Category Archives: Honeymoon Travel

Five Of the Most Romantic Honeymoon Getaways In America

Couple Five Of the Most Romantic Honeymoon Getaways In America

Romance is the key to an engaging relationship. Whether a couple is newly wed or have been together for a number of years, romance is essential to keep the love alive, and the setting of a romantic getaway can add to the fun. Instead of traveling to Italy or France, why not visit the romantic cities right here in America.

Charleston, South Carolina

This colonial city is a quiet and laid back testament to the old way of life. Its cozy streets and 18th century architecture make Charleston one of the most popular tourist destinations in America. On the outskirts of the city you’ll find numerous plantations and trails for a romantic walk to get away from it all while relishing in the company of your significant other. Downtown Charleston offers old-style dining, perfect for classy couples wanting to dine in intimate settings.

Aspen, Colorado

World famous Aspen, Colorado is known for its ski slopes and luxury lodges. Many couples choose Aspen to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and remember why they fell in love with their significant other. After hitting the slopes, you can snuggle up by the fire with a good book, browse the lodge, or catch a movie. And the cold climate doesn’t take away from the romantic settings that Aspen offers.

Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai has been referred to as paradise on Earth. It’s picturesque sunsets and perfect climate make it a natural destination for many honeymooners and couples. Kauai offers many activities off the beaten path, perfect for intimacy and privacy. Kauai enjoys over 320 days of sunshine a year, and chances are the romance will be kept warm by the weather.

The Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands are a U.S. territory and offer all of the perks of international travel without the hassles. For couples that enjoy history and nature, these islands will leave visitors enchanted. The clear blue water and the affordable accommodations make the U.S. Virgin Islands a hidden gem in terms of romantic getaways.

Miami, Florida

Miami is a large city for couples who always want something to do during their getaway. Unlike the other destinations, this getaway is in a major city, and visitors could brush up on a defensive driving course in Florida. Miami also offers some of the most pristine beaches in the continental United States. Accommodations on the beach are plentiful, and the Miami nightlife may be just what a couple needs to get that spark back into their relationship.

An Unconventional Way to Pick a Honeymoon Destination

Couple in Phuket An Unconventional Way to Pick a Honeymoon Destination

Couple in Phuket. CC Image by Wicked Cool (Flickr).

If you are thinking about honeymoon destinations then, first of all, congratulations! Getting married is a huge life event and preparing a wedding is great fun, but can also be very stressful at times. The honeymoon planning is definitely the most fun bit however. What could be more enjoyable than planning a break away, just you and your loved one?

So, where to go on your honeymoon obviously depends very much on you and your fiancé; what you like, what you don’t like and what sort of people you are in general. If you are very active and sports-loving, for instance, then a fortnight relaxing on a beach with nothing to do but watch the tide come in might not be your idea of fun, so plan a honeymoon with a difference. You could plan a honeymoon that involves lots of thrill-seeking activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, abseiling and mountaineering for an action-packed break.

If you both love to explore and discover new places, a honeymoon that also includes a safari could be an excellent idea. You can find companies offering safari and beach packages which are great for combining a relaxing beach holiday with some adventure and new experiences on safari.

Perhaps flying isn’t your thing, in which case there are still plenty of options for you to get away. A cruise is a great way to see lots of places without having to fly, and you can get off and explore the different destinations as you arrive at each one, so you’re spending your honeymoon in lots of locations rather than just one!

And of course there is no rule to say you have to spend your honeymoon abroad. A romantic break in your country can be a wonderful honeymoon. You could spend a few days in a log cabin in the forest, complete with hot tub, for instance. These types of honeymoon are especially good if you have a dog you don’t want to leave behind by leaving the country.

Cost is an issue for most people when it comes to choosing a honeymoon, so try to establish the budget you have before you start looking at possible honeymoon destinations. A good idea for saving up enough for the holiday is to ask wedding guests who want to give you a present to instead contribute to a honeymoon fund.

A tarot reading might help you if you are still struggling for where to go for your honeymoon, as a medium and clairvoyant can help you answer questions that are troubling you from a spiritual perspective.

Hotspot Honeymoon Destinations Around the World

Santorini Hotspot Honeymoon Destinations Around the World

Relaxing in Santorini. CC Image by MarcelGermain (Flickr).

After the stress of planning a wedding and the day itself, heading off on honeymoon is usually a welcome relief to newlyweds. Many locations around the world have earned themselves a reputation as ‘honeymoon hotspots.’ We looked at some of the best destinations around the world, and why they prove exciting to couples of various tastes.

Kenya

Safaris have always been popular among holidaymakers looking to experience something different; however, they are also now emerging as a seriously hot honeymoon destination, too.

The opportunity to view some of the world’s most beautiful wildlife in their own backyard is one that should never be turned down, and there is a strange sense of peacefulness as you drive across African plains spotting animals that you have only seen in zoos. Combine luxury hotels with camping only a few miles from wildlife and feel an affinity with nature that you rarely will again.

Santorini

This Greek island has long been a popular romantic haunt, and is a favourite among couples looking to marry abroad, as well as honeymooners.

Much of Santorini is geared towards rest and relaxation, and the many spa hotel resorts on the north of the island are the perfect examples of these. You and your new husband or wife can sip champagne from a balcony jacuzzi, while looking out over the calm sea as fireworks light up the sky. Then retreat to a luxury studio for an indulgent massage before heading off to the honeymoon suite.

Australia

Whether you want to travel across the outback or stay in luxury in Sydney, Australia offers a huge number of possibilities to couples looking to get their marriage off to an exciting start.

Take up surfing lessons on Bondi Beach, drive the Great Ocean Road, or travel across the remotest locations in the country with nothing but each other for company. Australia offers a range of experiences like few other countries on Earth.

Madeira

If you head to this Portuguese island it will almost be like attending a second wedding. They love fireworks on Madeira, and if you let it be known to your accommodation that you are only recently married, you can guarantee that a display will be up and running within minutes.

Of course, Madeira is a beautiful island for both relaxing and exploring, too, meaning that the brilliant fireworks display will merely be the start of a wonderful honeymoon, and of course, the rest of your lives together.

 
This article was written by Transfercar, a car rental Australia service, providing travellers free transport for major cities in Australia (www.transfercar.com.au).

Tie the Knot & Set Sail: 5 Honeymoon Cruise Destinations

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Tulum Tie the Knot & Set Sail: 5 Honeymoon Cruise Destinations

Caribbean near Tulum. CC Image by Mindaugas Danys (Flickr).

By PETE PHELPS

Travel deals seem to be growing off trees, and now is the perfect time to strike while these deals are hot. If you were hoping to sail from port to port after your fairytale wedding, you’re in luck. Whereever you choose to cruise, make sure to take some photographs of your experience to enhance the memories you will enjoy for a lifetime. And cruise insurance, such as TravelGuard.com, can give you an added peace of mind while traveling, providing medical insurance and taking care of unexpected travel interruption.

The following five destinations have extraordinary opportunities for luxurious travel and amazing adventure after the big day.

Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the most desirable spots in the world to honeymoon. Everyone knows Hawaii to have beautiful beaches, superb surfing, five-star resorts, and culture up to its elbows, not to mention protected wildlife. This gorgeous string of islands allows you the opportunity to hop around from one piece of land to the next, giving you spectacular views and endless opportunities to enjoy what the state has to offer.

Caribbean

The Caribbean is divided into the Lesser Antilles to the east and the Greater Antilles to the north west, which include; The Cayman Islands, Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and Jamaica. The US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands are in the Lesser Antilles. Cruise ships dock in St. Thomas, the center of nightlife and tourist shopping. The famous Magens Bay is on St. Thomas as well as an excellent aquarium. Whales are frequent visitors to St Thomas coastal areas, including the Humpback whale. Probably best known for Disney’s “Pirates” franchise, this part of the globe is free of buccaneers, but is still home to gorgeous vistas and sandy beaches.

The Mediterranean

There are many ancient and beautiful sights to see. Lisbon is a popular cruise ship docking point. At the top of a hill, obscured by the tightly packed buildings on winding streets, stands the Moorish Castle of Sao Jorge, built to protect the city. The hill it sits on has been populated since the 6th century BC. Lisbon has many museums, Roman ruins and the medieval Lisbon Cathedral built in 1147.

Other historic and exotic cities that are ports of call are Rome, Venice and Livorno, Italy. Livorno is a great jumping off point for visiting the Tuscan countryside, and Florence is the home of the famous David by Michelangelo. Athens, Tunis and Istanbul are other historic and colorful Mediterranean ports of call. A Mediterranean cruise is a wonderful way to experience the art, architecture, history and culture upon which our civilization is based.

Mexico

If you love archeology or want to see the splendor of ancient Mayan ruins, take a cruise with a Tulum or Chichen itza tour option. Chichen Itza has a series of pyramids laid out with mathematical precision. Tulum has three significant Mayan buildings. One is an observatory used to track the sun. Not only is Tulum a beautiful archeological site, but it also sits above a pristine beach with azure water that is warm every day of the year.

If you have docked near Cancun, you can journey to one of the many limestone cenotes which dot the region. They are beautiful habitats for exotic fish, and you can swim with them in peaceful pools which have been created by limestone erosion and sea incursion.

Alaska

WA Today recommends Alaska as their top destination in the entire world to take a cruise. Alaska has a massive coastline with rugged scenery and 4 million acres of national parks. There are numerous cruises to choose from. They operate Between May and Early September. Most week long cruises offer the opportunity to experience sled dog trips and breathtaking flights. In the summertime, it is easy to make sightings of Orca, caribou and eagle while lounging on board. If you want to see pristine landscape, snowcapped mountains and a taste of the wild an Alaska cruise is for you.

Pete Phelps writes about the entertainment scene on the West Coast. As an LA native, he’s equally frustrated with and thrilled by the growth he sees in LA. 

5 Romantic Destinations For Memorable Trips

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Luxembourg Garden 5 Romantic Destinations For Memorable Trips

Luxembourg garden, Paris. CC Image by Bonnaf (Flickr).

By PRIYANKA IYER

The previous day I saw this old lady in a beautiful gown with her better half enjoying a ball. They seemed like they were hitting 60 or something. Love was in the air and it made me think that “when it comes to romance, what’s age got to do with it?”

Romance falls by the wayside when kids, bills, work and other real life stresses intrude. When was the last time you and your partner felt that love alive, felt that true romance? Hard to remember, isn’t it? Here are a few romantic destinations, where you can make your romantic life fall back in place.

Paris

“As long as you haven’t been kissed during any of those rainy Parisian afternoons, you haven’t been kissed at all” goes a saying by a very famous writer. When it comes to romantic spots of the world, Paris tops the list without doubt. The question is from where to start exploring. Everyone knows about the Eiffel Tower but there are more ways to live your romantic fairytale. The Notre Dame and Arc de Triomphe both offer stunning views of the city.

If you want to live like royalty, reserve a stay at George V. Spend the day in one of Paris’ many gardens for a romantic setting. As you’re in a world class city for jazz, hit any jazz club, sip a cocktail and listen to the sounds of Paris.

New York City

The city of love and romance has no shortage of romantic sights and memorable experiences. Here are three popular places to consider:

·         Battery Park:  Leaving all the noises behind in the city, Battery Park has been serving New York City for 200 years now, even before the Statue of Liberty existed. This place not only gives you the view of the past but also presents a great view of the Statue of Liberty. Walk along the beautiful gardens and enjoy the water front.

·         Broadway: This theatre has always been the favorite destination for lovers.

·         Hudson: Instead of crowded ferry rides, sail river Hudson through a cruise. By this means you can view Manhattan, Battery Park, New York harbor and the Statue of Liberty.

The Maldives

If you are planning for a trip where it’s just you, your loved one and incredible surroundings, Maldives is no mistake. With blue waters, coral islands and fabulous weather throughout the year, it is a magical place to relax with your partner. There may not be much to see beyond the sparkling golden sands, beautiful sunsets and dazzling waters, but what else would you really need?

Florida

Whether it’s outdoor activities, a spa day, sunsets by the beach, or clubbing all night, a Florida vacation easily conveys romance. From Florida towards the southernmost point in the continent, you’ll find romantic destinations all the way, whereof some of the most famous include Disney’s grand Floridian resort, St. George Island, Amelia Island plantation resort and Southernmost Hotel Collection, Key West.

Hawaii

Maui is one of Hawaii’s most popular islands, especially with vacationing couples. Ignite the romance with an evening walk along the beach, topped with gorgeous views of the Maui sunset. A quite sunset at Hanalei beach can be a perfect evening for any romantically inclined couple.

Priyanka Iyer is a content writer associated with one-visa.com. She is an avid reader who likes to travel and study the work and business cultures of different places.

Planning a Honeymoon in Brazil

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Buzios Planning a Honeymoon in Brazil

Búzios. CC Image by José Francisco V.C. (Flickr).

A honeymoon is often the one holiday in your life where you can throw caution to the winds, leave budget worries behind you, and plan the holiday you’ve always wanted. But what if the two of you want slightly different things? Let’s face it, it’s not exactly unusual for even the best-suited bride and groom to have rather different ideas about what makes for the perfect holiday. One of you might be the active type, never happier than when biking down a mountain or abseiling off a cliff; the other might prefer to lie back with a good book on a beach somewhere. Not all destinations let you easily combine the two, but a honeymoon in Brazil might be just the way to do it.

Most people find weddings at least a little bit tiring and even the most energetic bride and groom usually look forward to at least a little down time once the wedding is over. Fortunately, Brazil has some of the world’s best beaches. You’re likely to fly into Rio de Janeiro, which has some superb city beaches (Ipanema and Copacabana are both hard to beat) but assuming you’d like something less public, you’ll probably want to head out of town to somewhere a little more exclusive.

A couple of hours to the north of Rio, you’ll find the lovely Buzios peninsula, which was brought to the world’s attention by Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s. The peninsula is dotted with tiny coves – on one side facing towards the mainland with golden sands and calm, clear waters, and on the other facing out into the Atlantic with excellent waves for surfing and wind-surfing. And if you rent a dune-buggy you can just hop between the two!

Alternatively, and particularly if your honeymoon in Brazil is slated for the summer, you can hop on a flight up to the north-east of Brazil. Up towards the equator, you’re guaranteed beach weather all year-round, and this is also where you’ll find arguably Brazil’s very best beaches. Two stand-out favourites are Porto de Galinhas and Praia do Forte. The latter is just outside Brazil’s colonial capital of Salvador, so you’re within easy reach of its gorgeous Pelourinho district, with its cobbled streets and painted colonial mansions, but you might find it hard to drag yourself away from the white sands of Praia do Forte anyway. With a backdrop of coconut palms and a turtle sanctuary, it really is a beautiful spot, and here you’re also within easy reach of some of Brazil’s best trekking in the epic landscape of the Chapada Diamantina, and some great white-water rafting in Itacare. If you’re all about relaxing, then Praia do Forte can offer two of Brazil’s top beach hotels, the Tivoli Eco, and the Iberostar Bahia – both are superb choices for any honeymoon.

Porto de Galinhas is further south near the city of Recife, and is regularly voted the best beach in Brazil. The 5-mile long stretch of white sands is lined with some hotels as well, such as the Nannai resort which offers deluxe bungalows with private pools, set among stunning gardens, just metres from the beach. It’s not just about relaxation here either, though. Apart from the full range of watersports, you can enjoy horse-riding and mountain-biking along the dunes and hills just back from the coast, or some paragliding in the air above it.

And all this is without venturing away from the coast at all. If you’d like to ensure you get some adventure on your honeymoon in Brazil, then you can easily take a trip into the Amazon jungle or the huge Pantanal wetlands, to see the full range of Brazilian wildlife from piranhas to jaguars. Or spend a few days visiting the giant Iguazu Falls. These enormous waterfalls are one of the undoubted highlights of Brazil, so much so that on being taken to see them during a state visit to Brazil in the 1930s, Eleanor Roosevelt reportedly exclaimed “Poor Niagara!” Of course, Oscar Wilde famously described Niagara Falls themselves as “the second great disappointment to American brides” but that’s another matter entirely.

4 Destinations for Active Honeymoons

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Kavala Bay 4 Destinations for Active Honeymoons

Best past Kavala Bay – Kavala. CC Image by Kadavu2009 (Flickr).

If your idea of the perfect honeymoon doesn’t involve lazing around on an overly crowded beach on a touristy Caribbean island, you’ll probably need to spend some time brainstorming out-of-the-box ideas, and fast. Sites like TheKnot.com offer some great advice for adventurous couples and those that want their honeymoon to be different, but if you’re looking for a shortlist of awesome honeymoon destinations, here are our top four picks:

Amsterdam

This is one of the most beautiful and beloved cities in Europe, and you can go on a honeymoon at any time of the year because there is always something to do. There are several spas in the city that you could visit for some couples treatments, and many of them offer unique services that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

You can also take a boat ride in a romantic paddle boat, or walk through the gorgeous flowers in the area gardens. Amsterdam is also known for its large bike population – in fact, it’s been said that there are more bicycles than people in the city. If you want to travel the city like a local, rent a bike for your stay there and spend the days riding along the streets and people-watching at the little cafes.

Fiji

A remarkable honeymoon destination, Fiji has spectacular views of tall mountains and beautiful waterfalls. From parasailing to walking on the sandy beaches, there is always something to do as a couple in Fiji. There are several places near the Kadavu Islands where you can scuba dive and see breathtaking fish and other sea life.

Fiji has numerous honeymoon packages that you can choose from that include the hotel room, airfare and romantic dinners. Another fun experience is staying in a bungalow on stilts in the water. These allow for couples to maintain their privacy encircled by beautiful blue waters, and to enjoy the serenity of their surroundings. Fiji is also a great place to indulge in luxurious spa treatments, decadent meals, and adventurous water sports.

Alaska

Although it sounds cold, Alaska is not to be overlooked as a honeymoon destination. You can take a cruise to Alaska, or you can fly to the state and stay in one of the many charming and luxurious hotels that abound in the scenic and urban areas. A quaint bed and breakfast is a romantic way to spend a honeymoon in Alaska. Summer is the best season to go, but the most beautiful time is when there is snow on the ground in December or January, and of course, there are tons of activities there for the couple looking to stay active. Try your hand at snowshoeing, or go skiing or dogsledding.

Chile

Chile is a great place to visit on your honeymoon because of how diverse the landscape is. This long, narrow country offers mountains, deserts, tropical areas, and urban centers as it stretches down South America. Check out Santiago for some history – La Palacio de la Moneda and La Plaza de Constitution are where the presidential offices are located. If you’re looking for more outdoorsy adventures, go see El Tatio Geysers, which are surrounded by several volcanoes. The climate is quite volatile here, so be sure to layer your clothing for the cold mornings and warm afternoons. For a more cultural experience, hike up the mountains in Valparaiso to La Sebastiana, the house where famed artist Pablo Neruda lived.

How to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon Vacation

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Sea How to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon VacationBy ZAC GRACE

It’s easy for a bride to get swept away with the excitement and planning of their wedding that the honeymoon becomes an afterthought. However, the honeymoon is the start of a couple’s life together and deserves to be just as important as the wedding planning. It’s a time not only to relax, but a getaway that will be both memorable and something a couple with cherish for years to come.

Planning the perfect honeymoon can add unwanted stress to an already busy time. Follow the ideas below to make the planning easy.

Selecting a Romantic Destination

Selecting a romantic getaway is the beginning process when planning a honeymoon. Sit down together as a couple and jot down some favorite places to travel to. The top five honeymoon spots to vacation to according to an article by TLC are Hawaii, Tahiti, Italy, Greece and Mexico.

If your budget doesn’t allow for those top hot spots, plan a trip around some of your favorite activities instead. The US offers an array of honeymoon options for the couple that enjoys hiking, skiing, or relaxing on the beach. A travel agent may be a helpful choice in case you still have trouble deciding where to go. They are knowledgeable about specific honeymoon destinations and can even offer special holiday packages in a price range that can accommodate everyone’s pocketbook.

Booking Airfare, Lodging, and Cruises

If you’re still unsure of where you want to go for the perfect honeymoon getaway, consider taking a cruise. Cruises are an excellent choice for a variety of reasons. Most cruise ship vacations include food, which means you don’t have to worry about costs and where to dine out. They offer an array of entertainment throughout the day and evening. And a cruise docks in a multitude of destinations, so you can get off the ship and explore around the differing ports. A cruise is also the prime option if you find yourself short on time and need to book a honeymoon quickly.

Wedding planning can be stressful and time consuming, so if you’d rather spend your honeymoon relaxing at a hotel or resort, search the internet for online deals like Flight Centre, Escape Travel, Student Flights or other travel websites. You can usually find excellent pricing on accommodations and airline tickets through these sites. When making your hotel and travel arrangements, let them know it’s for your honeymoon, as you may be able to receive special rates or packages.

Staying Within Budget

When beginning to make preparations for planning your honeymoon destination, go over and set a budget for your travel excursion. Make sure to factor in all of your travel expenses like food, lodging, airfare and entertainment. Select a destination that will afford you a great honeymoon, yet won’t break the bank.

If you don’t have enough funds saved for a honeymoon getaway, create a honeymoon registry and give your guests the option of contributing to your honeymoon fund instead of buying a wedding gift. This is the perfect choice for couples on a limited budget to still be able to enjoy a honeymoon vacation.

Five Important Suggestions to Remember

Before escaping on your romantic getaway, remember these suggestions:

  • Plan in advance – you may need to get immunized well before your trip.
  • If you travel abroad, make sure to notify your bank and credit card company and find out about any international charges.
  • Plan to get travelers checks and have emergency funds on hand just in case.
  • Packing takes time and a great deal of thought and planning so don’t rush through this process. Check the weather of your destination and find out what type of apparel is needed. Remember cameras, toiletries and sunscreen.
  • Tell everyone that it’s your honeymoon as you may be able to get upgrades on travel, lodging, dining and other perks if they are aware you are on your honeymoon.

Honeymoon planning can take a lot of time, but you’ll be glad you did in the end. This special getaway is a wonderful way to relax and unwind from your big day and make some special memories together sure to last a lifetime.

Zac Grace is a traveler, blogger and a journalist. He works for Escape Travel as a travel writer and also manages a few of his own travel blogs.

Where to Go For Your Honeymoon?

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mauritius Where to Go For Your Honeymoon?

By HOLIDAYSPLEASE.CO.UK

So you have the wedding flowers ordered, dress ready and groom organised (as much as he can be).  It’s time now to think about the most important part, the part which you will look forward to after the big day, and the part where it’s just you and who you really only want to be with.

The honeymoon can be a tough choice and depends on your preferences and so I have chosen three locations which should suit most tastes.

Maldives Honeymoons are regarded as some of the most luxurious on earth, with vanilla sand and turquoise sea. The small islands are perfect if all you want to do is spend time in each other’s company with complete privacy. Some of the islands are so small you can walk around them in 20 minutes! Diving is a unique experience in the Maldives with the water temperature being perfect, and who better to share this with than your new partner.

If you enjoy more of an adventure but still enjoy luxury Thailand is probably the destination for you. It offers breathtaking beaches and scenery along with beautiful temples and vibrant cities. Bangkok known as the “city of angels” is thriving with history and culture, with temples and royal residences.  It is the perfect destination for active honeymoon couples.

Mauritius Honeymoons would offer a happy medium between the two above destinations. Mauritius is a tropical paradise offering gorgeous beaches, mountains and volcanic lakes. With 100 miles of coastline surrounded by coral reef, Mauritius falls right in the middle of active and relaxing.

All these destinations have luxurious accommodation to make your honeymoon even more special.

Holidaysplease.co.uk provides expert advice and service for couples looking for the perfect honeymoon. They will advise according to your needs, always offering luxurious accommodation with once in a lifetime experiences.

Top 10 Travel Tips For Couples

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jovens Top 10 Travel Tips For Couples

Jovens © Leia Mendes Cook

By NICOLE HOCKIN

No matter how much you are looking forward to spending some quality time with that special someone, traveling together can be a bit stressful; regardless of whether you have been married for decades or are just testing the waters as a couple. So what can you do to ensure a blissful getaway? Here are a few surefire ways to keep the fires burning without getting burned.

1. Both Contribute to the Planning - It’s important that you both feel like you have a part in the trip’s success. A site, like hotels.com, is great because you can check out all accommodations from bed & breakfasts to boutique hotels, vacation rentals to spa resorts. Take the virtual tours, read the guest reviews, check out the location relative to the sites you want to see and book it, together.

2. Work with Each Other’s Strengths – During planning, if one of you is a savvy researcher then perhaps that person can do the destination investigation while the other could be responsible for booking the flights or hotels. Working with each other’s strengths is even more important while traveling. Who’s the control freak (I mean backseat driver) between the two of you? Come on! Admit it?! Maybe you should drive while your partner navigates. Don’t be afraid to play to each other’s strengths versus struggling through a situation.

3. Pace Yourselves – Rome wasn’t built in a day and you can’t see it all in one either. Trust me! I know how fantastic it is to be on vacation sans work and children, but take time for the small moments and some relaxation. Factor in downtime for your vacation as well as extra time while sightseeing.  You never know when you will want to spend some additional time in a museum, on the beach, or sampling the vineyard’s newest harvest. And you’ll appreciate not having the pressure to be on time or the disappointment of missing out on an opportunity.

4. Communicate – Seems simple enough, right? Are you tired? Are you hungry? Do you want to stay in this town for another day? How quickly we forget that we are not mind readers. Be sure to let your sweetheart know what you’re thinking before it’s too late to do something about it. When traveling, you are out of your normal rhythm and routine so it’s important that you are sharing your needs and desires even if you are used to your honey knowing what those things are.

5. Take Time for Yourself – It’s important on vacation to have some time for you, whether to relax or explore.  That’s when the tips above are most useful by working together, communicating and taking the time to really enjoy your trip; you should be able to get some coveted “me time”.  For example, you could check out the local village shops while he takes in a round of golf.

6. Do Not Disturb – Our sleep patterns can really wreak havoc with our vacations. Is your sweetie a snorer? Plan ahead and pack those earplugs.  Who’s the morning person? Be kind to your special someone and allow her that precious time to sleep-in by perhaps following the tip above for your “me time” and take a walk around town or read a few chapters of that book you have been wanting to peruse.

7. Try Something New to Both of You – If you frequent the same destination then make sure you change it up by finding something new to do each time you go.  Experiencing something for the first time is a great way to bring a couple closer together. So whether the destination is new to you or perhaps it’s that zip-line adventure that you both have always wanted to try, give it a whirl…together.

8. Budgets and Splurges – Let’s face it money is often an issue for most couples.  It is important for a couple to understand their vacation budget, if they have one, before they embark on their trip.  It’s not fair to either person to feel constrained or overly frugal while traveling.  So know before you go! Allow and anticipate for splurges like dinner at that trés romantic restaurant you stumbled upon or a piece of locally created art.

9. Use the Hotel Concierge – Here’s what frequent travelers know; the concierge can make things happen. They often have discount tickets to area attractions, know the best restaurants and want to help make your hotel stay special. Tell the concierge if your stay is to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, etc. and see how he/she can help you make it memorable.

10. You Don’t Have to Go Far to Get Away – A vacation is merely a break for the ordinary.  And sometimes staying in a nearby resort can feel like you are one million miles away. A staycation, or vacation close to home, is often a great way for new couples to test the traveling together waters as well as to have some fun. It’s also a great way for couples with children to have some alone time without the worry that comes with traveling away from your children.

Think you and your partner deserve a vacation? Remember to enter the Hotels.com “I Need A Vacation” sweepstakes!

Nicole Hockin is an industry travel expert, TV/radio personality and Hotels.com spokesperson. At Travel Smart Blog, she provides readers with practical travel advice and recommendations.