| The best romantic vacations are those that bring a | | | | Trains |
| couple together. This can mean spending time alone, | | | | In Ecuador, my wife and I took a train from |
| without friends or family around. It can also mean an | | | | Riobamba to Alausi. It was scenic, romantic and |
| opportunity to do things together. Here are five of | | | | adventurous. I rode on the roof for part of the trip, |
| the best romantic vacations. | | | | then we snuggled to keep warm as it went high into |
| Beach Vacations | | | | the Andes Mountains. The final destination is a valley |
| Beaches are romantic. The sun, sand, and the sound | | | | where you get a view of a rock formation high |
| of the waves relax you and take away the stress | | | | above, called "La Nariz Del Diablo," or "The Devil's |
| and worry of "everyday life." Relaxation and escaping | | | | Nose." |
| stress is always better for romance. Find a place that | | | | There are scenic and romantic train rides all over the |
| is ON the beach, not a hotel miles from the beach. | | | | world. Some of Amtrak's more scenic stretches take |
| Dealing with traffic, packing and unpacking the car is | | | | days and can be a vacation in themselves. Otherwise, |
| not romantic. | | | | you can plan a vacation around one or more "dinner |
| If you are on a budget, you can do like we did in | | | | trains" or scenic rides like the one we took from |
| northern Florida. We stayed in our conversion van at | | | | Silverton to Durango Colorado (beautiful mountains). |
| a campground on the beach. We collected shells | | | | Skiing Vacations |
| together, flew a kite in the breeze and took our | | | | These are only romantic if you both love to ski, of |
| chairs down by the water to watch the sunset. The | | | | course. To be together in a dramatic setting, sharing |
| beaches of the great lakes are another great place | | | | something that you both enjoy - that is one of the |
| to check out, and are much more affordable. | | | | best romantic vacations imaginable. Don't forget to sit |
| Cruises | | | | together by the fireplace at least once while you're |
| Cruises may be the ultimate romantic vacation. You | | | | there. |
| escape it all - even the sight of land. Being isolated | | | | Small Towns |
| together, especially in the comfort of a cruise ship, | | | | We have found that some of our most romantic |
| can be great for a couple. Just be sure that both of | | | | times are when we stay in small towns. This is |
| you like the idea, and budget enough so money | | | | especially true if the tourist season is mostly over, or |
| worries don't steal the romance. (Cruise ship bars are | | | | hasn't yet begun. Silverton Colorado in September |
| notoriously expensive.) | | | | was one of our favorites. No crowds, fantastic views |
| Talk about your options. Perhaps you'll discover that | | | | of the surrounding mountains, local music and dancing |
| both of you were assuming the other wanted a | | | | in the bars at night - it was very romantic. |
| traditional sunny carribean cruise, when in reality, you | | | | Location isn't the most important part of the |
| both would love to watch whales and glaciers on an | | | | romance. Find a place you both want to go to, by all |
| Alaskan cruise. There are many different styles and | | | | means, but also remember to find things you can do |
| destinations for cruises. See if the cruise has activities | | | | together. Trips where you can share common |
| that you'll enjoy participating in together. | | | | interests are the best romantic vacations. |