Chocolates, petal-strewn suites, sandy beaches – yawn. Your love is unique, so dodge the cliches with a Valentine’s Day break that caters to the quirks of your coupledom.
Krabi, Thailand for adrenaline seekers
If the thought of a candlelit meal or spa treatment has you tapping your feet with boredom, bond over a shared challenge this Valentine’s Day. Krabi on southern Thailand’s west coast has adventure rippling through its every limestone cliff. In the space of a few days, you can scale caves, zipline through forests, go canoeing, trek jungles and try quad biking. Start with a climb up the karst with views of Railay beach (for those who dare to look down) or explore the forest trail towards Tiger Cave Temple – you can always flop onto a beach at the end of the day.
Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.
Portland, Oregon for craft-beer lovers
If roses and red wine leave you cold, head to Portland, the heartland of amber nectar. Proudly eccentric Portland has been a craft-brew capital for decades, and with the highest concentration of breweries in the world you won’t be short of choice. Take a brewery tour if you want to sip a whole bunch. But if boozy bus rides take the fizz out of your couple’s getaway, Portland’s haunts are easily discovered on foot: start with local favorite Hair of the Dog.
Carcassonne, France for medieval romantics
Would you and your lover have been better born in another era, when corsets were tight, armor was polished and the likelihood of death by bubonic plague was… never mind. Step over a drawbridge and back in time to fairytale Carcassonne in southern France. In summer armies of tourists storm this fortified city; explore it out of high season to free your imagination as you and your beloved roam its medieval turrets. Carcassonne sprawls well beyond the old town, so choose your hotel location carefully – luxurious Hôtel du Château is just at the entrance of the medieval city, and sure to fit the exacting standards of knights and princesses.