A Romantic Vacation without leaving Home

The hectic pace of the holidays can be stressful and take the joy right out of the season for many people. The hustle and bustle can become downright tiresome.

To ensure that you don't experience the holidays from hell, why not take some time and get away from it all with your partner. What would be better than a romantic weekend for two than a romantic weekend for two without leaving home?

Traveling anywhere right now, even if it is just to the next town over, is almost guaranteed to be a bother. So why not take the easier, not to mention cheaper, route. May we suggest a weekend in Paris - the city of romance, the city of lights - all in the comfort of your own home. Why not?

One of the benefits of at home travel is that there is no need to pack - however you will need to pick up some supplies. First stop by the bakery for some baguettes, pain au chocolates and croissants. Next the grocer for some fresh fruit - think strawberries, grapes and mangos, cheeses - a mix of brie, camembert and Roquefort. Pop by the butchers for some chicken to make coq au vin and steak for filet mignon. Next off to a gourmet chocolate shop for some rich sweets and finally a quick stop at the liquor store for some good French wine - why not try a Baron Phillipe Merlot, Louis Jadot Pinot Noir or a Chateau de Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc.

It may seem like a lot but if you buy all your supplies on Thursday night or Friday after work, you won't need to stop at a store the entire weekend. It's worth it when you consider the throng of Christmas shoppers that invade the stores each weekend.

Here is a quick travel itinerary to ensure that you have lots to do but not too much - if you know what we mean.


Friday Night
Cook a great supper together. You make the salad and your partner can make the coq au vin. Set the table with candles, fresh flowers, wine glasses and use your best plates. Shut off the lights, gaze into each other's eyes, have too much wine, make silly toasts - have fun together and let everyday life slip away.

Have a cozy night in - This is the perfect night to watch some videos and just relax (turn the ringer off on your phone). Keeping the Paris theme in mind, try: An American in Paris - a classic musical with Gene Kelly, Forget Paris - a modern love story with Billy Crystal and Debra Winger or how about the sensual Last Tango In Paris with Marlon Brando. Get some comfortable pillows and blankets. Feed each other strawberries and chocolates. If you have a fireplace, light it.

Bedtime - Forgo the sweatpants or flannel jammies in favour of something a little more daring. How about some French lace or silky boxers? Remember the point of this weekend is to get away from everyday life.


Saturday
Sleep late - There are no chores to be done this weekend so there is no need to get up early. Eat brunch in bed. Make a tray of cheese, croissants, pain au chocolates and fresh fruit to eat leisurely.

Take a walk - Walk through your favourite neighbourhood or park. Stop in at a local coffeshop and talk over a steaming café au lait.

Get dressed up - Tonight head out for supper at that swanky French restaurant or that cozy little bistro. Order Champagne.

Dance the night away - Head to a club, a blues bar, or somewhere romantic where you can do a little dance, make a little love and get down tonight.


Sunday
Sleep in again - Have crepes or pancakes for breakfast topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

Be a Tourist - Check out your local museum or art gallery for a little culture or cheer on a local sports team. You have to get a little sightseeing in after all.

Massage - What is more relaxing than a great massage. Take turns being the masseuse. Use scented oils and savour this heavenly indulgence.

Have one last candle-lit supper - Make filet mignon, drink the rest of the wine and eat the last of the chocolate. Have a great time and vow to do it again soon.

Don't let the rush of the holidays get you down. Take time and get away from it all, even if it is only in your own home. If you have kids, send them to your parents, relatives or friend's house and promise that you will take theirs when they need a break. Bon voyage!