Look hard enough and you’ll find romance in every corner of the world. Anywhere two lovers take a moment to steal a kiss, hold hands, or dream about a life together. But even so, there are some places that make it just a little easier to cuddle up close, gaze into each others eyes, and forget the rest of the world.

Like a dozen red roses, here are a dozen of our favorite romantic destinations handpicked just for you, and each with one of our vacation photographers close by to create romantic keepsakes.

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San Francisco, USA

San Francisco is easily one of the most romantic cities in the world, sitting on a bay filled with sailboats, the Golden Gate Bridge shining in the sun or hidden in fog, and with cozy museums and restaurants perched on hills. Couples can ride cable cars, share dim sum in Chinatown, picnic in Dolores Park, be kissed by butterflies at the Conservatory of Flowers, or cruise the bay at sunset. The truth is, this city is all about celebrating love, from the many large, painted heart sculptures dotting the city to the annual Pride Parade.

Trinidad, Cuba

Located in central Cuba, this old colonial town nestled between mountains and ocean has all the charms of Havana but with a dreamier feel. Which means that you’ll still get all the pastel-colored buildings, vintage cars, and salsa dancing, but you’ll also have its quaint cobblestone streets all to yourselves. Go hiking in El Cubano National Park and kiss beneath Javira Waterfall. Watch the sunset over the red-tiled roofs and sip a canchanchara cocktail of honey, lime and rum. After you experience the dreamy romance of Trinidad you won’t be surprised that the old Brunet Palace is even called the Romance Museum!

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen offers couples a whimsical, relaxed type of romance, perfect for unwinding and soaking up each other’s company. Rent bikes and cycle together though this beautiful city of colorful buildings, parks and waterways. Climb to the top of the 17th century Round Tower to stargaze at the public observatory, sip coffees in and cruise the canals of picturesque Nyhavn, picnic in enchanted Rosenberg park, or spend a magical day laughing and playing at Tivoli Gardens. Home of the bronze Little Mermaid who gave up everything for her prince, is there any wonder romance is found in Copenhagen?

Cape Town, South Africa

Sitting at the southernmost point of Africa beneath impressive Table Mountain, Cape Town is the place for dramatic, outdoorsy romance. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (V&A for short) is ideal for dining, strolling and a romantic turn on the ferris wheel. But for even more quality time together, get out on the bay in kayaks, explore the beautiful Botanic Gardens, hike Lion’s head, or walk the trails of Table Mountain National Park. When you’re ready to sink into each other’s arms from fatigue, unwind with pristine waters and penguins at one of Cape Town’s many beaches and a spectacular South African sunset at a rooftop bar.

Seattle, USA

The Pacific Northwest was full of romance long before Sleepless in Seattle and the Twilight love story. Surrounded by waterways, islands, and national forests of mountains and evergreens, Seattle has always invited couples to settle in and cozy up. Splurge on dinner at SkyCity atop the iconic Space Needle while the city lights sparkle below you, or sip coffees hand-in-hand at Pike Place Market while you load up on groceries to cook together back at your houseboat rental. And there are countless romantic spots throughout the city to stroll and share kisses, from Washington Park Arboretum to Kubota Gardens to Chihuly Garden and Glass.

Portofino, Italy

A jewel of the Italian Riviera, Portofino makes one heady with romance. This small fishing village of pastel-colored buildings clings to vertical cliffs and invites couples to idle away the days shopping in boutiques, dipping their toes in the Ligurian Sea, eating fresh-caught seafood and gelato, and people-watching. Take long, luxurious walks to Castello Brown for panoramic views or to the waterfront promenade of neighboring Santa Margherita Ligure. Or catch the ferry to the 10th century Benedictine abbey, Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, where you can swim and picnic on the beach of smooth rocks. No matter what you do, you two will be enveloped in la dolce vita.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and a capital of romance. This cosmopolitan city is full of color, 19th century buildings, museums and parks. During the day, stroll the historic square of Playa de Mayo hand-in-hand, gazing up at the balconied presidential palace of Casa Rosada, or wander over to La Boca, a working-class neighborhood with narrow alleys lined with cheerfully painted zinc shacks. But know that the real romance comes out after dark. Buenos Aires is known for its nightlife and especially the passionate dance of the tango. There are tango clubs and bars, as well as theaters where you can watch professionals perform. Consider trying some lessons in this sultry dance!

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown offers epic outdoors for epic romance. The city sits on the shores of serene Lake Wakatipu, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Spend a day skiing together at The Remarkables, a mountain range that holds true to its name, or Coronet Peak, then relax at a local spa or hot pool. Being outdoors can also mean wandering beautiful gardens, visiting wineries, and exploring old mining towns. If you both crave the romantic, panoramic views of the mountains but don’t want to leave town, take the Skyline Gondola up to the top of Bob's Peak where you can enjoy a view of the mountains and city, a sunset dinner, and even a stargazing tour. Queenstown is the perfect spot for those couples whose love flourishes best in beautiful nature.

Cartagena, Colombia

Sitting on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena exudes a timeless romance. Closely associated with Gabriel Garcia Marquez, author of the passionate love story, Love in the Time of Cholera, the city is renowned for its tropical climate and beaches, colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets, nights of salsa dancing and cafes serving Colombian coffee and exotic fruit juices. You’ll feel you’re in an enchanted world all your own as you explore the 16th century Old Town, indulge in traditional street food, walk amongst Getsemaní’s inspiring street art, step into the cool interiors of one of its beautiful churches, or just lie on white sandy beaches at nearby Isla de Barú.

San Sebastián, Spain

Holding its own amongst the rivieras of Europe, small San Sebastián wraps around the shell-shaped Bay of La Concha with two stunning beaches, Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta. The turquoise water is dotted with boats and the pretty promenade lined with colorful buildings, boutiques, and restaurants. Lying on the beach or exploring the picturesque old town would certainly be enough to fuel the flames of romance, but San Sebastián is best known for thalassotherapy and pintxo bars. What does that mean? A romantic, luxurious day soaking up the benefits of a saltwater spa together, then an evening sharing bite-sized Basque specialties and wines at the Basque version of tapas bars.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Here is an archipelago where couples will time travel to the scent of spices and the image of orange colored sunsets. On Unguja, the largest island, spend hours wandering the narrow lanes and carved doorways of Stone Town in Zanzibar City. Here you’ll be immersed in the Swahili and Islamic heritage of the island, surrounded by minarets and palaces. The sunsets are best seen from one of the many rooftop restaurants or cruising on a traditional wooden dhow at sea. Snorkel and drive together, or simply rest side by side beneath a thatched umbrella on beaches like the one found at the village of Nungwi.

Maldives, East Asia

This nation of 1200 islands in the Indian Ocean offers couples whatever version of a tropical paradise they can dream up. For luxury there are over 100 resorts to choose from, each with its own island, many with overwater bungalows and spas, and some with even your own butler! For cozy and laid back, opt for a guesthouse on one of the inhabited islands. And for a city experience, stay at a hotel as you explore the busy capital of Male, packed with sunshine, colorful buildings and mosques. Whatever your paradise looks like or which island you choose, snorkel together in the crystal clear waters for visions of coral, tropical fish and sea life.

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A dozen romantic cities for you