Top 5 Romantic Getaways in the US

With Valentine's Day fast approaching - you've only got around 8 weeks to prepare something special, guys - there's never been a better time to look at arranging that romantic trip you've been thinking about. Whether it's a long weekend away, or a more expansive vacation, there are plenty of places in America to go for a romantic break. Here, I look at the Top 5 according to popularity.

Hawaii

What could be more romantic, or more beautiful, than watching a Hawaiian sunset with your loved one, whilst the Pacific waves brush your feet as you stand hand-in-hand on the beach? With stunning landscapes and excellent nightclubs, Hawaii has it all, and it's no surprise that the islands take top spot.

New York City

It's no coincidence that so many romantic movies choose The Big Apple as the setting for their heroes' romance to flourish. From the "top of the world views" of the Empire State Building to the countless museums and shops, you can have your very own "Sleepless in Seattle" moment in this beautiful cosmopolitan.

San Francisco

Sitting next to the sprawling Californian coast, San Francisco offers the perfect romantic retreat for the more liberal lovers - after all, it was the birthplace of the "Summer of Love". Even today, the Sierra foothills offer an olde-world diversion for those looking for a little something different for a little time away. And the Grand Hyatt San Francisco is quite possibly one of the most luxurious hotels in America, and well worth the cost.

Miami

Whether you're a kid of the 80's and a lover of cheesy hair-do's and soft rock, or someone who's looking for a south European feel to your American vacation, Miami is just for you. From taking a walk along the palm tree-lined South Beach, or wandering around the Latin American heartland of the city centre, this is one of the most romantic places in the US for a Valentine's Day treat. Throw in some Latin ballroom dancing lessons while you're there, and you'll feel as is you're part of some classic 1960's musical. Simply breathtaking.

Las Vegas

I couldn't really offer a Top 5 romantic list and not feature Las Vegas. Although it's had its fair share of bad publicity over the years (and a lot of it justified), it's still one of the most exciting and dazzling destinations anywhere in the world today. From Sunset Strip to Caesar's Palace, you won't be lacking for something to do here. And if you want to add that final bit of romantic cheesiness to your whole time there, you can always spend 5 minutes of your life at the world-famous Little Chapel and get married.

There are other places in the US that you can go to for a romantic time - the Rockies, Myrtle Beach and Lake Tahoe all spring to mind - but for sheer out-and-out diversity and popularity, the above destinations are the ones that you should look at. Time to dust off the credit card and get planning!