What do men and women really want for Valentine's Day?

a guest article by B&B expert, Marti Mayne

The Distinctive Inns of New England have spent some time researching what women and men really want for Valentine’s Day. And the answers may surprise you.

While women do love their flowers, romantic escapes and chocolates, it’s the sentiment that comes with the gift that really counts. And while some men may answer the question about what they want most for Valentine’s Day with a three letter word, the majority are more interested in their loved ones’ happiness. 

Surprised? 

Read the two part series in the Distinctive Inns of New England’s blog .

Sweet Inn-dulgence: Valentine's Day B&B Romance Packages

Finding a Valentine’s getaway just got easier. Travelers can now explore a selection of romance packages and specials available at North America inns by visiting Select Registry’s new website, http://www.selectregistry.com/valentines. Browse by inn location, package type, or amenities - such as a spa or culinary experience. 

Select Registry B&Bs offer luxurious drive-to escapes in scenic locales across the United States and Canada. Rendezvous without the costs or romance-busters of air travel, rental cars and hasty breakfasts. Romantic ambiance, one-of-a-kind amenities and delicious breakfasts are all part of the package.

For couples seeking a one-of-a-kind retreat this Valentine’s Day and beyond, here are a few of the romance packages available: 

Honor Mansion - Healdsburg, California

Escape to a romantic three-night retreat in the heart of California’s renowned Sonoma Wine Country. Honor Mansion’s Valentine’s Day Package pampers with candle-lit rose petal turndown upon arrival (or at another time upon request); handcrafted chocolates; local sparkling wine with keepsake flutes; and a romantic movie to enjoy in-room with popcorn and as a take-home gift. Guests choose from thirteen spacious guestrooms, private cottages and luxurious suites, all spread over four landscaped acres. Amenities include romantic sleigh and canopy beds, hand-carved fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, iPod radios, and private terraces with outdoor spa tub for two. This package is offered complimentary with any three-night stay, starting any time, Feb. 10 – 15, 2011. 

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What Kind Of Traveler Are You?

How well do you know your travel style?

Like any tribe, we wanderlusts are a varied lot: old, young, rich, poor, introvert, extrovert, wild, not so wild, and everything in between.

Some of us wouldn’t think of leaving home without a Smartphone and laptop. For others, tossing off the technological tethers is the very essence of a vacation. One traveler’s heaven can be another’s hell.

At best, knowing what kind of traveler you are can be liberating. At the least, it can save a marriage, friendship or a family holiday.  

So, what kind of traveler are you? Take this quiz to find out.

1)   Baggage

a.             The size and heft of your luggage is a running joke in your family. No matter how good your intentions, you still end up paying out at check-in.  

b.              Where you once saw the wisdom in packing for every condition your trip may require, rising baggage fees and lost luggage stats have you down to a reasonable one checked bag maximum.

c.             You are a carry-on only kind of traveler and could teach seminars on how to travel light. You load up the travel vest, slip on your security-friendly shoes and snub your nose at those lesser mortals still schlepping their yesteryear coffin-sized suitcases.

2)   Action

a.              You worked 360 days for this weeklong vacay and you plan to enjoy every minute of it. From the breakfast buffet to the afternoon museum exhibition and midnight tango lessons, you didn’t travel halfway across the world to just hang out.

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Top 10 Romantic Getaways for Valentine's Day 2010

Away.com Launches Romance Guides, Names Top 10 Romantic Destinations for 2010

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the travel-planning site Away.com launched “Away.com Romance Travel Guides,” giving amorous travelers the inside scoop on the 45 most romantic destinations worldwide.

From the hottest spots to catch a beautiful sunset to the most romantic hotels and restaurants, Away.com’s experts uncover new ideas for getaways that set the mood for romance. Plus, an interactive map lets travelers quickly browse for trip suggestions, and more than 20 photo galleries provide ample inspiration.

If you’re planning a getaway for Valentine’s Day or another special occasion but are not quite sure where to go, Away.com has selected the top 10 romantic getaways for 2010.

Away.com’s Top 10 Romantic Destinations(1)

  1     Bermuda
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  2     Paris, France
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  3     Kauai, Hawaii
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  4     New Orleans, Louisiana
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  5     Riviera Maya, Mexico
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  6     Bali, Indonesia
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  7     Venice, Italy
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  8     Vancouver, Canada
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  9     Fiji, Australia-Pacific
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  10    Miami, Florida

View the complete Romance Guide, full destination descriptions, photos and more at http://away.com/romance.

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Elopecations - Lake Placid & Santa Fe

Elope-a-moon at The Inn of the Five Graces and Lake Placid Lodge

You’ve forgone the hundreds of guests, sidestepped the photo courtesy Inn of Five Gracesdozens of vendors clamoring for a dime, and successfully ducked the barrage of pastel colored taffeta bridesmaid dresses. But that doesn’t mean you’re left at City Hall. More and more brides and grooms seem to be opting for that “elopecation” – elopements combined with honeymoons – than ever before, and two Garrett Hotel Group Relais & Châteaux properties, The Inn of the Five Graces and Lake Placid Lodge, are helping those individuals skip the “big fussy wedding” and presenting couples with seductive elopement diversions, heightening the romance.

As Santa Fe celebrates its 400th birthday, excitement surrounds The Inn of the Five Graces, giving nuptials a whole new meaning this year. The popular Elopement Menu provides four colorful choices of distinctive ceremonies [$300 and up]. Couples who stay at The Inn of the Five Graces for three days or more will receive the wedding ceremony as a gift from the management. The elopement menu includes:

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