Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and interest in finding the perfect romantic getaway is blooming. If you want to seriously wow your lover, forget about material offerings such as electronics and clothes. Think “experiential gifts”. What better way to spend Valentine’s day than spending quality time with your lover in an exotic destination? Below are 5 romantic destinations that will make your V day truly memorable.
France
Who can think of a better place for lovers than Paris on Valentine’s Day? If you’ve got the money, take your sweetheart on a whirlwind tour, beginning with the world-famous Eiffel Tower. If you’re hungry after the climb, find a charming little restaurant and order a three-course meal with champagne. Those breathtaking photos you shoot from the top of the tower and the pictures of this historic city will be cherished forever.
Hawaii
When you want to escape the cold and warm up, you can’t beat a trip to a tropical location. Celebrate your relationship with a singing Valentine in Honolulu or a quiet dinner at any of the restaurants on the islands. Take a cruise, and enjoy the view from the ship’s deck with a drink served in a coconut shell. Document your trip with pictures, and then select the best one to enlarge to poster-size and frame.
Italy
When you really want go all out, visiting Venice and taking a trip in an Italian gondola says “that’s amore.” Legend has it that in Turin, couples used to announce their engagement on Feb. 14. This Valentine’s Day, be sure to bring your camera when you tour Lake Como, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany or Verona. Take the best photos from your trip to Italy and put them on “his” and “hers” mugs.
New York City
The Big Apple has enough charm and appeal for two, especially on Valentine’s Day. Take your true love to the top of the Statue of Liberty and declare your sentiments, or tell her how you feel while riding in a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park. Take in a romantic show together on Broadway, or let her sightsee along Times Square. New York is a picture taker’s heaven, and when you select your favourite photos and make them into a calendar, you can remember your special trip for months to come.
Savannah, Georgia
Try a little deep south to woo your sweetheart with a trip to historic Savannah. Tourism is big here, and a Valentine’s riverboat cruise with roses, fine chocolates, champagne and live entertainment won’t soon be forgotten. Stroll down the streets and take in the moss-covered trees and gorgeous homes. Capture scene after scene on your camera, then make unique greeting cards or post cards with the best photos.
The art of digital photography has come a long way since the days of black-and-white pictures and film cameras. You don’t need to be an expert photographer to get great shots, and modern technology allows you to put your best images anywhere you like. A picture is worth a thousand words, so this Valentine’s Day use your camera as a tool to express your feelings and tell your story. Get as creative as you like, because love is in the air.
When you do find a destination, taking lots of pictures and creating personalized photo albums will keep your memories fresh. Photographic images can be transferred to almost any surface.
Margaret Hemingway is a blogger and mom of 4 and occasionally blogs for Elephoto, a Canadian service that allows visitors to create photo books, albums, cards, calendars, canvas prints and more. Elephoto also provides great valentine’s day gift ideas.