Is This the Most Romantic Place on Earth?

Utah's Zion National Park is popular, and its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and diverse landscapes make it especially busy in the summertime.

There are plenty of iconic symbols that come to mind when I think of Japan — like towering pagodas and red torii gates. But the country has also become famous for its breathtaking cherry blossoms.

A popular port of call for cruisers or daytime stop for French Riviera travelers, Monte-Carlo offers so much more than a quick diversion on a longer trip. The principality sandwiched between France and Italy offers luxury accommodations, fine dining, an incredible, palm-tree adorned setting on the coast, and top notch hospitality. With an almost nonexistent crime rate, a distinct local culture, 300+ days of sun per year and hoards of attractions, ranging from luxe beaches to lounge on to top rated restaurants, Monte-Carlo may be the best home base for your next getaway on the Côte d'Azur.

When thinking of national parks, many people imagine vast tracts of land and scenic drives through awe-inspiring mountain, forest, or desert scenery.

Around 1,600 towering karst pillars and forested islets spring from the emerald bays off Vietnam’s northeastern coast. Traditional sailing junks, cabin cruises, and yachts drift through the Ha Long, Lan Han, Bai Tu Long bays, and the Cat Ba Archipelago. Most travelers spend at least one night aboard with kayaking, climbing, and short yet steep hikes immersing you further in this spectacular landscape.

Before it was developed into a seaport and garrison, the area now known as Chennai comprised a cluster of small villages on India’s Coromandel Coast. The largest of these, Madrasapattinam, inspired the city’s original name of Madras before being renamed Chennai in 1996. This history has resulted in a sprawling metropolitan area with no clearly defined downtown core although the region between the Cooum and Adyar rivers generally defines the tourist zone.

Geneva sits on the southern shores of Lac Léman in French-speaking Switzerland. The city is cradled by the Alps and Jura ranges with the tip of Mont Blanc is visible on a clear day. Not just the domain of bankers and diplomats, Geneva’s whimsical Vieille Ville is a hilly tangle of medieval plazas and monuments. The International Museum of the Red Cross is a sobering look into the latest humanitarian efforts. Directly on the lakeside, the Bains des Pâquis offer seasonal bathing (and winter saunas). These magnifique Airbnbs in Geneva, Switzerland, put you close to the lake and Place du Bourg-de-Four.

Udaipur is a surprise oasis in the southern reaches of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India’s landlocked (and largest) state. The city wraps around a sequence of artificial lakes with Lake Pichola being the most beautiful. Reflecting the Aravali Range in its shimmering waters, this lake and its floating palaces have established Udaipur as one of the most romantic destinations in Northern India. Add your name to the long list of travelers who lost their heart to Rajasthan’s City of Lakes at one of these Airbnbs in Udaipur near Lake Pichola.

Drifting off the west coast of Greece (and Albania), Corfu is one of the seven Ionian Islands. Nereids and deities, fishermen and warriors, heroes and sea monsters from this region have inspired myths that still enchant Greek island-hopping travelers. Modern-day Corfu (Kérkyra) is just as beguiling for its craggy coastline and jaw-dropping beaches while the Venetian-built capital adds a surprising twist. Plan your next Greek odyssey to one of these idyllic Corfu Airbnbs on the beach or up on the cliffs.

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Lima is more than the jumping-off point to Cusco and a certain wonder of the world. The capital of Peru lolls on sheer cliffs rising 60 meters above the Pacific Ocean although this isn’t a typical beach destination. The Lima lifestyle revolves around strolling the clifftop esplanade, hitting the surf, warming up for Machu Picchu at Huaca Pucllana, and mopping up one too many Pisco Sours with picarones. Even the most mall-shy folk are won over by the Larcomar retail complex.

First established as an East India Company trading post, Calcutta served as India’s capital under the British Raj between 1772 and 1911. It was officially renamed Kolkata in 2001 to reflect Bengali pronunciation and has become a center for culture and the arts with 13 major festivals occurring every year.