Heading south for warmer weather?
For all those who wish to leave the long Korean winter behind (if only for a short while) in search of warmer days,
Shinsegae Duty Free has made a list of magical locations that will transform an ordinary winter trip into a time for falling in love—even if it’s not your first time! Whether you’re alone or with someone special,
all of the following destinations will leave you with lasting memories more precious than your most treasured possessions.
# The perfect romantic getaway: Venice
In Venice, where a modern version of an ancient mask festival is held against the backdrop of a beautiful silver sea, February is the best time to enjoy the romantic tastes of the nobility of the Middle Ages. The Carnival of Venice is a celebration of masks that is both the largest festival in Italy and the 10th largest in the world. Highly elaborate and reminiscent of works of art, the masks are derived from the burqas worn by the Muslim women who were brought to Europe as prisoners of war after the Crusades in the early 13th century. Every year, three million visitors flock to the city to take part in the festival, donning classical masks and ostentatious costumes. The diverse costume parades, fireworks festivals, and theatrical performances that are held throughout Venice at this time heighten the exotic thrill of travel. As the city is full of maze-like alleys, visitors often find that even the most recent maps are useless. But don’t worry—no matter where your feet take you, you’ll be immersed in the mood of the festival.
# Hotspot for vacationing couples: Spain
Because spring starts early in Spain, it’s a good idea to dress lightly in February, when the average temperature is 15 degrees Celsius. With little to no rainfall, it’s a wonderful time of year to visit the country.
Spain is a unique destination in that it will simultaneously satisfy your love of art and your loved one’s love of soccer.
Here, you will find buildings designed by the renowned architect Gaudi; Museo Nacional del Prado (Madrid); FC Barcelona’s home stadium, Camp Nou, which is located next to Museu Picasso (Barcelona); and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, which is Real Madrid’s home stadium. Of course, there are also many delicious food options well suited to Korean tastes—
even if you find yourselves having a lovers’ quarrel, you’ll soon forget all about it while enjoying and marveling at the food!
In addition to the representative paella, gambas al ajillo, and tapas, you will also have many opportunities to enjoy high-quality wine, ham, and cheese at relatively affordable prices.
# The perfect proposal spot: Macao
Known as a “Little Europe” in China and appreciated for its mild climate (with an annual average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius), Macao is one of the best places for a short but fully-packed three-day trip. All you have to do to make it happen is add one personal day to a weekend. February is an especially good month to visit Macao, because of the Lunar New Year parades that fill the city’s streets for one whole week, providing a feast for the eyes.
With a night view that looks like an open box of jewels, Macao is known around the world as an ideal place to propose.
We recommend the Eiffel Tower of the Parisian Macao, which hosts light shows, and Macau Tower, which is the 10th tallest tower in the world and known for the breathtaking view from its outdoor observatory at night. How about popping the question at a performance of The House of Dancing Water (a world-class water-based stage production)? The storyline, which is about transcending time itself while on a journey to a magical world, is said to create the perfect mood for exchanging promises of eternal love!
