Once again, Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. And that means, as with every year, we’ve had to sit down and ask ourselves the question ‘how to approach this beast, this monster of an occasion?’

Well, HostelBookers have decided to swallow the temptation to post anti-love dirges and are instead adopting a more… let’s say… holistic approach. Stay tuned for our complete roundup of Vday for lovers and haters alike.

First, though, here’s a classic top 10 list of Valentine Weekend destinations:

1. Paris, France

It’s obvious but it’s effective. Quite simply, there’s nowhere as romantic as Paris; from the Eiffel Tower and the chic restaurants of Montmartre to the shimmering beauty of the Seine by night, it has all the ingredients for a perfect romantic weekend. In fact, it can’t really go wrong… Paris, je t’aime.

2. Prague, Czech Republic
Few urban spaces are as straight-up beautiful as Prague, the City of 1000 Spires. Mosey around the architecturally captivating Old Town, catch a symphony by the Prague National Opera at the acoustically perfect Rudolfinum, and then enjoy the view from the Charles Bridge come nightfall.

3. New York, USA
Browse the Rockefeller Centre, take a horse-drawn carriage around CentralPark, and then travel to the top of the Empire State Building and re-enact that Scene from Sleepless in Seattle. “On top of the Empire State Building at sunset on Valentine’s Day”…

4. Bali, Indonesia
Romantic travel in Asia comes no better that in Bali. Bask on the golden beaches by day, relax around a fire by night, and make sure to squeeze a famous Balinese massage in too.

5. Marrakech, Morocco
Enjoy the shimmering Atlas Mountains over breakfast, pick your way around the crumbling ruins of the atmospheric El Badi Palace and shop for souvenirs in the glorious Medina. You could always buy a ring…

6. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is arguably Europe’s most elegant weekend getaway. Browse the architectural delights of the Innere Stadt, catch an opera at the State Opera House and head to the Rathauspark for some late-night canoodling. One thing to remember, though: don’t do anything Freud wouldn’t have done.

7. London, England
Cuddle on leafy Hampstead Heath, browse the stalls and street performers of Covent Garden, pretend to be rich in Notting Hill and end the day with a typically outlandish musical in the West End. You never know, it might all end in love, actually.

8. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is fast becoming Europe’s most popular destination for romantic travel. Get lost in the Barri Gotic (though keep your wits about you enough to find Picasso’s house), explore Gaudi’s colossal Sagrada Familia, chill on the manmade Barceloneta beach, then have a drink next to those iconic shooting fountains. “Barcelooona… Barcelooooona”

9. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Forget about the drugs and the prostitutes (unless that’s your idea of a good Valentine’s Day); this is one of the world’s most attractive and urbane cities. Spend the day perusing the Museum Quarter, dine in the excellent restaurants of the non-touristy Jordaan area, and take a romantic stroll along the city’s picture-perfect canals.

10. Florence, Italy
Ever since the time of the Grand Tourists, Florence has rivalled Paris as the romantic destination. By day, marvel at the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo’s David and the Santa Maria Novella. Then, come nightfall, stroll arm-in-arm with your loved one and take in the full and glorious romance of the city of Florence.

What are your romantic plans for Valentine’s Day? Do you have a top destination in mind for a loved-up getaway? Let us know!