Romantic Getaway Do's and Don'ts

Even the strongest couple will face some unexpected roadblocks during a romantic vacation. If you're heading out of town this Valentine's Day, keep in mind the following tips to make sure your romantic vacation is everything you dreamed it would be.

Romantic Vacation Tip #1: DO leave the cell phones at home, or at the very least, turned off.

Calling home or the office or answering your cell phone during a romantic vacation is a big no-no. Doing so will keep you connected to work or family and prevent you from focusing your sole attention on your partner. If you absolutely cannot leave your cell phones at home, agree on a set time to check them during your romantic vacation so that it doesn't distract you. (Tip: Lock the cell phones in your room safe to avoid temptation. The same goes for your e-mail. You should be able to set an auto reply for your account to let everyone know you're on a romantic vacation and will be unable to respond.)

Romantic Vacation Tip #2: DO NOT take your partner to a place you've been before with someone else.

Nothing will ruin a romantic vacation more than when your partner realizes you've been there before with a previous lover. Keep it special and unique by exploring a new place with your partner, rather than revisiting somewhere you've been before. It will make your romantic vacation even more memorable.

Romantic Vacation Tip #3: DO set a budget for your romantic vacation in advance and stick to it.

Everyone will be confronted with impulse purchase urges when on vacation. You want your romantic vacation to be memorable, but you don't want it to drain your bank account and set you back the minute you return home. Set a daily limit for spending on your romantic vacation and stick to it, no matter what. (Tip: If you run out of money on a given day, head back to your room and...)

Romantic Vacation Tip #4: DO NOT overschedule your days or think you have to spend every minute with your partner.

We've all heard the saying "I need a vacation from my vacation!" Everyone is tempted to do anything and everything while on vacation. You're in a new world and you want to see everything it has to offer. However, you don't want to tire yourself out during the day so that you don't have any energy left at night, which can be some of the most important time with your partner on a romantic vacation. Don't overfill your days to the point of exhaustion. Also, if you want to go scuba diving but your partner is afraid of the ocean and would rather get a massage, resist the urge to stay connected at the hip. Spending time apart on your romantic vacation will ensure that the time you do spend together will be precious.

Romantic Vacation Tip #5: DO relax!

We all have a picture in our heads about how our love life should feel or look like, and it's no different when it comes to a romantic vacation. We have expectations and we want everything to go perfectly. However, you should relax and realize that if your luggage is lost or a flight is delayed, it doesn't mean your romantic vacation is ruined. Remember the reasons you're taking that romantic vacation in the first place and don't let the image of perfection in your head prevent you from enjoying time away with your partner.