“Romance is akin to a fine wine. The pleasure derives from as much the flavor as it does the environment in which we’re enjoying it.”
As a young backpacker, let’s be honest: a primary reason why we travel is to engage in the occasional tryst or rendezvous, be it of the one-night variety or to last a lifetime.
We’re interested in the people we meet and, ideally, we hope to meet people we’re attracted to. In Europe is where I’ve had some of my most romantic encounters.
Looking back, I realize it was the atmosphere of these encounters that made these memories so unique: be it sipping wine until daybreak under a bridge by a canal, meeting someone on the train cabin right next to yours, or hanging out at a café where the ambience strikes a different chord from what we’re accustomed to.
Non-Europeans tend to have a romanticized view of the continent. For many of us, exploring Europe has been on our bucket list since childhood. While other destinations can offer history or modernity, European cities are great at offering both: providing leisure as we peruse landmarks in the day and seek fun at night. Either way, we can explore in comfort and style.
With an abundance of travelers in Europe, it’s easy to mingle with both tourists and locals alike. In particular, southern Europe and its Greek Islands are beautiful in the spring and summer, with an abundance of accommodations available to enjoy stunning views.
Simply put, Europe is romantic. And a great reason why is because of the historic nature of its cities: of cobblestone bricks, centuries-old apartments and cafes, and monuments which have endured even after warfare and strife.
History is romantic. And Europe has plenty of it.
