Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, making it the perfect occasion to plan a romantic getaway with your significant other. Whether you are trying to spark a new flame or celebrating a well-established love, EW has outlined five essential steps 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 partner is to plan according to their interests. This weekend is the perfect time to reserve seats at their favorite restaurant, buy airline tickets to the city they always hinting about visiting, arrange for a perfect picnic, or finally book a babysitter for the kids.
2. Gifts
“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.” ~Pierre Corneille
Gifts are an expression of our feelings, so 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 spending before the getaway weekend on presentation. Does she love roses? Consider spreading rose petals across the bedsheets 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 L.A. Burdick are a few 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, whether locally or globally. The 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 a weekend getaway. Be sure to pre-arrange all the romantic details for your trip. On arrival, leave your daily life behind. This is an occasion for laughter and relaxation.
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 your smartphone 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!
Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.
Featured Photo © Gennaro Salamone
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Please contact him with questions regarding article or photo submissions.