalei Bay and the Na Pali Coast, where you can explore the state park and view the tall, sheer cliffs over the sea.

Hop over to the Big Island, where you can watch the lava flowing from Kilauea Volcano and spend an evening looking at the stars on the top of Mauna Kea.

As a tropical romantic getaway, Hawaii never disappoints.

New York City

If romantic comedies and dramas are any measure, the Big Apple is a place where soulmates come to meet. And with its bright lights, excitement, and glamor, New York City is a favorite romantic travel destination. But remember, it gets cold in NYC in February, so if you go there for a Valentine's Day tryst, be sure to pack for wintry weather.

Take in the classic but chilly evening stroll across the legendary Brooklyn Bridge for some of the best views of the shining city skyline before dinner, and then head downtown to take in a Broadway play or a Central Park carriage ride together.

In the morning, board a harbor cruise or ride the ferry to the Statue of Liberty before heading to Little Italy for a romantic dinner for two in one of the historic restaurants.

Then, visit the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center and take their elevator to the observation deck at the top of each for breathtaking panoramic views of the vast city below.

It wouldn't be a trip to New York without seeing the historic Grand Central Station, where you can stand in the famous Whispering Gallery and share sweet nothings with each other. For some fun winter exercise, head to Bryant Park or the Wollman Rink for some ice skating, people-watching, and a nice mug of hot cocoa.

If you have time, you must take in one of the city's world-class museums and the New York Public Library. Create your own "When Harry Met Sally" moment in NYC this Valentine's Day.

Final Verdict on Valentines Day Travel Destinations

Whichever of the many great Valentine's Day travel destinations you choose, The Parking Spot can help make your trip easier, faster, safer, and more enjoyable. Since 1998, we've been offering bespoke airport parking with all the amenities and services needed to secure your car and get to the airport quickly and safely.

Choose covered or open-air parking or even valet parking at some locations in our fully-fenced and well-lit lots, with a fast and easy check-in and check-out process that you can complete right from your phone with our app. You can also make reservations.

We offer continuous shuttle service to and from the airport, along with luggage assistance. And if you'd like, at some locations, we'll even clean and wash your car and change the oil while you're away.

With 38 locations at 22 busiest airports, The Parking Spot will likely be available at your departure point, and we are always open. Reserve a parking spot today!

Before You Travel!

If there's one thing that will spoil the romantic fire of your Valentine's Day travel, it's dealing with unexpected hassles, problems, delays, and expenses on your trip. The key to avoiding unpleasant surprises is to thoroughly plan ahead before you go. It's highly recommended to put together a checklist of things to do, and this is especially important if you're planning to travel overseas. Here are a few to get you started.

• Passports and Visas: Make sure your passports are valid and up to date and check the visa requirements for the countries you plan to visit.
• Flights, Hotels, and Transportation: Book your flights and accommodations as far in advance as possible, which will get you better prices and help avoid hassles when you arrive. Research the transportation options available at your destination.
• Customs and Culture: Take the time to learn a bit about the local customs, culture, and etiquette of the places you'll visit, along with a few common words and phrases. It'll help you avoid embarrassing faux pas and maybe get you better service.
• Currency and Credit: Check the exchange rates in the country you're visiting, learn the local currency basics, and let your banking institutions know your travel dates to avoid issues with your credit and debit cards.
• Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover your expenses due to cancellations, lost luggage, and unexpected medical emergencies.
• Home Security: Make sure your home is locked up and secured before you go, and if possible, have someone check in on things while you're gone. 

Don't forget about the car you're leaving at the airport. Consider letting The Parking Spot take good care of it at one of our convenient locations all over the U.S. For instance, if you're departing from Dallas, we have the perfect spot for your vehicle.