Where to Go

The most romantic day of the year is Valentines Day. Whether you are single or in a relationship there is always something to do and hopefully someone to do it with. Well this article is for those who have really no clue as to where to take that special person for Valentines Day. Instead of worrying about what you are going to do and where you are going take him or her, take a lesson and check out a few of these ideas below.

This special day marks the celebration of love and togetherness. Whether it’s a dinner date with your beloved or trying your hand at baking a delicious cake for your parents, Valentine’s Day is all about expressing love for one’s beloved and exchanging tokens of love. People share gifts with each other to express their love and affection symbolically. Valentine’s Day also happens to be a great time to shop with loads of offers and discounts jumping up from virtually every store.

Celebrate love, the most powerful emotion on earth, with chocolates, flowers, gifts or romantic e-cards. This Valentine’s Day do all that you can to make your family & friends feel special. Gift special Valentine’s Day goodies, gift baskets, greeting cards as a token of your affection. Planning an exclusive date with your partner on Valentine’s Day is a must-do. It is always better to ensure that you plan your day well in advance in order to avoid last minute anxiety.

Try making the day extra special by taking your date out for a romantic candle light dinner amid soulful music, candles, sparkling wine & of course delicious food. Various restaurants in the city organise special Valentine’s Day buffets & candle light dinners.  You could also cook a meal for your beloved on this occasion. A good movie at a theatre near you is also a good option for lovers to spend time with watch other.

For romantics who share a passion for travel, why not take off for a romantic weekend getaway and spend some quality leisure time with your valentine. You can also make this day special by partying in one of these pubs or lounge bars . For more ideas, check out these Valentine’s Day special events taking place in your city.

The Classic: One of the most common things people do as a couple is the combination between dinner and a movie. It really never gets old and there is always something good to go eat and something good to go see. This is a great way for the two of you to spend Valentines Day together.

Stay Home: I know this is supposed to be places TO GO for Valentines Day, but home is a place to go. For Valentines Day you do not have to go all out with some extravagant dinner or event, but instead just be homebodies. You all can wear comfortable clothes and either make dinner or order delivery. It can become a very nice and romantic night in the comfort of your living room.

Sporting Event: This one may be more for the guys than the ladies, but it can still be fun. If you know the other person is a big sports nut, take him or her to a local sporting event. Make it a surprise, and you will see how much your sports fan will appreciate. This is certainly not the most romantic place to be but it can make for a very fun night.

Get out of Town: If you really want to go somewhere for Valentines Day then make a trip of it. Plan a long weekend or just get out of town for the night. I am sure there is some place with in driving distance that you and your special one can go and have some fun.

Hotel Room: Going to a nice hotel can be a great way to spend Valentines Day. It should not be much of a drive, but it is still something different that the both of you can enjoy. Spice things up with some roses and get a room with a nice view. It might only be one night, but make it a night to remember.

Picnic: You can do a picnic either during the day or underneath the stars. Have it planned out to where it is arranged for when you all arrive. You will want to pick a nice quite place where there is not much traffic, and a great view of the outdoors. A picnic never fails to impress someone.

Go out with Friends: Even though Valentines Day has a romantic ring to it, that does not mean you have to spend it with just the two of you. A fun way to spend Valentines Day is with friends. Get a couple of your closest friends together and go out somewhere. This is a great way to spend Valentines Day with friends and your special someone.

Opera or Play: Just like going to a sporting event may be more for the guys than ladies, going to the opera or play is more for the ladies rather than guys. Find a local playhouse that your significant other has mentioned and surprise him or her with a special night. It might not be something you want to do, but he or she will truly appreciate you for thinking of them.

These are just a few ideas of where to go on that special day. There are endless things to do and plenty of places to go. Maybe you will use one of these suggestions for the next Valentines Day, and make it one you will never forget.

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The world is full of some really romantic and beautiful places, whether you enjoy the bustle of city life, the drama of coastal scenery or the peaceful sleepiness of rural landscapes. Visiting them on Valentine’s Day is more romantic and more exciting than usual. To help you plan that perfect get away for you and your partner, here are five of the most romantic destinations in the world, scattered on 3 continents. And if this is not enough for you, I will search for more Romantic Places for Valentine’s Day!1) Winter Ski Chalet – what could be more romantic than snuggling up in front of a roaring fire in a luxurious chalet deep in the beautiful scenery of the French Alps, or maybe the foothills of the Swiss mountains.

St Moritz is one of the most famous Swiss resorts, and provides luxurious private chalets, as well as countless things to do off snow including spa treatments, top class dining and a vibrant nightlife, and there is some truly stunning scenery around the beautiful Swiss Mountains to stir your senses.

2). The Bahamas – this group of 700 islands are situated just off the Florida coast, and have all you need for that perfect, exotic get away. White sandy beaches, year round sun and plenty of crystal clear tropical waters make the islands a breathtaking paradise to visit, and there is nothing more romantic than dining in one of the many beach bars, watching the sun sink slowly over the beautiful water.

The Bahamas are one of the quieter, more relaxing tropical destinations, and then are many private little guesthouses and family run hotels that you can truly kick back and unwind in.

3). Venice – Venice has long been known as one of the most romantic cities in the world, and the stunning architecture and unusual water logged streets have kept lovers returning year after year.

There are plenty of romantic things to do in the city, such as dining in one of the many street side cafes, listening and even dancing to the sounds of the various street performers in the main squares, and of course taking a scenic gondola ride around the cities beautiful waterways.

4). Australia‘s Goldcoast – the Goldcoast is one of Australia’s premier destinations, with absolutely pristine, golden beaches, blue pacific waters and beautiful sunshine.

There is a vibrant, exciting nightlife and some amazing cuisine on offer, and also day trips to nearby subtropical rainforests and theme parks. The Goldcoast is of course famous for it’s surfing, especially at Kirra Point, but there are a whole host of other activities on offer including theatres, shopping arcades, golf courses and casinos.

5). Ireland – Ireland is a country full of breathtakingly dramatic scenery and passionate people, and makes the perfect romantic destination for couples. From the stunning coastlines through to the quiet rolling rural farmland the Irish landscape is timeless, and also dotted with amazing city landscapes such as wonderful bustling Dublin.

What could more romantic than booking a holiday in one of the many castles that are scattered throughout the country, such as Kilkea, which is the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland and was built back in 1180, and refurbished recently into a top class hotel with full banqueting and leisure facilities, complete with indoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzis and a fully equipped gym.

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1. PRAGUESnowflakes blowing across the Charles Bridge, music recitals in candelit churches, underground bars, firelit restaurants serving huge plates of comfort food and fine red wines… How could your lover fail to be won over? Forget worries about rampaging stag parties – Prague has withstood far worse in its 1,000-year history, and its charms remain undiminished. Sip cocktails among the beautiful people at Tretters (V Kolkovne 3), or plunder the impressive wine cellar at Monarch (Na Perstyne 15), before dinner at Nostress (Dusni 10), an elegant fusion restaurant.

2. DUBROVNIK

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor used to escape to this beautiful Croatian city for a bit of holiday loving, and it still has the right atmosphere for a glamorous romantic break. The centre of the compact walled town is full of gorgeous boutiques and unusual jewellery stores (in case gifts are in order), pretty cafes with flower-filled gardens (should the Mediterranean sun make an appearance) and tiny bars with plenty of private nooks and crannies.

3. ISTANBUL

Exotic, frenetic and and utterly unique, Istanbul is European Capital of Culture in 2010 (en.istanbul21010.org), meaning that as well as the beautiful mosques and chaotic bazaars, there’s a whole range of new exhibitions, shows and galleries to explore. The city can be hectic, so to slow things down and keep a romantic feel, stay on Heybeliada, one of the Princes’ Islands that lie just a short ferry ride from the centre of the city. There is no traffic on the island so the best way to explore the stunning Byzantine monasteries and Greek Orthodox churches is by bike or horse-drawn carriage. Stay at the Karamanyan, a mansion converted into four stylish apartments.

4. MARRAKECH

There is something hugely romantic about disappearing through an unmarked door in the medina into a coolly elegant hotel or ornately tiled cafe. Many of the riads in Marrakech have roof terraces where you can laze together, glass of wine in hand, watching the sun set over the rooftops, while the hustle and bustle carries on in the streets below. Stay at the elegant Riad Kniza. The owner, Mohammed Bouskri, has 50 years of guiding experience, and hundreds of tales to tell.

5. VIENNA

Coffee, cake, coffee, more cake – there are plenty of opportunities to spend time gazing into each other’s eyes in Vienna’s elegant coffee houses. Going for a February weekend means you’ll have a good chance of snow, but that will just add to the romance. If you’re a couple who thrive on intellectual discussion, drop into Café Central (Herrengasse 14), preferred hangout of Lenin and Trotsky in their pre-revolution days, or for more basic stimulation try a hot Buchtel (jam-filled bun) at Café Hawelka (Dorotheergasse 6).

6. LUDLOW

One of the best things about Valentine’s Day is that it’s a good excuse for a glass or three and a slap-up supper after a parsimonious January. The Shropshire town of Ludlow is a great place for foodies – though getting a table at Mr Underhill’s, last week named best restaurant in Britain by the Harden’s restaurant guide, might be tricky. Instead, you could follow the sausage trail to the six butchers in town (perfect for a Valentine morning’s fry-up), pick up some yummy cheeses at the Little Big Cheese Shop, and stop for pastries at De Grey’s coffee shop. .

7. BRUGES

Medieval Bruges must be one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe, just made for slow strolls with a lover along canals and cobbled streets, and with dozens of lovely warm restaurants for a few hours of Belgian beer-fuelled heart-to-hearts. You can’t visit Bruges without having a plate of moules marinière, follow it up with handmade chocolates and sipping a cup of hot chocolate at De Proeverie (Katelijnestraat 6) and trying one (or several) of the many beers at ‘t Brugs Beertje (Kemelstraat 5).

8. TURIN

Italians love their food, and if you’re after a foodie break on a budget, Turin – the country’s capital of the aperitivo – is the ultimate treat. Starting at about 6pm, the grand old cafes and bars in the central grid of streets lay on sumptuous buffets to accompany early-evening drinks… and best of all, they’re free (just don’t tell your date that). Make sure you try the famous grissini (breadsticks). Mingle with the locals at Caffè Roberto at Via Po 5 and Caffè San Carlo on Piazza San Carlo, then, if you’re still peckish, head for dinner at one of the city’s elegant world restaurants, serving Piedmonte’s specialities, such as porcini mushrooms and (when in season) white truffles.

9. SAN SEBASTIáN

With more Michelin stars per capita than any other city, San Sebastián on the north coast of Spain is a mecca for foodies, and can be lovely at this time of year, with few tourists and mild weather. Work up an appetite with a walk along the palm-studded Playa de la Concha or through the old town, before feasting on pintxos – Basque tapas – in Bar Txepetxa (C/Pescadería 5), known for award-winning anchovies, or Bar Bergara (C/Artetze Jeneralaren Kalea 8), where the pintxos are like mini works of art. Or push the boat out at Zuberoa (00 34 943 491 228; zuberoa.com), a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in a 14th-century farmhouse in nearby Iturriotz.

10. THE ISLE OF WIGHT

The Isle of Wight a gourmet destination? Well yes, actually. Away from the family-filled summer months, the island is blissfully peaceful, with plenty of just-long-enough-to-justify-a-pig-out walking routes, interrupted with unspoilt beaches and excellent gastropubs. Try the New Inn at Shalfleet (01983 531314; thenew-inn.co.uk) or the Red Lion at Freshwater (01983 754925). If you feel like a splurge, book the Valentine’s package at the Hambrough hotel in Ventnor in the south of the island, with a six-course dinner in the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant on the Saturday, including langoustines, champagne and canapés, plus a bottle of champers in the room and, yes, more bubbles at breakfast. It costs £230pp, including ferry crossings from Portsmouth to Fishbourne or Lymington to Yarmouth.

11. TUSCANY

If there’s one thing that takes the romance out of a stay in rural Tuscany, it’s falling over other holidaying Brits. Head to the hills in February, however, and you may have this beautiful countryside all to yourself. Stay at Il Ruscello, a beautifully restored watermill for two people, with terracotta floors, beamed ceilings, exposed stone and French doors opening out onto a terrace. The picturesque village of Comano is close by and the surrounding area of Lunigiana is famous for its castles and the ancient Roman town of Luni.

12. DORSET

As peaceful retreats for two go, The Orchard, set deep in rural Dorset near Sturminster Newton, ticks all the boxes. Pull back the curtains of this one-bedroom, weatherboarded cottage and you have endless views of open fields and the orchard from which the property takes its name. Don your walking boots for a ramble, visit the nearby towns of Bath, Shaftesbury or Salisbury, and then wrap up warm for a meal on the decked terrace.

13. AUSTRIA

British snow is all very well, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the gleaming white mountains of the Tyrol. For an unforgettable Valentine’s break, curl up in your own igloo in the Alpeniglu village in the heart of the Kitzbuehler Alps. Couples ride up the mountain on the Hochbrixen gondola and can then take a torchlit stroll through the forest and have a candlelit supper in the igloo dining room before snuggling up in super-cosy sleeping bags on an ice bed for two swathed in fur. Eat breakfast while watching the sun rise over the empty pistes – then ski down before the crowds arrive.

14. YORKSHIRE

On a crisp winter’s day the North York Moors are spectacular. Near Osmotherly on the edge of the national park is Mount Grace Priory, a 14th-century monastery. Nestling against the walls of the original manor house is a stunning place to stay: the single-story Prior’s Lodge. Residents have the grounds to themselves before the priory opens to the public at 10am each day. The cottage is ideally placed for romantic walks across the moors and along the Cleveland Way long-distance footpath.

15. PEMBROKESHIRE

Perched on the edge of Martletwy village and surrounded by rolling fields on three sides, the two-bedroom Tin Bungalow is perfect for an away-from-it-all weekend. When you’re not curled up in the glass sun room lapping up those views, take a walk to the Daugleddau Estuary or to Cresselly Arms at Cresswell Quay, an old fashioned country pub serving real ale, both just two miles away. There’s even a shed for storing bikes.

16. SUFFOLK

Britain’s beaches are often at their best beneath sharp, blue winter skies – and the long stretch of sand at Southwold is particularly lovely when there’s barely anyone else to share it with. The area is surrounded by creeks, marshes and reed beds where you can have fun bird-watching or fishing for crabs before enjoying a warming pint by the fire in the Lord Nelson.

17. ILE DE RE

The pretty clapboard houses and cobbled streets of the Ile de Ré – a small island linked to the French city of La Rochelle by road bridge – are idyllic at any time of the year, with long sandy beaches and pine forests to explore on foot or by bike. The island is also home to the fabulous Hôtel de Toiras, a classically French hotel situated at the entrance to the port of Saint Martin de Ré, the atmospheric and historic island capital.

18. DORSET

Famous as a location in the book and 1967 film of Far From the Madding Crowd, the graceful, almost circular, sweep of beach at Lulworth Cove is one of the most stunning in the UK. On a wintry February weekend it’s barely recognisable from its summer incarnation as tourist honeypot, and it’s possible to do the spectacular walk over the cliffs to the Durdle Door without seeing another person. The Manor House Tack Room is a beautifully converted cottage in the nearby village of Winfrith Newburgh; its luxurious double bedroom has oak beams and a vaulted ceiling. The Weld Arms in East Lulworth a couple of miles away serves great suppers.

19. LIGURIA

If you really like to make a big thing of Valentine’s Day, there’s only one place to head for – the small town of Camogli on Italy’s Ligurian coast. In the run-up to the big day, the town celebrates its own festival of love: local residents submit love poems to the municipal authority, which chooses 20 to display as posters along the Camogli waterfront. There’s also an annual art competition to find the official image of the “Lovers in Camogli” festival – with all the paintings shown in an exhibition.

20. GRAN CANARIA

If wrapping up warm for wintry romance isn’t your thing, escape for a week in the Canary islands, where winter temperatures are usually around 20C. Gran Canaria, with its rolling sand dunes and lush palm plantations, has a stark beauty and, perhaps more importantly, a smattering of slick spa hotels. The five-star Palm Beach is located in a romantic 1,000-year-old palm garden close to the dunes at Maspalomas, and has a spectacular spa specialising in thalassotherapy treatments.