For romantic traditionalists, spending Christmas in a warm weather locality is almost blasphemous. If you believe that snow should be part of your romantic Christmas vacation, then a trip to the Rockies or a local ski lodge will be perfect for you and your lover. Book with a ski lodge early to ensure that you can get a room, as skiing vacations are very popular during the holiday season. It’s important to book with a ski lodge early to ensure that you can get a room, as skiing vacations are very popular during the holiday season. You will also need to decide whether you will want to bring your own ski equipment or rent it when you reach your destination. With many airlines now charging round trip fees for every piece of baggage, it may be cheaper and easier just to rent bulky ski equipment once you arrive.

To make your Christmas ski lodge vacation even more memorable, do a little research and find out if there are other romantic activities that may be offered at the resort, such as a horse sleigh trip or massages. Don’t forget, also, to make reservations at a nice restaurant for Christmas or, if all your restaurant options will be closed on Christmas Day, figure out a way that the two of you can still have a romantic dinner with as little stress and work as possible.

If cold weather is not you and your lover’s thing, then do like the Hollywood stars and head to the tropics. Celebs flock to literal hot spots such as Hawaii or St. Barts in the Caribbean during the Christmas holidays. Australia, where it is summer, is another hot spot option. While lounging on a beach is not usually what one thinks about when they think about Christmas, many people enjoy taking a break from the cold weather that seems to last forever in the winter.

Unfortunately, both skiing trips and tropical vacations have one not-so-pleasant thing in common. They are both usually very costly, as it is high season for both types of vacations during the Christmas holidays. If you are looking for a bargain, check into packages for off-season romantic sites such as Paris or Venice. Though, they may be chilly, and maybe even a bit dreary, these locations still offer much charm and are beautiful settings for a romantic Christmas vacation.

Before you rush off and book a romantic Christmas vacation, it is important to make sure that your lover will be fine with the idea. Surprising a lover with a trip may sound like a good idea, but if it will conflict with annual family plans, a vacation could end up causing more stress than romance.

Another possible faux pas is one that could possibly trip up a guy. Single men, who are planning on staying single, and who are taking their lovers on a romantic vacation should be careful about the type of gift they buy. A romantic setting and a jewelry store bag or box being presented on Christmas could ratchet up hopes of a wedding proposal.

Overall, however, a romantic Christmas vacation is a great way to celebrate a cherished holiday with a cherished someone.

Couples massage retreats are often focused on rejuvenation, healthy lifestyles and detoxification. All of these processes allow the person to gain more energy. Energy improves a person’s outlook and invigorates the feelings of sensuality. A couple’s massage retreat is the right prescription to inject love back into your relationship. Several couple’s massage retreats will be mentioned to give individuals an idea of what is available for romance renewal.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain

This intimate retreat on Camelback Mountain offers Asian-inspired treatments to couples. The marble bathrooms are complete with full garden spa tubs that the staff decorates with numerous candles to set the mood. There are several vitality pools, infinity pools and fire pits where romance can brew between the couple. Deluge showers are also available for relaxation and detoxification. Each of these amenities may be rented to enjoy private sessions between you and your mate. Extensive wines lists are available to encourage relaxation. Many of the spa casitas are located on the side of the mountain with spectacular views of the valley and the evening sunsets. The casitas are completely private to allow for romantic interludes alone.

Body Holiday at Le Sport, Saint Lucia

Le Sport was rated in the top five destination spas in the world. This particular spa offers guest numerous spa treatments, relaxation exercises, ocean views and an overall comprehensive experience. The spa is luxurious and all inclusive. Couples may golf, play tennis and engage in water sports to grow closer together. This five star resort will not disappoint couples who are seeking to reestablish their romantic connection.

Maroma

Maroma is a romantic Mexican Caribbean resort designed to provide the ultimate romantic relaxation experience. The resort focuses on privacy and renewal of the spirit. Part of their regimen includes Earth, Air, Fire and Water to help relax the mind and revive the spirit. Couples will typically enjoy five nights of romance and the opportunity to reiginite their relationship through massage. The beaches are spectacular and the tropical forests create a magical experience that emanates intrigue and romance.

Fairmont Turnberry Isle

This Mediterranean style resort is situated on 300 gorgeous lush tropical acres in luxurious Miami, Florida. In 2009, this resort was ranked the World’s Best by Travel + Leisure magazine. This resort features private cabanas, a lazy river, poolside dining and the award winning Willow Stream Spa and fitness center. The Willow Stream Spa is where couples will reignite and renew their love for one another through massage. Couples may also engage in 18 holes of golf on a championship designed golf course or tennis on one of the four clay HydroCourts. Shopping is only a shuttle away. Couples may enjoy Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Nordstrom’s, as well as, over 250 specialty shops at the Aventura Mall. There is also spectacular cuisine available on this romantic couples retreat.

Willow Stream Spa Scottsdale

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a five star resort where the Willow Stream Spa is located. The spa was inspired by an oasis deep in the Grand Canyon where energy unites and restores. The spa is complete with red rock waterfalls and an open-air reflection atrium. The waterfalls beckon relaxation and rejuvenation. Couples may reconvene on private outdoor patios to reignite their passions and love for one another. The beautiful blue skies against the purple mountains are a beautiful sight to behold. The entire resort is an enchanting and delightful experience. Couples will feel rejuvenated and romantic from their couple’s massage retreat.

The first thing to think about is dinner. A good romantic date means not going to a restaurant you always visit. Instead, pick a nice place and make a reservation. This could be a new place or a place you have been before but don’t visit often. Check the website and look at the menu to make sure there is something each of you will enjoy eating. Make the reservation well in advance. Dinner times fill up fast at some places, and you don’t want to be forced to eat dinner at 3 PM or 11 PM on Valentine’s Day. Also, think about any special situations at the restaurant. If you have a gift to give, bring it to the restaurant ahead of time. The same goes for flowers. When a girl sees that you put some planning in to things, she appreciates it a lot more. Another option is to surprise her by cooking an amazing dinner. This is especially romantic if cooking is not something you normally do. If you go this route, plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need.

Once you have dinner figured out, come up with something unique to do before or after. Movies are great, but they are not romantic. Try thinking outside the box instead. Is there something you have always talked about doing together but haven’t yet? A romantic date is a good opportunity to do so. If you live near a major city, check out the internet to see if there are any events you might like, such as plays or concerts. Ask around to find other ideas. Think about what she likes, and go from there. If she enjoys ice skating, then going to an outdoor skating rink is very romantic. If she enjoys art, take her to an art show in the city. The fact that you are doing something you don’t normally do together makes it feel that much more special. Also, it shows her that you are paying attention to her interests.

Lastly, think about what you want to do after your date. Pick a great area and go for a small walk. If your town has one, go for a horse and carriage ride. You should also think about what to do once you get home. Buy some candles and spread them around your apartment. Get a bottle of nice wine and make some snacks ahead of time. You could also put on a CD or rent a movie that you both want to see. Think about every little detail and try to make it special. She will see all the effort you put in to the date and know you really care about her.

A good romantic date is all about details, so plan ahead. This means thinking about everything from cleaning your house to knowing where to park if you visit the city. If something does go wrong, have a good backup plan so that all your efforts for a great date aren’t derailed. A great romantic date does not have to cost a lot of money. It all it takes is some creativity and planning. That will show her how much she means to you.

A romantic honeymoon is also important because it can set the tone for the remainder of your marriage. If your honeymoon is bland, boring, or otherwise unromantic, then it may spell doom for your marriage. Too many people nowadays have pointed to their honeymoon as the first sign that they knew that their marriage was not going to work out. This is the epitome of getting your marriage off to a bad start. On the other hand, a romantic honeymoon can be an omen that you will have a long and happy marriage that lasts for the rest of your life. In an era where people get marriages and divorces as often as they buy a new pair of shoes, it is still possible to hear about couples who have been together for decades, and who claim that their marriage gets better and stronger with every passing year. If you ask one of these couples to recall their honeymoon, they will almost always reflect upon it with a great deal of fondness. These are the people who had the most romantic honeymoons of all time.

One of the tried and true places to have a romantic honeymoon is at a beach. People seem to be attracted to the water as a moth is attracted to a flame. The majority of the earth’s population is still located directly near the oceans, and there is no greater pastime for many people than to spend the day lazily lounging at the beach. Hawaii, Cancun, or Southern California are a few romantic locations that have a reputation for some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the world. Another great idea is to take a cruise. Cruise ships are great because they are often all-inclusive, so you can feel like a king and queen as your every need it taken care of by a patient wait-staff. There are always cruises available in tropical areas like the Caribbean. You might also consider a Mediterranean cruise and spend some time in the romantic cities of Greece, Italy, and Spain. If you and you future spouse are a bit more adventurous, then you might want to take an Arctic cruise up around Alaska.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Almost free date ideas:

These are listed as almost free because there may be transportation or small entrance fees.

- Go fly a kite. You and your date can even get creative and create your own kites out of newspaper or left over gift wrap.
- Go to your local park and have a picnic and feed the ducks.
- Make homemade pizza together and play a board game. Try to pick a board game that will let you get to know one another.
- Attend a local high school football game.
- Read your local paper and find a festival or opening in the area and attend.
- Explore a flea market or estate sale.
- Have a spa night. Have a bubble bath for two and then give each other massages, and then….you get the picture.
- Go to a pick your own orchard or farm. Bring your bounty home and learn to make jam or can.
- Attend a free class together. Many cooking stores offer free classes, as do local libraries.
- Head to your local bookstore and explore the stacks.
- Go to a local car dealership and test drive your dream cars.
- Play 20 questions. Make a list of open ended questions and take turn asking them.
- Visit your state park and take a hike together.
- Have an art night. Get a bottle of wine, some drawing paper, and sketching pencils. If you can’t draw well, invest in two bottles of wine. Soon your art will look like masterpieces.
- Sight see in your own city. Grab a local tourism guide and play visitor for a day.

Inexpensive date ideas:

The majority of these will cost $10.00 or under.

- Go to the local ice cream parlor and order the largest sundae you can find and then share. Fight over whom gets the last bite of whipped cream.
- Attend a local theater production. Local colleges and high schools often put on a show in the spring and fall.
- Go stargazing at your local planetarium. You can snuggle under the stars without being cold or damp.
- Fill a cooler with junk food, grab some blankets and find a drive-in theater. You pay by the car not by the person, so a drive-in can save more money than attending your local movieplex.
- Find an indoor ice rink and go ice skating. This will give you the opportunity to laugh and tumble onto each other. Warm up afterwards by sharing a hot chocolate.
- Visit a local winery or brewery and taste what your area of the country has to offer.

With enough imagination, even a mundane chores like visiting the laundromat can turn into a fun date. Sharing experiences and communicating and having fun are the keys to a great date, not the amount of money you spend.

The most important part about an anniversary is that it is a special day between you and your spouse. Whatever you plan, make sure that only the two of you are invited on your special day. If you have children, make plans for them to visit a friend or secure a babysitter.

One of the most traditional things to do on an anniversary is to go out to dinner. While spending a lot of money on a restaurant dinner may impress your spouse, there are things you can do to make your evening more special. Recounting your courtship, engagement, and wedding is one way to bring back many happy memories. To make the evening even more special, you can re-create your first date or the date during which you proposed. This will be sure to bring many of those happy memories to the forefront.

If you are interested in having dinner with your spouse but budgetary concerns restrict this, think creatively. A special meal cooked at home is just as delicious and your spouse will be pleased to spend the time with you. Make the evening more special than an average night but setting the table with flowers, and be sure to use your finest table settings. A bottle of wine will make this an evening to remember. Ending the night with a special walk beneath the stars and plenty of conversation makes for a frugal and special anniversary celebration.

If you are interested in something a little different for your anniversary celebration, think of activities that your spouse has always wanted to do but you have been reluctant to participate in. For instance, if you do not enjoy the opera but your partner does, plan a surprise trip. The thoughtfulness of this gift will definitely be appreciated. Other thoughtful surprise gifts include dance lessons or concert tickets. However, be sure that you are choosing a gift that you know your spouse has expressed interest in. You don’t want to provide a negative surprise.

For those interested in celebrating for more than just a short evening, there are other options. Rather than going out to dinner, spend the day at the museum, have a picnic lunch at the park, and enjoy each other’s company. Or, secure a hotel room for the evening or weekend. Take the time to enjoy each other and re-connect. For something more extravagant, you could take a longer trip or enjoy a cruise together.

Although the most important part of an anniversary celebration is spending time with your partner, many people wish to include a gift. Rather than getting a generic piece of jewelry or a watch, try to get something that will have meaning. If you choose jewelry, have it engraved with a meaningful message. Or choose a painting, piece of pottery, or piece of music that makes you think of your spouse. If these items are out of your budget, you can always write a love letter or a list of reasons that you love your spouse. The most meaningful gifts are the ones that take some thought.

Although there are many different ways you can celebrate your anniversary, the most important thing is that you spend it together. Use this is as a day to remember why you love your spouse, and enjoy each other.

The most important thing to remember on a first date is not to panic. The following guide will help you keep your cool.

1. Be Yourself

If you’re looking to begin a long term relationship, it’s important to be completely honest with your date. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not unless you want to keep it up for the entire duration of the relationship. Pretending to be an actor when you’re really a postman will be a hard lie to uphold as the relationship progresses. Getting caught in a lie is not only embarrassing, but will be a major relationship setback.

If your date doesn’t like the real you during the first date than he or she never will. Forcing someone to like you by lying about yourself just wastes both of your time which could be spent finding someone more compatible.

2. Dress Comfortably

Whether your a girl or a guy, dressing comfortably is imperative on first dates. It’s tempting to pull out a pair of shoes you’ve never worn or a fancy new shirt, but unless you feel completely comfortable in your nicest clothing you’ll come across as stiff or awkward. Additionally, you may end up with an itchy shirt or shoes that rub your feet raw. It’s best to choose clothes for first dates that are familiar and comfortable.

3. Ask Questions

Everyone loves to be listened to. It’s important that you take an active interest in your date. If your date is telling a story, than ask him or her questions during pauses. This will encourage your date to continue talking and help them to see you as a good listener. Both men and women believe listening to be a valuable trait in a companion.

4. Do Something

First dates can get awkward pretty quickly if the only thing planned is sitting inside a fancy restaurant. If you run out of things to say or have difficulty finding common interests, a conversation based date could be disastrous. It’s best to go out and do something. Go rollerblading, take a walk in the park, have a picnic. Anything that gets the two of you moving around and having a good time is an excellent, pressure free choice for a first date.

5. Rid Yourself of Expectations

An easy way to ruin a great first date is by establishing a long list of expectations. Don’t worry too much about specifics on how you think the evening will go. Planning things out too rigidly will only result in unmet expectations. Additionally, it’s important not to expect your date to be the guy or girl of your dreams the moment you meet for your first date. For most couples, chemistry takes a while to develop. It’s important not to give up or view the date as a failure if the two of you don’t gel perfectly on the first try.

What to Bring

A romantic camping trip should be planned so that you have everything you will need on hand. You should include a basic first aid kit with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as well as bandages and antibiotic ointment. Also, make sure that you include a wide selection of foods, including some that you can have fun with. Strawberries, wine, and snack foods are easy to prepare and let you spend more time together and less time over a smoky campfire trying to prepare a meal.

It is still a great idea to bring along a romantic dinner, however. You may want to invest in a portable stove that allows you to boil water and make basic meals without the need of using the campfire. You will need to bring along a few small bottles of propane for the camp stove. You will also need your tent, sleeping bags, pillows, and possibly an air mattress for comfort. The amount of time that you are spending at the camp site will help you determine how much food, water, and supplies you need.

Romance and the Outdoors

There is nothing more romantic than sitting under the stars, by a roaring campfire, with your partner. Hiking is also a great opportunity to get to know one another better. There will be no one around to bother you, so you can take your time and enjoy the sights. There are many campgrounds that offer spectacular views as well as camping facilities. You may want to check and see which amenities are offered before you go camping. Your partner may not feel as good if there aren’t any showers available at the camp site that you have chosen.

You may want to go out to the campgrounds and spend some time looking for the perfect spot to reserve. You can often pre-pay for your camping area several weeks in advance, so that you have the best choice. You will want to find a spot that is quiet, and away from the public areas of the campground. To make sure that your camping area is romantic, you can bring along torch lights and other special lighting made just for camping. Make sure that you know the rules of the campground concerning the use of torches and other fire burning accessories, however.

Camping Activities

When you are planning a romantic camping trip, don’t forget to plan some activities for the two of you. Traditional activities, like roasting s’mores over the campfire, are a great addition to any camping trip. You can also try to bring along some fun, romantic games with you, as well. Leave the cell phone off during the trip, and leave your laptop at home. Take the time to enjoy nature and your significant other, without the interference of everyday life.

Hiking, swimming, and even spending a morning sleeping in are all great ways to spend your time together. Try not to fit too many activities into one day, and instead spend the time talking to your significant other and relaxing. There are plenty of things to do in nature, but relaxing beside the water or spending time beside the campfire talking are the things that you may remember most in the years to come.

Presentation, of course, is all important. And for that there is one critical element: time. If you know about a date a lot beforehand, it helps. You can hit the treadmill with extra vigor and skip those oily, fatty, scrumptious stuff so as to slip easily into your favourite outfit.

The outfit itself needs to be decided and prepared beforehand. Of course, it should be something that has fetched you compliments before. But the most important thing is that you should feel comfy in it. Being comfortable gives you confidence, and confidence is sexy.

The next most significant aspect of your appearance is your grooming. Pay extra attention to hair, nails, hands and feet. A long, hot shower is not only important, it is almost mandatory. Don’t forget the scrubs and gels that get you all energized.

Fragrance is important, because your choice of perfume could help determine the sort of person you are: easygoing, sensuous, sporty or mysterious. Express yourself through your perfume or aftershave, but don’t overdo it. You don’t want to overpower your date, or cause headache or allergies. Ladies, it may not be a good idea to pile on the make-up. You don’t want to be seen to be trying too hard.

You need to present your mind as well as your appearance, so reading up on current affairs, or your date’s areas of interest is a good idea. You can always do with a few conversation starters on your first date. If you have had earlier conversations with the person, it would be nice to remember the names and events discussed. This is not to showcase your memory but your thoughtfulness, so not too many questions or details.

Now we come to how you feel. Think positive, because after all, you are actually going out to enjoy an evening in good company. This is important, because if you take deep breaths and convince yourself you will be alright, you probably will be. Focus on having fun, and banish any apprehensions.

When the butterflies attack your stomach, call a good friend to hyperventilate. Notice, we say “when”, not “if”, even a dating scene veteran is likely to get jittery on a first date. First dates are always a little nerve-wracking but you don’t need to show that up front. And remember, your date might very well be every bit as nervous as you.

Last, but probably the most important: be punctual. You may turn up at your rendezvous a little ahead of time, though not too much. But never turn up late: it is very bad manners to keep your date waiting, call and inform if you are going to be late by even a few minutes. Finally, flash your date a smile, relax and concentrate on having a lovely time together. Because if you have followed this checklist, you are bound to be at your best for a first date.

1. A Hike in the Wilderness

Assuming you and your date don’t have outdoor allergies, a day of hiking on nearby trails can be quite romantic. There are plenty of opportunities for hand holding, deep conversation, and eye-gazing. You can pack lunches and enjoy a picnic among the trees. Most hiking areas have beginner trails that are not too intense – or you can challenge each other on the more advanced trails.

2. A Day at the Beach

If you live near the beach, consider yourself lucky. You have one of the best places for a romantic date at your disposal. The beach is perfect for sunrises, sunsets, fires, cookouts, and romantic memories. Sitting on the sand, watching the tide come in is the perfect time for holding each other and whispering words of love.

3. An Afternoon at the Museum

There is something very sexy about museums. Perhaps it’s all the slow walking, opportunities for stolen glances, and the chance to put your arm around her. Admission to museums isn’t usually too pricey unless there is a special exhibit in town. If you choose to make the museum a romantic outing, you will may get bonus points with her for being intellectual.

4. Movie Night at Your Place

Plan an evening in – rent some movies that you’ve both been wanting to see and have a movie night. You can order in, pop some popcorn, kick off your shoes, and watch great movies. There is planning involved to make this a special night: You’ll want to clean your apartment or house, get good movies, and buy some movie candies. Don’t forget the candles!

5. Adventures at the County Fair

If the county fair is in town, plan to take your date to it. Walking arm and arm down the aisles of games and semi-dangerous rides is always romantic. Share a cotton candy while reminiscing about your youth, and win her a stuffed snake. The price of admission is much less than a theme park, and the memories will be priceless.