Anything can be romantic; it truly depends on the couple and their interests. A trip to chilly Antarctica for those who are fascinated with the history, animal life, and glorious snowy spectacle will no doubt keep the heart warm. Napa Valley's wine country provides outstanding romantic vacation packages for the wine lovers. Romance may, or may not involve a traditional setting like the backdrop of Paris or floating around in a gondola in Venice. But planning a romantic destination, no matter where, is the starting gun for excitement to be released. Whether it is a few miles from your home or in the next state or country, you are spoiled for choice for these top romantic vacation destinations.

* In America:

Florida has been a top destination choice for its weather, beaches, spas and resorts. Even for adults, Disneyworld can be a romantic escapade, especially when those adults are young at heart. Check out the Disneyworld 'downtown' area, full of top-notch restaurants and, for nighttime adventure, stroll down the Boardwalk. Not only on the mainland can you find romance. Sanibel Island has been a best kept secret for some time, as has St. George Island and Little Palm Island

Arizona, with its healing spas and Grand Canyon is a wonderful playground for a vacation. Whether it's hiking down to the bottom of the canyon by foot or by horse; hunting for fossils or semi-precious gems; learning how to wrangle on a Ranch; checking out the gold rush history left behind in the many ghost towns dotted around the area, or taking on the wild Colorado River, Arizona has been, and will continue to be, a top romantic vacation destination.

Ski resorts have also been a top romantic destination. Who wouldn't like to lounge next to a roasting fire in Aspen, Killington, or Big Sky, after tossing yourself down an icy slope? If you are not interested in plowing through the snow on some wooden sticks, these resorts have some of the top chefs in the world for you to sample their latest offerings. Ski resorts also offer scenic sleigh rides, hiking tours, arts and crafts workshops, theatre, dog sledding, and spas. Even in the summer these resorts are as exciting as they are in winter.

Hawaii can not be left off any romantic destination list. Surrounded by exotic vegetation, lava flows, crashing waves, and star studded night skies, Hawaii walks hand in hand with romance.

New York, New York. Not a skier, hiking, or camping lover? New York provides that big city backdrop for those interested in museums, shopping, the best in musical and dramatic theatre, and sidewalk hot dog stands. Many TV shows are filmed in New York - why not try to get tickets for a taping of the ever affable Jon Stewart and his Daily Show? Ferry ride over to Staten Island, loiter in Times Square or take a carriage ride around Central Park.

Neighboring Mexico and Canada also can be top romantic destinations. Mexico, with its beautiful, welcoming beaches, hiking, and exotic history mirrors Canada's offerings of eloquent Victoria, snowy Whistler, and ruggedly gorgeous Nova Scotia.

* Europe and beyond:

Internationally, Venice, London, the Great Barrier Reef, Ireland, India and Greece all have that historical and ancient magnificence to charm any heart. And if finances are not an issue, South America is not only known for its jungle treks and Amazon River tours but also for its hidden spas and still undiscovered pyramids. Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, and hidden treasure Margarita Island in Venezuela are a few of the top South American romantic destinations.

Italy. One word and the heart does flip-flops, the mouth starts watering, and the sighs can be heard in the next room. Italy, with its Tuscany, Venice, Rome, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily - there's no part of Italy that isn't worth seeing. Rent your own villa in Tuscany or a balcony laden hotel in Venice. When you are already feeling romantic, any of these destinations will add that extra pinch of love seasoning.

London offers, much like New York, magnificent hotels, theatre, and shopping tours. London is so rich historically and archaeologically, that everywhere you step you notice something of significance. Castles, burial mounds, fresh markets, guided tours are only minutes to an hour away. Further north, the Lake District offers incredible views and charming accommodation.

Who doesn't like pretty fish? The Great Barrier Reef has been a top romantic destination year after year, as well as Tahiti, Thailand and the Caribbean.

Ireland, much like the Lake District in England, has a plethora of charming hotels and cottages nestled in dramatic landscapes that never need to be airbrushed. Galway and Country Wicklow have been voted as top romantic getaways. Galway, with its west coast rustic feel and Wicklow, with its scenic hills, golf courses, and gardens; neither of these destinations should be missed.

Greece: Home of Alexander the Great, the Oracle at Delphi, Athens, Santorini and hundreds of island opportunities. Greece is always on a romantic destination list due to its climate, history and Mediterranean fare. The Greek Island of Santorini offers impeccable views over the Aegean Sea. Black sanded beaches, volcanic hot springs, and boat trips over to the lesser inhabited islands all beckon you to give them a glance. Far away from blaring sirens and screaming neighbors, Santorini sparkles as one of the top ten romantic destinations in the world.

Even during financial slumps, all of these destinations will offer discount packages. Plan ahead, contact the locations and see what kinds of deals can be worked out. Romance is very personal. Even spending the weekend at home in the backyard can be romantic. However, for those who love to mix romance and travel, the top destinations listed above should provide some wonderful avenues to explore.

Learn more about this author, P Vandegrift.
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