How to plan your Valentine’s Day adventure

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you might be in the process of mapping out a romantic trip with the one you love. And that process may seem daunting. Should you go with something romantic, fun, or quirky? Take a deep breath: here are four questions that will guide you in the right direction as you plan your special day.

1. Near or far?

The first thing to decide is whether you actually want to go somewhere. Weekend escapes can be great, but don’t discount those romantic places just around the corner. Surprise your honey and book a table at your favorite restaurant or play tourist for the day. For instance, if you happen to be in New York, take your date for a romantic carriage ride in Central Park or attempt a gutsy pirouette on the ice at the Rockefeller Center!

2. City or country?

Few cities can hold a candle to Rome and Paris when it comes to love, but they don’t have the romance market cornered. If you’re homing in on a bustling metropolis for Valentine’s Day, the options are endless. Create your own affair to remember at the Empire State Building Observatory, go for a gondola ride in Venice, or take in the sights from the London Eye. If you prefer a more tranquil setting, opt for a bed and breakfast in the countryside where you can enjoy long romantic walks and champagne toasts by the fireside.

3. Sand or snow?

Valentine’s Day provides the perfect excuse to seek out a sunny destination to deflect the winter chill (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). Liking the sound of Bali or another island in the sea? Get ready for some hand-in-hand strolls on the beach (and don’t forget the sun block). But don’t rule out the winter alternative. Chilly climes up the cozy factor. Just picture having a candlelight dinner at a cabin in the woods while watching the snow fall quietly outside.

4. Aaaah or adventure?

Looking for some relaxation? Head to the nearest spa for some made-for-two pampering. (Take it from me, massages give a boost to any relationship!) But if you are an adventurous couple on the look out for new thrills, see the world from a new perspective…in a hot-air balloon or during the exhilarating free fall while skydiving.

In the end it really doesn’t matter if you stay at home or travel somewhere on Valentine’s Day, as long as you’re with the one you love.

Hanna Snarberg (a Swede) and her partner, Alex (a Ruskie), share their wanderlust on their travel blog, Sam and the Dunes (“Sam” is their lovable pooch). Follow them on Twitter @SamAndTheDunes.