Valentine’s Day or not, you must never miss an opportunity to travel. Travelling is by far the most underestimated joy of life. As opposed to buying something, when you travel you create memories, so why not make this Valentine’s Day that extra bit special?
Considering that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in February, which is the coldest time of the year for a lot of western countries, it makes for the perfect time to holiday with someone you want to cuddle with and get cosy next to.
And, if you’re looking for a quick break with that someone special, we reckon that these 7 holiday destinations might add just the right amount of passion to your ‘romantic trip’.
But hey, before you take that trip make sure you’re also financially ready for it. Perhaps, it’s time to use the funds you put aside in your Fixed Deposit account, huh?
First things first. Get a Credit Card if you haven’t got one already. In fact, if you have a Travel Credit Card, check your reward points to redeem air miles and get discounts on your air ticket and hotel bookings. Then, get yourself Travel Insurance and you’re all set to head out into the great wide open.
Do note that these places are romantic irrespective of whether it’s Valentine’s Day or not. So, if you can’t make it in the next few days, do take your time and try to visit these places later during the year.
Hallstatt, Austria: A place that looks like a postcard, Hallstatt is a tiny village in Austria’s mountainous Salzkammergut region. Situated on the western shore of Hallstatt’s lake, its 16th-century Alpine houses and architecture alongside tiny cafes and little shops make Hallstatt a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A perfect place for lovebirds to sit by the lake and feed beautiful swans and little ducks, Hallstatt is probably one of those picturesque places that needs no filter while clicking pictures for your Instagram account.
Ticket Cost: If booked in advance you could get return tickets to Austria (Vienna) on Air India for as low at Rs. 50,000.
Accommodation Cost: Since Hallstatt is so quaint and small, accommodation options there are quite limited. However, you could choose to stay a few kilometres away at hotels starting from Rs. 2,800 per night and upwards.
To get there: If you land in Salzburg Airport, Hallstatt is only a two-hour bus ride away.
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Additional Reading: 5 Budget-Friendly European Holiday Destinations
Edinburgh, Scotland: Yet another overlooked holiday destination, Edinburgh – which is Scotland’s hilly capital – makes for a great place to visit if you love walking hand-in-hand through elegant Georgian gardens while appreciating neo-classical architecture.
The Edinburgh Castle is home to Scotland’s crown jewels, and the old town has preserved most of its medieval street plan and its reformation-era buildings are in pristine condition. Both the old and the new town are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ticket Cost: Return tickets will cost you about Rs. 40,000 upwards.
Accommodation Cost: Rs. 2,200 per night and upwards.
To get there: Edinburgh has its own airport.
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Additional Reading: Get A VAT Refund When You Travel – Europe!
Seychelles, East Africa: If you aren’t particularly fond of hills and prefer the beach for a romantic getaway, Seychelles is the place for you.
This tiny island in the Indian Ocean, which is off the coast of East Africa, has numerous beaches, exquisite coral reefs, and nature reserves too. There’s nothing more beautiful in the world than witnessing a sunset at a beach with your loved one.
Tickets: Depending on the ‘holiday season’ when airfare is more expensive, return tickets to Seychelles will cost you anywhere between Rs. 40,000 – Rs. 50,000.
Accommodation: Prices start from Rs. 4,500 per night and upwards.
To get there: Seychelles has two airports – Mahe Island and Praslin.
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Additional Reading: How To Make Your Dream Vacation A Reality
Annecy, France: The ‘Love Capital’ of the world, France is a great choice for a romantic trip. Although most people would rush to Paris and other mainstream places, they tend to forget the quaint little villages that are far more charming than the over-hyped cities.
Annecy is one such Alpine town in Southeastern France with cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-coloured houses, which adds a certain charm to any romantic holiday.
Ticket Cost: Air tickets to Paris cost about Rs. 35,000 – Rs. 38,000 when booked in advance.
Accommodation Cost: Rs. 4,200 per night onwards on leading booking sites.
To Get there: Annecy is a five-hour drive from Paris.
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Additional Reading: How To Make Your Money Last While Travelling
Jeju Island, South Korea: Although it started off unofficially, more and more people in South Korea observe the 14th of every month as ‘couples day’. Fortunately for you, you won’t be restricted to visiting Jeju Island only on Valentine’s Day to make a romantic trip after all.
Jeju Island has a lot to offer other than its beautiful beaches, volcanic craters, lava tubes, walking trails and ahem, an adult theme park too!
Tickets: Return tickets cost about Rs. 68,000 – Rs. 71,000.
Accommodation: Starting from Rs. 1,500 per night.
To get there: Jeju Island has an airport of its own, although it may lack connectivity from most Indian cities.
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Additional Reading: Affordable Honeymoon Destinations In India
Cotswolds, England: The English countryside is not just known for its scones and clotted cream, but also for its many small villages in Cotswolds. The attractive yellow limestone homes built on these rolling hills are breathtakingly beautiful.
If you enjoy peace and quiet, you’re sure going to love Cotswolds for its historical towns, stately homes and gardens. A must visit is Bourton-on-the-water where you’ll find several low-arched stone bridges over River Windrush, making it look similar to Venice.
Tickets: Return tickets to the UK when booked in advance could cost you approximately Rs. 35,000.
Accommodation: A bed and breakfast in Oxford will cost you around Rs. 3,500 per night.
To get there: Land in London and either take the train or bus to Oxford.
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Additional Reading: Are You Financially Ready To Travel Abroad?
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India: Well, let’s not forget about our own country. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are quite the bomb when it comes to white-sand beaches, mangroves, and coral reefs.
If romance means adventure to you then you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the number of diving sites and snorkelling locations these islands have to offer. Most parts of these islands still remain untouched and are off limits due to them being inhabited by the Sentinelese people.
Tickets: Flight tickets start from Rs. 8,000 return (quite a steal, huh?)
Accommodation: You’ll find hotels ranging from Rs. 4,000 per night upwards.
To get there: Although Port Blair is the airport for Andaman, not all flights go there directly. There’s a stop-over in Chennai.
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So, there you have it. A list of the top 7 romantic holiday destinations to visit. If you’re travelling anytime soon, you may want to get a Credit Card, just to add a little more zing to your holiday If you don’t have one already, check your eligibility and get one.