Romantic European Cities

romantic european cities

The history of European cities is filled with romance. From the moment you set foot in them, they tell you stories of the past and present. Whether it’s the ruins of Roman towns or medieval walled cities, these locales have their own stories to tell. Here are a few of my favorite romantic European cities for a love letter romantic getaway.

Rome: The Eternal City

Located on the Italian Peninsula, Rome has a storied history dating back millennia. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why it’s been called “The Eternal City.” From the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain, there are many sights to explore. Make sure to set aside time to visit the Colosseum, one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.

St. Peter’s Square is one of the most popular places to visit in Rome. At night, the square transforms into a visual and aural celebration of the city and its history. If staying in Rome, consider staying at the Hotel Excelsior, which offers a beautiful view of the city’s famous facade.

Florence: The City of Italy’s Dream

Just a short train ride from Rome, Florence is another city with a long and storied history. Its central location made the town a natural choice for artists and inventors. Today, it is still home to a thriving artistic community. The Uffizi Gallery is a leading example of Italian Renaissance art and is easy to visit. There are plenty of places to stay in Florence, that offer great views of the city and the famous Pitti Palace.

Paris: The City of Love

The “City of Light” is the place where love is said to begin, and Paris has something for everyone. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, there are many places to spend a romantic Parisian evening. If you’re looking for an over-the-top romantic experience, consider staying at La Reserve Hotel and Spa.

Venice: The City of Opera and Romantics

Among Venice’s most popular attractions is the San Marco Basilica, in the heart of the city. There are plenty of activities to check out while in Venice, including boat tours of the San Marco Basilica, canal boat rides, and visits to the Doge’s Palace. To venture further out, plan a day to visit Murano to see the art of glassblowing.

Madrid: The Universal City

If you’re looking for a more active experience, you might consider taking a canal boat ride through the city’s waterways. Visit the many galleries, or rent a bike and cycle around the city. Madrid is a wonderful city to visit for a love letter. From the high rises of the city’s arterial canals to the gardens, parks, and museums, Madrid has it all. If you’re hoping to start your visit on a higher note, plan to see The Royal Palace of Madrid.

Brussels: Home of the EU and its Capital

Located just a short train ride from Paris, Brussels has a very different feel from the French city. The “Capital of the World” as it has been called. It has been the center of European life for hundreds of years. During the centuries, Brussels has been a place for trade and business. If you’re hoping to get a head start on your romantic getaway, the Grand Place in central Brussels is a great place to start. The Grand Place or Grote Markt, is the central square of Brussels, Belgium. It is surrounded by opulent Baroque guild halls.

London: The Magic Place for a Love Letter

Located in the home country of Shakespeare, London has a long and fascinating romantic history. As a busy financial center, it’s also home to the world’s most recognizable architecture. London is a great place to begin your love journey. If you’re looking for a sky-high experience, the London Eye, which stands 619 feet tall, offers an amazing view. If you’re hoping to relax, you can take in the British Columbia Museum or the Natural History Museum. Plan a visit to the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. Stroll through the many gardens and parks located in central London.

There are many romantic European cities in which to write your love letter. Reach out to me when you are ready to start planning your visit.

Luxury Travel: Mexico’s Caribbean

Bring on the high thread count linens, the delicious food, and the optional nanny services (yes please!). When traveling as a couple, or a family, there are countless things to consider, from appropriate accommodations to food that will satisfy everyone. From private villas and five-star hotels to sprawling resorts, everyone will be well taken care of at these properties below. Plan your luxury travel in Mexico’s Caribbean.

grand velas vacation packages
Photo Credit: Velas Resorts

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

This AAA Five Diamond property is sprawled across 80 acres and never feels crowded. The Grand Velas Riviera Maya understands the challenges faced when traveling with babies and boasts its own baby concierge (yes, really!) The concierge provides you with everything from bottle sterilizers and baby bathtubs to strollers and teething toys. Babysitters are available for an additional charge. The kids and teens clubs (catering to ages 4-12 and 12-18 respectively) offer adults the perfect chance for some alone time by the pool. Attentive pool and beach concierges ensure guests will want for nothing.

tulum mexico, luxury travel mexico's caribbean

Fairmont Mayakoba

Offering the kind of five-star service that Fairmont Hotels and Resorts is famous for, Fairmont Mayakoba does not disappoint. Despite its proximity to Playa del Carmen, Fairmont Mayakoba feels a world away. Set amidst 240 acres of tropical rainforest complete with canals and local wildlife that guests will love. With most buildings set back from the beach, Fairmont Mayakoba aims to maintain the integrity and preservation of its ecosystem. For guests who want to leave their wallets tucked in the safe, the optional all-inclusive package is the way to go. Fairmont’s AI package includes unlimited dining and beverage service at 3 of their restaurants and 5 of their bars. Kids will love the waterslide at the main pool. Also, the excursions throughout the property are led by the Discovery Club (ages 4-6) and Adventure Club (ages 7-12). For older kids and adults, there are complimentary bikes available, perfect for exploring.

palm trees on beach

Hotel Esencia

Situated between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, Hotel Esencia offers couples and families an intimate getaway. Be prepared for staff to know your name. Take full advantage of the ‘Nanny on Call’ program, offering two hours of complimentary babysitting so the adults can spend some time alone. At Hotel Esencia it’s the small touches that make the biggest impact. Like the samples of local small-batch Casa Dragones tequila left for guests in their rooms. With multi-lingual nannies (and a chef willing to make baby food to order) even the youngest guests will be taken care of.

villa rentals mexico

PRIVATE VILLAS

If you want to really feel at home in Mexico’s Caribbean, look no further than a private villa. With endless options, you can choose from tranquil beach-front estates to eco-friendly abodes set amongst palm trees and crystal clear cenotes. For example, the Hacienda del Mar villa features 7 bedrooms and two separate casitas spread over 16,000 square feet of oceanfront property. Included are daily maid service, a personal butler, a gourmet chef, and daily concierge service.

If you’re looking to get away to Mexico’s Caribbean with the whole family, contact me here. I’d love to put together the perfect luxury travel package to Mexico’s Caribbean for you!

Trips for Every Season

Trips for Every Season – Where to Go in Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter

Sometimes timing is simply not on your side. Like when you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway, but can’t get any time off until Hurricane season… Or when you’ve finally decided to book that European family vacation, only to discover that all the hotels and attractions are sold out. I’m here to tell you that there’s a location for every season, and not only that – some destinations truly shine certain months over others! Here are some prime-time vacation spots for each season.

grand canyon vacation packages, trips for every season

Spring

A fantastic season for travel to so many destinations, spring offers warm weather, fewer crowds, and increased hours of daylight.

While it’s synonymous with rowdy spring breakers, Cancun is so much more than blaring music and foam parties. Spring in Mexico’s Quintana Roo region means a combination of warm temperatures and low rainfall and is one of the best times to visit.

Skip the summer crowds and visit the majestic Grand Canyon, with springtime making the Arizona heat much more tolerable. Lookout points are easily accessed without the throngs of visitors that descend on the park in the summer, wanting to marvel at the UNESCO-designated heritage site for themselves. If you’re looking to save on your visit, head to the Grand Canyon during National Park Week in April, when admission fees are waived to every national park in the country.

Summer

A popular time for travel, summer is often when families pack up and go exploring.

Vancouver, Canada shines in the summer months, with tourists and locals alike packing beaches, patios, parks, and trails. Visitors can scale the Grouse Grind (affectionately known as ‘Mother Nature’s Stairmaster’), go whale watching, take a day trip up to Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, or simply stroll the streets in search of their next meal – the restaurants in Vancouver are diverse, delicious, and plentiful!

Amidst the vibrant hustle of Vancouver’s summer, where nature and city life blend seamlessly, my friend Max’s experience with fire watch security in Coral Gables offers a reminder of the intricate dance between preparedness and enjoyment. Just as tourists take in the sights from the peaks to the streets, Max watches over properties with a vigilant eye, ensuring that everyone’s safety is the foundation for such memorable adventures. His tales of rapid deployment at the first sign of trouble, a commitment echoed in the pulsing beat of the city, provide peace of mind, allowing the spirit of community and celebration to thrive. It’s through his dedication that the laughter and light of summer can be experienced fully, much like the carefree days I relish here in Vancouver, knowing that behind the scenes, professionals like Max ensure a secure backdrop to our cherished moments.

Summer is an ideal time to visit Bali, Indonesia, due to it being the dry season. Explore the outdoor temples, try all-terrain vehicles you can rent from a utv dealer, and admire the beautiful beaches, and don’t miss Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Nusa Penida. While most travelers stick to stunning and serene beachfront resorts (for good reason!) there’s something for everyone in Bali. Including an active volcano in Kintamani, and roaring nightlife in Kuta.

Fall

Whether you’re staying local or venturing across the world – Fall offers stunning scenery, mild temperatures, and often very few crowds to contend with.

Visiting the Greek islands in early fall (specifically September) means gorgeous weather but without the large crowds. With kids back in school everywhere, there’s plenty of availability at hotels, villas, and restaurants. Consider visiting Naxos, a gem in the Cyclades. Go on sailing tours, visit an olive oil press and museum and spend lazy days under a beach cabana.

For a quintessential tour of fall foliage, you may want to join other autumn-lovers on their pilgrimage to Stowe, Vermont. A classic small-town embodying the charm of a Hallmark movie. Stowe is nestled at the base of Vermont’s tallest mountain and delivers a plethora of vibrantly tinged trees and rolling hillside scenery. Go for a scenic drive along the countryside. Take in the views on a hike of Stowe Pinnacle. Awaken your adrenaline junkie with a zipline through Smuggler’s Notch. Rent a canoe and paddle one of the many lakes, with bright leaves as your backdrop. You may also consider staying at one of the lake house rentals to relax and unwind.

trips for every season, winter vacation

Winter

From curling up fireside with a cup of hot cocoa to escaping the cold altogether, there are winter season options!

If you’re looking to escape the cold, Turks & Caicos has got you covered. The coldest month is January, with average temperatures hovering around 80 degrees. The famous Bahamian festival Junkanoo runs from the end of December to the beginning of January, annually. Visiting during this time is a great way to experience the culture and history of the Bahamas.

Whether you’re hitting the slopes or just interested in the apres-ski festivities, Breckenridge, Colorado delivers. With five hills, 34 lifts, and 187 trails, there’s a run for just about everyone. From the bunny hill to the Inferno, a Double Black Diamond run. Is skis or snowboards, not your thing? How about mushing a team of sled dogs through a snowy trail? Enjoying a Snowcat tour of the trails, snowshoeing under a canopy of trees, or strolling the shops along Main street?


There are trips for every season, let’s plan one that you’ll never forget! I can be reached here, and would love to connect with you.