Five
Ways to Make Your Next Flight Romantic by Paris Permenter and John Bigley
Think airline flights are just a
way to get from point A to point B? Think again. With some creative pre-trip
planning and the willingness to look for romantic opportunities all around
you, airline travel can get your next trip off to a loving start. Here
are some tips to turn your next flight into a romantic getaway:
1. At the airport, kiss every time
you pass a gate where a plane is boarding. Pretend one of you is leaving
and give each other a passionate kiss -- then move on to the next gate
and start all over.
2. Give your lover a mini-massage
during the flight. A hand massage can alleviate stress and relax your partner;
a foot massage can help feet swollen by long flights.
3. Can't get airline seats together?
Pass love notes.
4. Play a card game onboard--with
some sexy stakes so you both come out winners (and have something to look
forward to at the end of the flight!)
5. Hire a limousine to pick you up
at the airport.
Husband and wife team Paris Permenter
and John Bigley have authored over 20 guidebooks and also edit the FREE
Lovetripper.com
<A
HREF="http://www.lovetripper.com/">, a romantic
travel magazine featuring worldwide destinations.
Copyright Paris Permenter and
John Bigley
FINDING
YOUR OWN TEMPTATION ISLAND by Paris Permenter & John Bigley
Looking for a destination where the
two of you can tempt each other without the distractions of tours, shopping,
cities, and too many other travelers?
In the Caribbean, you'll find many
small islands where the emphasis can be on the two of you. When you're
ready to take a break from activity, sprinkled through the islands are
some hideaways that beg travelers to kick off their shoes, toss on some
sunscreen, then grab a book and a buddy.
Many islands even have a special
word for this lack of activity: limin', a way to enjoy life at a destination
where the livin' is easy.
TURKS AND CAICOS
"The number one activity here is
to do nothing," says Tom Lewis, general manager of Ocean Club, a low-rise
resort tucked on a quiet stretch of sand on the island of Providenciales.
And why not? Folks don't come to the remote Turks and Caicos islands, located
east of the Bahamas, to enjoy duty-free shopping, glitzy nightlife, or
days of sightseeing tours. They come for the beach, the sun, and the clear-as-white-rum
waters that surround these quiet islands.
Providenciales, better known as simply
Provo, boasts the largest portion of the Turks and Caicos population but
it is still open and unsettled. This sickle-shaped island is dotted with
scrubby growth, short palms and climbing sea grapes. Chalky limestone roads
wind across the flat island, connecting settlements like Blue Hills and
The Bight.
But the traveler to Provo will soon
realize that its desert terrain is just a backdrop to the beaches and clear
waters that are the main attractions. On some parts of the island the beaches
stretch for miles, dotted only with the footprints of iguanas or shorebirds.
You won't find beach vendors or hagglers on these shores, just a few tourists
and locals enjoying snorkeling or a swim in the gentle surf. High rises
are forbidden, with resorts built no taller than three stories.
And, if you're lucky, you may just
get the chance to meet Provo's most treasured resident: JoJo. This wild
dolphin has been sighted for 12 years along the island's north coast, the
only case ever documented of prolonged interaction between an individual
wild dolphin and humans. Often spotted swimming along the north shore or
near boats, JoJo is protected and the government has declared him a national
treasure.
TOBAGO
Locals say it's a destination for
the "newly wed and the nearly dead." Tobago may not be as well known as
its political partner Trinidad, but in the world of travelers looking for
peace and quiet it's the leader. Like city and country cousins, Trinidad
and Tobago each have their own unique personalities. While Trinidad bustles
with activity, tiny Tobago is a favorite with those looking to get away
from it all. It's treasured by the world's birders and also scuba divers,
who seek out giant manta rays near the village of Speyside. But most of
all, it's a place where travelers enjoy life that moves to a Caribbean
beat. Goats graze in every field; coconut palm-lined beaches offer quiet
getaways; luxury resorts pamper guests with everything from dining to spa
experiences.
On Tobago, nightlife is unique and
laid back. Once a week the island parties at "Sunday School," held every
Sunday in the community of Buccoo Village. This open-air street party doesn't
get cranked up until near midnight, so come prepared to stay up late and
enjoy the pulsating sounds of calypso and soca.
LITTLE CAYMAN
If you plan to spend most of your
time looking for that secluded strip of sand where you never see another
set of footprints, then Little Cayman should be your destination. It's
little changed from a century ago, a perfect place to get away from it
all and spend your day on a bicycle peddling empty roads, snorkeling in
pristine waters, or looking for that perfect beach.
Just 80 miles northeast of Grand
Cayman, Little Cayman is worlds apart in terms of atmosphere. Appropriate
to its name, this isle spans only 11 miles in length and two miles at its
widest point. Boasting none of the glitz of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman
does greet guests with all the basic comforts, including several small
lodges and condominiums with air-conditioning, satellite television, and
telephone service.
With just over 100 permanent residents,
the island's largest population is that of birds and iguanas. Over 2,000
Little Cayman Rock Iguanas inhabit the island, so many that "Iguana Crossing"
and "Iguana Right of Way" signs are posted throughout the island to protect
the five-foot long lizards.
Little Cayman's chief draw is its
ecotourism: diving, fishing, and bird watching. The late Phillipe Cousteau
called the island's Bloody Bay Wall one of the best dives of his life;
today it's still a favorite with divers.
NEVIS
Imagine a country inn where rooms
brim with antiques and are cooled by a gentle breeze off a wide porch.
You ease into a wicker chair, sip an icy drink, and enjoy a view unbroken
by roads, electrical lines, or even fellow travelers.
This is Nevis (pronounced NEE-vis),
an island that offers all the country comforts and bed-and-breakfast luxury
you might look for in a New England getaway. Here, however, palms replace
pines and color comes, not from scarlet leaves, but from azure seas, beaches
in shades of both black and white, and verdant forests that engulf the
island.
Nevis (along with St. Kitts, its
partner in this two-island nation) boasts one of the Caribbean's largest
concentrations of plantation homes. The islands were once dotted with sugar
plantations and greathouses, but today these stately manses have been transformed
into elegant bed-and-breakfast inns especially popular with European vacationers
and with Americans looking to experience a slice of the Caribbean "the
way it used to be." Don't look for reggae lessons, limbo contests or mixology
classes at these properties; instead, expect a sophisticated atmosphere
similar to a fine country inn where the emphasis lies, not on providing
fun for its guests, but in pointing the way for independent travelers to
make their own discoveries.
Columbus first named this island
because of the ever-present cloud that circled Mount Nevis, giving it almost
a snow-capped look. Today the cloud still lingers over the mountain peak.
Home to only 9,000 residents, this country cousin has a charming atmosphere
all its own, plus a good share of plantation houses where guests can enjoy
a look back at Caribbean history.
Husband and wife team Paris Permenter
and John Bigley have authored over 20 guidebooks and also edit the FREE
Lovetripper.com
<A
HREF="http://www.lovetripper.com/">, a romantic travel magazine featuring
worldwide destinations.
Copyright Paris Permenter and
John Bigley
All-Inclusive
Fun Photo and article by Paris Permenter and John Bigley
Are you looking for a vacation not
just from your routine but from your wallet as well? Then an all-inclusive
resort might be just the ticket. As the name suggests, all-inclusive means
that all activities, meals, drinks, transfers, and tips are included in
the price.
This all-inclusive policy means that
you're free to try anything you like without worrying about spending your
vacation budget for the next five years. Ever been curious about windsurfing?
Take a lesson. Want to know how to reggae dance? Throw off your shoes and
jump in line. Wonder how those brightly colored drinks with the funny umbrellas
taste? Belly up to the bar. You're free to try it all.
Some folks don't like all-inclusive
because of the concern (not unfounded) that once you've paid for the whole
package you'll be unlikely to leave the property to sample local restaurants
and explore the island.
The all-inclusive confinement is,
however, up to the individual couple. Perhaps your goal for this trip is
to languish away the mornings in bed, roll out to the beach, grab a rum
punch in one hand and your partner's hand in the other, and sit there until
the sun slowly sinks into the sea. An all-inclusive is just right for you.
You won't have to worry about taxis or rental cars or reservations.
Or maybe the two of you want to try
it all: scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, golf, or tennis. An all-inclusive
is just the ticket for you as well. The one-price-pays-all policy will
be a better deal than paying for individual lessons.
Who else should check out an all-inclusive?
Those who are:
·on a tight budget. You'll
know how much to put aside for the entire vacation before you ever buy
your ticket. Once you arrive, feel free to live like a king and never have
to count how much money's left or how high the tally's going on your credit
card. All-inclusives, like other hotels, come in a varied price range.
·traveling with the kids.
You can still have a romantic trip thanks to all-inclusive resorts with
children's programs. The kids will have fun doing age-appropriate activities,
making new friends, and learning about a new culture, while the two of
you enjoy a romantic respite.
·receiving the trip as a gift.
All-inclusive resort vacations are increasingly popular as wedding gifts.
They permit parents to pay for the trip up front and for honeymooners to
enjoy themselves without feeling like they're running up a huge tab for
parents or in-laws.
·getting married on your honeymoon.
Several all-inclusives offer free weddings; all offer various wedding packages.
You'll find experienced wedding planners at these resorts who can simplify
paperwork and make your wedding a special, hassle-free day.
We love all-inclusive resorts, but
we are careful to balance a stay there with island tours or visits to off-property
restaurants. Even with these extra expenditures, we've found most of these
resorts to be economical choices.
In selecting an all-inclusive, read
through the offerings carefully. Are all drinks included or just wine with
dinner? Are tips included? Airport transfers? Watersports but not motorized
sports? Scuba diving? Know what features are important to the two of you
and see if those are included in the package price.
You'll find many all-inclusies that
are specially geared to couples. The Sandals resorts, found in Jamaica,
the Bahamas, Antigua, and St. Lucia, are for couples only. SuperClubs has
a variety of excellent all-inclusives; their Hedonism II and III resorts
are for couples looking to get wild on their vacation, the Lido Resorts
offer a luxurious atmsophere, and the Breezes resorts are couples with
an eye on the budget but a real thirst for fun. While Club Med has several
family-friendly properties, many are geared to adults.
Husband and wife team Paris Permenter
and John Bigley have authored over 20 guidebooks and also edit the FREE
Lovetripper.com
<A
HREF="http://www.lovetripper.com/">, a romantic
travel magazine featuring worldwide destinations.
Copyright Paris Permenter and
John Bigley
High
Time for High Tea by Paris Permenter and John Bigley
After a day of busy sightseeing,
nothing is more romantic than to slow the pace. While there's always happy
hour, another choice--and a more nutritious one--is High Tea.
"Tea started in the 1840s and it
is mainly found in England," explains Gavin Webster, Food and Beverage
Manager of The Montague on the Gardens, a romantic London property directly
across from the British Museum. "It's not just what you're serving -- it's
what it's all about that makes high tea special."
What it's all about for lovers is
the opportunity to unwind and reflect on the day -- and the coming evening--
in a civilized way. The event begins with tea, served in a pot that's preheated
to stay warm. Varieties may range from Ceylon to jasmine tea.
Tea is typically served with sugar
cubes; both tea and sugar were once the mark of wealth. "They said that
sugar and tea were two riches that were savored because they were so expensive,"
explains The Montague's food and beverage manager as he serves high tea
in a small solarium just off the lobby.
Along with tea comes a tea stand,
a silver multi-tiered tray which holds finger sandwiches, pastries, and
scones. Traditionally the lower level holds the small cucumber or salmon
sandwiches. "Sandwiches are kept simply and rarely layered," notes Webster.
"The idea of the high tea is not really to fill yourself up; it's to chat."
Rising a level in the elegant tea
stand, guests can partake of delicate sweet breads and pastries before
reaching the crowning glory: scones. Served tucked beneath a protective
scone warmer, the fresh breads are served with clotted cream and raspberry
jam.
And although high tea began as a
little afternoon sustenance because of late night dining, today's high
tea has evolved into a elegant interlude. The Montague offers an intimate
solarium tucked just off the lobby. And although the mini-meal is offered
year around, cold weather means the perfect time for a spot of tea and
a quiet, cozy conversation. Pouring another cup of steaming tea as a slow
drizzle looms over London, Webster sums it up: "During winter, people like
to get away from the cold and have tea."
The Montague's Basic Scone Recipe
Makes 8
Ingredients
225g self rising flour
30g castor sugar (you may need to
substitute superfine sugar)
pinch of salt
30g frozen butter, cut into small
dice
140ml - 150ml cold milk
Glaze
1 beaten egg
a little milk
Preparation:
Pre-heat the oven to 220 degrees
Celsius/ 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Put the flour, sugar, salt in a processor
and mix. Add the butter and work again until the mixture resembles fine
bread crumbs. Add the milk in a thin stream through the feeder tube, stopping
as soon as the dough forms a ball. It should be moist but not sticking
to the sides. If it is too dry, simply add some more milk; if too wet,
add a little more flour. Turn out onto a heavily floured surface, form
into a ball and than gently press into a 2 cm thick round. Cut out and
brush with the glaze. Bake for 12 - 14 minutes and cool slightly on a rack.
Serve with butter, clotted cream and a selection of preserves.
Husband and wife team Paris Permenter
and John Bigley have authored over 20 guidebooks and also edit the FREE
Lovetripper.com
<A
HREF="http://www.lovetripper.com/">, a romantic travel magazine featuring
worldwide destinations.
Copyright Paris Permenter and
John Bigley
