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Planning a couples vacation? Make it a dream a deux That long awaited "escape from the everyday" is approaching. You and your partner are discussing the wheres, whens and hows of your vacation. To make sure you come back with wonderful memories, we have collected a few dos and don't to make your trip a happy experience. Check out the best time to visit When planning, check when the citizens of the countries you want to visit take their vacation. In Europe everyone is on the move between mid-June and mid-September, the prime vacation time to avoid, so you won't end up competing with millions of other travelers for hotels, fares, restaurants and sites. Be sure to also check for religious and local holidays. Some cities or regions literally shut down for religious or political celebrations. Book attractions online Get tickets on line ahead of time for cultural events, well-known sites or museums rather than spending your holidays standing in line for hours. Prepare for a pleasant stay Sleepless nights can dampen any experience. Are you allergic to feather pillows often used in Europe or South American hotels? Or do you need a special soft pillow not to strain your neck? Pack your own to assure a good night's sleep, essential to enjoy your event filled days. In addition, check out room locations at your chosen hotel before you book your room. Talk to a friend who has stayed there or the housekeeper before making reservations. She knows which rooms are quiet and which are not. Flexible? You could save big! If you decide to suddenly to get up and go, check with a travel wholesalers for top ticket bargains. David, an executive with All Continents Travel, a national consolidator, says that you can often beat any discounted price on the web if you book on a last minute basis or just weeks before departure. Each wholesaler has different relationships with the various airlines. His company, for example, discounts all economy and certain business and first class fares. (800-368-6822 or 800-224-1097). You can find other wholesalers in the Sunday travel section of your local newspaper or on the web under "Wholesale Airline Bargain Fares". Arrange your togetherness Twenty-four/seven togetherness is not your usual daily pattern whether you're married, live together or have your own digs. That means a vacation together offers some challenges, but it also gives you the chance to re-ignite your relationship, recapture romance and intimacy. Plan all aspects of your trip together; including discussing the budget to avoid awkward or unhappy moments when it comes to paying the bill. Schedule in private time and private expenses so each of you can do and see what you love and your partner may not be keen about. If one or the other of you feels left out of the planning process, it can easily cast shadows on your time in the sun. Leave time to enjoy Don't over-plan your long-awaited vacation!! Leave time for the unexpected, such as a long, lazy morning with breakfast served in bed or a picnic at a lovely beach with cheese, fruits and a bottle of wine shopped at the local outdoor market. Sit by a fountain under a starlit sky and hug like you used to, then hit a local disco and enjoy the smoochy tunes. And plan for romance After lots of sightseeing, arrange for a soothing double massage followed by a completely relaxed, romantic dinner during which you two visit fond memories together. Recall how you met and how you felt about each other. You might even bring along some pictures from those early days or your wedding to reawaken all those wonderful feelings. Passion can be rekindled. You can rediscover how much you mean to each other. A vacation is the perfect time to reconnect. Jacqui E-mail Jacqui your question: info@veryprivate.com or by regular mail to: PO Box 491341, Los Angeles, CA 90049. Visit: www.veryprivate.com We never reveal or give out names or addresses. (c) 2005 Brandwynne Corp. All rights reserved.