Surveys have found that couples who travel together have more fun, and build a stronger physical and emotional connection.

Stuck in a rut? Got the dreaded 'Seven Year Itch'? Nothing happening between the sheets?

It's not too late to reignite the passion in your relationship, by taking an unforgettable trip together to an amazing city.

According to a recent survey by the US Travel Association, couples who journey experience 'the travel effect', whereby going somewhere new leads to more romance, improved physical intimacy, and deeper emotional connection.

So grab your passports and start planning a fun-filled getaway in one of 20 perfect cities - some big, some small - all carefully chosen to help you enjoy that much-needed break as a party of two.

20 Colmar - The sweetest town in France

It's almost too pretty to be real. This picturesque, colorful city in the Alsace region of eastern France is dubbed 'Little Venice', thanks to its many canals and bridges.

Couples can sit back and enjoy a romantic boat ride on the river that runs through the city. Or explore the Old Town on foot, visiting churches and local markets, and trying the fantastic French cuisine.

Another great activity for couples to do is to take a wine tour of the Alsace region. There are many vineyards to choose from, with medieval villages and fairytale castles dotting the landscape. In the afternoon, do like the locals and take a romantic siesta before going out again to stroll the town at sunset. Sure to make you and your loved one enjoy 'la vie en rose'!

19 Kyoto - Japan's cultural hub

Step back in time in one of Japan's ancient capitals, Kyoto. This is the city where the true geisha culture lives, where women actually do walk around in traditional kimono. With a rich, deep history, Kyoto is a great destination for couples who want to explore a new culture.

Skip your typical budget hotel and instead stay in an old fashioned wooden ryokan, or Japanese inn, with tatami mats and shoji paper walls. And if you are keen on trying something really different, you can even overnight in a Buddhist temple.

Kyoto is easy to explore and tourist friendly, with restaurants often having menus in English, and signs pointing you around the city. Any trip to Japan is an unforgettable experience, as everything is so different and unique. It is sure to spark some new excitement between two lovebirds.

18 San Miguel de Allende - Mexico's hidden gem

Travel + Leisure voted this Mexican city as the 'best city in the world', beating out rivals like Florence, Italy. The reason? Its laid back atmosphere, colorful streets, regal churches, cathedrals and plazas, all of which make it feel a lot like Europe, but with a very cool mix of Central American culture.

Travel in Mexico is very affordable, which means that couples seeking out a little luxury can stretch their dollars a bit further, and enjoy fabulous hotels that otherwise might be out of range. So splurge a little, and book yourself the honeymoon suite, even if you've been married for years!

San Miguel de Allende has a lot to offer, including the La Gruta hot springs, where you can take a long soak before enjoying some delicious local cuisine, and walking hand-in-hand through the street markets is a fun way to pass the time. So far this city is somewhat a hidden gem on the tourist trail, meaning you won't be surrounded by the maddening crowds.

17 Quebec City - Full of historic charm

Consistently rated one of the most beautiful cities in North America, Quebec City is an incredibly historic and romantic city for couples to visit. This French stronghold of Canada has wonderful and well preserved architecture and a distinctly French culture.

While strolling through the cobblestoned Old City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll swear you've been transported to Europe.  

Other than strolling around the city, the top things for couples to do in Quebec include taking a romantic carriage ride through town, enjoying a sunset cruise on the St. Lawrence River, and taking a hot air balloon trip to see the city from above.

But for a truly unique experience, stay a night at Quebec's famous Hotel de Grace - the Ice Hotel. Every winter, the entire hotel is rebuilt using fresh snow, and everything, including the guest rooms, the alter used for weddings, and the reception desk, is made out of ice. Snuggle up to stay warm!

16 Santo Domingo - The city by the sea

Nothing says 'relaxing vacation' for couples like a hot, tropical beach. Pack light, because this famous capital city of the Dominican Republic requires very little clothes, and a whole lot of sunblock.

Santo Domingo is truly a great combination of a historical city and a beach holiday. As the first settlement of Christopher Columbus, who arrived in 1492, the Spanish influence is strong in the architecture, with stone fortresses, churches and fantastic arched cathedrals to visit.

Luckily, this is also a coastal city with lots of beaches to choose from. You can opt to stay at an adults-only resort, which means you can really take a break from any thoughts of kids, and focus on each other.

Cold cocktails at the swim-up bar in the pool are bound to help stressed out couples relax and reconnect, as the warm Caribbean breeze blows through your hair, and the sun caresses your skin.

15 Moab - Utah's desert paradise

You shouldn't be surprised to see Moab on this list; it might be a small city, but with its stunning natural landscapes and red sandstone canyons, it is an incredibly romantic place for couples to stay, relax and reconnect.

There are two national parks to choose from around Moab, and some of the top activities for couples include watching the sunrise at Mesa Arch, and hiking or camping at the Arches National Park, close to downtown Moab.

Wine tasting tours are also available, and for those who enjoy adventure sports there's rafting, zip lining, biking, and boat tours, all guaranteed to keep you are your partner excited and entertained.

Couples who enjoy camping can get a permit to stay overnight in the national parks, meaning you'll get to wake up together to watch the sunrise over the amazing scenery. Sounds better than staying in a hotel!

14 Cinque Terre - Italy's five scenic villages

The rugged coast of the Italian Riviera is home to Cinque Terre, which means 'five lands'. There are five quaint villages, known for their brightly colored houses climbing the hills, each with a stunning ocean below. The walking trails take you through a national park, with old castles, churches, ruins, and tiny beaches.

Cinque Terre is a great place for couples thanks to the stunning scenery. You can simply sit back and enjoy a glass of red as you stare off into unbeatable sea views from the many cafes and restaurants that dot the coast.

When you're feeling nice and relaxed, enjoy the local pastime of taking a siesta, when everyone disappears indoors to take an afternoon nap. Though in such a beautiful place, you may be inspired to do a lot more than just sleep...

13 Istanbul - Turkey's glorious capital

This city has it all - fabulous architecture, a waterfront, churches, mosques and castles, hilltops with stunning sunset views, and cobblestoned streets that make you feel like you and your loved one are really on the crossroads of east and west.

Some must-sees are of course the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sofia, which are almost opposite each other, and the stunning Topkapi Palace. You could spend hours together walking around the Grand Bazaar, and there are endless restaurants and pumping nightlife to enjoy.

At sunset, a must-do experience is to take a picturesque boat cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, to take in the view of both sides of this awesome and ancient city.

Those interested in a unique hotel should definitely stay at the luxurious Four Seasons, which once upon a time was a notorious prison, complete with graffiti from previous tenants. Istanbul is a city with a great vibe, and a fun place to explore together.

12 Cusco - The gateway to Machu Picchu... and love

Peru is an incredible place, with a rich history and culture. One of the top cities to visit is Cusco, in the southeastern part of the country, near the Andes mountain range. With cathedrals, colonial architecture left over from the Spanish, and a strong Incan culture, Cusco is a fascinating place to explore.

The biggest draw is, of course, nearby Machu Picchu, high in the mountains above the Sacred Valley and three hours from Cusco. It has been named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and it also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Be warned that this magical place is becoming extremely popular, so it is best to get there very early in the morning before the tour buses arrive. Watching a sunrise or sunset there is an incredibly romantic thing, but couples should also just enjoy the majestic views of this abandoned ancient city.

11 Chester - A classic walled city

Move over London, you've got some competition from smaller cities. Chester is one such city in England which has recently begun drawings tourists, thanks to its well preserved city walls and beautiful architecture that looks like a set out of a movie.

With all the old world charm of England, but with far less crowds clogging up the best spots, Chester is a great place for couples to explore.

To stay right in the middle of the action, book a room at the Chester Grovesnor Hotel, or the Hallmark Inn, which are both classic buildings in the old part of town. Couples should enjoy Chester by walking hand-in-hand on the actual city walls, sipping a pint at the quaint local pubs, and soaking up the atmosphere of this old walled city.

10 Gold Coast - Where city and nature combine

There's city, skyscrapers, beaches, surfing, forests, and so much more at the Gold Coast of Australia. Not nearly as crowded as Sydney or Melbourne, Gold Coast has a lot to offer the traveling couple, with a stunning skyline, waterfront hotels, day spas, and hiking.

The incredible scenery should be enough for any couple who just want to lay on a perfect sandy beach and relax. But if you're really motivated, have a good laugh at each other by taking a surfing lesson as a couple. 

There are a lot of things to do for the adventurous couple, such as scuba diving or perhaps sky diving if you're in for an adrenaline rush. Other attractions include the Tambourine Forest Skywalk, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and hiking trails to waterfalls. Gold Coast is a perfect combination of great city and amazing outdoor activities.

9 Bangkok - A hub of energy and action

Majestic temples. A giant sleeping Buddha. Floating markets. Rooftop bars. Incredible food. Super cheap drinks. River cruises. Golf courses. Backpacker alleys. Luxury hotels.

What doesn't Bangkok have?

The capital city of the Kingdom of Thailand (yes, that's actually the official name) is an incredibly vibrant place, and quite a shock to the senses if you've never been to Asia before.

It's busy, hot, crowded, and bursting with energy, so it's impossible to get bored. The hotels are incredible, and thanks to the exchange rate you can enjoy a taste of luxury without breaking the bank.

 

The best things for couples to do are eat or drink at one of the city's many amazing rooftop bars, get a couples massage practically anywhere, go shopping for colorful souvenirs, take a cooking class together to experience Thai cuisine (spicy!), and take a sunset cruise along the river which winds through the city. If you want to hit the beach, continue your travels to one of Thailand's many, many incredible island paradises.

8 Cape Town - Where adventure takes flight

The gorgeous capital of South Africa is blessed with everything a couple needs for a fun vacation together - towering mountains, national parks, a stunning ocean, and a fabulous city.

You'll never forget an experience like learning how to tandem paraglide over the South African cape, or climbing the stunning 600-million-year-old Table Mountain National Park together.

Need more excitement? You can also visit a penguin colony, museums, promenades, botanical gardens, wineries and awesome beaches. It will be easy to find fun things to do together on this unforgettable trip to the most southern point of the African continent.

7 California - Get cosy in a camper-van

Do a little California dreamin' with your loved one and enjoy the warm air, endless miles of beaches, and beautiful mountains. But to add a new dimension to your typical trip, why not see this amazing area by camper-van?

Forget boring old hotels, with smelly carpets, crowded breakfast buffets and elevator music. Instead, imagine waking up everyday somewhere new with the love of your life on a truly unique travel adventure. 

Some of the best cities to explore in California include San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur, and Santa Barbara, with a great mix of urban adventure, coastal fun, wine tasting, awesome food, and lots of attractions.

Campervans nowadays can be downright luxurious, and rentals are becoming more and more popular. The road is your path to freedom, so grab a map, and choose which city you want to explore, day by day. Cruising around California by van is sure to be a trip you both won't forget.

6 Malta - A sun-kissed gem waiting to be explored

This tiny island hidden away in the Mediterranean is one of those places that few people can even find on a map, despite its unbelievable natural beauty, awesome climate, and rich culture and history.

Thanks to its relative obscurity on the tourist trail, it remains a place where people are laid back and tourist traps are few and far between, giving you an authentic travel experience.

Some of the top things for couples to do in Malta include visiting the Mdina Old City, the historic waterfront, and the city's many churches, cathedrals, and castles. Malta boats five - yes five! - UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

And with all that beautiful blue ocean at your feet, don't miss out on the beaches. The most romantic day trip is to go sailing to Gozo Island, where the turquoise seas will blow you away as you sit back together, sipping on Maltese wine, and enjoying the scenery.

5 Cairo - A city of endless history

Egypt's bustling capital city had to make this list, even though it is considered not a particularly easy place to travel. It's hot, dusty, crowded and noisy, but that doesn't mean that couples can't have an amazing trip together.

For an unforgettable experience, forget tour buses - instead opt for a camel! Riding these beasts of burden through the desert to see the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Cave Church, and the Valley of the Kings is something you will never forget. It might be a bumpy ride, but you can bet it won't be dull or boring.

After a long day exploring some of the oldest monuments on Earth, a great way to relax is to take a romantic dinner cruise on the Nile. Or better yet - go on an overnight sailing trip of the Nile, to really sit back, relax, and take in the amazing scenery together.

4 Dubrovnik - The Pearl of the Adriatic

Croatia is another one of those often overlooked European countries, but with sapphire blue seas, old walled towns, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, lush mountains and more, it won't be off the beaten track for long.

The second largest city, Dubrovnik, was recently used as the film location while shooting Game of Thrones, thanks to its ancient city walls, fortresses, and stunning churches and cathedrals.

Being by the water means that this is a city where you can also put on your bikini and head to one of Dubrovnik's many, many beaches to soak up the sun.

According to MinorityNomad, you can't walk ten steps without running into people on their honeymoon, which means that love is always in the air.

Supposedly, Dubrovnik "is poised to move beyond a cruise ship stop and supplant Paris as the city of romance", so get there soon before the rest of the world finds out how amazing it is.

3 Reykjavik - Heat things up to beat the chill

Seeing the Northern Lights is on the top of the list for many people's travel goals, though usually this requires traveling a long time to get away from major city centers.

Thankfully, in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, you don't have to go far from civilization to see one of the most amazing natural phenomena on Earth.

Reykjavik is the the world’s northernmost capital, with a vibrant city center, surrounded by both oceans and mountains, making it a stunning location. The city itself has well preserved architecture, and many museums and galleries to explore.

Couples should take advantage of the many day trips available from this city, including horseback riding, yacht tours, and a tour inside the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano. When it gets cold, hold on tight to your loved one and keep each other warm.

2 Zurich - Get pampered, you deserve it

Sometimes you just can't be bothered with all that traveling, trip planning, getting lost, haggling in foreign languages, and what not. And some people could not care less about camel rides, or private cruises, or skydiving. Sometimes what a couple really needs is just to take some time out, do nothing, and be pampered for a change.

This is why Zurich makes the list, because the Swiss are famous for their spas, and one unique one is the Thermalbad Zurich.

Built in a once abandoned century-old beer brewery, the spa has an amazing rooftop thermal pool, hot springs, as well as a mystic grotto.

Book some time to enjoy a massage together, and it's okay if you fall asleep. After feeling refreshed, go out and hit the town in the historic and charming capital of Switzerland.

1 Havana - Let the beat move your feet

There's music everywhere in Havana, the historic capital of Cuba. Visitors often get the feeling they are slipping back in time, as the city is full of beautiful old European architecture and classic cars, with a sense that things have not changed for decades.

Havana offers couples a chance to see not only a unique place, but also enjoy the heat and energy of Cuban culture. Put your dancing shoes in your suitcase, because you're going to need them.

According to CanadaTravels, Cuba is known as a great place to spice up your relationship, with hot weather, hot rhythms, and beautiful people. Dance the night away in Havana's salsa clubs, sip cold mojitos by the pool, and watch the sunset from the scenic waterfront. Enjoy!

References: TripAdvisor, Thrillist, CNN Travel, Travel+Leisure, Pinterest, Canada Travels