Our Top 5 Romantic Destinations for Gay and Lesbian Couples by Travel Writer Tonya Denmark

Love is in the air this time of year. Whether you’ve been together for years or just started seeing someone, Valentines is the perfect time to get away for a romantic weekend alone. Even if you can’t jet off for Valentine’s weekend (a Sunday this year) you can still give your loved one the gift of travel. Giving the gift of an experience lasts longer than chocolates anyhow (but still bring the chocolates!)

Amsterdam

Imagine sailing along the canals in the glow of the bridge lights reflected in the water, walking hand in hand along the cobbled streets, visiting the Bloemenmarkt flower market for year round colorful bunches of flowers, or taking a horse drawn carriage ride along the canals. Amsterdam offers many heritage filled museums and a vibrant nightlife fit for any lifestyle making it a varied and exciting romantic destination for lovers.

Curacao

Thanks to its Dutch “live and let live” heritage, Curacao in the Caribbean islands is a popular gay and lesbian destination. If you’re looking for a Caribbean beach vacation, this is the island to pick. While the island isn’t as popular or populated as some of the other Caribbean hotspots are, this means it also offers more seclusion for couples. But don’t let the seclusion fool you. There are gorgeous luxury oceanfront resorts, colorful Caribbean architecture and an eclectic selection of dining.

Paris

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Paris as a romantic destination. The city of lights and love is every romantic’s dream destination. If sipping wine at a sidewalk café with a view of the Eiffel Tower sounds lovely to you, Paris will not disappoint. For more of our personal insight to the sensual city, be sure to read our tips here.

Disney

Yep, we said it. Disney. The happiest place on Earth may look like it’s for families, but Disney has plenty of romantic experiences just for couples. The gay-friendly parks, both in Anaheim and Orlando, offer resort packages catered to romance. Think couples spa packages at the Grand Floridian or Grand Californian, Wishes Fireworks dessert viewing or a dessert fireworks cruise. Disney even has florists on hand to deliver flowers and champagne to your room.

New Orleans

Laissez les bon temps roulez in New Orleans. You can find a multitude of romantic experiences in the Big Easy. When you stay in the French Quarter guesthouses, you’re steps away from a lively day and nightlife, romantic architecture, incredible jazz, delicious creole food and a number of gay-friendly bars and nightclubs. If you’re looking to escape the action, a streetcar ride away is the old world southern hospitality garden district. Take a tour of the grandiose homes, stroll through the intricate cemeteries lined with moss covered southern oaks. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an Anne Rice novel.

No matter where you travel, as long as you’re with your loved one, slow down and appreciate the time you have together as well as your surroundings and it will be romantic.

Where are your favorite places to getaway for a little one-on-one time?