Love conquers all, even a bad economy. While you're scrimping and saving to afford a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon or special vacation, use the downtime to scope out 10 of the planet's most romantic destinations -- so when you're good to go, you'll know where to go to make memories that last a lifetime!
San Francisco & Wine Country, california
Lovers easily can lose their hearts in San Francisco. The trolley's clang-clang-clang is music to their ears, as they hold hands in a cable car crawling up, down and over the hills of San Francisco. A walk or drive down Lombard Street, "The World's Crookedest Street," is an experience to remember. Shops in busy Chinatown lure passersby with fresh fish, produce and imported specialties. An ice cream at Ghirardelli’s is a must, as is a walk through touristy Fisherman’s Wharf. With more than 1000 acres of rose gardens, parkland and lakes, plus more than 1 million trees, Golden Gate Park is the perfect place to enjoy a multitude of activities including picnicking, music, golf, museums, music, and flower gardens while walking hand in hand.
It’s the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset, however, that takes the breath away and inspires some serious kissing. Only about an hour north of San Francisco is Napa Valley, with its many wineries and tours to tease the palate. Special menus are frequently prepared by celebrity chefs and include, of course, wine. Napa can be toured by limo, bus, carriage, train or hot air balloon.