Romantic Getaway Trips

Valentine's Day came and went in a flash this year. I was busy on Saturday (hello, LA Times Travel Show), and Sunday was a blur. While I enjoyed some extra pampering from my wonderful family, I couldn't help bu think about some great places to get away to on long weekends. Most of us can't jet off to Paris, France at the drop of a hat, but the City of Lights certainly is one of the most romantic cities in the world -- and home to what many consider the best hotel in the world, too.
But for those of us (in other words, the vast majority of us!) who want to plan a romantic getaway without going into debt, there are many recommended destinations.

The Caribbean island of Jamaica has a handful of child-free resorts; these Couples Swept Away resorts in Negril and Ocho Rios are perfect choices for a romantic vacation in Jamaica. The US Virgin Islands, also in the Caribbean, are also nice. I believe that St John is the best of the US Virgin Islands for a romantic vacation, but I'm admittedly biased: I had my honeymoon there!

Hawaii has it all - family fun, outdoor adventure, and romantic travel opportunities. The South Pacific island chain is likely still too pricey for a long romantic weekend like Valentine's Day, but if you can, check out Maui's Molokini and Wailea snorkeling, and sightseeing in Kapalua. Maui is a very accessible Hawaiian island, second only to Oahu.

Okay, enough with the tropical island getaways. California has many, many romantic travel destinations - if only because it's such a big state, but still, I'd be hard pressed to think of a state in North America that has a wider variety of vacation destinations for honeymoons and
such. Santa Barbara, along CA's Central Coast, is one of my favorites for a long weekend away. there are fun activities like the Land Shark, and Spanish Mission history, museums, and more. For romance, it's hard to beat a stay at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito (right next door to Santa Barbara). Forbes
named it the best hotel in North America, a huge honor, and I'd have to agree. the sprawling property is perfectly maintained, nearly every couple gets their own cottage, and there are easy hikes right off the resort grounds.

Up the coast, closer to San Francisco, is Napa Valley. California's premier wine-growing region is amazing - I love it. Wine tasting at scenic vineyards, followed by dinner at some of the best restaurants in the USA, is a perfect recipe for a romantic vacation. The people there are so incredibly friendly and nice - it must be all the wine!

Northern California is beautiful in a different way; it's wilder along the coast, and less populated. Carmel gets my recommendation for a Valentine's Day or anniversary trip. But you know, if you're in love, or celebrating an important anniversary, almost anywhere will be "the best" vacation destination for your trip. Even an outdoorsy, easy hike around Walnut Canyon in Arizona can be lovey and romantic, depending on your company. The important thing is to travel with the person whom you most enjoy spending your life with. For Valentine's Day, I can't imagine anything better.