This U.S. City Just Dethroned Paris as the Most Romantic Destination in the World

If you’ve been thinking about taking a romantic getaway with your sweetheart lately, odds are you’ve at least considered a trip to Paris. After all, it is the official City of Love. But what if we told you there is one more place that is just as — if not more — romantic that you can go to without having to whip out a passport?

In July, FunJet Vacations released the findings of a poll it conducted with Talker Research looking into the most romantic destinations in the world. To come to its conclusion, the team polled 2,000 “general population Americans” to find out their preferred spots for romance. According to the findings, a whopping 34 percent of respondents said Maui was the most romantic destination in the world, surpassing Paris by a full percentage point. 

Though, really, it’s easy to see why Maui would score so highly in the romance department. Come on, just look at its azure waters, its white sand beaches, and swaying palm trees — not to mention its fantastic food, culture, history, and adventure opportunities. (Make sure that if you do plan a trip soon you do so responsibly, as the island is still recovering from the devastating August 2023 fire.) 

While Maui and Paris took the top spots, they were chased by Rome in third place, with 29 percent of the respondents saying it’s the most romantic. Rome was followed by Venice in fourth, and Cancún, Mexico, rounding out the top five, with 19 percent of respondents calling it ultra-romantic to visit, too. 

But, as Dana Studebaker, vice president of marketing of consumer brands at Funjet Vacations, shared with reporters, it’s not just about a location. Rather, romantic getaways are about finding spots that will set your soul on fire, together. “Vacationing together isn’t just about discovering new places,” Studebaker said. “It’s about igniting, deepening, or rekindling the romance, escaping the ordinary, and celebrating the love that binds you.” 

As for how soon couples should set off on their first trip together, most respondents said you should wait about a year. However, 42 percent said they’d go on one before that, so as long as you feel it’s the right time to go, then go ahead and book those tickets to Maui. Or Paris. Or Rome. Or anywhere that makes your heart go aflutter.