Couples’ trips

For a romantic weekend, opt for a destination that’s easy to reach, with a city centre that’s pleasant to explore on foot, good places to dine and spots perfect for a leisurely stroll. Rome, Venice, Florence, Prague, Lisbon and Barcelona are all classic choices, as they combine heritage, atmosphere, fine dining and charming accommodation. For a more intimate getaway, Porto, Seville, Split or Palermo offer a more laid-back atmosphere, ideal for spending time together without cramming in too many sightseeing trips. The key is to choose a city that suits your pace: museums and monuments for the curious, the seaside to unwind, lively neighbourhoods for a night out, or historic alleyways to explore at your own pace. A good couple’s holiday depends less on the itinerary than on the quality of the moments you share.

For a first trip as a couple, it’s best to choose a destination that’s easy to organise, reassuring and varied enough to appeal to both of you. A European capital such as Rome, Lisbon, Amsterdam or Vienna works very well, as it offers a balance between sightseeing, restaurants, walks and free time. If you prefer the sun, Barcelona, Málaga, Palermo or Athens allow you to combine culture, relaxation and a Mediterranean atmosphere. The aim isn’t to see everything, but to get a feel for how you travel together: the pace of your days, your desire to explore, your budget and your need for rest. A three- or four-day break is often ideal for a first getaway. It gives you time to enjoy yourselves without becoming too tired or facing too many logistical constraints.

The best sunny destinations for a couple’s holiday combine a pleasant climate, exotic scenery and activities that are easy to enjoy together. In Southern Europe, Santorini, Crete, Majorca, Sicily, Malta and the Canary Islands are particularly well-suited to couples looking for the sea, sunsets, whitewashed villages or secluded coves. For a more Middle Eastern atmosphere, Marrakech offers riads, gardens, rooftop bars and desert excursions. Further afield, Mauritius, Zanzibar or Bangkok are good options for a longer holiday, combining beaches, culture and memorable experiences. The right choice depends mainly on the season: some Mediterranean destinations are perfect in spring and autumn, whilst more distant destinations allow you to seek out the sun in winter.

To organise a surprise trip for two, start by identifying three key factors: available dates, the type of experience you’re looking for, and any practical constraints. There’s no need to reveal the destination when checking the essentials: the validity of travel documents, climate preferences, the need for rest, the overall budget, or any dietary restrictions. Next, choose a destination that suits the length of your stay. For two or three days, a European city with direct flights is often the best choice. For a week, you could consider an island, a seaside holiday or a destination offering a real change of scenery. Plan a flexible itinerary, with one or two standout surprises, such as a dinner with a view, a boat trip, a charming hotel or an unusual activity. Make sure to leave some free time too: that’s often when the magic happens.

To avoid the crowds when travelling as a couple, the best times are often the shoulder seasons: April, May, June, September and October. These months offer a good balance between pleasant weather, generally lower prices and fewer tourists. Very popular cities such as Rome, Venice, Barcelona or Amsterdam are best explored outside of bank holidays, school holidays and major local events. For the Mediterranean islands, spring is the perfect time to enjoy the blossoming landscapes, whilst September often retains a lovely mild climate without the intensity of summer. In winter, certain capital cities take on a particularly romantic atmosphere, notably Vienna, Prague and Budapest, especially if you enjoy cosy ambience, historic cafés and seasonal markets. Travelling outside peak season also allows you to slow down and savour the experience as a couple to the full.

The budget for a couple’s holiday varies depending on the destination, the season, the duration and the level of comfort desired. For a weekend away in Europe, you generally need to factor in the main expenses: transport, accommodation, meals, activities and local travel. Popular tourist destinations such as Venice, Amsterdam or Santorini can be more expensive, especially in high season. Destinations such as Porto, Budapest, Palermo, Marrakesh or Kraków often allow you to keep costs under better control whilst still enjoying a wealth of cultural experiences. To make the most of your budget, compare dates, book accommodation in a good location and alternate between restaurants, local markets and simple meals. A successful couple’s holiday doesn’t have to be luxurious: it’s all about making choices that reflect your shared interests.

The best activities for a romantic getaway are those that create shared memories without turning the trip into a marathon. A stroll at sunrise or sunset, a local cookery class, a private guided tour, a tasting session, a boat trip or a day spent in a lesser-known neighbourhood can really bring the trip to life. Couples who love culture may prefer museums, historic sites and shows. Those looking for relaxation will opt instead for spas, beaches, gardens, cafés or terraces with panoramic views. The ideal approach is to alternate between planned activities and spontaneous moments. A good itinerary for two leaves room for surprises, conversations and changes of heart, especially in a city or region you’re exploring together.

The choice between a city break and a relaxing holiday depends on your energy levels, the time you have available and the purpose of your trip. A city break is ideal if you enjoy walking, sightseeing, trying out restaurants, exploring neighbourhoods and coming home with a sense of having experienced something new. It’s well suited to short breaks in Rome, Lisbon, Prague, Barcelona or Amsterdam. A relaxing holiday is more suitable if you need rest, sunshine, nature or a slower pace. In this case, opt for islands, seaside resorts, hotels with spas or destinations near the sea. To avoid frustration, discuss your priorities before you set off: seeing lots of sights, resting, eating local food, being active, getting more sleep or simply spending time together.