A Valentine’s Day getaway is not just about traveling. It is about creating a pause in everyday life and turning time together into a meaningful experience. Around Saint Valentine’s Day, many couples look for short, romantic trips that allow them to reconnect, explore new places and celebrate their relationship in a more intentional way.
Unlike long vacations that require months of planning, Valentine’s Day trips are usually shorter, more focused and emotionally driven. They can be a weekend in a charming city, a scenic road trip through nature or a cozy escape filled with good food, beautiful views and slow mornings.
For couples this moment of the year is ideal for both Europe and the United States. European cities offer walkable romance and history, while the US is perfect for flexible road trips and nature-focused experiences. In both cases, choosing the right destination and having mobility makes all the difference.
In this guide, you will find inspiration, practical advice and destination ideas designed for couples looking for a Valentine’s Day getaway that feels authentic, relaxed and memorable.
What is Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on February 14 and is recognized worldwide as a day dedicated to love, romance and emotional connection between partners.
Over time, Valentine’s Day has evolved from a symbolic celebration into an experience-driven moment. Today, many couples prefer to celebrate with trips, shared activities and meaningful experiences instead of traditional gifts. A romantic getaway has become one of the most popular ways to mark the occasion.
Who was Saint Valentine?
Saint Valentine is traditionally associated with love and devotion. According to popular stories, he was a priest who performed marriages in secret during a period when they were forbidden, helping couples stay together despite restrictions.
Because of these acts, Saint Valentine became a symbol of romantic commitment and sacrifice for love. His story is one of the reasons Valentine’s Day is so closely linked to couples and meaningful gestures, including traveling together.
Where is the best place to go on a Valentine’s holiday?
The best place to go on a Valentine’s Day getaway depends on how you want to experience romance as a couple.
Some couples prefer cities filled with culture, history and intimate restaurants. Others are drawn to landscapes, scenic drives and quiet moments surrounded by nature. The most romantic trips are usually those that match the couple’s personality and allow time to slow down.
Below, you will find a curated list of romantic trips for couples across Europe and the United States, ideal for a Valentine’s Day getaway.
8 Romantic Trips for couples this Valentine’s Day
1. Paris, France
Paris is often the first destination that comes to mind when people think of a Valentine’s Day getaway. The city offers effortless romance through its streets, cafés, river walks and iconic landmarks.
Couples can explore Montmartre, enjoy a sunset by the Seine or take a short drive to Versailles or the Champagne region. Renting a compact or premium car makes it easy to combine Paris with nearby romantic escapes.
2. Florence and Tuscany, Italy
Florence is ideal for couples who love art, architecture and timeless beauty. Beyond the city, Tuscany opens the door to vineyards, medieval villages and rolling hills that feel made for slow travel.
This couple’s trip is perfect for wine tastings, countryside drives and small discoveries. An SUV or comfortable compact car is recommended for exploring rural roads.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague offers a quieter and more intimate kind of romance. Its historic center, bridges and river views create a magical atmosphere, especially during winter.
It is an excellent Valentine’s Day getaway for couples who enjoy culture, history and cozy evenings without large crowds.
4. Napa Valley, California, USA
Napa Valley is one of the most popular romantic trips for couples in the United States. Vineyards, boutique hotels and fine dining make it ideal for celebrating Saint Valentine’s Day in a relaxed and elegant way.
Driving between wineries is part of the experience, and a premium or midsize car adds comfort and style to the trip.
5. Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Charleston combines historic charm, coastal scenery and an outstanding food scene. Couples can walk through cobblestone streets, explore nearby plantations or drive to quiet beaches.
A rental car allows flexibility and makes it easy to enjoy both the city and surrounding areas at your own pace.
6. Sedona, Arizona, USA
Sedona is perfect for couples looking for nature, tranquility and dramatic landscapes. Its red rock formations, scenic drives and wellness-focused resorts make it a strong option for reconnecting.
An SUV is ideal for comfort and access to scenic routes around the region.
7. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges feels like a fairytale city, with canals, medieval architecture and intimate squares. It is compact, walkable and perfect for a short Valentine’s Day getaway in Europe.
Couples often combine Bruges with nearby cities or countryside areas, which becomes much easier with a rental car.
8. Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como is a classic choice for romantic trips, offering lakeside views, charming towns and peaceful surroundings. It is ideal for couples who value scenery, slow travel and elegance.
Driving around the lake allows access to smaller villages and viewpoints that are difficult to reach otherwise.
Which country is best for Valentine’s Day travel?
There is no single best country for Valentine’s Day travel, but some destinations stand out depending on travel style.
France and Italy are ideal for classic romantic city breaks and countryside escapes. The United States offers flexibility and variety, making it perfect for couples who enjoy road trips and nature-based experiences. Central European countries like Belgium and the Czech Republic provide romance with fewer crowds.
The best country is the one that aligns with how you enjoy spending time together.
Which place is best for Valentine’s Day if you only have a few days?
Short trips work best when the destination is easy to navigate and offers multiple experiences close together.
Cities like Paris, Florence and Prague in Europe, or Napa Valley and Charleston in the US, allow couples to experience culture, food and relaxation without long transfers. Renting a car helps maximize time, especially when combining city stays with nearby escapes.
Why is a couples trip more romantic with a car?
A car transforms a Valentine’s Day getaway from a fixed itinerary into a shared adventure. It gives couples freedom to stop when something catches their eye, explore less crowded places and move at their own pace.
With Rentcars, couples can compare options, choose the right vehicle category and plan their trip with confidence, whether driving through vineyards, coastal roads or historic towns.
FAQ: Valentine’s Day travel questions couples ask
Where is the best place to go on a Valentine’s holiday?
The best place is one that matches your shared interests, whether that is culture, nature or food. European cities and US road trip destinations are among the most popular choices.
Where is the best place to travel during February?
February is ideal for cities with mild winters or strong cultural scenes, such as Paris, Florence, Napa Valley and Charleston.
Which place is best for Valentine’s Day?
Romantic destinations with walkable centers, beautiful scenery and good dining options tend to be best for Valentine’s Day.
Which country is best for Valentine’s Day?
France, Italy and the United States are often considered the best countries for Valentine’s Day trips due to their variety of romantic destinations.
Conclusion
A Valentine’s Day getaway is an opportunity to turn time together into a shared memory. Whether you choose a European city filled with history or a scenic road trip in the United States, the most important element is the experience you build as a couple.
Having a car gives you freedom, flexibility and access to places that make a trip feel truly personal. With Rentcars, you can easily compare options, choose the right vehicle and plan your couples trip with confidence.
If you are thinking about your next Valentine’s Day getaway, Rentcars helps you focus less on logistics and more on what really matters: enjoying the journey together
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