Two core pillars of many romantic vacations are intimate settings and exciting experiences, and Tulum has a lot of both. You can rotate between lounging out on tropical beaches, snorkeling at the nearby "aquatic theme park," Xel-Ha Park, swimming in a natural sinkhole (or cenote), and touring the Mayan ruins, which make up one of the most intact sites of their kind. After a day packed with leisure, adventure, or both, the cherry on top will be a drink at a bar that feels more like a jungle.

Whistler, Canada

A great way to bond as a couple is by getting active, and skiing on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains is great for both veteran and beginner skiers alike. You can take on the mountains, with numerous trails of varying intensity, enjoy an overhead view of the snow-capped trees from sprawling gondolas, break for lunch at the mid-mountain lodge, and top off the day with an après ski at one of the slope-side bars. If one day of skiing leaves you with wobbly legs and your fill of downhill action, there's a lot more action at the base of the peaks. Whistler Village is a lively, pedestrian-only hub of bars, shops, and restaurants. The little winter wonderland is as charming as the inside of a snow globe, and what's better for a romantic getaway than that?

Cappadocia, Turkey

For a fairy-tale vacation, there's nothing more fitting than a landscape dotted with literal "fairy chimneys." In addition to fairy chimneys, which are tall, thin rock cones dotting the rock sites of Cappadocia, cave churches, underground cities, and homes carved into rocks create a whimsical aura usually reserved for the fictional realm. Floating high above the rocky terrain in a brightly-designed hot air balloon, you'll feel like characters wandering the pages of a Dr. Seuss book or like astronauts discovering a civilization on the moon — either way, the other-worldly experience will have you recapturing childlike wonder and awe together.

Paris, France

Most clichés became clichés for a reason, and so is the case with Paris' romantic reputation. Looking at pictures of couples in the City of Light, you can practically see the cartoon hearts in their eyes as they embrace in front of the Eiffel Tower. Paris and romance go together like Valentine's Day and chocolate, anniversary dinners and candlelit bistros, marriage proposals and world-famous landmarks… all of which Paris is not-so-coincidentally known for having.

Hakone, Japan

While not as romanticized for cherry-blossomed strolls as its nearby neighbor, Kyoto, Hakone is a day trip away from Tokyo that offers an intimate escape from city travel in the most relaxing way possible: hot springs resorts. Aside from relaxing in onsen (hot springs) at a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn), you can take advantage of the natural sites, like Lake Ashi and the volcano Mount Fuji, or tour the fire-engine red Hakone Shrine and the open-air sculpture museum. The many transportation options also seem more like mini adventures than a straightforward means of travel, from boats and cable cars to rolling train routes through the mountains.

Northern Lights Seeking in Northern Norway

If you've ever considered stargazing a romantic experience, northern Norway really ups the ante with its unbelievable events in the sky. The region, which covers about one-third of Norway, is considered a top destination to see the northern lights from autumn to mid-April, while from May to July, the sun is still visible late at night in a phenomenon called the "midnight sun." Venture even farther north — if you dare — to Svalbard, the northernmost inhabited region of Europe, to experience 24-hour daylight between April and August. On the opposite end of the light spectrum, Svalbard's January and February months have "polar nights," when night lasts for around 24 hours, making the aurora borealis particularly visible.

If you do decide to take this trip together, beware: Looking up at the stars in your backyard won't be quite so romantic anymore.

Porto, Portugal

Porto is a waterfront merchant city that transports you to an earlier time with its cobblestoned streets, baroque churches, and prevalence of family-owned businesses and port factories, the region's most famous export. In the nearby Duoro Valley, you can visit the vineyards where the wine has been produced for 2,000 years, sample the wine, and participate in some harvesting practices like stomping on the grapes. In a city infused with the culture of wine making and drinking, you and your significant other can get tipsy on the energy alone.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Known for its natural and architectural beauty, the Amalfi Coast is a prime choice for a romantic Mediterranean getaway. Travelers bask in the natural scenery, hike through small villages with picturesque sea views, and visit famous sites like the "Emerald Grotto" (Grotta dello Smeraldo), medieval churches, gardens, and museums. When you need some quiet time for just the two of you, there are a number of secluded hotels that offer oceanfront views and luxurious amenities.