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.

The Best Christmas Holiday Destinations

If you’re looking to combine a holiday with a good dose of Christmas cheer, look no further than these destinations where the holidays truly come alive. From Christmas markets and spectacular light displays to storybook streets dusted with snow, these festive towns and cities deliver the goods as some of the best Christmas holiday destinations.

best christmas holiday destinations

New York City

This iconic city lights up at Christmas, and you won’t know where to look. The themed window displays at Bergdorf’s, Macy’s, Saks, and Bloomingdales (among others!) take the better part of a year to plan, and are all worth visiting. Look for your own miracle on 34th street, marvel at the Dyker Heights holiday lights displays, and take in the Empire State Building’s holiday musical light show.

Don’t Miss: Ice skating at Rockefeller Center, home to one of the largest Christmas trees in the city.

christmas vacation packages

London, England

Whether or not Love, Actually is played on repeat at your house during the holidays, you’ll find merriment in spending your Christmas in London. Toast the holidays in any number of lively pubs in the city, take in the displays on Oxford and Carnaby Streets, and find the perfect holiday-themed souvenirs at Covent Garden. Finally, enjoy a traditional Christmas roast with all the fixings.

Don’t Miss: The Winter Wonderland Market in Hyde Park.

best christmas holiday vacations

Vienna, Austria

The charming city of Vienna drips with seasonal charm. Visit one of its many markets, and indulge in chocolate-covered fruit, roasted & caramelized nuts, and a lebkuchen. Wash it all down with Weihnachtspunsch (Christmas punch), which is offered in a variety of flavors, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. For a dizzying display, tour the “Ring”, a wide ring boulevard that encircles the old city and is home to luxury hotels, shops, parks, and two-holiday markets. Take in the lights by hop-on/hop-off bus or with the comfort of a private car and driver.

Don’t Miss: The Viennese Christmas Market at City Hall and the holiday tree at Rathausplatz.

christmas in france

Strasbourg, France

Touted as “the Capital of Christmas”, Strasbourg is home to France’s oldest Christmas markets, dating back 450 years. Over two million visitors flock to this quaint French town over the holiday season, frequenting its twelve markets and reveling in grand light displays.

Don’t Miss: The renowned Christkindelsmärik market, resting in the shadow of the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral.

christmas vacation packages

Leavenworth, Washington

Step back in time a mere two and a half hours east of Seattle, Washington, with a visit to Leavenworth. Known as one of the best Christmas towns in the United States. Leavenworth boasts displays featuring over half a million lights on and around its Bavarian-inspired buildings. You will have the feeling of being on the inside of a snow globe or strolling on the set of a Hallmark movie.

If that’s not enough, you can meet a real, live, reindeer at the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm. With the option for an educational tour and a chance to feed these Christmas creatures. Dash through the snow courtesy of a horse and sleigh. Visit the Nutcracker Museum, or sample some suds at the Icicle Brewery.

Don’t Miss: Sledding at Front Street Park, under the glow of holiday lights.

These are just some of the best Christmas holiday destinations. Let’s plan your perfect Christmas escape! Get in touch with me here.

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.