The problem with romance is that sometimes it wans. Couples need a break or time away, and the travel industry banks on that type of spontaneity. However, even the travel industry can become clogged with over-hyped and over-trafficked cruises, beach all-inclusives, and the standard romantic hideaways.
Romance occasionally hinges on the ability to create. Create pilgrimages, fantastic sensual cuisines and flavors, or kick-up all of one’s senses.

Himalayas

Getting to any one of the countries that bounds the Himalayas is a trip in itself, and an inspiration to the exotic imagination--countries such as India, Tibet and Nepal. The mountain range is the gateway to some of the world’s greatest and most at-odds religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Perhaps this is why it is considered by some to be a religious or spiritual pilgrimage.

Nepal, one of the most spiritual of countries, is characterized by the peaks of the Himalayas, the capital of Khatmandu. Tibet is the homeland of the Dali Lama, the spiritual leader of the Buddhists. India’s city of Kashmir, is just one of the country’s five regions that are engulfed by the Himalayas. For India, these mountains have been the path for Hindu pilgrims for centuries. Visiting the Himalayas, though well-written about, is as exotic as the peaks are high. The novice traveler would be advised to find a tour group or travel package with English-speaking guides as getting to many locations is complex and climate and other travel conditions can be harsh and variable.

Exotic Islands

Trinidad and Tobago boast some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and Caribbean culture. Each year, Trinidad and Tobago host their annual Carnival, a ramped-up island-style Mardi Gras with fantastic plumed costumes and head-dresses. Island revelers from all over the world dance non-stop in the streets to the incessant beat of “soca” bands and the effects of island rum. A quick flight over to Tobago is recommended for the beaches. Also great scuba diving and snorkeling spots off the islands’ coral reefs are recommended.

Were you aware that Africa had islands? The Seychelles islands are located miles off the coast of South Africa in the Indian Ocean. Small, tropical and very out-of-the-way, check these out for a romantic escape from it all. Island-style accommodations, lots of local culture and flavor, limited reservations and long quiet beaches, make these islands—over 100 of them-- appealing for special occasions. For online visitor information go to “The Seychelles Super Site” at http://www.sey.net. And be sure to consult your travel agent when looking for more exotic locales.