Life is hectic and in the run-around many of us face every day romance can easily be lost. Between work-related responsibilities, family obligations, little league games, house cleaning, grocery shopping, and everything else listed in the week-at-a-glance calendar, there is little time, energy, or money left for long romantic getaways. But, there are easy ways to steal a few days together with that special someone without having to travel across the country, or take money from savings to be able to do it.
Some of the best, most relaxing getaways can be found close to home. Simply getting away from the garage that needs cleaning and the phone that rings non-stop can be a vacation, no matter how many miles you put between yourself and the chores that are looming at home. Being able to spend time alone with your spouse can be romantic without having to be extravagant.
You may be surprised at the amazing bargains you can find at hotels in your area. Many hotels that cater to business executives during the week are virtually empty on the weekends. Often, these hotels will offer incredible weekend rates since they have so few guests from Friday to Sunday. And, since their usual guests are business people, many of these hotels tend to be upscale, and may offer workout rooms, jacuzzis, suites, and other little extras that you might not expect for the prices you can get. Also, you are often able to find a variety of restaurants either in or near these hotels. While these accommodations might not be too far from home, you will feel like you have really gotten away.
Another money saving getaway is to check on accommodations in your area during the off-season, or ask about special rates for local residents. Many theme parks and the surrounding hotels will offer discounted rates to local residents. If you are able to visit during the months when these attractions are not too busy, you can find even deeper discounts. Think about what draws tourists to your area. Think about the things your family and friends want to do when they come to visit. Then, make plans to go to these places with your partner. Just plan your trip during the most economical times. Since you are not having to travel far, your plans may be a little more flexible, allowing you to visit these places at times other than holidays or summers when they are the busiest.
Believe it or not, the busy season for many hotels and attractions in your area might not be when you expect. For instance, if you live near the beach, you might be surprised to find that many hotels on the coast actually offer their lowest prices in the summer. As a local, you may be accustomed to going to the beach in the summer and assume that this is when the hotels will be the busiest. However, since tourists often travel to the beach when their weather at home gets too cold, many beach hotels consider winter to be their busy season, causing prices to actually be lowest in the summer!
Along the same lines, ski resorts are virtually empty when there is no snow on the ground. However, there are plenty of other things to do there that do not involve cold weather. And, even if you’ve been there a hundred times in the winter, your favorite local ski destination is a completely new and different place in the summer. And, it is likely to be a whole lot less expensive.
After deciding on accommodations for your local romantic getaway, remember that romance does not have to involve a high price tag. Sometimes, simple can be more romantic than extravagance. When planning meals, don’t feel that you have to find a restaurant with four course dinners to make an evening special. Surf and turf does not equal romance. Instead, while your significant other grabs sandwiches from the deli, you can choose a nice bottle of wine and a special dessert from the bakery at your local grocery store. Check into the hotel, curl up on the bed, turn on a good movie, and share supper cuddled together under the blankets. Or, enjoy a picnic at your favorite park. For breakfast, take bagels and coffee down to the pool, and share a quiet morning together. That’s much more romantic than fried eggs in a noisy restaurant.
If you decide that you do want your romantic getaway to involve candlelit dinners in a special restaurant, go ahead. Act like a tourist and make your vacation feel like a vacation. Choose a restaurant that you have not been to before, or haven’t been to in a long time. Eating at the same place you go every Friday night will remind you that you haven’t actually left town, and could make your time away feel less like you are actually on vacation. Try to do something different and special to make your local romantic getaway memorable.
For entertainment, think back to what kinds of things you enjoyed when you were dating and first married. Long walks at midnight. Watching the sunset. Going for a drive to nowhere. Sitting in the park and watching the stars come out. Reading the newspaper in bed on Sunday mornings. Dancing to the radio or your favorite CD. All of these are things that you can do anywhere. It doesn’t take a vacation miles and miles from home to enjoy the things that have been a special part of your relationship.
Other ideas for entertainment could include doing the things that people enjoy when vacationing in your area. Think about what your town has to offer tourists, or what the surrounding areas offer them. Chances are that as locals you may not have taken advantage of these attractions in a long time. Museums, parks, attractions, festivals, and zoos that you drive past every day are much more interesting if you actually take the time to go inside. Take advantage of this opportunity to do the things and go to the places that you always say, “I’d really like to go there some day.” Now’s your chance. This is your vacation. Make the most of it!
As you can see, it doesn’t take a big budget or a far away destination to steal a few days together and spark the romance in your relationship once again. Once you find an affordable local vacation destination, visit often. It’s much easier to sneak away for a day or two when you don’t have to spend a lot of travel time. And, you’ll be amazed at how relaxing it can be to get away from that pile of laundry, even if it is only a few miles away.
