Nothing seals the deal quite like a romantic getaway! Once you’ve etched your vows in Facebook, take your sweetheart on a vacation. Here are my top 5 romantic destinations:

1. Paris

Sure, it’s an obvious choice – but can you get more romantic than croissants and the golden lights of the Eiffel Tower dancing reflectively on the Seine? Go in Spring for fresh green trees and budding flowers. Don’t stick to a strict itinerary; luxuriate (read: drink wine) with endless lunches and dinners and just wander around to see what you find. If you don’t have to see the Mona Lisa, you may opt to visit the Musee d’Orsay rather than the Louvre (Impressionism is WAY more romantic than all that old religious stuff, right?).

And don’t miss the Sacre Couer!

2. Montreal

If staying in North America is a little more realistic for your budget, Montreal is impossibly romantic. More than half of the city’s residents speak French, and Old Montreal boasts quaint cobblestone streets and a collection of architectural delights. I stayed at the Auberge du Vieux-Port and it was gorgeous! Just be wary of a winter visit – Montreal gets frigid!

3. Wine country

Wine is sure to make you feel amorous – and there are several spots around the country to keep your glass full. Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley in Northern California boast world-class wineries and restaurants – and lots of private tours and bed-and-breakfasts keep the vibe romantic. A little closer to Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is a heavenly oceanside wine stop. On the east coast, check out the Finger Lakes Wine Region in Central New York.

4. The Caribbean

White sand, turquoise water – and not a lot of clothes! When your wake up in the morning, you must choose: bloody mary or mimosa? Beach or lazy river? Or maybe you’ll just stay in bed all day. Whether you want a party-oriented island or something a little quieter (like Aruba), the Caribbean is the sunniest place to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Try sharing a jet-ski, or finding a romantic picnic spot while hiking!

5. Venice

If the French are the most romantic, the Italians have to be a close second. The food, the wine, the gondolas! The historic city offers churches, museums and monuments, and even a palace called the Ca’D'Oro with ornaments trimmed in pure gold. It is believed that in the year 1434 this marvelous palace was beautifully designed and created by Marino Contarini for his wife. Aww.

(Image via: SheKnows)