A guide to the most unexpectedly romantic places in the world

Monday, 14th February 2022

Destination Specialist

Alluring though the typical romantic destinations of Paris and New York are, there is a lot to be said for venturing beyond the ordinary and finding romance in unfamiliar places. We give you our pick of the most unexpectedly romantic places in the world, from the majestic wilderness of Alaska to the hot springs of New Zealand. Explore the destinations that have won over our hearts.

Canada

Canada is home to a boundless array of landscapes, including a world-famous waterfall, forty national parks and one of the world’s biggest mountain ranges. It also boasts a range of wonderfully diverse cultures from its major cities like Vancouver, Toronto and French-speaking Montreal to its remote Celtic-influenced villages along the Atlantic coast. Our range of Canada holidays means that you can go it alone on a self-drive holiday, stay in a secluded wilderness lodge for optimum wildlife viewing or take the train across the breadth of this vast country.

Here are some of our alternative romantic recommendations:

Visit a symbolic Totem Pole created by the indigenous peoples of Canada’s northwest coast. Monumental and celebrated, these carved pieces of aboriginal art are simply majestic, and offer fascinating insight into Canada’s indigenous roots.
Experience the Canadian Rockies on-board the acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer train and witness some of world’s most spectacular scenery, including Maligne Lake and its deep forests and glacial peaks.
Try out the authentic tradition of relaxing in the steamy natural spring water of the Banff Upper Hot Springs, whilst soaking up the scenic surroundings.
Venture along the Pacific Coast and admire the coastal landscapes and scenic views from the Sea to Sky Highway.
Take in the wildlife-rich habitat of Vancouver Island and the Pacific Rim National Park, where you can catch sightings of magnificent grey whales and orca on the Clayoquot Sound.

Alaska

Step into the wild and experience the real Alaska – America’s largest state with an average population of one person per square mile. Known for the iconic images it conjures of salmon rivers, grizzly bears, moose and untouched wilderness, this state lives up to the expectations. Our self-drive holidays are a great way to explore Alaska on a soft adventure. The sheer scale, tranquillity and scenery are undeniably romantic.

A few ways to enjoy a alternative romantic holiday in Alaska:

Visit Denali National Park with its majestic wildlife and snow-capped peaks watching for grizzly bears, moose, caribou or wolves.
Take a scenic flight for a birds eye view of Glacier Bay National Park to see its deep fjords and catch views of whales, bears and seals.
Jump aboard the Alaskan Railroad to the Kenai Peninsula and the spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park, taking in the cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks as well.
Hop in a kayak made for two and paddle around the scenic waterways of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Join a guided tour around Utqiagvik and witness the customs of the native culture of the Inupiat Heritage Centre. You can even take part in local music and dances.

New Zealand

Even in the stunning cinematography of Lord of the Rings, the medium of film just doesn’t fully do justice to New Zealand impressive landscapes. Located in the southwest Pacific, New Zealand is made up of two main islands – North Island and South Island. A mountain range runs through the centre of the North Island and at its centre is an active volcano. The South Island is dominated by the Southern Alps and is a popular spot for tramping and heli-hike trips to see the jaw-dropping glaciers.

Where to find romance in New Zealand:

Sit and relax in a hot spring on a visit to Rotorua in the geothermal heart of North Island. Marvel at geysers and bubbling mud pools.
Experience Maori culture joining a traditional concert and Hangi dining experience as food is cooked in an earth oven.
Be whisked up in a helicopter and witness magnificent views across the Southern Alps and West Coast glaciers.
Jump aboard a whale watching boat in Kaikoura for New Zealand’s ultimate marine experience encountering giant sperm whales, as well as dolphins and seals.
Hike a trail in Fiordland National Park to see mesmerising waterfalls, mountains and rainforests.

Iceland

Record numbers of tourists have been visiting the small island of Iceland in recent years, in particular its capital city, Reykjavik. As the UK’s leading specialist travel company to Iceland, we can highlight plenty of spectacular locations where you can stay away from the crowds and soak up the stunning landscapes.

Our suggestion of romantic locations in Iceland:

Book a suite at countryside Hotel Ranga. Well away from light pollution, it is an ideal spot to catch a sighting of the northern lights, perhaps from out outdoor hot tub.
Enjoy a romantic dinner at the stylish Hotel Husafell, with its floor to ceiling windows giving phenomenal views.
Explore Iceland’s second largest icecap, Langjokull, by snow truck and join a guided walk deep into the glacier.
Adventure across the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where you can wander among the coastal formations at Arnarstapi.
Journey through the meandering West Fjords with its dramatic bird cliffs and golden beaches that make up the least-visited corner of Iceland.