'Forget Paris and Rome, these are the most romantic spots we've been'

It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to have a romantic moment when you're travelling.

From the watching sunsets (cliché? maybe but who doesn't love watching) to eating fancy food, holidaying is obviously set up for spending special time together.

And while Paris and Italy, as well as tropical destinations such as the Maldives, might be the most famous cities to get all smoochy, they're not the only places where you can feel all warm and fuzzy.

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Research commissioned by Cathay Pacific revealed travel has indeed become Australia's new "love language", with more than two in five Australians having travelled (or wanting to travel) for Valentine's Day, and over half preferring a romantic getaway over traditional gifts.

Meanwhile, new IHG data shows that even cinematic romances are translating into real-world travel intent, with nearly a quarter of Aussies (24 per cent) reporting they've searched for accommodation or getaway ideas post film.

So if you're keen and need some new travel inspo, we asked the nine.com.au team to share the most romantic places they've been to which are not the best known and why.

Maddison

"Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. My fiancé and I did three days on a private island resort and it was amazing, the swimming and snorkelling was to die for and we even got to see some wild turtles.

"There was something so romantic about just floating in the lagoon or lying in a hammock watching the stars at night."

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Sarah

"I don't think you need to go somewhere pricey for romance however the most expensive trip I went on horse riding in South Africa was probably the most romantic.

"That's because my husband wasn't really into horses before but went along with it and is now learning to ride for our return visit.

"Seeing giraffe together in the bush was pretty special too."

April

"Central Park in New York City at twilight.

"But I am probably biased because I got engaged there..."

Jo

"The most romantic place my partner and I have been is Bicheno in Tassie. It was a work trip, but it was a lovely seaside village and was just magical.

"Starting the day walking along the rocks holding hands with coffees, the sound of the ocean at night.

"We are dying to go back. I think anything by the ocean is romantic!."

Lisa

"We recently went and stayed in a tiny home south of Sydney at Cambewarra in Kangaroo Valley, and it was the most peaceful, relaxing, romantic weekend we've had.

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"The home had a beautiful garden that we sat out in and had a picnic, plus it also had a fireplace, and a vintage clawfoot bathtub which just scream cosy romantic night in. T

"The days were spent outside in nature with our phones on do not disturb and I honestly couldn't recommend it more."

Siena

"Iceland. I went there years ago with my boyfriend at the time and it was beautiful.

"We loved the rich mix of culture and nature. We saw the Northern Lights just casually from our Airbnb, and also went to the Blue Lagoon and its giant spa vibe was, dare I say steamy."

Kristine

"The most romantic place I've ever been to was actually somewhere I travelled by myself.

"Located along the borders of the Great Sand Dunes National Park in the US state of Colorado, the Ranchlands Zapata Guest Ranch is truly a breath of fresh air.

"The two days spent here are some I will not soon forget. The colours, the views, the sun setting over the sand dunes and the mountains.

"It was so peaceful and I could imagine curling up by the campfire with a significant other."

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