I like Amsterdam (been there four times to be exact), but it's not exactly a romantic place unless your idea of romance is as a single man visiting the Red Light District. Pass.

Venice is overrated in my book. We have a Riverwalk down here in San Antonio where you can also watch garbage float by.

Paris is a quality choice. So too, Hawaii. Can't go wrong with either.

But if you really want to get exotic, why don't you try French Polynesia (Tahiti and Her Islands). I assume your Delta miles can be redeemed on Air France's service from LAX to PPT. Good luck.

[This message has been edited by cAAl (edited 01-14-2003).]

Phuket's a romantic destination and there's a very nice looking Marriott there. It's a short flight on TG from Bangkok.

I have no Delta miles I have US Air Dividend Mile (300K) and 100k on one pass. I am getting great suggestions. Guess I'll be on the web on these cold nights checking it all out

This female vote goes for...

1) tropics...very romantic...Kauai, Tahiti, Fiji, Bali...walking along the beach at sunset holding hands...nice

(stay AWAY from the mainstream places like Kanapali, Phuket, Kuda, etc.... there's not much romance to be found when dealing with the masses of people--and sellers).

2) European countryside with day trips to more mainstream spots...if you like things quaint and low-key. There's nothing like "finding" a small romantic bistro with great food & wine and enjoying the scenery and relaxation.

Best Wishes!

Romantic... my vote goes to Dublin. I know it's hokey, but it's quiet, loaded with pubs, and many hotels have great view of the lush green hills. However, if you want romantic *and* fun, then try London. It's a wild city and there are plenty of parks in London where one can get romantic. Why, the police have been arresting people there for having sex in London's public parks.

If South Africa is on your list I would suggest using your miles to get to Stockholm and then buying one of the fluke business class fares on Q7 to Johannesburg. It would keep the airfare cost down and allow you to fly upfront. Although I dont know if you would be interested in the connecting flights or Stockholm for that matter. see
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum42/HTML/001086.html
A South Africa and Stockholm combo.....that would make for an interesting and
?romantic? trip.

[This message has been edited by bennytma (edited 01-14-2003).]

Paris is a must do if it is romance you are looking for. A year or two ago Conde Nast rated the Jules Verne restaurant on top of the Eiffel Tower as the most romantic place you could spend Valentine's Day. If you go to Paris, you could spend several days there, then, take the high speed TGV to Nice for a few days on the french riviera. Nice is very nice, and very pleasant weather, which isn't always the case in Paris.

Cape Town

[This message has been edited by csb (edited 01-14-2003).]

Tuscany or the Italian Riviera

A second female vote goes for.....

There are lots of country walks in France - visit the Loire Valley and then you can day-hop into Paris. Also Switzerland has some absolutely BEAUTIFUL spots in the Alps. I spent one of the best nights ever in a little hostel (I was a student and poor - but there are also nice little B&B's) in the Alps walking and just watching the sunset over the snowcaps. Maybe Rudi could help with Swiss ideas.



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I Love New York -- Viva España

Go to Paris, but don't linger too long there. Rent a car, and drive down to Chambord, home to the largest chateau of the Loire valley. It's in the middle of what I believe is the largest nature preserve in France. If you're looking for accomodations that are romantic and pleasant (but by no means luxurious), you can stay at a small hotel right in Chambord, directly across from the chateau -- unfortunately I don't remember the name, but I'm sure it's in the guidebooks. Fax them well ahead of time, and ask for the corner room on the top floor with a view of the chateau. Go in early-mid September, when the crowds have subsided but the air is still warm; at night you will look out your window at the floodlit castle and (if you are like me) think it is approximately the most perfect thing you have ever seen. Time your visit right, and you will also hear the sounds of rutting stags wandering around the grounds of the castle. :-) (FYI, the hotel in Chambord is probably the cheapest hotel I've ever stayed at in France -- perhaps 60 USD for a double room per night. It is old, and quite faded around the edges, but the location is pure magic.)

While you're there, go to dinner at the Relais Bernard Robin in Bracieux, some 7 km south of Chambord. It's a Michelin 2-star, or was as of about 2 years ago, and a splendid place to have a romantic (and extravagant) meal. They may also have guestrooms (I really don't know), if you find the hotel in Chambord too quaint.

Have fun!

CountinPlaces,

There were some temporary problems after the latest server upgrades, that made it impossible to ensure thread moving was working correctly. I believe it's now fixed. I'll test this later today (just got back from a business trip).

I'll continue vigilant!

Pineybob,

KAUAI!!!!! Just got back from a trip with my wife (2nd honeymoon). First was in Bahamas, which was pretty bad. Kauai was spectacular, try to plan for about a week. Lots of things to do or you can just lounge around.

Take care.