Travel Tips & Trips — Ellen Barone

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Romance

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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 .

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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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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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Let A Vinho Verde Rosé Warm Your Heart this Valentine’s Day

I’m just back from a weeklong romp through the Vinho Verde wine region in Northern Portugal where some of the most popular Portuguese roses are produced. This crisp wine with a hint of strawberry has a lower alcohol content than most wines, making it very drinkable with a Valentine’s Day dinner or as a refreshing after-dinner drink.

Vinho Verde roses offer a unique option for a romantic dinner or a simple evening in with a bottle of wine. Try pairing it with chicken, shellfish or a bold seafood dish. Vinho Verde roses can also tame the bite of spicy foods and complement the sometimes hard to match exotic flavors in Indian and Thai cuisine. The Quintas das Arcas, Arca Nova Rose 2008 is a great example of the region’s quality roses.

Roses and other pink wines have gotten a bad rap in the United States, largely being stereotyped as sickly sweet, low quality beverages. Wine drinkers will likely be surprised by these Portuguese roses for their dry and crisp flavor with fruity undertones and a hint of spice. This sometimes savory wine is made from indigenous local grapes such as the Alvarelhao, Pedral, Espadeira and Vinhao, and ranges from the slightest pink to nearly red. 

Portugal’s young and adventurous wine makers are often willing to try new things and the rose trend is no exception. A few years ago, wineries rarely produced this pink wine, but today, roses make up about five percent of the region’s wine production.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Last-Minute Valentine’s Getaway Gifts From Triple Creek Ranch & Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort

TWO COLORFUL ESCAPES FOR A VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT:  BIG SKY MONTANA AND THE COSTA RICA RAINFOREST

Book A Blue or Green Holiday Now and Celebrate throughout the Year

Enjoy the gift of a travel escape to either Montana or Costa Rica for a truly romantic experience full of elegance, relaxation, and adventure. Triple Creek Ranch (Darby, Montana) and Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort (Arenal, Costa Rica) are both offering packages that will let couples indulge to the fullest.

Triple Creek Ranch, Montana – Mountain Romance Package

The Relais & Chateaux adults-only hideaway in Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains becomes even more romantic as a Valentine’s Day present. After a wonderful day of outdoor activities under the beautiful “blue” sky including horseback riding, cross-country skiing and hiking (or snowshoeing), indulge in Executive Pastry Chef Christopher Whitten’s chocolate selections or wine expert Jeremy White’s pairing suggestions with dinner.  

 

The four-night “Mountain Romance” package includes:

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Picture Perfect Riviera Nayarit Now Offering Honeymoon Packages

Honeymoon packages in Riviera Nayarit offer great value and for an added free bonus, breathtaking Pacific ocean sunset views


Celebrate love in Riviera Nayarit with honeymoon packages offered in a variety of hotels from luxury resorts to intimate B&Bs. Mexico’s newest destination, Riviera Nayarit, is ideal for couples looking for a romantic Mexican beach vacation made even easier with the several hotel packages available to elevate romance, ensure fun and guarantee relaxation.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Do You Need Couples Bootcamp?

Check out this Canadian twist on city-slicker couples therapy…

Kick-start your relationship with a weekend at Elkin Creek Guest Ranch Couples Bootcamp (September 24 - 27, 2009), cowboy certified to help couples reconnect and ride off into the romantic sunset. 

Designed to rekindle romance, encourage teamwork and add in a taste of unexpected adventure, the Couples Bootcamp promises to whip any hum-drum relationship back into shape. The 3-night package is priced at $675.00 USD (based on a 1.22 exchange rate) per person and includes three nights of luxurious accommodation, gourmet meals, and the Elkin Creek Guest Ranch’s complete Couples Bootcamp program and activities. 

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".