I am very passionate about travel (who isn't, amirite?) and as much as I love vacationing with my boys, I especially treasure the moments where AMH and I drop them off at one of their Grandmothers houses and take off like a bat out of hell! I found it difficult to leave the boys when they were very young (let's just say there was once a very tearful, early departure from my first night away from the Oldest) but like all things, it gets easier as time moves on.
While doing one of my favourite past times, searching the internet for couples getaway ideas, I came across a few that I have already been on, one that I have planned for the very near future, and one I never even considered! I thought I would share and would love to hear what couples getaway you have coming up!
Holguin (Guardalavaca), Cuba
We visited Cuba a few years ago and it really combined everything you want in a couples getaway -- relaxation and adventure. The resort was nice (it was fine but 5 star in Cuba is not the same as 5 star in Canada or the US), the beach was beautiful and the weather was perfect! And because my hubby and I are always up for an adventure, we rented scooters, armed ourselves with a map, and some waters and away we went. We headed into the market of Guardalavaca, toured the city of Banes and spent a lot of time looking at the countryside.
LA (Santa Monica, Beverly Hills), California
I listed these three cities in and around LA because I think they are the real draw when in Southern California. Beverly Hills is glamorous, the perfect getaway to Treat Yo' Self. Incredible restaurants, stellar hotels and the best shopping in the world. It's pricey but oh so worth it. I recommend a 3 or 4 day weekend. Santa Monica is exciting! Pretty beach hotels and the Santa Monica Pier has so much going on. The city itself has a lot to offer, perfect for lazy days strolling on foot trying to find the best ice cream shop.
Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada
This little Canadian city makes a great romantic escape. I follow a few travel deal websites and there is always a 'Niagara on the Lake escape' deal. The hotels are charming, the streets are picturesque. The world-class
Shaw Festival is a big draw for theatre lovers and with Fort George, Fort Erie and Fort Niagara nearby, it's great for history buffs. Mostly, it's a quaint and quite place to enjoy each others company.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale is one of my favourite cities in the world. I've been twice, both times as a four day couples getaway, and I am always thinking about my next trip back. On both trips we rented a car and drive into Miami. There are some interesting things to see in Miami, but I wouldn't stay there for long. Fort Lauderdale is a quiet, pretty city that has everything you need; restaurants, shopping, entertainment, but my favourite thing to do is walk around the city. The beaches are the cleanest I have ever seen and I love all the boats and internal waterways, Fort Lauderdale is called the 'Venice of America'. Take a riverfront cruise and admire all the spectacular mansions along the water then grab a pina colada and some dinner at one of the restaurants across from the ocean on Seabreeze Blvd.
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Another Canadian city that is known for being picturesque is Montreal. I predict there will be an influx of travelers to the city this summer. With the weak Canadian dollar Canadians will be spending more of their vacation dollars in their home country (I know I will be!) and with the great US to Canadian exchange, now is the time for American travelers to explore this old world city. What I love about Montreal, besides the fabulous architecture, is that it feels like it's worlds away but they speak English! I still remember the first time I visited it was quite a culture shock. All the signs are in French and everyone appears to be speaking french so I tried to put my grade 9 French skills to use only to have everyone reply in English. You won't find many English speakers outside the city, but everyone in Montreal is able to speak both languages. As with each pick in the list, the restaurants are top notch and there are a lot of attractions to fill your day, I recommend the BioDome.
Tulum, Mexico
I loved Tulum so much, I already have plans to go back! Ok, ok, it's because my bff is getting married next winter but still, I would have found a way to go back. We spent our first vacation here with the boys in tow, which was great, but we definitely said more than once we have to come here by ourselves. While I am staying at an all-inclusive on my next trip I want to try staying at some of the boutique hotels in Tulum. One of my favourite bloggers, Rosie of The Londoner, has recently stayed at a few boutique hotels but this one,
Clifftop Treehouses, has to be the best and is at the top of my 'must stay' list. Tulum is a vacation with rest in mind. There are some of the best Mexican restaurants in Tulum, as well as nearby Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum is quickly becoming the place for be for yogis. Take a tour of the Tulum ruins, swim in a cenote and above all else, get some much needed rest. Take your time to enjoy the town together, turn off the phones (the wi-fi is spotty anyway) and spend some time reconnecting with one another.
Savannah, Georgia
Here's the one I have not been to, Savannah, Georgia. I mean, look at that water fountain! The whole city looks like a living postcard. I have lived vicariously through many couples who have visited and I envy the genteel lifestyle everyone adopts when they visit. Long mornings of bottomless sweet tea on airy porches, horse drawn carriage rides after dinner learning the history of the city from your guide while the sweet smell of magnolias perfumes the air. I would be remiss if I didn't mention all the southern restaurants! I mean anywhere that serves corn bread with chicken fried chicken and sawmill gravy as a menu staple is ok by me.
London, England
And the other one I have not yet been to but...I will be in a few months! AMH and I are headed to London and a few other stops in the UK this spring. The London part of our vacation is going to be about seeing as much of the city on foot as we can. I've been following a few Instagram accounts that post photos of just how pretty the city is. I've read about some attractions and restaurants but this trip is really about just experiencing the city. I want to live like a local if only for a few days. I'll have my camera all set to go and I promise to give an update on how we fared as a couple touring London.
*Note* I didn't include Paris, France only because every couple either has already been, has it at the top of every trip list, or already has a trip coming up. I've never been and I fall into the category of "I'd love to go but it's so expensive and there are so many other places I'd like to see first" like Savannah and even New Orleans. Paris will come one day, as it will for all of us.
So what do you think of my list? I'd love to hear your thoughts -- do you agree, disagree, think somewhere else should have made the list? Have your say in the comments below!
