The sour economic times have been, let’s face it, a bit of a fun vacuum. Gone are the days of frivolous indulgences and gas that costs less per gallon than a Starbucks Venti. In today’s world, we have to pinch pennies whenever possible, work even harder, and play even less. The possibility of jetting off to an exotic beach destination or cozy B&B just isn’t in the cards anymore. Or is it?
Sure, times may be tough, but that doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of the rest and relaxation you deserve. The old adage "work hard and play hard" can still ring true—you just have to know where to look. Even the busiest of couples need to carve out some time for a romantic getaway from time to time, and with a few tips and tricks, you can have your romance cake and eat it too.
Social Media for the Savvy Saver
By now, most of us are using social media sites like Facebook and Twitter on a daily basis. It’s a great way to keep up with the news, connect with friends, and follow the endlessly entertaining train of consciousness tweets from Charlie Sheen’s absurd Twitter account. But social media can be a great avenue for the smart shopper, as well. Airline, hotel, and travel booking companies are using social media as a way to offer discounts to travelers and valued customers.
Who to Follow:
-@traveldeals
--@travel_ticker
--@jetblue
--@unitedairlines
--@pleasantholiday
--@kimpton
--@marriottintl
--@jdvhotels
--@hotwire_deals
--@trazzler
--@expeida
--@omnihotels
--@travelzoo
--@hotel_max
--@fourtraveldeals
--@applevacations
Social Shopping: LivingSocial, life saver
The social shopping craze with sites like Groupon and LivingSocial is certainly alive and kicking. Just recently, LivingSocial’s sales for its Amazon.com voucher deal topped at 1.4 million deals sold. And now, they’re offering affordable weekend getaways and vacations via LivingSocial Escapes. Currently, they’re offering packages on the cheap from a "Roman Holiday" in Manhattan to a Mexican vacation for two to luxury accommodations on Lake Chatuge in Young Harris, GA. If you want to take a luxurious and romantic vacation with your sweetie but are too strapped to pay full price, sign up for LivingSocial Escapes and enjoy major savings to some of the most highly sought-after destinations.
Staycations
Of course, we’d all prefer to jet off somewhere exciting for the weekend, but sometimes that’s just not possible. If a "staycation" here in Richmond is your only option, you can still make it affordable, sexy and exciting; it’s just all in the planning.
For the couple that loves a little history and charm, Richmond is the perfect place to plan a romantic staycation. Downtown offers several lovely and historic hotels, from the beautiful and majestic Jefferson Hotel to the quaint and cozy Linden Row Inn. Take a sunset stroll on the Canal Walk and enjoy the river vistas. Then head down to the Boathouse at Rocketts Landing for a romantic dinner on the James River before heading back to your enchanting hotel for a romantic evening in.
If you’re looking for a more modern staycation, the ever-growing Short Pump offers an almost one-stop-shop for a romantic weekend for two. Book a room at the trendy aLoft hotel and you’ll be transported to a metropolitan oasis that feels more SoHo than Short Pump. The cozy and intimate Wine Loft is within walking distance, so you can reconnect over a glass of wine and small plates before catching a romantic comedy at Regal Short Pump. A classic date night with the added luxury of not having to make up your bed the next day? We’ll take it.
Virginia Getaways
You don’t have to travel to the beaches in Florida or the mountains of West Virginia to escape from the city. Virginia offers a plethora of unique, cool and romantic destinations that are perfect for a weekend getaway. Our picks? Virginia Beach, cozy B&Bs and cabins in the Shenandoah Valley, Tall Ship Cruises in Norfolk and overnight getaways to Washington, D.C.
Even when you’re pinching your pennies, you both deserve the opportunity to get away from it all and rekindle the romance. With travel deals floating around the interwebs, social shopping sites helping cut the costs of a luxurious vacation, and the possibility of making the most out of your city, each couple can find their own way to get away on the cheap. With a little effort and planning, you can whisk your honey away for a weekend without having to stay at a seedy motel or subsisting off canned food for the next six months.
Caroline is a 26-year-old single girl living in the Fan who has a prize collection of hotel shampoos and soaps. She works in PR for a non-profit by day and moonlights as Richmond.com's dating columnist. To learn more about Caroline visit http://carolinesplate.com, on Twitter @carolinesplate, or you can most likely find her out on the town on a Friday night.
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