10 locales for lovers

March 19, 8:09 PMSF Budget Travel ExaminerErin Schneider

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Cinque Terre's village of Vernazza from the walking path above. Photo from AdoreToExplore.com 

For couples who search for romantic get-aways, these destinations will surely top the charts.

Cinque Terre, Italy- This network of five enchanting, ancient villages offers fresh focaccia bread, plenty of vino and friendly locals. Brilliantly colored homes, balancing on the rocky coast, are a spectacle for vacationers hiking the rugged route between towns. A quick glimpse of grapevines and beaches swirl together for those travelers who choose to whiz past in the local train. In the summer, tourist and locals take a dip in the clear Mediterranean waters, but when the sun goes down, the atmosphere stays hot with chatter, music and the clanking of wine glasses all echoing in the cobblestone streets.

Ambergris Caye, Belize- With no cars on the island, the ambiance of this key is tranquil during the day, and welcoming locals make lively nights inevitable. Rent a bicycle to check out island pubs and beach side restaurants, or sun yourself on the sand all day. Some of the best diving in the world is here, with the Great Blue Hole and other reefs only a boat ride away. And don’t forget to taste a Belikin Beer, made right at the island’s only brewery.

Heidelberg, Germany- Castles, parks and the Karl Theodore Bridge all romanticize this city, which is surrounded by lush, green hills and vineyards. During the day, take the Philosopher’s Walk for scenic views of the old town, where red-roofed homes give tourists a fairy tale feeling. Dine at outdoor cafes well into the evening and then buy a bottle of wine to go; sip when lounging near the river once the sun goes down. Mellow lights twinkle from nearby lamp posts and are sure to add spark to the romantic setting.

Heidelberg is romantically stacked above the Neckar River. Photo by Katharina Borszik, www.photographbykat.com

Whitsunday Islands, Australia- Because many tourist flock here during Australia’s summer months, from November until February, this romantic destination is a perfect escape during North America's cold season. Breathtaking, powdery sand beaches swirl with glowing, indigo waters to showcase this collection of islands off Australia’s northeastern coast. The waters are known for excellent scuba and snorkeling adventures since they are part of the largest coral reef system in the world: The Great Barrier Reef. Over 400 species of coral and 1500 species of fish, including endangered species, diversify life in the water.

San Francisco, CA- Take a trolley ride up the vertical, winding roads or survey the city’s scene from the bay by jumping on a cruise at the pier. San Francisco is known for its satisfying clam chowder, served in a bread bowl and its variety of excellent restaurants. This is a top destination for those looking to work off the sampled cuisine by biking across the Golden Gate Bridge, hiking in the Marin Headlands, or surfing (with a wet suit of course) off of Ocean Beach.

Sunriver, OR- This is the perfect trip for lovers who have a passion for the outdoors. The Deschutes River borders this resort community and offers a place for fishing, white water rafting and swimming. Rental homes abound and are surrounded by bike trails, rock climbing walls and nature centers. If a babysitter can't be found for the romantic vacation, there is plenty in this village for adults and little ones alike.

Santorini, Greece- Pictures of the Greek Islands capture this island as the country's most popular masterpiece. Stark whitewashed walls curve around bright blue homes, all overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean. During the day, there will probably be no need to leave the rental villa, since most are complete with infinity pools embedded in rock cliffs that hover hundreds of feet over the sea. But at night when wandering the shadowed, ancient pathways, elevated into the night sky, be sure to peek in at boutique jewelry shops and dine at fresh seafood restaurants.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina/ Brazil- These falls which line the border of Argentina and Brazil will surely urge travelers to say, “Wow!” Simultaneously, 275 cascading waterfalls spill into a deep gully as tourists gape down, barely seeing the river 280 feet below. Once in the park beneath, one can get a close-up feel of the charging water's strength by taking a guided boat onto gorge. Palm trees and islands surrounding the waterfalls make it seem as if tourists are deserted in the tropics and around every bend is another photo moment.

Lake Tahoe, California/ Nevada- The Sierra Nevada’s ice and snow run off into this 1600-feet-deep, freshwater lake between California and Nevada. In the summer, the water is crisp and refreshing as swimmers and boaters enjoy the many festivities and mountain scenery surrounding the crystal lake. In the winter, ski resorts call snow lovers from great distances to master their peaks. From camping to luxury accommodations, Lake Tahoe is affordable for every type of vacationer.

Kauai, Hawaii- The western section of this island is the land of “Jurassic Park,” and in places, it does not feel inhabited. Weather permitting, adventurers can hike on volcanic terrain, explore the 3,000-feet deep Waimea Canyon, and kayak just off of the peaceful shores. Hanapepe Valley offers lookouts that seem to be painted in one's line of vision. Don’t forget to sample the local foods in an authentic Hawaiian luau, complete with Kalua pork and poi.