Romantic Travel Around the World

With February already staring us down, we can’t help but look ahead to that day of love…and overpriced restaurants, ridiculous gifts, and absurdly expensive flower arrangements. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or you just feel like laying on the charm, here are some activities guaranteed to light a fire or move a mountain.

Sunrise on the Beach
There is very little that is more romantic than being snuggled up on a blanket at the beach watching the sunrise (or sunset, if you’re not an early riser) with your loved one. But for the ultimate sunrise, catch a flight from Honolulu and head to Kiritimati (a.k.a., Christmas Island) in the North Pacific Ocean. It’s here where you can observe the first sunrise of the day. The Chatham Islands, a territory of New Zealand and home to around 650 people, is the second location in the world to experience this magical moment. If remote islands with small villages aren’t on the top of your list, then lay your blanket on the eastern coast of exotic Fiji to see the first rays of the new day.

Couples Massages
Normal spa experiences include a cozy setting with plush robes, warm tea, and a stash of the latest gossip magazines, but not so at Hotel Cipriani’s Casanova Spa in Venice, Italy. Book the iconic Gondola Massage and the city of Venice becomes your spa setting. As the massage therapists work on your backs, shoulders, necks, and faces, the gentle rocking of the gondola makes for a soothing and truly unique experience with the Venetian centuries-old backdrop drifting past. No worries of getting a sunburn either; the therapists use a blend of oil made of vitamin E & F, high SPF sunscreen, coffee oil, and peach milk.

Hot Air Balloon Ride
Grab your sweetheart and hop into a basket to soar up to the clouds on your own magical balloon ride. Hot air balloon rides can be booked through pilots all around the world, whether your enchanting date takes place in Turkey or the Adirondacks or even Sonoma Wine Country. We suggest coupling it with two flutes of champagne and a preplanned toast—drifting 400 feet in the air can make any of us lose our words.This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will both never forget, but be sure to check the weather and have a back-up plan—hot air balloon flights are extremely dependent on weather conditions.

Horse Carriage Ride
Let your personal tour guide give you a hand up as you climb into your elegant carriage to take a leisurely journey around the city. Snuggle under a blanket and listen to the sights and sounds of New York City, or sit back in awe of the historic homes and cobblestone streets of Charleston, South Carolina. Tours of NYC can be pre-arranged on the Central Park website, or snag a last-minute ride on the south side of Central Park between 5th and 6th avenues. If you want a private carriage tour of Charleston, it is recommended to book online.

Vineyard Tour
We’ll surprise you by saying, “Don’t go to Napa Valley.” During the high season, traffic can be terrible and tasting rooms can feel more like the club you frequented in your 20s. Instead head to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, which is known for its cooler climate and is famous for its pinot noir grapes. Some of the country’s richest wines come from this area, which makes for a tantalizing experience for you and your taste buds. The area is also known to produce high-quality pinot gris, and many wineries have been internationally recognized for their wines. Cruise through some of the 250-plus vineyards, and then book a room at one of the local inns or bed and breakfasts in the valley to complete the romantic experience.

Five Travel Ideas to Spark the Romance

Come February, romance is in the air. And whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day, planning a honeymoon, or just looking for a fun getaway with your better half, these trip ideas are guaranteed to ignite a spark.

Escape on a Cruise
Put away your smartphone, shun the hassle of cooking, and don’t even think about making the bed. A cruise ship is the perfect place for couples to skirt reality for a while. Pretty much anything you could want is at your disposal, and you hardly have to lift a finger. The top cruise lines have really upped their game in the culinary realm, so try a few different entrees and a few different desserts, and splurge for a drink package. For uber-relaxation, book a couples’ massage. Celebrity Cruise’s AquaSpa, for example, pampers its guests as they literally watch the ocean float by.

Splurge for a Dream Vacation
Hawaii embodies the words dreamy, romantic, and sensual like almost nowhere else. Hawaii is a great choice for a honeymoon, but many people think they can’t afford it. The trick is to look beyond the name-brand places on the Big Island, like Kona, in favor of a hidden-gem like Kealakekua Bay. Hawaii is known for its sandy beaches, but it has so much more to offer, such as snorkeling expeditions, rolling golf courses, interesting cultural and natural history, and plenty of yummy food choices. You can also choose to do nothing at all besides just basking in your love somewhere indescribable.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
What better way to experience the beauty of Napa Valley and Sonoma County wine country than with a birds-eye view? Book a sunrise or sunset tour, complete with a mini-picnic and local sparkling wine to set the mood as your drift above the vines and wineries. Very few things can match the serene energy you feel as you watch the first rays of sun begin to paint the morning sky.

Hear a Gig
The saying goes that it takes two to tango. But in Austin, Texas, you might well swap in the two-step instead. Austin is the self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World,” and this music mecca is living up to its reputation. It’s home to more live-music venues per capita than anywhere else in the United States, so any time, day or night, just follow the sounds to find something playing. While you listen, loosen your belt and enjoy the good eats that Austin has to offer. The city is well known for its barbecue and Tex Mex dishes.

Watch the Stars
For those who prefer to experience the outdoors with a touch of luxury, head somewhere like Amangiri in Canyon Point, Utah. This resort rests on 600 acres and was consciously designed to blend into its surroundings; every window has a sweeping view toward Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. One of the best aspects of the American Southwest, whether you’re staying at a ranch or roughing it in a tent, is that you’re never too far from an unobstructed view of the night sky. Grab a blanket or two and snuggle up for some truly romantic stargazing.

How to Take a Ski Trip on Budget

Planning a ski trip starts with answering these three questions: What mountain should I ski/snowboard? Where should I stay while I’m there? And how much am I willing to spend on lift tickets and equipment rental? A ski excursion can easily cost a traveler thousands of dollars, but consumers who are frugal can get by on about $150 a day per person without sacrificing creature comforts. Here are some money-saving strategies to help you hit the slopes in style this year without coming home to a house without electric.

Look for areas with multiple resorts
Time for a quick economics lesson: Competition drives down cost. Consumers can find better deals in areas that have multiple ski resorts, so look at places like Salt Lake City, which has seven resorts within a 30-mile radius. Many Colorado mountain towns, such as Breckenridge and Vail, have multiple resorts and lodges to choose from as well.

Find resorts near airline hubs
More flights coming into an airport typically means more deals for customers, so look for ski resorts that are near a major airport. Denver is a hub for United and Continental airlines, and a focus city for Southwest, which means travelers are likely to find better deals from these carriers.

Research package deals and “low key” resorts
Continue planning by looking at resort package deals that cover airfare, lodging, and lift tickets. Sometimes resorts toss out some mighty competitive deals, but either way this is a good baseline for a ski trip search. Remember, the fancier the resort, the more expensive the lift ticket, food, and lodging will be. Places like Vermont, West Virginia, North Carolina, or Oregon have slopes that are considered “off the beaten path” and can make for a fun ski trip without the high price tag. Travelers who are spontaneous can likely grab a room the week before they leave, when resorts often have last-minute specials to reach their occupancy goals.

Go with a multi-day pass
Rather than buying multiple one-day passes, save $10 to $20 a day by buying multi-day passes. Also shop the lesson/tickets deals—sometimes a ski pass will be cheaper as part of a package. And, check individual ski-area websites for daily specials. Families will be pleased to know that many resorts offer a free youth ticket with every adult ticket purchased.

Rent equipment off the mountain
On-mountain equipment rental shops will be more expensive and crowded; ever been in a pole room with more than 10 people? Ask fellow skiers or boarders to recommend a local ski shop off the main path—the deals will be better and the employees will be less stressed.

Eat like a local
Eating at mountain lodges can get expensive. Do some research or ask employees for the local hot spots. Visitors will likely discover nearby restaurants or pubs with cheap burgers and happy hour specials. Consider packing a lunch for the slopes; either make a sandwich or grab one from a local deli. Bring it along if skiing with a backpack, or store it in a cooler in a locker.

Visit during off-peak times
Save money on airfare, lodging, and lift tickets by avoiding travel over the main winter and spring holidays. Plus, fewer people on the slopes means more runs down the mountain.