Best destinations for Valentine’s, Galentine’s and Palentine’s trips

PSA: Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. Sure, the 14th of February is traditionally all about major PDA, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and surprise confessions from secret admirers… But the holiday’s had a big rebrand over the last few years and it’s now a moment for celebrating love in all its forms. Ofc, this still includes couples, but it’s also a time to show some love to your girlies, best mates, family – and most importantly, yourself. If you’re feeling the fear because you don’t have a present or a plan yet, booking a trip is the perfect solution. Treat your love to a romantic holiday, finally get that trip out the group chat or have your Eat, Pray, Love moment on a self-love journey. We’ve pulled together the best destinations for Valentine’s, Galentine’s and Palentine’s trips, plus some inspo for solo travel…  

Best for couples 

Hey, travel lovebirds… whether you’re fresh out the flirt factory and just made it official or you’ve been cuffed for years, nothing gets those sparks flying like a romantic getaway. Planning a trip takes time and thought, so you’ll earn some serious partner points for putting in the effort and not just panic buying another Pandora charm. You don’t need to keep the gift receipt for a holiday… 

We know it doesn’t matter where you go as long as you’re together etc etc, but it’s important to pick a destination that suits your relationship’s vibe. Whether that’s a spot that lays the romance on thick, you’re both sun lovers or you want that cold and cosy energy, one of these picks will be a bit of you.  

Paris, France  

Paris practically invented romance – it’s not called the ‘City of Love’ for nothing. Think walks along the Seine, pics in front of the Eiffel Tower and candle-lit dinners in pretty pavement bistros. You’ll be saying je t’aime in no time…  

Where to stay: 

Paris J’Adore Hotel and Spa – the sparks will be flying left, right and centre at this pick. There’s a full-on spa for some chill time after sightseeing, and the rooms are kitted out with a plush bed, a huge bath and even a swing. Plus, you’ll be within walking distance to Montmartre, AKA the most romantic part of the city.  

Mykonos, Greece 

If you want to spice things up somewhere hot, it’s got to be Mykonos. This Greek island is so romantic, basically every couple here is either about to get engaged or is on their honeymoon… Something about those iconic, blue-domed roofs, whitewashed walls and sunset scenes just sends out those feels.  

Where to stay: 

Once in Mykonos – this adults-only stay sounds like a fairytale and deffo meets the Valentine’s brief. The scenery is unreal – enjoy the sea views from the infinity pool, then in the evenings, head to the terrace restaurant to watch the sun set behind the ridge before the hillside is lit up with twinkling lights. Aphrodite would approve.    

Oslo, Norway 

If you’re that cool couple, Oslo is a bit of you. The city has thriving art and music scenes, gorg green spaces, and all the cosy coffee shops and moody bars. Plus, if you time your trip around Valentine’s Day, there’s a high chance it’ll be snowy, too…  

Where to stay: 

Scandic Holmenkollen Park, Oslo – in a peaceful spot outside the centre, this grand hotel’s set in a sweeping park with dreamy views of the Oslo Fjord and city skyline. It’s primed for some wholesome quality time – unwind in the spa, go for walks through the gardens and snuggle up together next to the fire.  

Best for Galentine’s  

POV: You’re out for a Galentine’s dinner with the girls, you’ve only just finished the initial round-the-table catch up and the evening is already over. If only you had a few more hours… Enter, Galentine’s trips. Seeing the girls is basically therapy, so why not get away for some proper quality time together – making new memories is way more fun than reminiscing about old ones…   

Everyone’s mega busy and finding more than a few days where everyone’s calendars are clear is pretty much impossible, which is why a weekend away is a shout – plus, you might only need to use one or two days of annual leave. It’s the perfect amount of time to squeeze in a city break, AKA the best type of trip for a girls’ holiday – you’ve got culture, food and nightlife all in one place. Here’s all the city break inspo you need for your Galentine’s trip…  

Barcelona, Spain 

Barcelona is always a fave for a good time. It’s got those boho, care-free vibes, from its creative districts and quirky architecture to the buzzy squares lined with bars and restaurants. Everything about this city is social, so embrace the Barca spirit and share a jug of sangria and some tapas with your girls before hitting a salsa club.   

Where to stay: 

The Social Hub Barcelona Poblenou – this hotel has incred communal spaces, like a rooftop terrace with a pool and cinema screen, and a bar with games like pool and table tennis. You’ll be staying in Poblenou, the city’s coolest district, so you’ll have all the best markets, shops and foodie spots right there, and the beach is within walking distance, too.  

Krakow, Poland   

If you’re keen to try somewhere a bit different, visit Krakow. It’s one of Europe’s hottest up-and-coming cities – days here are for medieval sightseeing and wholesome café culture, then the nightlife’s all about the vodka bars and edgy underground clubs. It’s called balance.  

Where to stay:  

Queen Boutique Hotel – this pretty pick is a great base for your Galentine’s trip. You’re only a short stroll from the main square, Wawel Castle and the Jewish District, so getting out and about is a breeze, then there’s an elegant spa back here where you can unwind after a day in the city.  

Best for Palentine’s 

Besties are soul mates, too, so show yours some love for Palentine’s Day and get the mates’ trip out the group chat and onto the plane. Holidays with friends can be pretty low maintenance – you bring the fun, so all you need is the right setting where you can hang out altogether. If you’re a group of party lovers, somewhere with a solid nightlife scene is the perfect match. Or, if you want low-key, beachy vibes, an All Inclusive resort makes everything super easy – the food and drink are already taken care of. No awks ‘whose round is it’ convos here…  

Ibiza, Spain 

Ibiza is the ultimate party holiday destination. Institutions like Café del Mar, Ushuaia and Pacha bring the energy with big-name DJ sets, then there are cliché-level beaches, historic old towns and lively hippie markets to explore if you fancy a break from the bars and clubs.  

Where to stay: 

Grand Paradiso Ibiza – this iconic hotel is like a Wes Anderson film set. Everything is pink, from the Art Deco and swimming pool to the Cadillac that’s been turned into a hot tub – new group chat pic unlocked. There’s a stage for DJ sets out here, too, so you don’t have to go far for a pool party.  

Izmir, Turkey 

It’s just you, your mates and a Blue Flag beach… say less. Izmir serves up sun, sea and sand on Turkey’s Aegean Coast, along with ancient ruins and hills ready for a group hike. Soak up the traditional Turkish charm in Ozdere, and if a big night out is on the agenda, Kusadasi’s Bar Street will keep you going until the AM.  

Where to stay: 

Club Marvy – this five-star resort has everything you need for an All Inclusive fly-and-flop with your friends. There’s a private adults-only sweep with a beach bar, an infinity pool overlooking the sea and activities for days, including tennis and watersports. And you’ve got 7 restaurants and 11 bars to pick from, including one that’s open 24/7…  

Best for solo travel 

Showing love and appreciation for your partner, friends and family is v important, but don’t forget to leave room in your life for self-love, too… Solo travel is all about self-care and, as cliché as it sounds, finding yourself. You can be completely selfish and do all the things you like to do on holiday and none of the things you don’t, whether that’s going for a sunrise hike, reading by the pool or doing all the nerdy sightseeing… you do you.  

There’s no one way to do solo travel, either. There are the classic backpacker destinations where solo travellers have been going to find themselves for decades, or you might want to practise mindfulness at a zen spa retreat. For social butterflies, a vibrant, friendly city is the perfect spot for putting yourself out there and meeting new people. Here are the best places to have your Eat, Pray, Love moment…  

Goa, India 

Laidback beaches, surfer vibes and yoga classes – Goa had a huge hippie community back in the 70s and you can still feel all that peace and love there today. Pick South Goa for the simple life – it’s all local markets, cultural sights and lazy days on the sand. In the north, you’ll find big and boujie resorts, all kinds of watersports and buzzy bars.   

Where to stay: 

Ibis Styles Goa Calangute – this central stay is ideal for getting out and about. You can easily explore Calangute’s bars, shops and restaurants, and you can walk to the beach, too. Plus, if you fancy a chilled day by the pool, you’ve got two to pick from.  

Phuket, Thailand  

Phuket is a staple for beaut beaches, tropical jungles and its legendary Full Moon parties. Climb up to Buddhist temples, head inland for wildlife spotting and island-hop to the famous Phi Phi Islands – group trips and tours are a great way to meet other solo travellers.  

Where to stay: 

Wyndham Grand Nai Harn Beach Phuket – if you’re travelling solo, you might as well make it boujie… The category here is full-on luxury, with a chic pool set-up, a sleek spa and a major bar and restaurant complex. You’ll be surrounded by mountains, rainforest and the Nai Harn Lagoon, and the beach is only 15 minutes’ walk away.  

Toronto, Canada  

Around half of Toronto’s residents have moved there from other countries, making it one of the most diverse and friendly cities in the world. Mix with the locals at waterfront bars and international street food markets, join a group tour of the city and relax on one of Lake Ontario’s beaches.  

Where to stay: 

Pantages Hotel Downtown Toronto – you’ll have Downtown Toronto on your doorstep at this stay, so urban exploring is so on. It’s not all about the location, though – everything’s fresh and modern inside, with a fancy bar and restaurant, luxe rooms and huge windows with stunning skyline views.  

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Author: Daisy Colley

Last updated: 27/01/2025