💕🌎 Proof romantic travel isn’t dead

Hello again fellow travelers,

February is here and we’ve just published a brand-new guide — 👉 this one on 11+ hotels in Cabo with private pools. And, yes, they’re absolutely worth the splurge!

🏖️ Pssst! If you fancy a fabulous all-inclusive resort in Cabo with private-pool suites, we love the Grand Velas Los Cabos. (You can read all about our stay here — including the infamous $25,000 gold-flaked tacos.)

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, though, our minds are drifting to romantic escapes around the world. These destinations are swoon-worthy, any time of year…💕

Venice, Italy

Venice is impossibly romantic! Gondola rides gliding through hushed canals. Kissing under the Bridge of Sighs. Sipping Bellinis at the legendary Hotel Cipriani. (We’ve done it and wholeheartedly recommend it.) 🥰

We’ve even put together a guide to the 10 most romantic hotels in Venice (for all budgets!). One stay we especially adored? The boutique Hotel Palazzo Abadessa — affordable, atmospheric and boasting a 9.6 out of 10 “exceptional” rating on Expedia.

Sonoma, California

In Sonoma, romance comes easy. We loved bicycling quiet country roads, wine tasting hand-in-hand, browsing charming little shops, then lingering over farm-to-table meals.

Stay at the Farmhouse Inn — a dreamy Michelin-recommended boutique hideaway near the Russian River, perfect for fireside evenings and soaking in roomy bathtubs for two.

Portugal

In Porto, linger on the Dom Luis I Bridge as the sun dips over the Douro River, cruise the Atlantic coastline on an easy e-bike ride, and browse Livraria Lello (one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores).

Tack on a 3-night trip to the Douro Valley. Sipping wine at historic estates is the kind of getaway you’ll talk about long after the last glass is poured!

Bora Bora

Bora Bora is romance dialed all the way up — in the best possible way. Think lagoon boat rides, jeep tours, snorkeling with rays, sunset cruises and lazy beach days in every shade of blue imaginable.

To do it right, stay in an over-the-water bungalow — glass windows in the floors, ladders straight into the lagoon, private decks and breakfast brought to you by canoe.

👀 Travel News From Around the World

Here’s what caught our attention lately:

The World’s Safest Airlines for 2026 — Etihad is the new safety champ in the skies. Close behind is EVA Air — an airline we know well after several long-haul flights (most recently in Premium Economy — worth it!). Three US carriers also cracked the top 25: Alaska, Delta and American. If flying makes you a little twitchy, this is a reassuring list to save.
The Worst-Behaved Travelers of 2025 — CNN’s annual roundup of travel misbehavior is back. Our favorite jaw-dropper? A German tourist in Italy tried to scooter away with a 66-pound ancient Roman column base wedged between his feet. Police caught him. He reportedly called it a “souvenir.”😬
New 2026 Travel Advisories — Among the 10 recently updated travel advisories from the U.S. State Department? The Caribbean spice island of Grenada, which moved from Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) to Level 2 (exercise increased caution). Mind you, France and Italy also sit at Level 2 — so this wouldn’t stop us from going.
WestJet Walks Back Cramped Seats After Viral Video Backlash — After a viral TikTok showed passengers unable to fully extend their legs (1.1 million views and counting), WestJet is scrapping its ultra-cramped 28-inch seat pitch experiment. Praise be. Best line in the article from a radio host: “I’m still not convinced they won’t start charging us a carry-on fee for our legs.”
Packing hacks from experts — You’re on the floor, suitcase bulging, zipper refusing to cooperate. Sound familiar? It all starts with the right bag, says this article. (For a carry-on, we’re fans of the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Upright, 20-Inch, with no spinner wheels. Also see our Travel Shop for packing cubes and more.)