Falling in Love with Travel

Is it just me, or is the lack of Vitamin D making us all a little crazy this time of year? The darkness of winter seems to be lasting forever! As an over committed mom of two with a mixed family, my New Year’s resolution was to spend more meaningful time with my loved ones. A month in, and so far my resolution has been as successful as my attempts to get my kids to hang up their coats and put away their boots. Alas, my goal to be more purposeful figuratively resembles the sludge and salt from my kids’ boots tracked all over my freshly cleaned floor. Somewhere between gymnastics practices, Girl Scouts, wrestling, hockey, that one birthday party we all forgot about, I seem to have lost all time for myself. How do those insanely organized parents do it all? I am convinced it must be a facade.

Don’t forget about my other half. Mr. Casanova and I pretty much pass each other in the kitchen swapping to-go coffee mugs and a short kiss as I pull on my heels and run out the door. So much of our time is spent just trying to make it all work. Between work and the kiddos, our relationship always seems to take a back seat. I really got to thinking: When was the last time we spent quality time together? When was the last time I was able to make time for us? A distant memory of a trip to Bonaire for seven, sunny, adventurous days, baha-ing around in a pickup truck driving down the coast to Turtle City with the wind in my hair. I can’t remember the last time I felt so free to concentrate on me, on my love for my other half. We sipped whiskey with locals in a hole-in-the-wall cantina and discovered new things together as we conquered the islands best dive sites. It occurred to me, how amazing travel and love seem to go hand in hand, it’s like falling in love all over again. We don’t take the time to remember what that feels like.

Suffice to say, we need some time together, I really think all couples do. So, I called the people I knew who could help me satisfy my need for a little spark in my life—Fox World Travel. They helped me start devising a plan. With how little our time is together, I wanted to make sure our trip was perfect and our time was well planned. I can’t even get my kids to put on matching socks, how would I have time to plan the perfect romantic escape without losing my mind? The experts at Fox had been to so many of these places, even as recently as last week, so they could really give me the inside scoop.

So here it is friends! If you too are feeling like your love at home or your love of travel needs a little attention, I hope—in the most romantic month of the year—my curated list of the top five places you absolutely CAN’T overlook this month hits that “loving feeling.”

Bruges BELGIUM

This well-preserved medieval city is truly a “fairy tale” city. Charming pubs serving delicious Belgium beer, where you can snuggle up close and perhaps share some of the best chocolate in ALL of Europe, nothing says romance like chocolate right? There are over 80 bridges crossing the city’s many canals for romantic strolls hand in hand. Of course, Lake of Love with the fabled lovers bridge makes it easy to see why this place can get you in the mood.

New York NEW YORK

With all the hustle and bustle of the city, sometimes we all need to be reminded what a romantic city it really is. The list of romantic things to do is endless: picnic in Central Park, cosmos on a rooftop bar, a sunset cruise on the Hudson, fine dining at one of the many Michelin Star restaurants, countless art galleries and of course, the Empire State Building. Bonus idea? How about the NYC Public Library (hey, if it’s good enough for Carrie’s wedding to Mr. Big, it’s got to have something to offer, right?!).

Santorini GREECE

This Greek island is stunningly beautiful with its whitewashed villages, dramatic cliffs and black sand beaches. For those who are looking to relax, Santorini offers serene tranquility. And for those looking to include a bit of activity, you can have that too! Visit the Minoan Ruins, shop in Fira or visit one of the iconic blue domed churches. Santorini’s culinary scene is thriving – what could be more romantic than a sunset view overlooking the Caldera while enjoying fabulous seafood and the dry, white wine the island is known for? Fox World Travel’s favorite splurge for a truly romantic hotel: Katik. You’ll be awestruck.

St. Lucia CARIBBEAN

There are so many Caribbean islands that could be considered “romantic”, but my friends at Fox insist St. Lucia is at the top of the list. With its natural beauty, fantastic beaches, the Piton Mountains, and the friendliest people; this island is an easy favorite. The island also has some of Fox World Travel’s favorite resorts for couples looking to reconnect. A favorite pick amongst all of the travel specialist at Fox, who have been absolutely everywhere is the Ladera. Our Destination Wedding experts also say the Royalton St. Lucia as a wonderful place for weddings, honeymoons and romantic getaways.

Bora Bora FRENCH POLYNESIA

Cliche? Maybe. Well deserved? ABSOLUTELY. Remember, the Foxspecialists have traveled the WORLD, and Bora Bora? Its reputation as the romance capital of the world precedes it because it’s well deserved. Superb beaches, crystal clear blue water, coral reefs and of course the much talked about, over-the-water bungalows.