Romantic holiday getaways: how to actually enjoy your vacation

November 22, 8:35 PMSan Jose Romantic Getaways ExaminerTana Marie Misrack

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Romance awaits wherever you roam this holiday

Well the holidays are here dear friends, ushering in the season of travel, getaways, family get-togethers, time off, expectations and hopefully, a little relaxation.

When most people usually think of travel, inevitably romance and fantasy come to mind. But what makes a holiday vacation romantic? How do you travel with a partner, returning home with a repertoire of amazing memories, feeling closer and more solid as a couple…especially at this time of year?

Some people claim it's what you do on your vacation that makes a trip romantic. Some swear by the magical powers of location and atmosphere. Others insist that the person you travel with that makes all the difference. Still others love the tradition, childlike joy and anticipation the season brings.

While you may agree with all the above, there are some very specific things you can do to guarantee a holiday vacation to remember fondly, and not put in the “never, ever again” category.

We’re all amazingly different, with some basic similarities. When we go play, we want to have fun. But what does “fun” mean, exactly? Ah-ha, that’s where the rub is! Fun, especially on vacation, can mean dramatically different things to different people. So let’s start with the first step – let’s define what the perfect vacation is for you.

* Do you want to stay close to home or trek to some exotic, warm destination? (Distance usually has a lot to do with length of time you have for your get-away.)

* How much money do you have/want to spend? (Is the money coming out of a vacation or savings account, or are you going to max out your credit cards? Will gifts be pre-bought or forgone for this year?)

* How do you want to spend your time? (Leisurely lying in the sun on a beautiful beach, whooshing down the slopes, getting involved in every activity or taking every guided tour your destination has to offer?)

* Do you want to have a free form, “let’s see what happens each day” sort of vacation, or a structured, detailed itinerary?

* Do traditional activities play a part in your desires or plans?

* Do vacations such as cruises, Club Med, Sandals, Beaches or other all-inclusive resorts hold any allure, or do you want to call your own shots at one or several locations?

* Do you want adventure, relaxation, high energy, quiet, over-the-top, or Zen-like activities?

* Do you want a totally romantic vacation or one sprinkled with a myriad of activities that occur outside of the hotel room?

* Are you two going alone, with a group of friends, with other family members or your children? (Whose family and whose children? This is a major consideration.)

* Are you going to visit friends/family, or attend an event? (Weddings, Family or School Reunions, Graduations, etc.) And does your partner know anyone at these events?

Now these certainly aren’t the only things to consider, but they are a good starting point.

The holidays are supposed to be joy-filled, not just a staggering ‘To do’ list that even Superman would trip over. Do your homework before your holiday vacation and follow your heart. Do that and it will become your most amazing getaway to date…promise!