If you and your partner have some spare time and crave some form of adventure or romantic moments, it’s time to get out of your comfort zone because a vacation is just what you need! If you are uncertain about your next ideal holiday destination, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Making a travel bucket list for couples can be tricky because there are so many destinations to experience. Are you an adrenaline-seeking duo? Or do you prefer to relax on the beach while sipping cocktails? Perhaps you enjoy immersing yourselves in diverse cultures and natural wonders? Whatever your preference may be, I have compiled the ultimate couple bucket list that will serve you as a great roadmap for your next holiday.
Read on, get inspired, and prepare to have some quality time in some epic destinations!
For a Romantic Holiday
Bali, Indonesia
If you love stunning beaches, affordable massages, delicious food, and picturesque surroundings, Bali should be on your couple’s travel bucket list!
Located in Southeast Asia, this beautiful island has many resorts and hotels made for a romantic getaway. Depending on what you are looking for, you can find a range of options, from stunning jungle view rooms with modern amenities, to beachfront all-inclusive resorts, to stunning villas.
Exploring Bali’s nature and culture are a wonderful way to enjoy this island as a couple. You can partake in activities like visiting waterfalls, temples, rice fields, and exploring the beautiful beaches in Uluwatu. If you are also into adventure, you can try out fun activities like hiking, riding on horseback, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, white-water rafting, and more.
Enjoying a romantic dinner and treating yourself to a famous Balinese massage are a must-do for every couple that visits Bali. And, to top it off, you can just kick back with your partner while sipping on a coconut, and take in Bali’s incredible sunsets. I mean, if this doesn’t scream romance, then I don’t know what does!
Paris, France
Paris is the city of love, the ultimate destination on any travel bucket list for couples. I mean, with world-class restaurants, stunning architecture, cute cafés, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower, a romantic time is guaranteed.
Just imagine a day in Paris: you are walking through the Jardin du Luxembourg, pausing to savor a ‘pain au chocolat’ and a delicious coffee from a typical Parisian café. Experiencing a romantic trip on a cruise on the Seine river, and ending your day with a glass of champagne.
Couples in Paris can enjoy an array of art and culture. Starting with the Louvre, one of the world’s most famous and iconic museums. However, the Louvre is just the beginning as there is no shortage of museums in Paris, so if you’re into this, you’ll have a busy itinerary!
Endless romantic walks through charming neighborhoods, picnics in front of the Eiffel Tower, captivating cabaret shows, and dining at upscale restaurants—what’s not to like?
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is a romantic vacation assured, with underground cities, rock castles, fairy chimneys, rock formations, and hot air balloons. This city is home to many civilizations like the Romans, Ottomans, and Byzantines.
Believe me, it doesn’t get dreamier than taking a hot air balloon ride during sunrise and enjoying the views of all the balloons floating above the breathtaking landscape. It’s not for no reason that Cappadocia is considered one of the best places to experience a hot air balloon ride in the world!
Other activities you and your partner can enjoy while in Cappadocia include watching the sunset at Red Rose Valley, going wine tasting, savoring a romantic cave dinning experience, and stargazing. Oh, and don’t forget to book a romantic suite in a boutique cave hotel.
Florence, Italy
Italy should be on every travel bucket list for couples! There are so many romantic destinations to visit in Italy, but Florence has my heart thanks to the stunning architecture, the Renaissance arts, and the delicious food.
Florence is a perfect place to enjoy some wine-tasting activities and visit renowned art galleries. There are so many fun things to do in Florence as a couple, such as going on a river cruise, watching the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, and taking cooking classes.
From Florence, you can easily take off on a day trip to a nearby romantic destination, such as Cinque Terre, Siena, Pisa, or Bologna. Any of these destinations will add to your romantic experience, and the road trip or train ride there will be filled with picturesque scenery.
Florence to Cinque Terre
For a day trip to Cinque Terre, you can take a train from Florence to La Spezia. From there, take the Cinque Terre Express train to get into the stunning coastal villages. Florence to Cinque Terre is a 2.5 to 3 hour trip.
Florence to Siena
To reach Siena, take a direct train or bus from Florence. The journey takes about one hour and 30 minutes.
Florence to Pisa
For a visit to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, you can take the bus, which takes about one hour and 30 minutes. You can also opt for the high-speed train, which is less than an hour ride.
Florence to Bologna
To reach Bologna, you have the option of taking a direct train or bus. The train takes about 1 hour and the bus around 1.5 to 2 hours. Exploring the culinary delights of Bologna alone is worth the journey!
For Beach Lovers
Mediterranean Boat Trip From Turkey to Greece
The title says it all. Yatching through the Mediterranean guarantees exploring some stunning beaches. Not only that, but this voyage is also packed with exciting activities. Being part of a boat excursion means having everything meticulously arranged for you, including daily stops to explore different Greek and Turkish islands.
Sailing through the Mediterranean is as relaxing as it is active. You will have a wide array of activities you can choose to participate in, such as hiking, swimming, yoga, fun games, cooking classes, and even spending nights under the stars. All you have to do is get on board with your lover, pack a swimsuit, and enjoy an unforgettable experience on the Aegean Sea!
I had the amazing opportunity to join SunFunYou with my partner two years in a row. The wooden yacht accommodated 16 passengers in 8 cabins. We visited beautiful destinations and had a fantastic time throughout.
One of the best things about participating in a scheduled voyage is the new friends you make. Depending on your interests and budget, you might want to join a group or opt for a private excursion. There are also various boat and trip options available, each with different destinations and durations, although the typical duration ranges from 7 to 12 days.
The Maldives
With stunning coasts, pristine beaches, and world-class resorts, Maldives is the perfect addition to any travel bucket list for couples. Here you can enjoy activities like taking a romantic cruise, snorkeling and diving, waterside dinners, and great massages. The Maldives is truly a honeymoon destination.
One of the most romantic things to experience in The Maldives is an overwater bungalow – you probably recognize them if you’ve ever seen photos of the Maldives. These beautiful bungalows offer seclusion and privacy, making them perfect for a romantic getaway with your partner. And when you’re ready to explore the island, just grab your bike and go around the island.
Bacalar, Mexico
Another bucket list item is Bacalar, a magical town worthy of being on this travel bucket list for couples. Located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, this small town is known for its Lagoon of seven colors.
The main attraction of Bacalar is the lagoon itself, a natural wonder boasting breathtaking shades of blue. The water is warm throughout the year, and you can enjoy activities like swimming, kayaking, paddling, or taking a boat ride.
I recommend staying at one of the hotel boutiques by the lake. Bacalar provides the perfect atmosphere to lay back, relax, soak in the sun, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Another reason to visit Bacalar is the many fun things to see and explore nearby. To start, you can visit a cenote (amazing natural sinkholes!). Cenote Azul is a great option, as it is located only a 15-20 minute drive away. You can also explore the Mayan Ruins, the nearest ones are Kohunlich, located approximately a 1-hour drive away.
If you have extra time to spare, I highly recommend visiting Chichen Itza, home to the stunning 79-foot (24.08 m) pyramid built by the ancient Mayan civilization. The drive from Bacalar typically takes around 4 hours. While it’s not very close, the journey is beautiful, and you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of the New World Wonders.
If you are in it for the whole package, you can also adventure on a trip to Tulum. Here you will find a vibrant nightlife, white sand beaches, and iconic historical sites. The drive from Bacalar takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes.
Finally, and of utmost importance, be sure not to miss out on savoring the exquisite Mexican cuisine!
Komodo Islands Boat Trip
One of the best travel experiences any couple can have is taking a boat trip, and a destination that will not disappoint is the Komodo Islands. Komodo is one of the 17,508 islands in Indonesia, a hidden treasure filled with pink beaches and great hiking trails.
Some places you can expect to visit during a boat trip in Komodo are Padar Island, where you can enjoy a 20-minute sunrise/sunset hike and Komodo National Park, where you will find Komodo dragons! Other activities to enjoy here include snorkeling with manta rays, exploring the pink beaches, and seeking shooting stars in the evening or gigantic bats.
You can get to the Komodo islands by flying to Labuan Bajo, Flores. I recommend arriving a day before your boat trip due to flight schedules; this way, you can ensure an early start to your boat trip. Once in Labuan Bajo, you’ll set sail for the Komodo Islands. I recommend staying a minimum of 2 nights to make the most of your Komodo adventures.
While you’re here, consider spending one night at Le Pirate Island, an adults-only resort with beautiful beach huts, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coral reefs.
Here, I witnessed one of the best sunsets of my life!
For the Adventurous
Explore Petra
Petra in Jordan is one of the most ethereal destinations to visit as a couple. This city is not only one of the seven wonders of the world but also a UNESCO world heritage site with so many ruins, temples, and tombs to explore.
Be prepared to travel back in time! In Petra, you will have a rich cultural immersion and a sense of adventure and discovery as you explore its ancient ruins that are surrounded by the beautiful desert landscape. Some highlights here include the Siq canyon – the narrow sandstone entrance to Petra, the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) – Petra’s most iconic structure, and The Monastery (Ad Deir)—another impressive carved masterpiece.
You can also experience Petra by Night, where they illuminate the Treasury with thousands of candles, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. Lastly, be sure to sample some local cuisine and prepare to hike a lot, if you get exhausted, you can ride a camel!
For more details, check out my full Petra travel guide.
African Safari
The last destination on my couples travel bucket list is Africa. If you’re looking for adventure, you and your partner will certainly enjoy a vacation to a safari in Africa. Some great destinations to visit national parks in Africa are Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania.
Seeing the incredible wildlife in Africa is a unique experience. Some favorite things to do here include hot air balloon safaris, boat tours to observe the wildlife in rivers and lakes, safari drives to encounter the Big Five, and even indulging in romantic fine dining at a safari camp.
Just picture a day: waking up in your safari tent, unzipping it, and seeing zebras in their natural habitat. After a breakfast with the most breathtaking views, spend the day exploring and encountering majestic animals in their kingdom. After admiring a gorgeous sunset over the mountains with your partner, enjoy a gourmet meal surrounded by nature. End your romantic evening under the beautiful starry African sky.
In Africa, you’ll create and capture some of the best memories of your life with your loved one.
There you go! Hopefully, these destinations have inspired some new bucket list goals. Comment below if you want to share your bucket list ideas or travel experiences. And remember, the world is full of incredible places waiting to be explored!
