Swiss Alps by Artur Staszewski

Of course outdoor sports are the main draw of the Alps. With more than two million skiers and snowboarders visiting every year, it is safe to say that the Alps is the Mecca for snow sports. With cities such as Chamonix situated on the French border and Cortina d’Ampezzo situated on the Italian border, the Alps boasts an impressive range of culture with four different dialects spoken at different points along its length.

Apart from sports, the Alps has impressive spas and health clubs dotted all over the range from St Moritz to Morillon. As some of the Spas double up as hotels, these health resorts are perfect for a quiet getaway with a loved one, with time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. With some of the most impressive and newest treatments on the market, a few days in a spa with nothing but fresh mountain air and impressive surroundings will surely give you and your other half some well-deserved peace of mind.

Cimon della Pala, Dolomites, Italy by rachel_thecat

Not only are there spas and health resorts to visit, the Alps boasts an impressive range of cuisine. Depending on where you are situated, the food may vary. However, generally you should find it easy to find some classy eateries to visit with foods ranging from Italian to French and Swiss. Let your taste buds dance with excitement as you try something new and let loose.

As seasons change around the mountains, so picking the perfect time to go all depends on your personal choice. As summer is usually only three or four months long, the Alps is more often than not a haven for people who prefer the cold to the heat. That said, the summer months are gorgeous, experiencing highs of 27-30 degrees, and really the Alps are beautiful all year round. Make sure that you research the seasons before you fly so you can build a trip around you and your other half’s personal preferences.

Muriel Fish is planning a summer trip to the Alps this year and has been looking for accommodation at alpsaccommodation.com.

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Creative Commons License / Picture by paul bica

Research, research and more research

With the power of the Internet, you have advanced search options at your very fingertips. Find websites that provide quick and easy navigation to help you search for the perfect vacation spot for you and your family. Research is important because vacations can get very expensive and you don’t want to waste your time or your money on a sub-par vacation rental. With all the websites available to you, finding your next getaway is not as hard as it once was. No need to make phone calls and no need to ask the travel agent for pictures. Get all the info and pictures you need on that screen right in front of your eyes with the click of a mouse.

Word Of Mouth

Ask around. Talk to your friends, your family and neighbours about vacations they have taken in the past. Word of mouth is the most honest reviews you will find anywhere. Your friends and family will give you information on everything from the taste of the food, to the size of their suite. Plus, by asking others about their vacations you can ask certain people for exactly what you want. For example if you and your significant other is looking to take a romantic getaway, you can always ask the newly weds next door who just took their honeymoon.

Selecting the General Location

Figuring out the setting of your next vacation can be tough. So do you want to take a nice relaxing vacation on the beach or hit the slopes on top of a mountain? That’s the decision you have to make before anything. Maybe you want camp out in the wilderness or escape to your choice of beautiful Tuscan Villa rentals… who knows! If you want to narrow your search down, think about how much you want to spend, the temperature and how far you want to fly – drive – or sail.

Follow Ashely Wilson @ashelymarie1985 to see what else she has to say!

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It is very common for a couple to seek a vacation abroad together to escape the hectic lifestyle at home. Whether it is to get away from the children or work, a romantic trip can help to put the spark back into a relationship.

Cruise Ship by kansasphoto

But what are the most popular cruises in Europe for two people seeking a loving holiday? Here are the top 4 hotspots.

Dublin in Ireland

When looking for a cruise, choose an itinerary that stops by Dublin in Ireland. It is the capital and most populous city in the country and has a wealth of things to do including shopping facilities and a charming mix of medieval, Georgian and modern architecture to explore. It has a wealth of history and culture and after all the sight-seeing, you can cosy up together in a traditional Irish bar whilst easting traditional Irish cuisine.

Inverness in Scotland

Inverness is a city in Scotland and it is the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway with peaceful highlands to enjoy. Situated on the banks of the River Ness, it is very picturesque and quiet; and you can even watch a school of dolphins frolic in the nearby Moray Firth.

Inverness Castle, Scotland, UK by Duncan Brown (Cradlehall)

Paris in France

Paris is renowned all over the world as the city of love. It is one of the best cities for couples to snuggle under the Eiffel Tower, wander down the quaint cobble-stone streets, and visit the elegant and classic French fountains. Can you think of anywhere better to rekindle the magic than in the romantic capital?

Greek islands

The Greek islands offer unbelievable beauty especially Mykonos, Santorini and Athens. It is widely reported that the best sunsets in the world can only be viewed in Santorini and the island offers fantastic views of the volcanoes as well as quaint villages to explore.

In contrast, Mykonos has gorgeous cobble-stone streets and has the trademark as a ‘Little Venice’. It is beautiful to see the little houses with balconies, windows and door built right on the sea.

If you plan on celebrating a special break with your loved one, why not choose one of the European destinations mentioned above for a romantic, fun holiday.

This article was provided by Cheapcruises.com, the specialist website that offers the very best cruise deals. For affordable Mediterranean cruises and cruises all over the world, visit the site today.

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Coastal Edinburgh, Scotland, UK / Stuart Caie

Edinburgh offers great opportunities for romance. Great restaurants, beautiful scenery, rickshaw rides, oodles of fabulous hotels… Here are some ideas to help you plan for your weekend away:

Lodgings

There are some great websites that will help you learn a lot about the available hotels. You’ll find travellers’ sites and review websites where people share their experience at hotels they’ve stayed at. You’ll also find deals online where you can book hotels for significant discounts. This could mean staying at a 4 or 5 star hotel for the price of a 3 star hotel.

Many Edinburgh hotels offer very romantic packages including meals and often including extra sightseeing activities as part of the fee. A bit of shopping around could help you save a lot of money.

Restaurants

Check out some restaurant reviews, too, to see what’s near your hotel and what’s on offer during the time you’re expecting to visit.  Your hotel may offer free meals as part of the package or vouchers for local restaurants, too. You can also find out on online review sites a bit about the average price of a meal for restaurants within walking distance of your hotel. If you want a special treat and are willing to splurge on a romantic meal, there are a few restaurants with Michelin stars, too.

Edinburgh Castle / Saffron Blaze

Finding Things to Do

Beyond spending plenty of alone time together in your cosy love nest, here are some of the common things lovers love to do in Edinburgh. (Many of them are low cost or even free):

• Dean Village – is a pretty and picturesque village. Perfect for a romantic stroll.
• Royal Mile – This road leads toward Edinburgh Castle and is great for shopping, sightseeing, eating, and soaking in the history of this city.
• Royal Botanical Gardens – The gardens offer a lush and aromatic place to stroll and this is a very popular place to visit for tourists.
• Museums and art galleries – The Museum of Scotland is great if you’re interested in finding out more about Scotland’s history. There are probably at least several museums and art galleries within reasonable walking distance of your hotel, too.
• There are often organised walking tours at night, too, that share some of the darker secrets of the city. Those tours will probably make the hairs on the back of your head stand up and make you want to get closer to your significant other!

The above list doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface. There are family activities, couples’ activities, and plenty of sights to see. You’ll find many top fifty and even top one hundred lists online with things to see and do in Edinburgh. If it’s romance and privacy you’re after, you won’t be disappointed, either! Again, a bit of shopping around will help you save money and you’ll also find plenty of info to help you make the most of your weekend getaway.

Mohammed Haroon writes for Today’s Great Deals. He invites you to check out Edinburgh’s Great Deal for a great deal on your next trip to Edinburgh.

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Wastwater lake in the Lake District / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Barry

Best Places to Visit

Some of the best places to visit in the UK include regions like the Lake District’s Winster Valley, an isolated location that offers great mountain, fell and lake views. Travellers seek out solitude for a romantic getaway should also consider the Ardfern Peninsular in Oban in Scotland as well as the West Coast of Scotland for more general quiet. Couples wanting to be a little bit closer to London should consider Sussex and the Cotswolds.

Further North, the Yorkshire Dales and Whitby are ideal for couples wanting to explore the English countryside. Those wanting to experience rural English living without giving up town shopping and dining can also take advantage of cottages near Bath and Exeter in Somerset and Devon. Island retreats can similarly be found on the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Wight, with the added advantage of combining rural quiet with beaches and sea journeys.

Grasmere seen from near Alcock Tarn, Lake District / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Barry

Retreat Options

Many holiday cottages are ideal for couples because of their intimacy and traditional decor. A one bedroom rural cottage with a large kitchen and dining area can make for a romantic weekend, and can still contain the best modern amenities. Finding the right holiday cottage means looking for one that is both traditional enough to feel like a break, while still providing you with lots of entertainment options.

In the same way, while it is important to find somewhere quiet, couples should consider the benefits of being within walking distance of the nearest town or village, particularly during colder winter months. Moreover, some research should be made into the local area, and whether a romantic meal or activity can be planned near to the cottage. These may need to be booked sometime in advance to avoid disappointment during a rip.

Blaise Rustic Cottage / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by crabchick

Times of Year

The main times of the year to book romantic cottages are usually around Valentine’s Day and Christmas, which might require some significant advanced booking for sought after cottages. Couples willing to go away during off peak season should consult a travel company or cottage owner before securing a date, as there may be times of year when a cottage is being renovated. Opting for weekdays and nights over weekends might also be a good budget option, while longer term planning for honeymoons should always check availability and price comparisons before deciding on a specific cottage or holiday destination.

Habs is a blogger currently reviewing holiday cottages.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Adrian Byrne

Children will love the numerous activities both on and off the lake. A cruise along Lake Windermere with Windermere Lake Cruises will be sure to keep their interest with trips to mystical isolated bays and deserted ‘treasure’ islands. Off the lake, take the family for a day at The World of Beatrix Potter (great for rainy days!), a unique way to introduce the kids to Peter Rabbit and pals through all 5 senses. Why not stay for dinner? With its own on-site vegetable patch, you can be sure the there will be something for the whole family – Beetroot and chocolate brownies, anyone?

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, look no further than the Lake District. Windermere Lake Cruises aren’t just for the kids. How about a quiet sunset sightseeing cruise with someone special? Or even an onboard wedding! For poetry lovers, head over to Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum to see the place Wordsworth called ‘home’ between 1799 and 1808. The museum has regular workshops and poetry readings so check out the schedule to make sure you don’t miss out. For that unforgettable night, Zeffirellis has it all. Start your evening at their intimate independant cinema, then banish those hunger pangs at their award-winning Pizzeria. If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, their live music Jazz Bar is just the thing. Finish off the perfect day by crawling into bed at the exquisite Windermere Boutique Hotel. Check out the ‘Champagne Stays’ for an extra special touch.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Andrea_44

The Lake District National Park (the largest National Park in England) boasts numerous beautiful hills and mountains with walking and hiking trails ideal for all skills levels, from those wanting a gentle stroll through nature to experienced climbers. If you’re after that once-in-a-lifetime adventure, schedule your trip to coincide with the Three Peaks Challenge, a chance to climb the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales – all within 24 hours! If walking isn’t your thing, Windermere also offers an extensive range of cycling routes, off-road motor sports, clay pigeon shooting, abseiling and much more – the possibilities are endless. A great place to find out more is Activities in Lakeland who can assist in arranging these activities for you. They can even offer itineraries for hen and stag weekends as well as corporate training.

Lying just off the M6, Windermere is easily accessible by car and can be reached from London in approximately 5 hours. There are also direct trains from London Euston Station to Windermere Station, also taking around 5 hours.

With such easy accessibility and so much to do, The Lakes are a perfect spot for a long weekend or an extended holiday in the UK.
Written by Globaltravelguide.co.uk

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Lyn Gateley

The Greek Isles are a hotspot for the most interesting and picturesque holidays for everything from recreation to relaxation. Go island hopping from Santorini, to Crete, Mykonos and Karpathos, to name just a few of the jewels of this amazing region. Do not worry, no matter if you choose to take a leisurely stroll through the quaint villas or find a seaside adventure, there are countless things to see and do.

The Greek Islands are truly paradise on earth, with quaint villages that dot the landscape and seem untouched by time. Explore an amazing culture filled with wine, dance and song, mixed with exquisite culinary delights to soothe every palate. The locals are friendly and more than happy to introduce you to the island and make everything seem like a home away from home. From jeep safaris in the mountains to archaeological museums and even caves, there is so much to explore, allowing you to reconnect with your beloved companion in ways that neither of you could have ever imagined possible. 

Whether you are a young couple full of the party spirit or established partners looking for a new destination there are exciting bars and night clubs in towns like Malia on Crete while breathtaking volcanic views can be found on the tranquil isle of Santorini. One of the many great things about the islands is that they are filled with so many romantic enclaves in which to be alone together. Go on a leisurely stroll through cobble-stone streets and take in some shopping at the centre of the world, finding perfect gifts for each other.

Take a chance by making the Greek Isles your next romantic getaway and make memories for a lifetime.

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