Before we had kids, I remember that a lot of friends told me how important it would be for us to prioritize our relationship once we became parents. So, from the beginning, we tried to squeeze in date nights and ultimately started going away for long weekends. We’re lucky enough to have loving grandparents and trusted caregivers to look after our twins, allowing us to get these much-needed breaks. I have to say, these little vacays are reviving, not only for our well-being but for our relationship as well. While in the old days our travel involved some degree of adventuring and exploring, now we just focus on doing a whole lotta nothing. We read, we sit by the pool, we nap, we have mid-afternoon drinks. It’s amazing! Ah-mazing. Not only that, but away from the kids, we have a chance to reconnect with who we were before they showed up.
Whenever you can, I highly recommend sneaking away for a romantic vacation. There are so many cool spots to choose from, but here are some great escapes for every season.
January: The Florida Keys
image: Getty/Jupiterimages/Stockbyte
Why you’ll love it: Want to get away from the cold weather? You don’t have to travel all the way to the Caribbean for that tropical feeling. This cluster of islands, with its mangrove trees and turquoise blue water, is a laid-back, come-as-you-are escape, with perfect weather this time of year. You can lounge by the beach, do some day drinking, or get more active on snorkeling and diving excursions.
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn Key West
February: The Berkshires, Massachusetts
image: Getty/Herald Schoen/Picture Press
Why you’ll love it: You’ll really feel the romantic buzz in this rural New England area. If you’re looking for a mellow time, take scenic drives through the snowy hills, explore the quaint villages, or just snuggle by the fire with a hot cocoa and a warm blanket. Outdoorsy types can get out for some downhill or cross-country skiing at one of six ski areas. This February, the fifth annual 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival is going on in Pittsfield with tons of cool dance, music, and theater performances. If you love live entertainment and original art, it’s worth checking out.
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn Lenox/Pittsfield
March: Savannah, Georgia
image: Getty/John Cardasis/Photographer’s Choice
Why you’ll love it: This picturesque city feels like it’s been taken out of a romance novel or just a gorgeous dream, with its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, lush hanging trees, and the azaleas just starting to bloom. History buffs will enjoy taking tours of Savannah’s mansions, forts, and landmarks, whether by foot, riverboat, or trolley. You can even hop in a horse-drawn carriage for a romantic evening tour around town. There are also incredible golf courses in the area if you and your guy want to hit the greens.
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District
April: New Orleans, Louisiana
image: Getty/Nathan Steele/EyeEm
Why you’ll love it: You may think of New Orleans as the kind of town that frat boys hit up for spring break, but it’s actually a super cool spot for couples. In springtime, the weather is perfect for exploring the buzzing French Quarter and the historic architecture of the upscale Garden District. The food is out-of-this-world, matched only by the music that flows through in every bar and on every street corner. In the last week of April, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival kicks off, which is a must-have experience for all music fans.
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn French Quarter
May: Kauai, Hawaii
image: Getty/Makena Stock Media/Perspectives
Why you’ll love it: Known as the “Island of Discovery,” Kauai is a picture-perfect escape for any couple with a love for the great outdoors. You can hike Waimea Canyon, take a boat to see the cliffs of the Na Pali coast, or even kayak down the Wailua River to gorgeous waterfalls. If you’re feeling lazy, you can simply relax in side-by-side beach chairs on one of the island’s famed beaches.
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
June: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
image: Getty/Putt Sakdhnagool/Moment
Why you’ll love it: Outdoorsy types will love having the time to indulge in all of the amazing activities Jackson Hole has to offer. You can hit the trails of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park (about a ninety-minute drive away), go white water rafting or mountain biking, or just take a leisurely horseback ride through the gorgeous rugged scenery. You can even take a hot-air-balloon ride to experience the incredible views from above.
July: The Finger Lakes, New York
image: Getty/Toni Shi Photography/Moment
Why you’ll love it: This rural haven, made up of eleven lakes, has over 100 wineries, making it a cool destination for wine lovers. (Rieslings are a favorite!) In addition to tastings, there are gorgeous lakes, waterfalls, and several state parks to explore, but you’ll likely just want to sit back and enjoy the scenery with a glass of local wine.
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn Auburn
August: La Jolla, California
image: Getty/Danita Delimont/Gallo Images
Why you’ll love it: The Southern California beach village (part of San Diego) is known for its perfect year-round temps, but summertime is ideal for a sand-and-sea vacation. You’ll feel like you’re on the Italian coast as you experience the relaxed beach scene, with warm ocean waters that are in the seventies this time of year. For a romantic dinner, hit up the bustling Gaslamp Quarter in the heart of San Diego.
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Del Mar
September: Napa Valley, California
image: Getty/Trinette Reed/Blend Images
Why you’ll love it: There’s a reason why the Napa Valley is a favorite honeymoon spot—the place is all about romance! Obviously, there are the hundreds of wineries you could spend a lifetime exploring. The area itself, though, is idyllic, with lush hillsides and vine-covered fields, which you can take in on a long, relaxing bike ride. The area is known for more than just wine, though, with some of the world’s best restaurants and spas. This time of year is the grape harvest as well, so visitors can actually get in on the reaping action and maybe even stomp some grapes.
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn Napa
October: Stowe, Vermont
image: Getty/Izzet Keribar/Lonely Planet Images
Why you’ll love it: With a small, cozy village, this autumn retreat is the perfect spot for couples looking to get away from it all. When the temperature starts to drop, the maple trees start to show their fall colors, lighting up the mountains with orange and red hues. The first half of October is an ideal time to take in the fall foliage.
November: Asheville, North Carolina
image: Getty/Robert Loe/Moment Open
Why you’ll love it: Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this funky, artsy city is the last thing you might expect to find in such a traditional Southern state. Asheville is alive with culture—the downtown art districts are full of galleries and museums, as well as top quality restaurants, microbreweries, and cool shops. The city also gets a late season burst of fall foliage in the mountains, making it a visually stunning autumn destination.
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn Asheville Downtown
December: Telluride, Colorado
image: Getty/Walter Bibikow/The Image Bank
Why you’ll love it: Skiers and snowboarders flock to this former mining town for its unmatched slopes and amazing mountain views. At Christmastime, the town is lit up, turning it into a romantic winter wonderland, complete with ice skating and sleigh rides. Telluride doesn’t get the heavy crowds of many other ski resorts, making it a more tranquil winter getaway.
