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		Best Travel Places For Romance Reprinted from February 2006 Issue -by SONDRA WILSON It’s February and you know what that means. February is the month where we celebrate Valentine’s Day, the month of love and the recipients of cupid’s arrow! This month I thought it might be fun to talk about some of my most favorite places for romance knowing that you most certainly have some of your own favorite romantic spots. It’s funny how travel experiences and romance can often overlap. Just transport yourself and see if we agree. • Nothing conjures up romance quite as much as being on the high seas on a luxurious cruise ship on my own private balcony watching the sunset. And once you have your own private balcony you will be spoiled forever. • Have you ever taken your shoes off and walked barefoot on a perfect beach feeling the sand between your toes. I never thought I was a beach kind of gal but I truly must be. A beautiful pink sand beach! There is nothing quite like it. Beaches in Hawaii are not to be missed and the perfect 80 degree weather and warm waters gives you the right atmosphere for romance. • There are certain places in the world that are so unique that nothing else can compare. Venice is one of those places. The culture, the history, the art, the food, the people, the smells. Nothing in the world is like Venice and to share that experience with someone you love is the ultimate high! • Have you ever been to Santa Fe, New Mexico? Yes, it is part of the United States. In fact, it’s the state capitol of New Mexico. I love Santa Fe. I appreciate the mix of Spanish and Indian culture. The architecture is unique unto itself. Sunsets in Santa Fe are spectacular. Walking the small streets of Santa Fe when the town is all yours and the day trippers have gone is a wonderfully romantic experience. Don’t miss the Santa Fe experience. • You don’t have to go far from home to find the perfect experience. We are so lucky to have Seattle in our own backyard. Brunch at Cafe Maximilian inside Pike Place Market watching the ferries ply the waters of Seattle’s harbor on its way to neighboring islands on a clear, blue sky day can’t be easily forgotten. My favorite hotel is The Inn at the Market. Ask for a room with a view and just chill out. Its fantastic location will automatically make you smile. If you are a foodie, wander the small alleyways and find fabulous ways to cook. Wander into Sur La Table. It’s right outside your hotel door. Find your own favorite Seattle spot. • If you have ever cruised Alaska, make sure you have a balcony and then settle into “The Glacier Breakfast” as you cruise some of Alaska’s glaciers. Sip Champagne and feast of some fabulous food as you see the bright blue of the glaciers and search for wildlife. Be sure to share this experience with your very own Valentine. • Have you ever toured Italy? In addition to Venice, another favorite place is Florence. The medieval feel of this city and its history and art are magnificent. Standing on the Ponte vechio in Florence overlooking the Arno River is life changing. And a short hop away is Tuscany. I could talk about Tuscany forever, but suffice to say there is nothing like it in the world. Anywhere in Tuscany has to be the best place in the world. • And while you are in Europe, don’t miss spring in the south of France. What affects me the most are the colors of Provence. Color just hits you in the face. The lavender and red poppies fields will stay with you forever. • The lovely sameness of the Caribbean and the diversity of the culture and language of each of the islands make it a great place for romance. That must be why so many choose to honeymoon there. My favorite Caribbean island is St. Barts, the French Riviera of the Caribbean. • The grace and beauty of Thailand tops my list as one of the world’s most romantic and yet exotic places. The amazing sights of Bangkok and the grace of its people and its culture are unique in the world. • And last but not least, my favorite street in the world, Cook Street in Indian Wells, California always makes me happy just to be there. Here you are surrounded by royal palms and beautiful flowers every day. Nothing makes me happier than driving down that street, preferably in a convertible and life is good! Remember there is no right or wrong answers to this romance travel quiz. Romance to me is travel. Everything about moving from your everyday life into a new scene makes you alive, involved and passionate. Travel to me is passion. Travel with someone you love and find the passion in life. Happy Valentines Day to your favorite Valentine.Sondra Wilson is president of Carlson Wagonlit Travel in the Tri-Cities.