Kiwis looking further afield for romantic holidays

In Buenos Aires, home to the intimate tango, visitors mingle with 'the people of the night'. Photo / 123RF

With plane tickets cheaper than ever, destinations that would once have been considered too far and too expensive are now on the radar for Kiwis taking short romantic breaks.

Today, you can get to LA for prices that once wouldn't have taken you much further than Sydney. So what other Pacific Rim destinations are worth a look for a short break?

Lilia Petrova, an online manager at helloworld, recently jetted to Buenos Aires for a short break with her partner.

"My partner and I departed on a late evening flight and were indulging ourselves with heavenly beef and malbec 15 hours later," she says.

"The locals refer to themselves as 'people of the night' as the city buzzes with late-night dinner and sultry tango shows. We spent days exploring Buenos Aires by foot, admiring local architecture that adds European atmosphere to this beautiful city."

House of Travel marketing director Ken Freer says the options are endless for couples looking to travel a bit further without breaking the bank.

"Buenos Aires is a great pick for a slightly out-of-the-ordinary romantic getaway. With Air NZ's direct flights, you can escape to the home of the tango for an extra-long weekend," he says.

"If you're after something more off the beaten track, Asia or the Middle East is the place. Jump on a river cruise in Myanmar and experience small artisan villages, natural wonders and ancient monuments. If you're feeling bold, try camping in the desert in Dubai. By day you'll go desert driving in a 4WD and by night you'll sleep under the stars."

Sue Matson of Flight Centre says competition in the travel industry stateside over the past 12 months has driven pricing down and made it easier to access places such as Alaska.

"In winter, snuggle up next to a roaring fire, sip on mulled wine and enjoy the icy beauty of the mountains from the serenity of a mountainside retreat. For the adventurous, join an evening expedition cruise and sip hot cocoa while waiting for the aurora nights - bliss."

Managing director of Our World, Rick Felderhof, recommends glamping at Elephant Hills in Thailand.

"They're dedicated to animal welfare. Enjoy the elephant camp, then head to the nearby lake and stay in a tented, floating rainforest camp. With no Wi-Fi in a pristine environment, it's time to reconnect."

Felderhof also backs a couples' classic: Club Med.

"With 70 premium, all-inclusive resorts around the world - from the best beaches in Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean and Americas; to luxury ski resorts in the French and Italian Alps - you'll experience gourmet dining, contemporary decor and the best locations."