Real Travel Love Stories: How Travelzoo Employees Found Romance Around the World
First Comes Love...
Falling in Love on Vacation – Warren
While living in New York City, I traveled to Panama City for a cousin's wedding. A friend from the reception introduced me to his buddy Oscar, who was arriving from Venezuela the following week. We connected via Skype and instant messages before even meeting in person.
After picking him up at the airport, we explored Panama City all day, firing off endless questions. When he returned home, we committed to meeting every other month in a new destination worldwide. Our long-distance romance spanned 10 months across Maracaibo and Margarita Island in Venezuela, and Rome, Porto Santo Stefano, and Siena in Italy—before we both relocated to Panama City. A year later, we got engaged in New York, married at Santa Ana City Hall, and celebrated with family and friends from around the world in our new hometown.
Saying "Yes" to Forever in Tuscany – Angie
After 10 years together, we embarked on a two-week Italy getaway. Friends and family predicted an engagement or elopement. Irritated by the expectations, my partner Zach assured everyone it wouldn't happen on this trip—so I was caught completely off guard. Midway through, after a vibrant Chianti festival in Greve, we checked into a charming B&B in Castellina in Chianti.
Strolling the stunning grounds, we uncorked a festival wine. Zach dropped to one knee—without a ring—and proposed. Overjoyed, I said yes, then asked, "What does this mean?" Finding the perfect ring proved challenging in Milan, so it arrived back home. I cherish how Italy's magic inspired him; no pressure could replicate that authentic romance.
...Then Comes Marriage...
Joining Families and Cultures – Sarah
In February 2016, I journeyed to India with my then-fiancé and future mother-in-law to plan our intercultural wedding. Over two weeks, we crisscrossed cities, selecting exquisite fabrics for custom outfits and glamorous Indian wedding attire for loved ones back home—we brought back around 75 sarees! This trip let me connect with extended family, savor India's finest cuisine, and experiment with henna designs. Sharing my mother-in-law's homeland with her was unforgettable, and we eagerly await our return as newlyweds.
Destination Wedding in Playa del Carmen – Anna
Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and my husband Anson hailing from Foshan, China, our global guest list faced language barriers. We chose an all-inclusive destination wedding to unite everyone effortlessly amid our joy.
After thorough research, Playa del Carmen, Mexico, won out. Our eco-friendly, intimate resort was breathtaking. The four-day festivities left guests raving. For me, the highlight was our private sunset escape from the reception—our first moments alone as husband and wife.
...Then Comes the Baby in the Baby Carriage
Babymoon in Portugal – Valentina
After six years of marriage and welcoming son Benji, we learned in December 2016 we were expecting a daughter. We planned a babymoon, weighing Tokyo, Mallorca, Croatia, London, and Bermuda before selecting Portugal—new territory for us, Zika-free, NYC-close, and budget-friendly with the favorable Euro.
Leaving Benji behind was tough, but Portugal enchanted us with fresh seafood, gelato, and Michelin-starred cuisine by Chef José Avillez. Post-Lisbon, we unwound on Algarve beaches. Parents deserve these couple-focused escapes to reconnect, reaffirming the love and reasons for building our family.
Retracing Family Heritage with the Next Generation – Christie
For our one-year anniversary in May 2009, my husband and I explored Ireland, vowing to return with our future kids—his ancestral homeland. In March 2016, we made it happen via a Great Value Vacations deal at Adare Manor, bringing our two children and Bruce's entire family. We revisited 2009 spots and dream of Paris next, our 2006 engagement site.
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