Love in the time of Coronavirus is hard. Whether you’ve just started dating, are looking to pop the question or have been distanced from your partner due to the social distancing measures, virtual dating has become the new normal. But just because it is different doesn’t mean it cannot be memorable.
In 2020 we are lucky to be able to rely on social media and video calling apps to allow us to communicate with our loved ones. So although you can’t take that dream trip to the states right now or fall in love in a low lit bar in Venice, there is nothing stopping you from doing it virtually. A date night over a video call or with virtual location will not be the same as the date nights you had in mind, but to connect with someone in these strange romantic times can be sweet and memorable, especially if you plan it right.
No matter what your relationship status is, virtual date destinations can turn another video chat or lockdown night together into an unforgettable, imaginative and romantic experience you will remember for life. So we’ve compiled the top 20 virtual date night destinations to spark your lockdown love life and who knows, maybe inspire real trips when things get back to normal...
1. Santorini, Greece
As one of the most romantic places in Greece, Santorini is simply stunning. Home to a whitewash of stand-out buildings and beautiful architecture, a tour of the island will have you swooning. Known for its romantic sunsets and volcanic sand beaches, Santorini makes for the perfect virtual date. Loop this tour of the island, embrace the romantic Greek atmosphere and maybe even use that final beautiful sunrise to get down on one knee and virtually propose.
2. Central Park, New York
The Big Apple has a magic like no other city in the world, which makes a virtual date to Central Park perfect. Whether it is your first date, a romantic online walk or you’re thinking of popping the question, NYC is the city for falling in love. With a virtual walk of Central Park you can pick your favourite spot for future visits or even enjoy a date night picnic, all within the safety of your own home with Central Park as the backdrop.
3. Eiffel Tower, Paris
Known as the city of love, Paris is renowned for its romantic charm. Bring this atmosphere to your virtual date with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Complete with magnificent views and iconic French music, this is the perfect romantic virtual date destination. Enjoy a Parisian cheese board and maybe even practice the language of l'amour, all setting the scene for the ultimate date or proposal spot.
4. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Dinner on the edge of the Grand Canyon is a date only dreams are made of. Enjoy a virtual date in the natural icon of the Grand Canyon, discovering a sense of serenity and calm together. With breath-taking views, find yourselves alone in the Grand Canyon, embracing a unique wonder that ends in a picturesque sunset and pink sky for the perfect romantic moment. You could even expand date night to a virtual walk of the Grand Canyon and witness wonders only visible by foot.
5. The Colosseum, Rome
Enjoy date night in the Italian capital of Rome with a walking tour of the Colosseum. From stepping off of the Metro you will walk the four levels of the Colosseum, including the arena floor and the famous underground Hypogeum, as well as all the restricted areas. Enjoy this VIP style tour as virtual date night takes you to places you wouldn’t normally see, embracing Rome’s hidden gems together.
6. Isle of Skye, Scotland
The natural beauty of Scotland’s Isle of Skye will make an idyllic virtual date. Take a drone tour over its iconic scenery, travelling past Eilean Donan Castle on the way to Skye before basking in the allure of the Fairy Pools. Enchanting to look at, this romantic atmosphere is the perfect way to spend an online date without the chilly Scottish weather. Pack a picnic and maybe even a flask of tea or a hot toddy to really embrace your virtual visit to the Isle of Skye.
7. The Alps, Switzerland
Enjoy a journey across the Alps like never before. Embracing all the winding roads, picturesque towns and still waters along the route, a virtual date with a drone tour of the Alps will have you awestruck. Not for the faint-hearted, these death-defying views will have you and your date mesmerised, falling in love with each other as much as the scenery. The perfect virtual date for escaping from reality with added serenity.
8. Venice, Italy
Considered one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, Venice holds a virtual key to your hearts with an immersive walking tour of the sinking city. Using Venice as a backdrop, an Italian date night will have you both swooning. Why not attempt to make pasta together? If isolating together this could be hands on, or as a video call, cooking catastrophes and flour failures could have you laughing along. Then you can sit alongside the digital waterfront, enjoying your homemade meal in Venice’s romantic setting.
9. Sydney Opera House, Australia
Enjoy a one of a kind experience with the Sydney Opera House as a virtual date destination. You can not only witness the wonders of its architecture with a 360° tour of the Opera House, but remark in its peace and quiet in between performances, a sight not many get to witness. As romance ensues with this virtual experience there will be surprises too with performances from outstanding Australian acts. Escape in wonderment with a virtual date at the Sydney Opera House, from blissful music to remarkable sights you could fall in love over and over again.
10. Oahu, Hawaii
Enjoy the calming sights and sounds of Sunset Beach in Oahu, Hawaii with a virtual walk along the sands. This beach break could be the escape you both needed to find some romance under lockdown. Why not make some rum punch and decorate your cocktails as a virtual date task, taking a step back and relaxing on Sunset Beach with a Hawaiian ‘a hui hou’ or ‘until we meet again’ vibes.
11. Corfu, Greece
Treat the mind, body and soul with a dream date in Corfu, Greece. Although it may be a virtual tour it is still beautiful, and with this Greek island dream you and your date can use your imagination to be whisked off to the Ionian Sea. This could be a throwback to one of your favourite holidays together, the perfect way to plan for future holidays or a dreamy lockdown spot at home to pop the question.
12. Amalfi Coast, Italy
The ultimate destination for relaxed romance, a virtual visit to the Amalfi Coast is the perfect way to soak up loving Mediterranean vibes. From its chic coastline to the beautiful intertwining streets, a walking tour of the Amalfi Coast is the perfect digital date. As a culture hopping first date or an iconic destination for a virtual proposal, the Amalfi Coast visit from inside your home will certainly be one to remember.
13. Northern Lights, Iceland
There is nothing more romantic than watching the Northern Lights together. Regardless of whether you are in lockdown together or having a distant date, a virtual trip to the Northern Lights is sure to make you feel closer. The magical light display is spectacular but so are the weather conditions in Iceland. You might want to get a few ice packs out to fully immerse yourself in the digital date destination, or at least wear your coat inside.
14. Kyoto, Japan
An iconic proposal destination Kyoto, Japan is known for its cosy atmospheric lanes, beautiful scenery and serene gardens and temples. As a symbol of Japanese culture and tradition, a virtual date in Kyoto will take you on a tour of classic Japanese architecture and refined gardens, giving you the space to be at one with each other. Use the Kyoto tour as a backdrop, learning to make sushi or even give sake a try! Trying new things together can be as refreshing as your first date all over again.
15. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Enjoy date night in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, with a panoramic tour of the city. With awe-inspiring views of Sugar Loaf mountain your virtual date will transport to another country, inspiring a helicopter-esque ride around the city you will be desperate to make the moment last a lifetime. Lie back, enjoy the view and maybe sip on some coconut water. The perfect moment to propose comes at the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue on top of Corcovado mountain.
16. French Polynesia
A grand virtual tour of French Polynesia is the perfect digital pamper date! Enjoy the iconic white sands and crystal clear waters while you and your date or loved one try facemasks at home. Not only will a little bit of self care go a long way but it is bound to make you both laugh. This digital date will be even more intimate without any other real people in sight, giving you plenty of time in virtual French Polynesia to get to know each other.
17.Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
A model for the Disney princess castles we all know and love, a digital date to Neuschwanstein Castle will prepare you for the ultimate happy ending. As the virtual tour takes you around the castle's scenic grounds, you and your date can be living out your dream fairy tale. Here you can propose in true Prince Charming style with family and friends ready to join the video call and ‘be your guest’ when your other half says yes.
18. Mont Saint Michel, Normandy France
An iconic medieval monastery in Normandy, France, Mont Saint Michel is an unforgettable sight. A virtual visit here will join what is seen as a global pilgrimage to the beauty that is Mont Saint Michel. Inspired by the beautiful coastline a virtual tour of Mont Saint Michel, you and your date could take it in turns to spot thriving wildlife, medieval roads and gothic architecture. As you fall more and more in love with each other and the tidal island.
19. Bali, Indonesia
From white sandy tropical beaches and clear blue waters to roaming green rice paddy fields and scaling cliff tops, Bali has it all. Explore this beautiful part of Indonesia by drone and discover Bali digitally as part of a romantic date night. This magic part of the world inspires love, making it the perfect place for a lockdown getaway. These sweet escapes helping you to make that social distancing date a partner for life.
20. Taj Mahal, India
A shrine to eternal love, the Taj Mahal is a testimony to passion itself, making it one of the perfect places to digitally explore with a loved one. Explore the wonder of the world with a virtual walking tour, taking in its iconic white marble and landscaped grounds. As an ode to love itself you could not ask for a more perfect digital location to propose at. The building itself is a sign of devotion, symbolising and reinforcing every emotion that has brought you both together.
Don’t forget to make it special
You may have found the perfect virtual destination but what else can you do to make date night extra special?
1. Set the tone
Just because you can only leave the house for work or essentials does not mean that you cannot bring romance home. Little things will add special touches to your digital dates, cooking food from the location or creating the perfect playlist all add up to the evening’s ambience.
2. Dress up
Tell your partner to dress up for date night. Don’t give the game away, but encourage them to dress up to get in the mood. This makes it more of an event, and something special to look forward to before it’s even happened.
3. Friends and Family
If you’re using this virtual date destination to pop the question, have your friends and family ready and waiting to jump on the call. Ask them to dress up too! Social distancing shouldn’t stop you celebrating a magical moment.
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