written by Brittany Anas, a Colorado-based travel writer and regular contributor to Forbes, Yahoo, Men’s Journal, House Beautiful, Delish and more
For many people, travel is its own love language. Whether you’re discovering a new destination together, unwinding on a beach, or going on an excursion to try out a novel adventure, taking a trip can strengthen relationships and deepen bonds, experts say.
Why? A new environment sparks curiosity, says Lauri Groh, M.S., LPC, a relationship counselor and owner of Shoreside Therapies in Wisconsin.
“When we’re away from the familiar, we tend to be more observant and emotionally open to deeper conversations,” she explains. “It’s a prime time for connecting because you’re removed from everyday stressors, and conversations naturally become more intimate, honest, and vulnerable.”
And it’s not just romantic relationships that benefit from a vacation.
Travel can bring friends closer, too, especially in adulthood, when uninterrupted time together is rare, Groh notes.
“Travel creates shared stories, inside jokes, mishaps, and discoveries—and those memories can last a lifetime,” she says.
One tip: Whether you’re traveling with a partner or a close friend, plan the trip together, says Colorado-based marriage and family therapist Kayla Crane, LMFT, with South Denver Therapy. Avoid overpacking your itinerary, decide on just a few must-do activities, and leave room for downtime so you can enjoy simply being together.
Need inspiration for where to go this Valentine’s Day (or Galentine’s Day)? Here are some top picks inspired by favorite rom-coms and TV shows.
1. ‘Bridgerton’
Destination pairing: Bermuda
Shonda Rhimes’ Regency-era romantic drama “Bridgerton” returns in 2026, with Netflix dropping the first batch of Season 4 episodes on Jan. 29 and the second on Feb. 26. This time, the streamer teases that Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) is finally ready for a love story of his own.
If your heart beats for Regency romance in Mayfair, you might’ve already sipped your way through a “Bridgerton”-themed tea, danced at a ball, or even hopped across the pond for a walking tour of grand estates and historic English cities. But just as Shonda Rhimes is the queen of rewriting the rules, why not remix your Bridgerton devotion into a beach vacation?
As Britain’s oldest colony, Bermuda offers a vibrant blend of British colonial history and African heritage. Beyond its famous pink-sand beaches, reggae rhythms, rum cocktails like the Dark ’n Stormy, and fresh-caught seafood, you’ll also find familiar British influences—local cricket matches, stately colonial architecture, and cherished tea-time traditions.
Where to Stay
Book a cottage-style suite at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, set on a private 20-acre peninsula wrapped by the Atlantic Ocean and Mangrove Bay. Carve out time in your itinerary from some classic pastimes like an elegant afternoon tea and a genteel game of croquet on the resort’s lush, manicured lawn. Couples seeking some R&R&R (rest, relaxation and romance!) can slip away for a decadent spa treatment. Try the lavender scrub and massage, which blends lavender oil, seaweed, and sugar for a soothing, Bridgerton-worthy glow.
2. ‘Sleepless in Seattle’
Destination Pairing: Seattle, Washington
Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, “Sleepless in Seattle” is a quintessential ’90s rom-com, where a heartfelt radio call sparks a cross-country love story.
Movie lovers can jet set to Seattle and see many of the on-screen locales. Head to Gas Works Park, which is where Sam (the widowed architect played by Tom Hanks) watches fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
At Pike Place Market, you can channel “Sleepless in Seattle” energy by visiting the very spot where Sam and his quick-witted friend Jay discussed dating and debated tiramisu at the Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar, which features a plaque marking Tom Hanks’ iconic seat.
Rent a bike in West Seattle at Alki Beach, where Annie (a journalist from Baltimore played by Meg Ryan) gets discreet glimpses of Sam from afar while trying to sort out her growing feelings. Then check out Lake Union, where Sam’s houseboat was docked.
Of course, couples can add their own romantic twists to a Seattle trip, whether that’s wandering through the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum or taking a hot tub boat out on Lake Union.
Where to Stay
Hotel Max, a downtown boutique hotel in Seattle, offers a playful stay with nightly craft beer hours and fantastic art, including an original Andy Warhol piece in the lobby. If, in addition to movies, you’re a music lover, book a room on the fifth floor, which plays homage to Sub Pop Records, which is the city’s legendary indie record label.
3. ‘50 First Dates’
Destination Pairing: Waikiki, Hawaii
Shot primarily on Oahu, “50 First Dates” makes full use of Hawaii’s natural beauty from the sun-drenched beach coves, golden sunsets, and sweeping views of Kualoa Ranch, a lush private nature reserve on the island’s windward side. Filming in Hawaii was actually Adam Sandler’s idea, and in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, his co-star Drew Barrymore remarked that the Aloha State practically “becomes a character in the movie.”
The story follows Henry Roth (Adam Sandler), a veterinarian who works at a local marine park and commitment-phobe, as he unexpectedly falls for Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore) at a breakfast cafe. Lucy suffers from short-term memory loss after a traumatic car accident, and Henry makes it his mission to make her fall in love with him again, day after day.
Fans of the rom-com can retrace some of the film’s most iconic locations. Kualoa Ranch, often described as “Hawaii’s backlot,” has hosted countless productions, from “Jurassic Park” and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” to “Hawaii Five-0.” Visitors can explore its valleys and ridgelines through a variety of guided experiences, including UTV adventures, horseback rides, and movie-themed tours that reveal behind-the-scenes details.
Travelers can also visit Halona Beach Cove, a picturesque inlet tucked beneath the Halona Blowhole, a natural wonder formed by an ancient lava tube. The cove appears prominently in 50 First Dates, and long before that, it earned cinematic fame for the iconic romantic scene in the 1953 classic From Here to Eternity. The scene inspired its nickname “Eternity Beach.”
Where to Stay
For a vacation that captures the Aloha spirit, make Wayfinder Waikiki your home base. The stylish hotel’s interiors feature surf-inspired headboards and punchy patterns. Relax at the spacious saltwater pool, rent an open-top retro Moke to explore the island, and enjoy fresh seafood at Redfish Poke Bar.
4. ‘Parks and Rec’ (Specifically the Galentine’s Episode)
Destination Pairing: Scottsdale
Galentine’s Day isn’t an age-old tradition, but rather a cultural gift from Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler's endlessly enthusiastic character on “Parks and Recreation.”) A non-official holiday, Galentine’s Day is observed on Feb. 13 and is a time to honor friendships among women.
The holiday traces back to a 2010 Parks and Recreation episode in which Leslie Knope gathers her friends for waffles and declares Galentine’s Day. She sums up the spirit by saying: “It’s only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and boyfriends at home and we just come and kick it breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies.”
So what exactly makes for a great Galentine’s Day? For starters, a spot where you can enjoy a standout brunch and also “treat yo’ self,” as “Parks and Rec’s” Tom and Donna would say.
Scottsdale fits the bill beautifully. This sun-soaked destination offers everything you need for a perfect Galentine’s escape, from luxe spas and scenic desert hikes to excellent brunch spots, chic shopping, and art-filled strolls through Old Town.
Where to Stay
Once a hideaway for celebrities, Hotel Valley Ho is a great host for a getaway with girlfriends. One of the best preserved mid-century hotels, you can channel your own glam here with spa treatments, astrology vibe checks, pool days, hanging by the fire pits and memorable meals at ZuZu, where you can order an inventive six-course “Chef Roulette.” And absolutely say yes to the crème brûlée waffles with vanilla bean and passion fruit for brunch. Leslie Knope would definitely approve.
Explore more destinations across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.
