W Strone Slonca – Towards the sun

Ah, Valentine’s Day! The one day a year when restaurants are packed, flower prices triple, and love is in the air — along with a little bit of stress. Should we go for a fancy dinner? A weekend getaway? A big romantic trip?

As a traveler, I believe the best way to celebrate love is by exploring new places together. But let’s be real — traveling on Valentine’s Day can be tricky. So, if you’re planning a romantic trip, here are my top tips to make it unforgettable (and stress-free!).

Avoid the Tourist Traps

Sure, Paris, Venice, and Santorini are beautiful, but on Valentine’s Day? They are also PACKED. Nothing kills romance faster than waiting in line for an overpriced meal while standing next to 50 other couples taking the same Instagram photo.

Instead, why not think outside the box? Smaller, less touristy destinations can be just as romantic (if not more!). Imagine a quiet beach in Albania, a mountain retreat in Cyprus, or a cozy European village where you don’t have to fight for a dinner reservation.

Pro tip: If you still want a popular destination, visit in the days before or after Valentine’s Day. You’ll get all the romance without the chaos.

Surprise, But Don’t Overcomplicate It!

A surprise trip sounds amazing — but only if it’s planned well. Nothing ruins romance like a last-minute airport sprint or a hotel that looks nothing like the photos.

If you’re planning a surprise, at least check the basics:

• Weather (Nothing ruins a beach getaway like a surprise thunderstorm.)
• Reservations (Because nobody wants to spend Valentine’s night searching for a restaurant with empty tables.)
• Transport (Have you ever tried finding a taxi in a small town after 10 PM? Yeah, don’t.)

Pro tip: If you’re planning a surprise for your partner, at least give them a clue about what to pack. Nothing says “romance” like showing up in flip-flops for a ski trip.

Pack Light, But Pack Smart

Let’s be honest — you don’t need five different outfits for a weekend trip. But there are some things that can turn a simple getaway into a five-star romantic escape.

A playlist for the road – Because good music makes everything better.
A mini travel candle – Hotel rooms feel 10x cozier with candlelight.
A surprise gift – Even something small (a handwritten note, a favorite snack) can make the trip extra special.

Pro tip: Pack snacks and a portable charger — because romance fades quickly when someone is hangry or their phone dies during Google Maps navigation.

Make Memories, Not Just Instagram Posts

I get it — we all love a good travel photo. But the most romantic moments often happen when you put the phone down and just enjoy the experience.

Watch the sunset without worrying about the perfect filter.
Enjoy dinner without filming every bite.
Take mental pictures, not just selfies.

I once saw a couple arguing because they spent 20 minutes taking a photo instead of enjoying their actual moment. Don’t be that couple. Make the trip about each other, not just about impressing the internet.

Don’t Overplan – Spontaneity = Romance

The best romantic trips have a little bit of structure but plenty of flexibility.

Plan the basics (flights, hotel, one or two activities)
Leave room for unexpected adventures

Some of my favorite travel moments happened by accident—a hidden café, a last-minute road trip, or getting lost in a charming little town.

Pro tip: Ask a local where they would go for a romantic evening. Chances are, it won’t be the overpriced tourist restaurant with a set Valentine’s menu.