BECAUSE CHOCOLATES MELT AND FLOWERS DIE...

Instead of buying jewelry and chocolate this Valentine's Day, why not consider planning a trip for you and your sweetheart? New research commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association reports couples who travel together are significantly more satisfied with their relationships; enjoying better sex and improved romance long after the trip ends. I don’t think that is very surprising…we’ve all known that couples who travel together have healthier, happier relationships compared to those who don’t. ​

So maybe, this Valentine’s Day, couples should re-think the traditional calorie-laden gifts and strengthen their relationships by planning a romantic getaway!
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Scientific research (by the US Travel Association) has found that:

Couples prefer taking a short trip to exchanging tangible gifts - Nearly two- thirds of couples (63%) surveyed say a weekend getaway is more likely to spark romance than large or small gifts. Just one-third (36%) viewed receiving small gifts the same way, and only 15% rated getting big gifts like jewelry as important to improving romance.

• Traveling alone together sparks romance – More than eight in ten (83%) of those who travel regularly as a couple say the romance is still alive in their relationship, and fully seven in ten (72%) of the couples surveyed believe traveling inspires romance.

• Couples who travel together report having a better sex life than those who don't – Three-quarters (77%) of respondents who travel as a couple say that they have a good sex life, compared to 63% of couples who do not travel together. More than one in every four couples (28%) say their sex life improved after traveling together and of those, 40% say sex together is permanently better after travel.

• Couples who travel together have more time for intimacy and sex – A majority (59%) of couples say that being more intimate is an important reason to vacation together. Among couples that did not take a trip together in the past year, nearly one in four (23%) say they "do not have enough time for intimacy and sex."

The survey interviewed 10,000 adults and found that travel can boost romance because it allows couples time to talk, reconnect and share new experiences. It also provides a change of scenery and a break from the routine of children, chores and busy schedules. And here’s even better news: It doesn’t even have to be a super expensive getaway to work! Of course, a week on BoraBora in a romantic overwater bungalow can totally make the earth move…but even a Saturday night in a nice hotel suite driving-distance from your home can offer a much-needed opportunity to re-connect and finally check out some of the great restaurants and sights that you have been wanting to experience together. Just make sure to allow for a late check-out and breakfast in bed!!

So once again, travel is the answer! I am always reminded of the quote, “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”. Valentine’s Day is Sunday…are you panicking and tempted to visit the local florist, chocolate shop and/or jewelry store again this year? Do you want your dear one's friends to exclaim "I'll have what she's having!"? Why not call your favorite travel professional for some great ideas? Believe me….you will thank me later!
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