Let Travel Bring You Together

Feb 14

It’s February, the month of love! Valentine’s Day may be a friendly reminder of the importance of spending time with our significant someones, but a romantic trip for two is a good idea all year long! Romantic vacations enable couples to set aside their busy schedules and focus on one another and reconnect in ways they can’t otherwise when competing with a busy schedule.

Shared Experiences
My favorite thing about travel is that it allows us to see new places and experience new things. My husband and I frequently reminisce over countless memories we’ve made on our travels. Just the other day, we practically drooled at the mention of the best burger we had in Maui, and the fabulous, but way-too-expensive Mai Tai at the hotel bar. Some of our favorite conversations begin with “remember when…”. Sometimes they come up over dinner, or randomly in the car, but those shared memories are reminders of the good times we’ve shared, and in our own way, we get to experience them again.

Yes, travel can be difficult at times too. Like the time we got lost and wandered around town and nearly wasted a whole day trying to follow the directions of a local who’s language we couldn’t understand. Or the time Zak decided we should ignore the warning signs and take the steeper path anyway, which resulted in me nearly twisting an ankle. Or the time we missed our flights to France, (scratch that, I haven’t quite gotten over that one…). My point is, travel can have its rough moments too, but good or bad, those experiences bond us together.

Quality Time
I don’t know about you, but it seems rare that my husband and I get to have an uninterrupted conversation. If you have kids, I know you can relate! Half the time, I feel like I can’t even finish a sentence! But…I can’t blame it entirely on the kids. Having email, online banking, group texts and sports scores, quite literally in our hands or at arms reach every moment of the day, means our attention is rarely undivided. Let’s face it, despite our best efforts, even conversation seems like work at the end of a busy day. Travel forces us to step outside of our hectic routines and setting aside that time to focus on each other is invaluable.

Getting away from it all can also help strip away the stress and anxiety we experience from work and other obligations. Sometimes, we don’t even realize the weight on our shoulders until we step away. Vacations give us the opportunity to rest, feel refreshed, and to look at things from a broader perspective. It lets us be together as our best selves, so we can truly connect with each other.

3 Ways To Make Any Trip More Romantic

Surprises! Planning a surprise, even a small one, lets them know you thought of them them and you cared enough to plan ahead. If she loves books, do a little research and find a quaint bookstore you could visit together. The more off the beaten track, the better. If you share a love of nature, plan a hike with an incredible view and a simple picnic at the top. Ask your hotel concierge for some dinner recommendations and call ahead and make a reservation. Spa sessions, theater tickets, a scenic drive, it can be big or small but PLAN AHEAD! Better yet - use a travel agent to book your trip! Travel agents specialize in making vacations amazing. Why? Because we know that small surprises make a big impact and we love to arrange for those little details that make all the difference. Let your agent know you’d like to do something special and they’ll help make it happen!

Upgrades! - Who doesn’t love an upgrade? Splurging on a first class flight is a great way to start the trip off on the right foot, but in my opinion, nothing tops a room with a view. Upgrade your room to include a balcony overlooking the city, mountains or water. If that’s not in the budget, you can ask at check-in. Maybe there was a cancellation, or if you're traveling in the off-season, they likely have rooms to spare. Asking doesn’t cost a thing and the worst thing they can do is say no, right? You may have to pay a small fee for the upgrade, but nothing like the full room rate. You’ll boost your chances if you’re already a member of their loyalty program, as members usually get first dibs. Another way to take your romantic vacation up a notch is to order room service. It might even be complimentary, so why not stay in bed a little longer or enjoy your morning coffee on the balcony.

Sunrises and Sunsets! When you think of doing anything romantic, chances are there’s a sunset involved. Watching the light change from its golden hues to its soft pastels, while you walk along the beach or enjoy a patio dinner, brings out the wistful, romantic in all of us. But romance isn’t just for sunsets. Almost anywhere you travel, getting out early ensures you have the place nearly all to yourself. Sunrises can also be worth the effort, even if you’re not a morning person. My husband would rather sleep in, but as long as as long as he has a to-go coffee in hand, he’s never regretful. One of our favorite memories is seeing the sunrise from the top of the Haleakala Crater in Maui. It definitely took some effort since we had to leave our hotel while it was still pitch dark, but it’s a magical memory we’ll share forever.

Timing your activities around the sun does take some planning. First of all, some clouds are okay but you don’t want it to be terribly overcast. The hour before and after sunrise or sunset is crucial and the light changes incredibly fast, so preparation is key. Sunsets are most popular, so chances are, you’ll need to arrive early to stake your spot or call ahead for perfectly timed dinner reservations. The possibilities are literally endless! Remember, if you have a balcony, you can always order room service and watch the sun rise or set without ever leaving your room.

You know what else takes a romantic trip over the top? Just showing up with your bags packed and not having to plan a thing! I’d love to help you book your next romantic vacation! Click here to learn more about Travel with Elizabeth and the destinations we offer

Know what else takes a romantic trip over the top?
Just showing up with your bags packed and not having to plan a thing! Hi, I’m Elizabeth Dyer, owner of Travel with Elizabeth, a travel agency dedicated to taking the stress out of travel. We provide planning and booking services to the U.S., Canada, and Europe. I’d love to help you plan your next romantic getaway!
Click here to learn more!

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