Posted on 23 February 2011. Tags: age, couples, couples vacation, cruise
Going on a cruise can sometimes be an expensive trip to take and for most people, getting the time off work to take a vacation can be difficult. Because the opportunities to go on a cruise can be rare, it’s important to fully research what your options are before booking a cabin with any one cruise line. Not all ships are made equal and some boats are designed to appeal more to a certain demographic. Booking your vacation on the cruise ship that’s right for you can ensure you have the best time possible on your romantic getaway.
Age Limits
This may not be something that matters to everyone, but some cruise ships have age limits for their passengers in order to cater specifically to young adults, all adults, families, or seniors. If you’re traveling with children, finding a ship that is geared towards family activities would be ideal. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, you may prefer a cruise ship that is designed for adult couples while avoiding cruises that are geared towards a singles only or party type of crowd.
Amenities
Every different cruise ship offers different varieties of entertainment. Finding out what is available on the ship you intend to book with will help you determine if there will be plenty for you to do or if you will be stuck playing round after round of mini golf because you’ve chosen a ship that didn’t offer the dance lessons you were hoping for.
A lot of amenities such as pools, spas, and bars will be a standard addition to any ship, but it’s still a good idea to check what kind of on board pricing you should expect from the bars and what kind of dining is available. Knowing what will be available on the ship you choose can prevent you from regretting your cruise line decision once you’ve already set out to sea.
Deciding On a Room
Before picking the cheapest room available or going all out and booking an extravagant balcony suite, take some time to determine what you’ll need once you’re on board and what you can live without. There can be a big price difference between in the inner cabins, the cabins with portholes, and the balcony suites. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, the cheapest cabins may not always be ideal. However if you and your partner plan on seeing very little of your lodgings and will be spending most of your time on the deck, it could be a good idea to shack up in one of the discounted suites.
If you’re looking for a romantic experience but you’re traveling with children, make sure there is some kind of kid’s group activity on board that you can leave them at for awhile to enjoy some time to yourselves. To have the most romantic experience possible choose a cruise ship that stops at ports you and your lover find romantic. Most importantly, just take the time to enjoy each other and appreciate this amazing experience together.
Posted in Vacation Travel 101
Posted on 21 February 2011. Tags: adventure, couples, couples vacation, nature, outdoors, romance, romantic vacation
Not every couple is looking for a candlelit dinner on the beach at dusk with violins serenading you. If sharing a thrilling experience with your significant other sounds like a more appealing way to connect, planning a vacation full of adventure and excitement will be infinitely more fulfilling and enjoyable than looking at the paintings in the Louvre or sharing a quiet gondola ride in the canals of Venice.
Connecting With Nature
If you and your beloved enjoy the outdoors, one of the best and least expensive vacation ideas can be found in planning an incredible camping expedition. Spending time together, alone in the wilderness and experiencing what nature has to offer, can be a fantastic way to develop a fuller appreciation for each other. Depending on your levels of fitness, adding some hiking, rafting, kayaking, and mountain climbing activities to your plans can spice up your camping itinerary.
Walking on the Wild Side
For those traveling to Africa, India, or Australia, going on an exciting safari adventure could likely be the highlight of your vacation. It can be thrilling and awe inspiring to get up close and personal to the fierce wildlife these areas have to offer. Be sure to book with a well known tour company to allow for the best safari experience possible.
Extreme Adventures
If you and your partner take thrill seeking to the next level, planning a vacation focussed on achieving the maximum adrenaline rush can be the adventure of a lifetime. Determine where you’ll be travelling to for your vacation, then get as much info as possible from the local tourism centers to create an extreme sports itinerary that still allows you to see all the local sights. Cliff diving next to a dazzling waterfall or para-sailing at one of the nicest beaches in the area can give you the opportunity to soak up the amazing scenery while getting a rush at the same time.
Exotic Exploration
Exploring the ruins, caves, and jungles of South America is an adventure rich in history and excitement. Snorkeling through vibrantly coloured reefs is highly romantic in the sheer beauty and wonder of what nature has to offer. Crocodile tours in the Everglades or helicopter tours over infamous volcanoes can add a sense of danger to the romance.
Romantic vacations don’t always have to include flowers and candles, so booking a vacation that excites both your partner and yourself is a sure fire way to have the best vacation experience possible. Sharing a spectacular adventure and building memories that will never fade can make for one of the most romantic vacations possible.
Posted in Vacation Travel Tips
Posted on 20 February 2011. Tags: couples, couples vacation, getaway, local
Getting away for a relaxing vacation with the one you love can be easier than booking an expensive cruise or a lengthy international flight. Staying local and spending time with each other can be just as romantic as booking a vacation abroad while allowing you to save money and travel time. A change of scenery in a hotel or cabin you’ve never been to is sometimes all it takes to make your holiday seem like an exotic adventure.
Escaping the City
When your day to day life is the hustle and bustle of the city you probably don’t want to check yourself into a hotel room that offers the same view as your downtown apartment. Depending on where you live, driving an hour out of town could put you into a drastically more rural area where you’ll find quaint bed & breakfasts or charming cottages available to rent.
If you live near an ocean, booking a beach house or for a night or two can be a relaxing change of pace from the noise and traffic you’re used to. Local lakes often have cabins available to escape to for the weekend as well. Or if hanging out by a body of water doesn’t suit you, driving up into the mountains for a couple of days of hiking and camping can be a fantastic way to get some time alone together in the quiet and beauty of the wilderness.
Downtown Getaways
Living in an area where you already have all the peace and quiet you could ever want may leave you with the need for a little more excitement. Heading to the nearest big city and checking into one of the nicer hotels in the area can provide a welcome contrast to your everyday routine. If you have a few extra dollars to spend, book the penthouse suite and unwind in a luxurious Jacuzzi while sharing a decent bottle of champagne.
Staying downtown can give you access to a wide variety of dining and entertainment options you may not always have. Before your vacation, check out what live shows are going on in the area and surprise your partner with some tickets. Reading reviews of the local restaurants and making some reservations in advance can also take the worry out of deciding where to eat when you should just be relaxing.
Most cities can surprise you with what they have to offer when you don’t take the time to be a tourist in your own town. For more ideas on exciting things to do in your area, pop into your city’s tourism center or go to your local tourism website to take a look at your hometown from an outside perspective.
Posted in Vacation Travel Tips
Posted on 18 February 2011. Tags: activities, couples vacation, local, overseas, romance
Any vacation you take with your sweetheart can be made into a romantic getaway just by enjoying the time alone with each other, but some vacation destinations can add a little more to the mood you’re trying to make if you want your next vacation to be extra special. Whether it’s for an anniversary, Valentine’s Day, a honeymoon, or just because you want to reconnect, choosing the right spot that you’ll both appreciate can guarantee you’ve set the stage to make some unforgettable memories with the one you love.
Overseas Vacations
If you can afford it, flying to another country can be an incredible experience to share with your partner. Some of the most romantic spots in the world are the in the oldest countries with the richest history. France and Italy can provide a traditional romantic atmosphere while India or Africa may give a more exotic experience. Depending on the interests you share with your significant other, you may find the jungles of the Amazon the most enticing and romantic spot on Earth.
Planning an international vacation can sometimes come with complications and extra effort in the vacation planning process. In order to keep your getaway a romantic and pleasant experience, take any extra steps available to ensure you have everything in the proper order and triple check your reservations on flights, hotels, and car rentals. Using a travel agency and utilizing the safety net of travel insurance will be a big relief to both you and your partner should there be any unexpected surprises on your vacation.
Staying Local
You don’t need to fly across the globe to have the most amazingly romantic experience with the person you share your life with. Driving to a nearby coast town to rent a cabin or heading into the city to stay in a penthouse suite can become the most extravagant getaway possible with the right planning.
Even when you’ve lived in an area your whole life, you may not know what your city has to offer. Every city has its most romantic dining spots so seeking out a place neither of you have ever been to could be a lovely surprise. Be sure to read up on reviews before making any reservations to avoid any potential let downs on your romantic evening.
Romantic Vacation Activities
If your romantic vacation puts you on a resort with a spa, take an afternoon to enjoy a couple’s spa treatment. If the penthouse you’re staying in has a Jacuzzi, put it to use by sharing a bubbly soak with a quality bottle of Champagne. In any old style city, a carriage ride in the evening while gazing into each other’s eyes will have you feeling like you just fell in love all over again. Regardless of where you travel to, checking in with the local tourism center will help you plan a few romantic activities to share together.
Posted in Featured Articles, Vacation Travel Tips