The most romantic spot I've found on the globe is Bruges, Belgium. If Paris is a "10", then for me Bruges is a "20."

Everything about it comes together into the most perfect place to stroll, people watch, gaze at magnificent architecture, sip beer at an outdoor cafe, ride the canals, savor chocolate, or sit by the waterways in the moonlight with the stone buildings lit up and swans gliding silently below. There is delicious, local food at every turn.

Above all the scale of Bruges is delightful. It's small and compact, you can explore all of the city center is a day or two. And for those that want, the shopping is easy, comfortable, pleasant, and unique - - with none of the global marketing brands crowding out fun, interesting, local shops.

Joel, in Chicago