Olivia and Alex Bowen know a thing or two about romance – and travel. After all, their first date was essentially an extended vacation in Mallorca, Spain, with wooing and flirting as their only job. The couple met in 2016, on Season 2 of Love Island UK, and were married two years later.
The Bowens are giving one lucky couple breakfast in bed in London and a Michelin-starred dinner in Paris.
Trainline
“Love Island was such an intense and amazing way to start our relationship—basically 24/7 in each other’s pockets from the get-go!” Olivia told me via email. “We learned to communicate openly and honestly, because you can’t really hide how you feel when you’re on telly all day.”
These days, the UK-based duo – who have beaten the odds in a reality-TV arena littered with failed couplings, favor train travel. “It almost feels like a date on-the-go, a chance to relax and connect while exploring new places,” the pair explained, adding, “We’re total suckers for the journey from London to Paris. It’s so unique to zip through the countryside, then suddenly realize you’re actually going under the sea in a train—like, how mad is that?!”
The Bowen’s perfect day starts in London and ends in Paris.
getty
To share a little of that magic with other couples, Olivia and Alex have teamed up with Trainline, a European train and coach booking app that collects routes, prices, and travel times from more than 270 rail and coach operators in 40 countries, to give away a whirlwind 24-hour London to Paris first-class train journey, starting with breakfast in bed in London and ending with a candlelit private dinner at the Michelin-starred Lucas Carton in Paris followed by a Champagne boat ride along the Seine.
Arriving in Paris “feels a bit like stepping into a rom-com—cobbled streets, dreamy architecture, and that special Parisian buzz you just can’t find anywhere else,” they told me. “It’s the perfect mix of adventure and romance, all wrapped up in one very memorable rail journey…. That’s the beauty of taking the train, you can wake up in one city and go to bed in another without it feeling like a whirlwind of travel in between at all!”
For one lucky couple, 24 hours of romance will end with a Champagne-soaked cruise on the Seine.
getty
Spending so much time in the spotlight has taught the couple the importance of checking in with each other, listening, and making time for fun—and a train trip can bring all those lessons back. “When you’re together with no distractions, it’s easier to remember why you fell in love in the first place,” they say.
Olivia and Alex, who are expecting their second child this year, shared some thoughts with me about train travel, toddlers and crafting romance on vacation.
What advice do you have for couples looking to spark romance on vacation?
Our biggest tip is to carve out moments that feel special—no phones, no distractions, just the two of you in the moment. It doesn’t have to be fancy, either. For us, it can be as simple as picking up fresh croissants at a local bakery in France, or having a little sunset stroll. Also, keep curiosity alive! Ask each other questions—about dreams, future plans, or even silly “what ifs.” It might sound cheesy, but it keeps that sense of discovery going, which is exactly what a romantic getaway is all about.
What makes a train trip romantic?
There’s just something special about gliding past gorgeous landscapes or through quaint villages, and sharing little moments together. It’s so different from being stuck behind a steering wheel or rushing through an airport. On a train, you can truly relax, watch the world go by with a snack or a glass of something in hand. Most importantly you can properly enjoy each other’s company. Plus, so many European stations have so much history and charm; you feel like you’re stepping into a classic movie every time you hop on board.
Please tell me about one special train journey.
One that always stands out is the day we decided to go from Milan to Florence for a quick getaway. We were spending a few days in Milan on holiday and thought, “Why not hop on a train for a little day trip?” We grabbed a bottle of fizz before boarding, toasted to spontaneity, and before we knew it, we were stepping onto Florentine cobblestones right by the iconic Duomo. It was so fun and special to be strolling through a totally different city and vibe in the blink of an eye. That’s what we adore about rail travel—it’s relaxed and effortless, and it leaves you with these unforgettable mini-adventures.
Is it possible to have a romantic vacation with a toddler in tow?
Yes, it is definitely possible to have a romantic vacation with a toddler in tow! The key is planning in a way that balances your couple time with baby-friendly activities and comfort. Traveling by train is an excellent choice because it offers a lot of flexibility and booking through Trainline really helps take the stress out of any trip. Not only do they help you find and book the right train at the right price, you can keep all your tickets handily in the app giving you one less thing to think about keeping an eye on! When on board you can walk around with your toddler if they’re getting fussy, there’s space for the pram and all their bits and bobs, and you don’t have to stress about long security lines. Booking seats with tables, when you can, is also a great tip—your toddler can sit on your lap and play, and you can still enjoy the journey. Plus, train travel allows for scenic views that can captivate the little one and create shared, magical moments. Seeing Abel’s little face light up when he looks out the window on our family train travels is priceless, and we love that we can share these memories with him so early on.
Tell me about your vacation style — are you a plan-everything couple or a go-where-the-spirit-moves couple? How does that support your relationship?
We’d say we’re a good mix! We definitely love a bit of spontaneity—like deciding on a whim to go on a weekend away—but we also know that with a toddler in the mix, it helps to have some structure. We’ll usually book our trains or travel and accommodation well in advance, but once we’re on the ground, we tend to just wander, soak up the atmosphere, and stumble upon hidden gems. It supports our relationship because it keeps the spark alive—there’s enough planning to avoid stress, but still room for those magical, unexpected moments that bring us closer.
The entry deadline is March 11 for the “Romance by Rail” contest, which includes a first-class train trip from London to Paris, a private breakfast in London, one night in a London hotel on July 24, 2025, a private dinner in Paris, one night in a Paris hotel on July 25, 2025 and a $5,000 stipend for any other travel expenses.
