Vacations travel

Sure
anywhere is romantic with the one you love
but some destinations just cry romance. Some of my favorites are:

1
– What's not to love about the "City of Lights"? The city's architecture
parks
and monuments are beautiful any time of year. Plus
it's next to impossible to get a bad meal in this town. Add dozens of interesting museums
the picturesque Seine River
some of the world's best shopping
and that Paris charm
and you've got a winner.

2
York City in December – New York City is interesting any time of year
but in December
when the city is decked out for the holidays
it's magical. The department windows feature charming holiday vignettes
the tree at Rockefeller Center glistens
ice skaters glide through Central Park
and the city sparkles with holiday lights.

3
Wine Country – Just north of San Francisco
California's wine country is a world away from the bustle of the city. Many of the region's wine estates welcome visitors for tastings and tours
and the area boasts dozens of small and interesting bed and breakfast inns
many with views of the vineyards. Napa and Sonoma Counties are home to a surprising number of excellent restaurants
which make use of the bountiful local produce and vintages.

4
– Speaking of wine country
consider a visit to one of the original wine countries – Tuscany. The rolling hills
just outside of Florence in central Italy
are home to hundreds of small wineries as well as picturesque stone farmhouses and casually elegant eateries.

5
– These islands have captivated travelers since the days of Paul Gauguin. Explore the French flavor of Papeete or venture to one of the smaller islands
such as Bora Bora or Moorea. You can even stay in a private cottage built on stilts over the calm Tahitian lagoon. The friendliness and welcoming nature of the Tahitian people is legendary.

6
– A little closer to home
but no less romantic
the Hawaiian Islands combine American customs with Polynesian culture. Add beautiful beaches
Trade Wind breezes
lilting island music
and dramatic volcanoes for a one-of-a-kind experience.

7
Castle in Ireland – Spending your honeymoon in a historic Irish castle is the stuff of which dreams are made. Consider a stay at the elegant stone fortress
Dromoland Castle
which hosts many of Ireland's state visitors
or the five-star Glenlo Abbey Hotel in Galaway
with its rolling hills
championship golf course
and gourmet dining.

8
and Breakfasts in New England – The New England countryside abounds in small
historic bed and breakfast inns and the region's scenery is enchanting any time of year – from the legendary fall foliage to the sparkling summer seashores. Explore the region's many parks and hiking trails; shop for antiques and homemade crafts in unique village stores; or sample fresh-from-the-sea lobsters
clams
and other seafood delights.

9
and Caicos Islands – Just an hour's flight away from south Florida
these islands offer some of the world's most beautiful stretches of white sand beach. Plus
at least at this writing
they are much less developed than other Caribbean island resorts. In addition to beach activities
you can explore the islands' coral reefs
try your luck at one of the small island casinos
or dine seaside on fresh conch.

10
Greek Island – From Mykonos to Corfu
from Crete to Santorini
the Greek Islands enchant with crystal clear water
simple and deliciously prepared food
white-washed buildings
and innate Greek friendliness. Plus
accommodations
food
and fun on the islands are surprisingly affordable.