Recently, TravelingMamas.com as a collective visited Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama to assess the current oil spill situation at this tourist destination. We not only found beautiful beaches begging for visitors, but we also discovered a new favorite luxury resort along the Gulf Coast – Turquoise Place.

Turquoise Place offered to host our entire group in one condominium unit. We were housed in an ultra luxury four bedroom condo. The property is owned and managed by Spectrum Resorts and runs the condo facility like a hotel. I arrived first, along with my mother. When I drove up to the towering structure, I felt like Dorothy entering the Emerald City (well, the Turquoise City). The property has covered parking and loads of amenities. Here’s my take on the property and the unit we stayed in – 2101.

Unit 2101 Living Areas: This four bedroom, 4 1/2 bath condo is an end unit located on the 21st floor. It has two balconies, with one very large wraparound balcony with hot tub, grill, lounge and dining area. It overlooks both the Gulf and the Bay. The kitchen offers plenty of space and gadgets for the gourmet cook, including a restaurant grade refridgerator, two dishwashers, and a curved granit topped bar counter with seating for six. The coffee maker uses cone filters and there is an electric coffee grinder for fresh coffee. The dining area seats six and the living area is a contemporary casual decor with the latest electronics and a sleeper sofa. A wet bar offers wine cooler and ice maker. A wash room in the unit is large and offers the newest appliances in front loading washer/dryers.

Unit 2101 Sleeping Areas: The bedrooms are in a split layout with three bedrooms sharing a bay view balcony. Each one has its own full bath and large closet space. The master bedroom includes bed, sitting area, and desk. The master bathroom is larger than the bedroom, with oversized Jacuzzi tub for two (or maybe four) and large walk-in shower. There is a dressing area, double sinks, and the toilet area is Euro-friendly with bidet. The master closet is big enough to pitch a few tents in.

Common Areas: This property has workout facilities, three pools (one salt water, one regular, one indoor), a lazy river, steam room, sauna, onsite spa, tiki bar, and of course the beach. There is an outdoor play area for the little ones near the lazy river and a slide at the indoor pool. There are also meeting spaces and there was even a wedding going on during our stay.

Other Amenities: There was wifi in our condo. Parking is covered and there is 24 hour security at the entrance. The concierge service will have groceries waiting for you in your condo if you give them one week’s notice prior to your visit. There is a beach chair rental service.

Location: Turquoise Place is located on the eastern side of Orange Beach and Perdido Pass can be seen from the resort. It is close enough to Gulf Shores and area attractions and restaurants, yet far enough away for peace and quiet while listening to the waves crash on the shore.

Pros: This condo style facility has the conveniences and space of home while being set in a beautiful location. Do a bit of grocery shopping beforehand and you never have to leave unless you really want to.

Cons: There is no property shuttle and taxi service can be very slow and expensive. While we did have wifi in our unit, only my netbook would connect (the other mamas had connection issues). No onsite restaurant, but I hear that’s in the works, as well as shuttle service.

Great For: Family vacations, girlfriend getaways, couples trips, multi-family travel, grandcations.

My Mama Moment: I had two moments. One was sitting on the balcony sipping my favorite coffee and listening to the waves crash. The other was floating in the indoor pool, listening to the music that can only be heard underwater.

Special thanks to Spectrum Resorts for hosting our lodging and the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau for inviting us to experience their destination. I’ve personally stayed in many lodging properties along the Gulf Coast and can confidently state that this is one of the most luxurious condo facilities in the Orange Beach area.

Orange Beach

I’ve always dreamed that at some point in my life I’d earn enough to purchase my own plantation. I’ve grown up in an area where these majestic homes have intrigued residents and visitors with the stories of the families who lived and died in these white mansions. Some of the stories are about history while other stories have an air of sadness, be it the infant who died of a fever or the slave mother who had her children torn away from her bosom. A few are even haunted or sit as an abandoned shell.

One such soul who had the means to purchase his dream plantation is Louisiana renaissance man, Kevin Kelly. He took an old sugar palace and restored her to the crowning glory that is Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. I’ve been lucky enough to be the recipient of Mr. Kelly’s hospitality many times over and each time we visit I learn a little bit more about his passion for Louisiana and the hopes he has for the restoration of tourism to the area.

A few months ago, when ThemeParkMom came for a visit to Baton Rouge, I wanted to show her the beauty of the place where I live. Of course, we had to make a stop at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens for a tour and an unexpected lunch with Mr. Kelly. Then, just yesterday a visitor from Chicago mentioned that he wanted to see a plantation on his drive from Lake Charles to New Orleans, but only had time for one home. The first place that came to mind if anyone had to choose just one Louisiana plantation tour is Houmas House.

I thought I’d share with you what makes a tour of Houmas House Plantation and Gardens feel special for me so that you can do the same. Be sure to watch the film in the gift shop before stepping out into the gardens.

The Gardens: All visitors go through the entrance which is located in the gift shop. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to mosey (not walk) through the flower-lined paths and around the pond. There is even a secret garden that meanders off the paved walkway. It is shaded and mysterious, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. As you reach the paved walkway again, be sure to take a few moments to behold the home from a distance. This is a fantastic photo spot and is also the site of many outdoor weddings on the grounds. Before you reach the other side of the house, take a stop at The Turtle Bar.

The Turtle Bar: I always start the rest of my tour with a mimosa from The Turtle Bar. Don’t worry if you don’t feel like imbibing in libations, you should step inside for a look anyway. The Turtle Bar is in a garconniere, which is where young single men were housed. It wasn’t proper to have single men and women sleeping in the same building during that era. This is also one of the few remaining (of not only one) still standing. Feel free to look around at the turtle shells hanging along the walls and even the stained glass windows hanging above the back door. Be sure to ask the bartender about the stained glass. Browse around until you hear the bell ring, then you know it’s time for your tour to begin.

The House: I love this tour because each time I go back I notice something different. There are no ropes blocking you from a room, nor signs telling you to stay off a priceless antique (but still have a care and respect the items). Mr. Kelly mentioned in one of our many conversations that when he was a little boy he hated taking tours of homes with rooms blocked off. It was then that he vowed to have a plantation where everything was accessible. Pictures can be taken downstairs but you can’t take any upstairs. Mr. Kelly actually lives in the home. Plus, there are some strangely cool items that just can’t be photographed – such as the vampire hunter kit. Don’t even try to take a picture of it because trust me, it won’t turn out.

The Food: After a tour, you’ll be hungry and there aren’t really too many places to choose from along the River Road. Also, you’d be silly to miss lunch at Cafe Burnside at Houmas House. My favorite dish is the crawfish pumpkin curry bisque. Chef Jeremy Langlois is one of the secrets of this place. His recipes are truly tempting and are tops on my list of best meals I’ve ever eaten. Did I mention he makes a mean risotto at Latil’s Landing, the fine dining restaurant? Plus, the wine cellar (ahem, garconierre) is to die for and has an extensive collection of bottles from all over the world. Be sure to call and make sure the restaurant is open and make reservations if dining in the evening.

As you can tell, I really enjoy Houmas House Plantation and Gardens and feel confident that should you find yourself in the area, you won’t be disappointed by visiting this property. A tour runs $20US and is well worth the price of admission. Now that the flowers are in bloom, I just may find myself driving back out there for another tour. I know I won’t be alone, though, as during a recent lunch with Mr. Kelly, numerous visitors came up to him telling them that they were visiting for a second time.

Staying near the French Quarter and don’t have your own transportation for this Louisiana planation tour? Old South Tours offers a package that includes a visit to Houmas House.

I’ve always been reluctant to cruise, but when Princess Cruises invited me to experience a cruise with a guest of my choosing for a Twitter press trip, it turned into the perfect opportunity to enjoy a romantic week with my husband. After all, Princess Cruises IS The Love Boat!

This was the first cruise for both of us and also our first romantic getaway in years. We were giddy with excitement as we chose our excursions and packed accordingly. We not only had to pack for ourselves, but we had to make sure the kids were prepared for a week with their grandparents. We took off on a flight to Ft. Lauderdale and our escape plan aboard the Crown Princess was implemented.

We boarded the Crown Princess and were shown directly to our stateroom, a mini-balcony suite. We met our cabin steward, Ed, who promptly delivered a glass of Champagne to each of us. Hubby and I enjoyed the fresh air on our balcony and toasted the start of our romantic getaway and discussed our first impression of stepping aboard the ship.

Passengers aboard the Crown Princess are welcomed in the Crown Plaza, a spacious Italian piazza style atrium that is the center of onboard activity throughout the cruise. The ship can accommodate over 3,000 passengers with 900 staterooms offering private balconies.

Stateroom: We enjoyed a mini balcony suite which included a separate sitting area with sleeper sofa, two televisions, a very comfortable queen-size bed, bathroom with tub/shower and a spacious balcony with seating for four. These mini-suites are approximately 323 square feet (including the balcony) and offer extra amenities such as in-room refridgerator and welcome Champagne. Suite occupants are also allowed exclusive use of Sabatini’s Restaurant for breakfast. A fresh flower arrangement decorated our room as a welcome and each afternoon we were treated to canapes and Twitter-themed treats. Tip: Be sure to take advantage of a romantic evening meal on your balcony ($50 per person).

Dining: There are a variety of dining options, including Traditional dining at Boticelli’s, Anytime dining at Michaelangelo and Da Vinci, Specialty dining (cover charge) at Sabatini’s, Crown Grill (steak and seafood) and balcony dining , as well as casual dining at many of the other places located around the ship. On one evening, we experience dining at the Chef’s Table, which includes a tour of the galley complete with appetizers and Champagne followed by a multi-course outstanding culinary experience ($75 per person). Tip: If you like soft drinks, purchase a soft drink card at the start of the cruise and get unlimited colas for around $4 per day.

Activities: We explored the ship and hubby was excited to discover a nine-hole putting course and virtual golf simulator. During our time at sea, he entered a golf tournament, ping-pong tournament, and bingo tournament. Each evening at turndown, Ed placed a copy of the Princess Patter which listed the following day’s activities. Tip: Bring a highlighter to mark activities of interest.

Entertainment: The Princess Theater offers Las Vegas style performances with lots of music and dancing. There are also many other entertainment venues and bars located throughout the ship. We preferred an evening of Movies Under the Stars (MUTS) where we lounged in poolside chairs snuggled up together under blankets provided by the ship. Movie candy and popcorn is served, along with a variety of movies throughout the cruise. Tip: Smokers can light up in Speakeasy Cigar Bar.

For the Kids: I did a walkabout of the children’s activity areas just in case I wanted to cruise aboard the Crown Princess at a future date with kids in tow. Activities are age appropriate with three age groups: Princess Pelicans (3-7), Shockwaves (8-12) and Remix (13-17). The youth and teen center has its own game room and movie room along with their own pool. I was more interested in the tween and teen areas which looked like pretty cool hangouts. Tip: Parents can take advantage of kid activity time to catch a spa treatment or other activity.

My Favorite Things: I loved the aspect of visiting different places and still sleeping in the same bed at night. I enjoyed eating at a restaurant and not having to pay a bill or drive home. I LOVED the couple’s massage at the Lotus Spa and laughed with the masseuse girls when my husband started snoring during his treatment. Most of all, I really enjoyed those morning cups of coffee with my husband as we gazed out at the ocean and realized we had escaped completely on our romantic cruise aboard the Crown Princess.

Our trip was hosted by Princess Cruises and would cost a consumer approximately $3900 in total to experience the same amenities, excursions, and all the extras that we enjoyed on the this trip, including airfare to Ft. Lauderdale. This is equivalent to to a week at a high-end all inclusive resort except you have the added benefit of visiting four destinations instead of one. I would recommend this experience for a honeymoon, milestone anniversary, or any special time for a couple to reconnect. Check out Princess Cruises Department of Romance for more ideas on how to enjoy a romantic escape.

I’m so excited about seeing all the other Mamas today at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino that I went to check out Marriott’s new forum for rewards members to find what great things there are to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico. One member, CorpTraveler, says, “We were referred to a local Puerto Rican restaurant on Tapia Ave. in San Juan. La Casita Blanca was one of the most enjoyable experiences in nearly three years of travel to the island.  Genuine home cooking, and a gracious host. Located in a seldom visited area of San Juan, it was safe, and parking was available.”

This is just one of the many tips you can pick up on Marriott Rewards Insiders, where members share candid travel advice and informed opinions about the rewards program, along with their intimate knowledge of the Marriott family of hotels and resorts.

To celebrate the launch of the Marriott website and our annual girlfriend getaway to the San Juan Marriott Resort &  Stellaris Casino, we’ve teamed up with Marriott to offer one lucky Traveling Mamas reader a Marriott $100 gift card to put towards your stay at any Marriott property!  To enter, simply leave your favorite travel tip in the comments section below. (We also highly suggest you share your travel knowledge with the folks at the Marriott Rewards Insiders forum, too!)

Contest ends Tuesday, March 31, at midnight (EST). We’ll announce the winner on Winning Wednesday. Normal TravelingMamas.com contest rules apply (US Citizen, none of our mothers can enter, etc)

Good luck and feel free to leave tips about San Juan that we can use during our stay this week. We’re still searching for local restaurants to sample and where to find the hottest spots to dance the night away – hey, no kids to worry about on this trip! We’ll be livin’ la vida loca…

I’m currently hiding out at Eagle Island, GA, a private island located in the inner coastal area of Georgia. This is a unique destination where all your worries and cares can be left behind. As I’m typing this, there is a bald eagle staring at me from her little hideaway in a tree above me. Whatever your reason for a visit, be it a romantic getaway, a family reunion, or just a place for all your friends to gather, you’ll find this a place to reconnect with nature and your companions.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive beach resort with 24 hour room service, you should look elsewhere, but if you want to bring your heart rate real low, visit Private Islands of Georgia.

Here’s a video I put together of how to get to Eagle Island and the natural setting of this wonderful retreat.

If you can’t see the video, the direct link is on the Traveling Mamas YouTube Page. I can’t wait to come back to Eagle Island and share it with my family on our travels, or even with the other mamas on a girlfriend getaway.

Picture yourself at Walt Disney World, pushing a stroller around, possibly on a multi-generational family trip, and you find nap time is quickly approaching – for everyone. You just want a little Me Time. There’s nothing wrong with that. Parents need to stay sane and take advantage of down time, or even treat themselves to a visit to the parks WITHOUT the kids. Family travel can get crazy, so why not ask a family member to watch the kids, so you and your spouse can have a few moments of adult time.

Did you know here are nearly 400 places to dine across Walt Disney World Resort? And that’s not counting the portable food carts. In all, more than 6,000 different food items are available. And chances are, if the restaurants aren’t in the Magic Kingdom, they just might have an adult beverages on the menu for you to enjoy. If wine is your poison of choice, then you’ll want to know that more than 600 sommeliers have been awarded the Court of Master Sommelier Introductory Certificate at Walt Disney World Resort, with more than 300 sommeliers currently in restaurants.

With so many restaurants and dining choices, where should you go for that “special” drink? Here are just of few of our top choices for a cocktail, beer, or wine while at Walt Disney World.

Epcot’s World Showcase

United Kingdom – The Rose and Crown Pub and Dining room brings visitors into Victorian England with its etched glass panels, dark mahogany bar and authentic dart board. If you are looking for hearty ale, this place offers specially designed ale warmer can heat your Guinness to 55 degrees, the temperature favored by Brits.

Mexico – The pavilion features a festive and colorful celebration of the beauty and culture of Mexico that is fun for guests of all ages. “Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros” is an excursion by tour boat through the vibrant, eye-filling sights and lively music of Mexico. This will get you in the mood to grab a delicious margarita from one of the nearby stands. If you are looking for a tequila bar, TravelingMamas.com hears that’s in the works for 2010.

Japan – In the Matsu-no-ma Lounge, visitors see a majestic view of Future World across the lagoon while sampling sushi, Japanese pickled vegetables, tempura and exotic specialty drinks.

Germany – Biergarten, an indoor German “courtyard” featuring a German Oktoberfest buffet. At lunch and dinner time, yodelers, dancers and other lederhosen-clad musicians perform an Oktoberfest dinner show. Guests are invited onstage to join in the musical fun. The wine shop nearby offers samples of Ice Wine for a few bucks. Definitely worth a try.

Other Venues at Disney with Alcohol

Victoria Falls at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Down a flight of stairs from the lobby, this mezzanine lounge serves wine and spirits imported from Africa, including Windhoek beer from Namibia and Imoya Brandy from South Africa. The specialty drink is a Victoria Falls Mist, with tangerine, melon and banana liqueurs. Animal Kingdom Lodge has the largest offering of South African wines anywhere in the US. Be sure to check out Jiko, The Cooking Place, too!

The Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Trendy cocktails are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Start the day with a Pomegranate Splash (vodka, pomegranate liqueur, cranberry juice and soda water) or the Ultimate Bloody Mary (organic vodka, Bloody Mary mix and a dash of red chili sauce). The Pure-tini mixes organic vodka with organic mango and passion fruit liqueur. The Antioxidant Cocktail features wild berry vodka, black raspberry liqueur, açai juice with agave, lychee, aloe juice and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Tune-In at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, next door to 50’s Prime Time Cafe, looks like a family den from the ’50s, with black-and-white TVs and campy retro furniture. You can choose kitschy drinks from “Dad’s Liquor Cabinet” like Uncle Tim’s Melon Margarita, Scooter’s Long Island Iced Tea or an Electric Lemonade. Beer and wine is offered, too.

Dawa Bar adjacent to Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Sit in the shade and sip a hard-to-find Tusker Beer from Africa or Safari Amber, brewed just for Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. South African wines are on the drink menu, too, along with cocktails like Lost on Safari with rum and fruit juices.

Mizner’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa - A live orchestra plays nostalgic Big Band sounds just outside the doors of this lounge tucked away on the second floor of the hotel. The lounge’s namesake is architect Addison Mizner, whose designs launched a “Florida Renaissance” in the 1920s, so the sophisticated drinks are apropos: champagnes, caipirinhas, mint juleps and cosmopolitans, along with nine vodkas, seven different single malt scotch whiskeys and after-dinner cognacs and ports.

There are more than 50 lounges in Walt Disney World hotels and three theme parks (no alcohol in Magic Kingdom. Again I stress. No alcohol in Magic Kingdom), making this list just a sampling of the many great place for big kids like parents to have their own magic time at Walt Disney World. If there’s a place you like us to know about, be sure to leave a comment, helping our readers discover new places to sample alcoholic libation.

If you find yourself wandering around looking for a place to buy alcohol at Disney, all you have to do is ask one of the friendly cast members, who can point you in the right direction.  Be sure to drink plenty of water while you’re in the parks also, as alcohol is dehydrating. Designate a driver or take advantage of Disney’s resort transportation. Cheers!

Last night, Peter Yesawich of YPartnership spoke to a group of international media at Disney World about a trend that has recently been identified in the travel industry: Celebration Vacations. The Traveling Mamas have been doing this for years (we celebrate everyday!), but now it’s got a name. After all, what better reason to travel than for a special occasion?

The nationwide YPartnership study uncovered that people are marking milestone anniversaries (like a blogiversary, ahem), honeymoons, family reunions, and a child’s first vacation, just to name some of the top celebratory reasons to travel. Other milestones, such as birthdays and retirement, give consumers a reason to travel. In fact, my own dad chose to celebrate his retirement with a trip to Disney World (his first visit) and brought the entire family along.

Top destinations for a Celebration Vacation:

1. Disney
2. Hawaii
3. Florida
4. Europe
5. Caribbean

When asked where they’d like to go for a Celebration Vacation with children, 40% of all consumers polled chose Disney as their first choice. Interestingly, both households with children, and those without, ranked Disney at the top.

Say what you might about Disney, but the numbers tell the tale. People overall love Disney, and as a mama who is enjoying my week at Walt Disney World with my tween, I have to say that this Celebration Vacation is a pretty sweet way to spend a special time. Everyone should experience the magic of Disney at least once in their lifetime. I’m so glad that my little girl has a wish that has come true and we are spending wonderful quality time together.

The overall message is that families are celebrating life by spending time and special moments together. I’m not just preaching, but I’m practicing this trend myself. Thank you, Disney, for putting more magic into my relationship with my daughter. Sniff.

This is probably the most embarrassing video I have posted yet. I take a visit to Hotel de Glace with a few girlfriends and we check out an onsite spa. I also issue a challenge to DesertMama.

I had the pleasure of experiencing a night at Auberge Ripplecove Inn and Spa located on Lake Massawippi after a day of shopping in Quebec’s Eastern Township Region. It is set on 12 private acres on a small peninsula. I was visiting as part of a girlfriend getaway group. When we arrived yesterday evening, I fell in love with the charm of the building. It looked so welcoming and inviting with the snow all around and the light from inside beckoning those of us out side.

I was shown to my room, Number 7, so that I could have a few minutes to change before dinner. Seven is one of my favorite numbers, and that alone excited me, but when the door opened and I stepped inside my home for the night, I gasped. The room was awesome and it made me feel like a rock star queen or a famous novelist who stopped by for a visit. The room’s theme is called City Chic and man, was it chic!

It was dark so I couldn’t see much outside of my window, but for the snow surrounding the Inn, so I changed into something a little dressier for dinner, because the atmosphere of the Ripplecove is that of comfortable elegance. I took a tour around the Inn, as there was still a bit of time before dinner began.

The Ripplecove Inn offers 35 different rooms, each with its own personality. There is even a secluded cabin and a larger house that has bigger suites. Many of the rooms were masculine and some were feminine in décor, but all were gorgeous. No matter which room guests choose (yes, guests pick their rooms during the reservation process), they won’t be disappointed. There is a cozy bar near the dining room, an onsite spa that is right out of the pages of a romance novel, and various other rooms for meetings, small receptions, or just to sit in front of a fireplace reading a book. My stay is during winter, but the Inn was originally built as an upscale fishing lodge that is quite frankly something out of a fairytale.

Dinner was an event that I will always remember. It was just us gals, so we all ended up eating in the kitchen at the Chef’s Table. We participated in the production (but not the cooking) each of us taking turns with the Innkeeper, Michel, and the Sommelier, Patrick, in serving the various courses. We even took a few moments between courses to raid the wine cellar.

Here is the menu of our dinner:

Amuse-Bouche Ripplecove, Atlantic Smoked Salmon enjoyed with Kir Royale au Cassis, North Hatley, Quebec.

Rabbit (Stanstead Farm) Cappollini Onions, Port Wine served with Chardonnay-Seyval, Les Pervenches, Farnham, Quebec 2007

Beef Tenderloin (Ferme Eumatimi) Like a Wellington, Celeriac Puree, Wild Huckleberry served with Cabernet Seyvernyi, Domaine Carone, Lanoraie, Quebec 2008

Everything is Maple served with a Homemade Faiselle Cheese paired with Porto Tawny, 10 years Otima, Warres’s

But the night didn’t end there. A few of us visited the Inn’s hot tub outside in the snow. We giggled and chatted and shared stories of motherhood and womanhood until we could hardly keep our eyes open. I returned to my room to enjoy a hot shower and promptly fell into bed. I woke up this morning with this gorgeous view to look at as I pack my bags for my return back to the US and the real world. From Quebec City’s Winter Carnival to Spa Eastman to this marvelous inn, it was a magical journey throughout Quebec and I can’t wait to share the rest of my adventure of this girlfriend getaway.

What is a romantic getaway and how can I surprise my partner with a trip for Valentine’s Day, our anniversary, a second honeymoon, or just because?

A romantic getaway is different for each person and each couple. Some couples prefer outdoor adventures, while others enjoy a luxurious retreat. Choosing where to go is the first step in the planning process. It might be a honeymoon. It might be an anniversary. You may not even be married, but are looking for some special time alone. Whatever the reason for your romantic getaway, you can’t go wrong by devoting time to your relationship.

Think about the activities your partner enjoys. There is a destination to suit any interest. There are mountain resorts for land lovers and beach resorts for tickling your toes in the sand. Some destinations are packed with activities, while other getaways are set in seclusion. The type of destination really depends on the traveler and the budget. And yes, there are getaways for all budgets, even those with no budget.

When planning a romantic getaway, you’ll want everything to be as perfect as humanly possible. Advanced planning can help your romantic getaway fall into place and be a trip to remember for a lifetime. Here are some tips for that special trip:

* Get a manicure and pedicure to feel sexy before you leave. Men need manicures, too!

* Pack items such as massage oils, a scented candle, and a favorite CD. This will help you set the mood of your resort room.

* Hire a chauffeured ride to the airport to help the trip start out right.

* Inquire during your planning phase about vow renewals. Some countries and islands require a certain length’s stay before a ceremony. Ask an on-site wedding coordinator to help with the details. If planning vow renewals, some places require the original marriage certificate.

* Ask the chef to re-create your wedding dinner or your first date meal. This can be set in a secluded area of the restaurant or even private dining in your room.

* Buy a card in the airport gift shop on the way home to thank your partner for a wonderful, romantic getaway.

What if you need a few ideas on where to go for that romantic escape? Never fear, The Traveling Mamas are here! We have an entire category dedicated to romantic getaways for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just because. Searching for a romantic package in Denver? Need some romance in San Diego? We’ve got you covered. Snuggle up for a little romance and renew those relationships this year.