Valentine Day in the modern world is synonymous with romance, but could also be a celebration of the people you love – whether that’s a romantic partner, a friend or a family member.
Depending on where you are in the world, Valentine’s Day customs can look very different. In South Korea, for example, the 14th of every month is dedicated to some form of love or affection. White Day in March is when people return gifts received on Valentine’s Day, while Black Day in April is a fun occasion for singles who didn’t receive gifts in the previous months.
Meanwhile, Black Day is about gathering with friends and you’re all dressed in black, enjoying jjajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce) together. Other “love days” include Hug Day (Dec 14) and Rose Day (May 14).
In Brazil, “Valentine’s Day”, or Dia dos Namorados, falls on June 12, while in Finland, Feb 14 is officially Friend’s Day, a time to celebrate friendships.
What makes Valentine’s Day meaningful isn’t the gifts, but the time spent with one another. So instead of exchanging gifts this year, celebrate with a memorable getaway to one of these underrated “romance-inspired” destinations.
New Zealand
For couples or friends who love adventure, embark on a glacier expedition in New Zealand’s South Island, where towering glaciers overlook lush rainforests.
The stars of the show here are the Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, both located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Unlike most glaciers that are located in the mountains and are difficult to access, South Island’s icy rivers flow from the Southern Alps down into temperate rainforest, giving visitors an opportunity to experience glaciers up close.
Visiting in February treats you to long, warm days; while it is peak tourist season, the favourable weather makes the experience well worth it.
A typical guided glacier tour spans six days, starting in Christchurch and moving across the South Island, covering Queenstown, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Tasman Glacier and the Canterbury Plains.
(Fun fact: Tasman Glacier, located within the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, is the country’s longest glacier, measuring over 23km in length.)
On the West Coast, travellers can hike guided trails on both the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, or take a helicopter flight into the glacier valleys to walk on ice that has been carved over centuries.
You can also go on the river jet boat, explore the region’s gold mining heritage or just spend an evening under the stars at the Dark Sky Reserve, surrounded by dramatic alpine forests.
Beyond the glacier exploration, the South Island has other activities available for visitors to check out. For example, the popular Milford Sound. Join a cruise and be mesmerised by the towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls that frame the fjords.
To get to South Island from Kuala Lumpur is a little tricky, though, as there are no direct routes available. Flights with one or two layovers will typically take over 16 hours in total.
You can also fly into Auckland in the North Island first and spend a few days there, before taking a domestic flight – or driving down – to Christchurch.
Taiwan
In Taiwan’s Taipei, romance can be “brewed” in one of the city’s historic quarters: Dadaocheng in Datong district.
Before diving into Dadaocheng, let’s see why “tea dates” are so meaningful in Taiwan. More than just a drink, tea has long been a symbol of love and connection in various cultures.
In Chinese traditions, for instance, it represents unity and harmony in wedding ceremonies, while in Britain, afternoon tea is historically a way for individuals to meet and socialise.
Drinking tea together sparks conversations and brings a sense of intimacy.
Dadaocheng, located on the Tamsui River, became known in the 19th century as the bustling centre of Taiwan’s tea industry, welcoming over 200 tea merchants. Local and foreign traders processed, as well as exported Taiwanese tea – often called Formosa tea – to markets around the world.
The name Formosa tea goes back about 500 years ago, when Portuguese sailors first encountered the island and named it “Ilha Formosa”, meaning “beautiful island” in ancient Portuguese.
Over time, the term became closely associated with Taiwanese tea.
Taiwan is particularly celebrated for its oolong tea, which is known for its floral aroma and fruity notes.
At Dadaocheng, you will find some of these old tea houses that are still in operation today, offering tea tastings and immersive tea preparation experiences. These activities introduce visitors to Taiwanese tea craftsmanship.
Besides tea, stroll along the neighbourhood’s oldest Dihua Street to admire its well-preserved shophouses, showcasing facades with baroque and traditional Taiwanese design.
You can also take your tea journey beyond the city to Maokong, one of Taipei’s most popular tea-growing areas. You can reach Maokong by MRT from Taipei, and then board a scenic gondola that takes you to terraced tea hills.
At the top, you will find teahouses and tea gardens where you can sample locally-grown teas while taking in the peaceful mountain scenery.
For an even deeper dive into Taiwan’s tea culture, venture further to Pinglin, a tea village surrounded by lush plantations. A visit to the Pinglin Tea Museum offers insight into Taiwan’s tea-growing traditions through exhibits and tastings.
Sharing tea together can be a meaningful way for you to bond with your special someone.
Thailand
Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson once said, “Wine is bottled poetry”. We agree and we think wine is best enjoyed with someone you love.
If you’ve been dreaming of a wine-tasting tour without travelling too far, Thailand may just surprise you. The seaside town of Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan province is where you need to be to see these Thai wine regions.
Head to the Monsoon Valley Vineyard, regarded as one of Thailand’s premier wine destinations. Located about 36km from the coastal town of Hua Hin, the vineyard stretches across the vast landscape with distant mountains dotting the horizon. You can wander along vine-lined paths, join guided tastings and savour wine crafted from locally-grown grapes.
Monsoon Valley was established in the early 2000s by Chalerm Yoovidhya, a Thai wine enthusiast who was driven by the idea of creating a homegrown wine culture. After years of experimentation, he chose Hua Hin for its fertile soil and favourable microclimate, which helped turn the vineyard into one of the country’s most successful today.
Here, visitors learn how grapes are grown and harvested in a tropical climate, gaining insight into the work – and effort – that goes on in the vineyard throughout the year. The experience includes a wine tasting session, with samples of Chenin Blanc, Shiraz and Merlot.
Later, guests can head down to the vineyard’s restaurant or wine bar, where dishes are paired with house wines and enjoyed with views overlooking the vines.
Half a day at the vineyard should be enough, but staying three to four nights in Hua Hin will give you and your partner more time to enjoy the town’s laid-back pace.
While Monsoon Valley does not have accommodation, there are plenty of boutique hotels and seaside resorts nearby.
Aside from wine, regional tours also include immersive rice-farming experiences in Phetchaburi, about an hour’s drive away. You can step barefoot into the fields to plant padi, try age-old dehusking methods and make khanom khrok, a beloved coconut snack.
End your tour with a farm-style lunch, and taste a variety of rice treats, from rice tea to rice wine – a fun and educational way to explore Thai agricultural heritage.
Travellers from Malaysia typically fly to Bangkok, then drive about three hours to Hua Hin. You can also opt for train rides and private transfers from the capital.
Australia
While sprawling vineyards and rugged coastlines often steal the spotlight in Western Australia, couples seeking a quiet escape can enjoy a houseboat stay on the Blackwood River in the Margaret River-Augusta region.
Starting in Wheatbelt, the Blackwood River meanders for almost 400km through the Blackwood Valley before reaching Augusta.
Known as Gurbillup Burle by the Wadandi people (also known as the Saltwater people), the river carries deep cultural meaning and is believed to have been shaped by the Wagyl, a snakelike serpent sacred in Noongar Aboriginal culture.
To experience the river’s wonders, set out on a houseboat from Hardy Inlet in Augusta, where you will board a fully self-contained vessel and cruise along the tranquil river.
You can either hire-and-drive your own houseboat (navigating up to 28km along the calm waterway), or stay on a moored houseboat.
Keep an eye out for birds, as you might spot Australasian darters and migratory waders.
A three-night stay on the river is ideal, allowing you to unwind and take in the peaceful surroundings, while still leaving enough time to explore other parts of the Margaret River region.
To reach Augusta from KL, fly to Perth Airport and then rent a car or get a car service. Public transport options are limited.
Turkiye
Few travel experiences feel as magical as floating in a hot air balloon at sunrise over the fairytale-like landscape of Turkiye’s Cappadocia. This is a place that social media users have dubbed one of the world’s most romantic destinations.
Couples from around the world come here to propose, honeymoon, celebrate anniversaries and even hold their wedding ceremonies.
Located about 730km from Istanbul, Cappadocia is not only famed for its romantic appeal but also its historical natural wonder, the unique “fairy chimney” that were formed by volcanic erosions.
You can find them at the Goreme National Park and Rock Sites of Cappadocia, which is also a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Almost every morning, dozens of balloons soar over the valleys and rock formations in Goreme.
Hot air balloon rides usually last about 60 minutes, carrying visitors over the fairy chimneys – tall, cone-shaped rock formations also known as hoodoos.
Apart from the balloon ride, enhance your Valentine’s getaway by exploring the region’s underground cities. These subterranean complexes were carved out of soft volcanic rock, with two of the famous ones being Derinkuyu and Kaymakli.
These were excavated by the Phrygians, around the eighth to seventh centuries. The cities here once served as refuge for thousands of people during invasions.
Cappadocia is believed to have over 200 underground cities, though only a few are open to the public. Visitors can walk through passages, living quarters and kitchens for a glimpse into ancient life.
Bear in mind that some tunnels are narrow, so if you are claustrophobic, you may want to sit this one out.
You can’t stay in the underground cities, but there are cave hotels in the area, which add another layer to the entire experience.
To get to Cappadocia from KL, you have to first fly to Istanbul then take a domestic flight to either Kayseri Erkilet Airport or Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport.
Driving from Istanbul would take you nearly eight hours; a bus ride is over 10 hours.
