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Within some of the busiest cities and tropical destinations, it's possible to find romance or fan a romantic spark into a flame:
Romantic Travel Destinations No. 1: Las Vegas, Nevada
Though the advertisements from the tourism board proclaim that “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” the city famous for its bright lights and gambling actually is one of the best places to take that special someone:
Best time of the year to go to Las Vegas: Between May and September, Las Vegas turns into an over-sized oven, forcing many resorts to use outdoor misters to keep visitors cool. The best time to visit this desert city is during October, when the days are pleasant and the nights are cool, but not frigid. Convention season takes up a lot of rooms, so make sure to book well in advance.
Getting around in Las Vegas: Since the city operates 24 hours a day, one Vegas dealer told me that there are up to 5 “rush hours” each day of the week. Renting a car may seem like a good option, but driving can add a lot of new four-letter words to your vocabulary.Taxicabs are the best way to get around, especially when hopping from resort to resort. When going to and from the airport, select one of the shuttle buses (these cost about $15 for a round-trip)
Attractions in Las Vegas: Famous the world over, the Las Vegas Strip has to be seen in person to be believed, especially at night. Many resorts even provide entertainment visible from the Strip, in particular the massive pirate battle in front of Treasure Island.
Where to Eat in Las Vegas: From fast food to fine cuisine, Las Vegas is home to some of the finest chefs in the world. For a total gastronomical experience, try the Carnival World Buffet at the Rio, which is not on the strip but is worth taking the time to visit.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas: The Treasure Island/Mirage complex is one of the more interesting places to stay, but the Rio, with its exotic cocktail servers (male and female), is one of more vibrant and alive hotel resorts.
If you feel the urge to get hitched while in Vegas, consider stopping by the Little White Wedding Chapel, the site of numerous impulsive marriages.
Romantic Travel Destinations No. 2: New York City
Known as the city that never sleeps, New York is a fast-paced, metropolitan area that has plenty to offer couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Best time of the year to go to New York City: “Autumn in New York,” a drama starring Richard Gere and Wynona Ryder, was less of a romance and more of a travel video for the city. The film, released appropriately in the fall of 2000, highlighted the beautiful fall colors in Central Park and crisp weather in October. To me, nothing seems quite as romantic as a crisp evening in New York City.
Getting around in New York City: Visitors have two viable options when getting around in this huge metropolitan area: walking and taking a cab. A New York City block is pretty long, though, and, even for an experienced walker, your legs will start giving out at about 10 blocks or so.Overall, taxicabs are the way to go anywhere and everywhere; just raise your hand and flag one down. Make sure to ask for a receipt when you leave because this lets you track your expenses and also gives you the cab number in case you lose something.
Attractions in New York City: Central Park is a must-see, especially from inside a horse-drawn carriage. The Empire State Building, turned into an icon of romance by “An Affair to Remember,” has become a travel destination for die-hard romantics.
Where to Eat in New York City: The question is, where can't you eat in New York City? For a quick snack, pick up a soft pretzel or roasted peanuts from a street vendor. If you want something more substantial, take a walk down any street and stop in one of the countless restaurants and bistros. I found one incredible sushi place on one random walk through Manhattan, but I'd be hard-pressed to find it a second time.
Where to Stay in New York City: Le Parker Meridian, which features high tech charm, and the Essex House on Central Park West are ideal romantic hotels. Each is close to Central Park and countless Broadway theaters. You can even walk down to the Ed Sullivan Theater, home to “The Late Show with David Letterman.”
Romantic Travel Destinations No. 3: Chicago, Illinois
Nicknamed the “City of the Big Shoulders,” Chicago is a great place for a quick romantic getaway, especially if you live in the Midwest
Best time of the year to go to Chicago: Sitting on Lake Michigan, Chicago has some frigid winters, making Spring and Summer the time to go. On year, my friends and I went for a hockey game and almost turned into Popsicles.
Getting around in Chicago: With one of the best transit systems in the country, it's easy to navigate through Chicago by taking the elevated trains, city buses or simply by walking around the city. Taxicabs also are plentiful and easy to flag down on a street corner.
Attractions in Chicago: For a romantic view of the city that will take you breath away, go to the top of the Hancock Observatory, 875 N. Michigan. Navy Pier, which features some great places to eat, is a perfect place to go on summer evening, but can get icy in the winter months.
Where to eat in Chicago: Named in honor of the legendary baseball announcer, Harry Carey's Italian Steakhouse should be on your list of places to visit. Of course, you'll have to make sure and have a famous Chicago-style hot dog, which can be found just about anywhere in the city.
Where to Stay in Chicago: Hotels are plentiful, but while in Chicago, I prefer the Seneca Hotels and Suites, which have some suites with fully-equipped kitchens and spacious dining areas. It's like a home away from home and the price is right.
Romantic Travel Destinations No.4: Honolulu, Hawaii
An island paradise full of pineapple and romance, Honolulu is the place to go with someone very special, especially with the sunshine and beaches.
Best time of the year to go to Honolulu: A favorite destination for people wanting to escape the winter cold, Honolulu is quite pleasant during the late Spring and early Summer months, but make sure to pack the sunscreen and sunglasses.
Getting around in Honolulu: Not as congested as cities like Chicago and New York, renting a car seems like a good option when visiting the island paradise.
Attractions in Honolulu: The Pearl Harbor memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives in the attack on December 7, 1941, is one of the places you must see while visiting Honolulu.
Where to eat in Hawaii: Ironically, Honolulu has more fast food restaurants than I expected, probably because it's more of a family vacation destination. It's kind of disconcerting at times to get a side of pineapple when ordering an Extra Value Meal from McDonald's. Check with your hotel to see if they have information about or offer a luau to guests. This is a Hawaiian tradition that's sure to please.
Where to stay in Hawaii: For a romantic getaway, I recommend the Hilton Hawaiian Beach Resort on Kalia Road.
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