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Booking a Romantic Break for Valentines Day A romantic break with your loved one is always a very special occasion, and Valentines Day can provide the perfect excuse for booking that weekend away that you've always talked about but never got around to booking! Here are a few suggestions of ways to make your Valentines Day break go as smoothly as possible and make it truly magical When going away for a short break it is important to be well organised – after all you're not going to be in the area for very long and you don't want to leave feeling rushed, unfulfilled or like you've overlooked a key attraction (that is if you want to see any attractions at all). There are a few points that are worth considering, whatever kind of weekend you are planning on having Firstly consider what will be important for your companion and you. Think about whether you'd prefer to travel to a specific place, which could mean staying in a lesser hotel; or you may be looking for luxury and only want to go to the best hotels, which might mean you end up somewhere a little unusual (but who cares when the room has a Jacuzzi)! Also think about what you want to do when you get there. If you're planning a real retreat and you're not particularly interested in doing very much at all, then look at the amenities within the hotel, such as the restaurants, pool and room facilities. Perhaps your loved one is a culture vulture and would appreciate going to see a special museum or particular landmark and that can become the focus of your trip – these are all important factors to consider. There are now guide books available every destination you can think of and you can often find ones that are specifically geared to those on a weekend break. These are brilliant for highlighting the must see places, from top museums to quirky markets, and places to eat to suit all budgets. Buy one in advance and have a few suggestions ready for what you'd like to do and you can kill some time on the journey planning your weekend together. Of course romantic breaks away need not always be about hotels and fancy restaurants; you can go self catering and find a cosy cottage in the county. This could open you up to a weekend of building fires, walking and trying out a few new recipes you never have the time to do at home. If you're feeling brave you could even try camping, although in February this is probably best suited to those in warmer climates, or perhaps rent a caravan! In those kind of situations there is sometimes no option other than snuggling under a duvet to keep warm whilst listening to the patter of the rain outside. If you want to make the occasion really special then try and arrange your weekend as a surprise, just make sure your partner is available. As an extra special treat why not take a gift along for your loved one too? This could be something small such as a photograph frame to hold a picture taken on your trip to bring back those fantastic memories. You could take a naughty little game for you to play whilst away, or a box of special chocolates to nibble on in the bath on an evening. There are also many small Valentines Day gifts available, such as mugs, cushions and bath accessories; while these may not be extravagant presents they will provide a cute little memento of the weekend. In today's world with low cost airlines and increasing rail routes, Europe is becoming more and more accessible and provides the perfect destination for a weekend away. There are hundreds of destinations to choose from. The obvious place to start is Paris, which has long been the destination of lovers with quaint French Bistro's, boutique hotels, legendary art galleries and fabulous shops; it sets the scene perfectly for a Valentines Day break. Venice can also be a popular choice for a romantic retreat as the Italians are famous for their amorous ways and passion. With the Venetian canals and idyllic architecture it is hard not to be swept away by the magic of the city. Unfortunately, while these cities are relatively easy to get to they can often be expensive and crowded and it can be hard to avoid the tourist traps, which is a good idea when planning a romantic break There are many more unusual destinations you can choose in Europe and further a field that can often be a little less crowded. Don't forget as well that you can often save money (and a little time) buy booking the flights and accommodation together as a package. In January last year the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) put together its top five romantic destinations. In first place is Dubai – a destination that has only recently become popular and many people have yet to visit. This is a fantastic place to go if you like luxury, the area is famed for its new swanky hotels and attention to detail. If you like wine then why not head to Reims in France, this is the champagne making region and came in second place. You can spend a weekend in a château sampling the local fizz and truly relaxing. In third place was Verona in Italy, which is famous for being the back drop to Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'. Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic came in fourth, reportedly for its romantic architecture, great food and value for money. In fifth place was the Seychelles and while this is probably a bit too far to travel for Valentines Day; it's hard to forget the idyllic beaches and clear waters – the perfect lovers paradise Why not go ahead and spoil your loved one this Valentines Day with a romantic break they'll never forget. There are plenty of options; with new ideas becoming available all the time it won't be hard to surprise them with something unusual and special. |
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