The day we call Valentine’s Day actually has its roots in ancient Roman’s bawdy pagan fertility celebrations. Though the early Christians tried hard to stamp it out, the peoples’ will to celebrate a day of love proved strong. Instead, they gave in and tied the holiday to the fourth century’s St. Valentine.
Today, we celebrate by showering our loved ones with gifts. This year, why not hold off on exchanging tchotchke and celebrate in a way neither of you will forget. Here are five experiences to rekindle the flame and make sure you have the best Valentine’s Day possible.
1. Hot to Trot in a Sunny Spot
Nothing says ‘romance’ like sand, swimsuits, and oceans. Luckily, the cost of travel is generally at its lowest in January and February, so with a bit of searching you should be able to find deals to tropical locales. To make sure your beach trip goes, ahem, swimmingly, you’ll want to bring along some essentials. A beach towel for two will keep things cozy when you’re out in the sun. Toss a couple of swimsuits into your suitcase, some warmer clothing for the evening, plenty of sunscreen, and you’re ready for a trip to remember.
2. Nurture Your Love Life with Nature
For outdoors enthusiasts, hitting the trails can be the just-right bonding experience. Choose a place off the grid and pack up your hiking boots and plenty of warm, easy-to-layer clothing. You’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for any unforeseen emergencies that could spoil your time on the trail. Hiking experts recommend bringing along supplies such as polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes, a pair of good flashlights, and first aid supplies.
3. Get Away without Going too Far Away
Sometimes our most romantic moments happen in our own backyards. If major travel isn’t in your budget, or you can’t get the time off, think about ways to make your home base more romantic. Maybe there’s a winery you’ve always been meaning to try or a hot air balloon operator located just down the street. Be creative and get out of your home and out into the community. Whatever you choose, you’ll want to make certain you pack up a nice picnic so you and your honey can spend some romantic one-on-one time together.
4. Rekindle Your Love by the Fire
Instead of escaping from winter, consider embracing it. Throw your snowshoes or skies in the car and head off to a cozy cabin away in the woods. You’ll want to make certain that you stop somewhere along the way to load up on firewood. Pack board games to play around the hearth, an MP3 player for music to set a romantic mood, and fireside favorites like spiced cider and marshmallows to roast.
5. Minds that Play Together, Stay Together
Show your sweetheart you care by taking a trip that focuses on your partner’s hobbies or interests. If he’s into, say, the Civil War, visit a famous battlefield. Sports fanatic? Tour an arena. Bibliophile? Try the birthplace of his favorite author. Make the weekend about getting closer to him and his interests and you’ll find it’ll bring you closer together.
With a bit of foresight, your Valentine’s Day trip will be the romantic getaway you hoped for, and a memory you will never forget.
Adria Saracino is a blogger and marketer. You can find her writing about style at her fashion blog, The Emerald Closet.
