Romance in Some Unlikely Places: 3 Great International Destinations for a Valentine's Day Trip

You're thinking about doing something special for your sweetheart for Valentine's Day, and what's more special than a trip? Especially a trip abroad? Romantic nights, dancing until dawn, sipping champagne with arms linked; just to mention a few of the things you could do. If you're thinking, great, Paris, the City of Love, here we come, check the thought. Paris is a romantic city, but if you want to make this Valentine's Day trip the memory of a lifetime, why not head for a romantic place that's not on the usual map of romantic places? Here are three cities that you might not have considered destinations for a tete a tete, but, trust me, you'll be pleasantly surprised at just how romantic they can be.

Naples

A port city, Naples can be crowded and a bit scruffy, but if you know where to go, it has a charm that grows on you. The third most populous city in Italy, Naples, or Napoli as the Italians call it, is the de facto capital of southern Italy. With its warren of narrow streets that intersect at all angles, and erratic traffic of all kinds, it can be dirty; as one expects of a port city, it has a relatively high crime rate; and it can seem over powering at first glance. But, the pride of Italy's south, and its resentment of the northern half of the country, lends a distinctive character to Naples that makes it memorable.

While there are lots of things to see, from the Castel del'Ovo in the harbor that has as many gun turrets aiming shoreward as out to see to the Piazzo del Plebiscito in the center of the city, it's the 'being' there that gets you. A walk along the shore near Castel del'Ovo, watching early morning snorkelers, is one of my most pleasant memories of the city. After a couple of days, when you've adapted to the pulse of traffic, you just might find yourself in the club of staunch defenders of Italy's 'third' city.

Another nice thing about Naples in February is the relatively mild weather. Imagine walking arm in arm with your significant other, and cuddling because you want to be near each other, and not because you're freezing. Shiver from emotion, not extreme cold.

Naples is a transportation hub for southern Italy, with flights from Rome, Frankfurt, Munich and a number of other European cities.

Phuket

Moving from the Mediterranean to the Gulf of Thailand, another romantic and somewhat exotic February destination is Phuket, Thailand.

What could be more romantic than strolling along a scenic beach with your lover, gazing at a calm blue sea with a tropical sunset as a backdrop? Most people think of Phuket as an island, but it is in fact some 33 islands off the southern coast of Thailand. Along with the fantastic Thai cuisine, when you're tired of just gazing at the scenery, you can go snorkeling, or parasailing; play golf at one of the many resort courses; tour the tropical forests; or take a leisurely sail on Phang Ngi Bay. A popular tourist destination, Phuket hums around the clock, with a selection of nighttime activity on Patong Beach to suit every taste.

Daily flights from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, with easy international connections in all these cities, make getting there a snap.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

I'm not a great fan of cold weather, but, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, in the Bavarian Alps is an exception. Originally two alpine villages, they were united in a shotgun wedding in 1936 for the Winter Olympics. Despite the controversy surrounding the games of that year, the event was an enormous success, and the marriage has lasted. It is now a chic ski resort town with accommodations for every budget, traditional Bavarian hospitality and joie de vive, and fantastic views of the majestic Alps from every hotel window and around every corner.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers everything. Skiing on slopes from beginner's level to dare devil, great food and traditional entertainment, and hiking through the evergreen forests.

The best way to get there is to fly to Munich and rent a car for a scenic drive through the heart of Bavaria.

Where to Stay

Naples

Grand Hotel Santa Lucia

Via Partenope

46 Naples

+081 764 0666

http://www.santalucia.it

Phuket

Angsana Laguna Phuket

10 Moo 4, Srisoonthon Road, Cherngtalay

Phuket

http://www.search.sniphotel.com/Hotel/Angsana_Laguan_Phuket.htm

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Riessersee Hotel Resort

Riess 5

82467 Gamisch-Partenkirchen