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From romantic Santorini to adventure-filled Patagonia, these destinations match your love language—whether it’s quality time, gifts, or physical touch.
If you’ve been on social media recently, you’ve probably encountered the concept of Love Languages. Derived from a 1992 book by self-help author Gary Chapman, the idea is that we each have preferences for the way we give and receive love: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Chapman posits that by identifying our unique Love Language (there’s a handy quiz for that), we can improve communication and have more fulfilling relationships. But what if it could also help us have more fulfilling vacations? Ahead, we’ve selected the best destinations to visit based on your Love Language.
1 OF 10
Words of Affirmation
WHERE: Dublin, Ireland
If words of affirmation are the way to your heart, these famously friendly destinations will have you radiating confidence from the moment you arrive.
Dubliners are a gregarious bunch with a raucous sense of humor and superior storytelling skills. Set foot in virtually any Dublin pub, and you’re bound to have a great time—especially if there’s trad music involved. Mingling at a Seanchoíche storytelling event, or sharing a meal on a Dublin food tour, will turn strangers into fast friends on your next Ireland trip.
2 OF 10
Words of Affirmation
WHERE: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Known as “the land of smiles,” Thailand has a firm reputation as one of the world’s most welcoming places, and Chiang Mai, in the country’s mountainous north, offers plenty of ways to experience the warmth and hospitality of locals. Meet a monk as part of the Buddhist university’s Monk Chat initiative, learn to cook Northern Thai Curry Noodles (Khao Soi) at Grandma’s Home Cooking School, or take an indigo dye workshop with local craftspeople.
3 OF 10
Quality Time
WHERE: Patagonia
A trip to one of the world’s more remote places brings plenty of opportunity for quality time. Get off the grid and share a hefty dose of adventure and awe with your travel partner.
Located at the tip of South America and known for its wild landscapes dotted with vast glaciers and towering mountains, Patagonia is an adventurer’s dream. Two famous hiking routes—El Chaltén (Laguna de los Tres, Cerro Torre) or Torres del Paine (W-Trek)—promise mind-blowing scenery and the opportunity for hours of uninterrupted conversation. Visit during shoulder season (November and March are great months) for fewer tourists and more distraction-free awe.
4 OF 10
Quality Time
WHERE: Namibia
Vast skies, endless deserts, and signal-free safari lodges set the scene for connection in Namibia. Scale enormous Sossusvlei sand dunes at Namib-Naukluft National Park (the aptly named Big Daddy and Big Momma), spot wildlife from the sky on a hot air balloon safari, or gaze into the cosmos on a stargazing tour. As one of the world’s least populous countries, Namibia enables privacy to enjoy its natural wonders and soak up some alone time.
5 OF 10
Receiving Gifts
WHERE: Morocco
If your idea of heaven is receiving or giving a thoughtfully selected gift, these destinations have shopping opportunities above and beyond the usual chain stores.
From Marrakesh to Fez, the energetic cities of Morocco are full of treasures to uncover—and haggle over. Each souk is stuffed with handcrafted leather, ceramics, glasswork, and rugs you’ll want to bring home, so don’t forget to leave space in your suitcase for souvenirs. For a more immersive travel experience, this shopping tour takes you inside tanneries, weaving cooperatives, and carpentry workshops, so you can learn how each item is made using centuries-old techniques handed down from artisan to artisan.
6 OF 10
Receiving Gifts
WHERE: Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo’s shopping scene caters to every niche interest and taste. The city’s neighborhoods each have their own retail specialism: Ginza for luxury brands, Shinjuku for giant department stores and electronics, Shibuya for youth fashion, Harajuku for “cute culture” and cosplay, Akihabara for anime, and Shimokitazawa for vintage boutiques. Tokyo’s subway runs like clockwork, so you can spend an entire day bopping from neighborhood to neighborhood, filling your arms with bags of goodies to bring home.
7 OF 10
Acts of Service
WHERE: Costa Rica
Does your sense of fulfillment stem from doing things for others? A carefully researched volunteering trip to one of these places is the ultimate “act of service.”
Nature lovers can take a hands-on approach to wildlife conservation in Costa Rica, one of the world’s most biodiverse and sustainable countries. Rescuing and rehabilitating sloths is, of course, one of the most popular volunteering opportunities there, but you can also help facilitate reforestation, pitch in with national park maintenance, or work on butterfly conservation. In the process, you’ll help a local learn English while practicing your Spanish.
8 OF 10
Acts of Service
WHERE: Bali, Indonesia
Make your trip to beautiful Bali even more memorable by volunteering with a reputable organization like IVHQ. If your passion is wildlife, you can help with sea turtle conservation or environmental education. For a more community-focused act of service, volunteer to teach school kids English, or participate in basic healthcare education in Ubud. You’ll live in a volunteer house in a traditional Balinese village for a truly immersive experience with like-minded people.
9 OF 10
Physical Touch
WHERE: Santorini, Greece
The laid-back pace, stunning surroundings, and luxurious hotels in these destinations are a recipe for romance––and plenty of physical touch with your significant other.
Santorini is a popular honeymoon destination for good reason—every element, from its cliffside sunsets to its candlelit terraces, oozes intimacy. Take your beloved on a sunset cruise complete with a hot springs dip at Palea Kameni, visit the island’s best vineyards on a wine tasting tour, or ride horses on a black sand beach together. Of course, staying in your hotel can be just as enticing as going out. Enjoy private cliffside dining at Mystique or a dip in your own private plunge pool at Santorini Secret.
10 OF 10
Physical Touch
WHERE: Seychelles
Barefoot luxury is the vibe in Seychelles. Strolling hand in hand down the island’s gorgeous beaches, with their powder-fine sand and giant granite boulders, is romantic enough, but the island is bursting with experiences to level up your connection. Case in point: This bath ritual for two, complete with Champagne and strawberries, and this private cooking class followed by dining on the beach as stars twinkle above.