Planning a Perfect Romantic Getaway

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. It marks the perfect occasion for planning a romantic getaway with your significant other. Whether you’re trying to spark a new flame or celebrating a well-established love, we’ve delivered the five steps necessary for a superlative weekend escape.

1. Know Your Lover
“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” ~Robert Heinlein

The best way to provide a memorable getaway for your lover is to plan according to their interests. This weekend is the time to reserve seats at her favorite restaurant, buy airline tickets to the city he’s always hinting about visiting, arrange for that perfect picnic, or finally get that babysitter for the kids. Don’t wait until next year. Your moment is now.
Romantic Fireplace © Arild Storaas

2. Gifts
“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.” ~Pierre Corneille

Gifts are an expression of our feelings. Be sure to enhance the experience with attention to detail. We are often very generous with the present itself, but fall short on the delivery. Try to spend a significant amount of time, before the getaway weekend, on presentation. Does she love roses? Consider spreading rose petals across the bed sheets or running a warm bath with petals and candles. Does he love chocolate? Skip the yearly heart-shaped box of chocolates for a basket of hand-selected pieces from a local or online specialty shop. Jacque Torres, Godiva, and B.T. McElrath are a few of the top chocolatiers. Even better, sign yourselves up for chocolate-making classes.

3. Location
“Laughter is an instant vacation.” ~Milton Berle


If the means are available, leave town for the weekend. There are countless romantic places to venture off to either locally or globally. Venice Carnival will be in full swing, the evening lights of Paris will be shining bright, the charming locals of Hawaii will be waiting to greet you with a Lei, and New York City will be working to keep you partying all night.

If not, pick your partner’s favorite place, near home, for a day trip or weekend. Be sure to pre-arrange for any romantic details for your trip. On arrival, leave your daily life behind. This is an occasion for laughter and relaxation.
Romance © Brandon Warren

4. Conversation
“We do not remember days we remember moments.” ~Cesare Pavese

This getaway is a chance to indulge in reminiscence. We rarely return to the stories of our first days together. Take this point in time to talk about your awkward meeting, funniest moments, or the instants that defined your relationship. It’s also important to accentuate the experience with photographs. Bring your favorite images on an electronic-storage device or in a nicely decorated box. Be sure to flirt and hold hands.

5. Compliments
“I can live for two months on a good compliment.” ~Mark Twain

Compliment your significant other. Our lives are often busy and we forget to express gratitude for their love. Don’t assume that planning the weekend or buying presents is enough of an indication. It surely meets the requirements, but saying it aloud has a magical effect.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

 

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Hawaii Hotels Empty: Deals?

Hawaii is the one of the most visited U.S. states. Its natural beauty is unmatched. With a perfect climate for tourism, it’s on virtually every destination list for travelers. Despite this, Hawaiian hotels have been hit hard by the current economic crunch. Their hotel occupancy has hit an eight-year low. According to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, December was met with a double-digit drop, which led to an overall rating in the low sixties.
Oahu, Hawaii © Shayan

With the current economic situation, travelers need to make tough decisions about their next port of call. The sudden drop in occupancies will likely lead to a number of deals. Waikiki Beachside Hotel has a “First night at $79, 1/2 off the 2nd night” sale for visitors to the Aloha State. Travelers making the trip have several activities to consider including swimming with dolphins at Sea Life Park, surfing, visiting the Honolulu zoo, and biking or trekking the beautiful natural wonders of Hawaii’s islands. Be sure to arrange for a Lei greeting on arrival.

If that’s still out of your budget, consider a more affordable paradise: Bay Islands, Honduras or a pay as you wish hotel.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

Receive our free content by e-mail directly to your inbox or through an RSS reader.