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| "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…” So starts the famous poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Thoughts of roses, romantic glances, and warm embraces swirl around in your head. The giddy free spirit when you are in love comes back and makes you smile. Famous lines from movies like “Casablanca,” “Gone With The Wind,” and “The Notebook” cross your mind and make you think of your love. When love is in the air, you don’t want it to be ordinary and repetitive. Give the gift of travel and plan a special romantic outing for you and your significant other. When was the last time it was just the two of you minus the kids, work, and meetings? It sounds like the perfect time to get away and enjoy each other. You would like a break too, wouldn’t you? Instead of logging in countless hours trying to figure out where to go and what to spend, enlist your local travel agent to do the work for you. Whether you want to just get out of town, out of the state, or out of the country, the pros will make sure you are all set and taken care of—guaranteeing a wonderfully romantic getaway! Here are a few charming destination ideas for you to consider: St. Augustine, Florida: America’s “oldest city” seems to sizzle with romance. The 5 Inns of Elegance (www.innsofelegance.com) are opening their doors and hearts to second honeymooners throughout January and February by offering specials. The bed and breakfasts (circa 1791-1918) offer a stunning collection of five inns that are all within walking distance to every corner of St. Augustine’s historic district. The porches, courtyards, and verandahs of each of the inns have the best vantage point for lingering over breakfast, enjoying afternoon tea and conversation, and relaxing as you watch the sun set. You could revel in history as you return to a time of riding a trolley, sipping lemonade, exploring the Spanish Quarter, and savoring the days of southern hospitality at its best. Crescent Beach, Maine: Romance on the coast! The eco-luxury Inn by the Sea (www.innbythesea.com) on the coast of Maine has spectacular ocean views, a full-service coastal spa, intimate dining, and spacious rooms. You can either choose to stay in a two-level room with an enormous bathroom, or you can cozy up to your own fireplace and watch lobsters bobbing on the horizon. You can enjoy intimate walks on the boardwalk to a mile of unspoiled beach, or you can even hike through the woods. You might want to check out the nightlife of Portland, which is just 10 minutes away, as well as unique shops, galleries, and boutiques. The Inn by the Sea is listed among the Top Ten Green Hotels in the U.S. by Forbes Traveler magazine, and it is among the Top 100 in Travel & Leisure magazine. You might want to see what it’s all about! These are also some choices located closer to home. Travel agents have a variety of discounts and additional amenities available to them that you otherwise could not get on your own. All you have to do is ask. They want to take care of you and show you what they have to offer. You’ll probably be blown away by the extras you receive when booking with them as opposed to doing it on your own. Want to head a little farther from home? Of course, one can’t consider romantic vacations without thinking of Paris, “the City of Light.” Paris, France: You seem to have all the options in the world when visiting Paris. The accommodations are plentiful and the prices are manageable, in my opinion. You can choose to see some of the famous sites (the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Champ Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, or a Seine River cruise), or you can just relax and enjoy each other’s company over a glass of wine as you watch the sun set. The only problem with traveling here is that you may have a hard time deciding how much to spend and what to see. This is not an issue if you heed the advice of an experienced travel agent, however. There will be no time wasted—unless you want there to be. A travel agent can even set you up with a tour guide who will take you to local hotspots or show you what’s typically missed by tourists. Paris is said to be the most supremely romantic city, and visitors often sigh with emotion and romantic thoughts just thinking about it. Cancun, Mexico: After a recent stay at Le Blanc (www.leblancsparesort.com), I can’t say enough wonderful things about this resort. How can it not be romantic with double Jacuzzi tubs in every room and a gorgeous ocean view? How about choosing from the “comfort menu” to have the “romance aromatherapy” linger in your magnificent suite? Linger on long walks on the beach, stare into each other’s eyes over a candlelit dinner, or sip your favorite drink watching the sun set from one of the infinity pools. Cozumel, Mexico: Another resort I just have to mention is Aura (www.wyndham.com). I was absolutely dumbfounded by this great all-inclusive resort when I walked upstairs to my own private rooftop pool! You can relax in the sun on your own intimate “patio” with a view of the glimmering ocean right in front of you. Complete your trip by choosing to have a romantic sunset dinner on the dock. So there you have it! Keep in mind that if you book these trips on your own, that is only what you’ll get—a trip. If you book it with a travel agent, you’ll have an experience. Tell them what you want out of a romantic outing, what kind of scenery you love, and the dining and music you like. They will wrap it all up for you into the perfect package. Make this next getaway unforgettable! Editor’s Note: Jackie has been a freelance writer for three years. She specializes in luxury, sports, and adventure travel, health and fitness, and product reviews. Her work has appeared in publications including Colorado Golf, Desert Golf, and Canadian Architecture & Design. |
Romantic Outings! |
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