For some of us, planning a romantic getaway is second nature. Looking for venues, making reservations, and drumming up romantic ideas may come easy for some, but for most of us, planning great romantic getaways can be a daunting task. Where does one start? Maybe you are already thinking of a tropical venue, filled with sand, sun, and expensive chilled drinks. Or maybe you are looking for something more rustic, like a log cabin to reconnect with nature and your significant other.

No matter what you already have in mind, here are some tips that you’ll need in order to make sure that your romantic getaway is restful and enjoyable.

The first thing is to have a budget in mind. It’s too easy these days to just swipe the whole trip on to one’s credit card with reckless abandon, but don’t forget that those bills will be waiting for you once you return. Let’s be realistic. Nobody wants to be paying off their romantic getaway for months or even years after the fact!So try to be modest when planning your romantic getaway.

Next, it’s time to chat with your partner and ask yourselves what you both are expecting on your romantic getaway. This is a point that many couples omit, and often leads to underwhelming romantic getaways. For example, you may prefer the bright lights of the city while your partner craves to be by the countryside for some fresh air. You might be expecting to go out and paint the town red, while your partner is just looking to lounge around in front of the television.

If there is this kind of disparity in both your expectations, it makes enjoying your romantic getaway infinitely more difficult. The moral of the story is to be prepared to have some open and honest communication with your partner and make some compromises. Remember that romantic getaways are about both of you.

Once you know your budget and know what both of you wants to do on your romantic getaway, it’s time to narrow down your options. With your budget in mind, is there something nearby that will meet your needs? Don’t forget that you can also have  a great time with several affordable choices, such as a nearby lake resort or even a campground. A well-planned camping trip can be wonderfully romantic! Also, activities such as canoeing, horseback riding, or biking can be very romantic as well.

If you’re more into the sun and sand of a tropical locale, considering the beaches of Florida or California could save you a bundle compared to Hawaii or Cancun. In today’s economy, it would be wise to consider it as airfare alone would generally be a lot cheaper. Also consider your accommodations for your romantic getaway. Cabin resorts have really improved over the years and even cater to couples and honeymooners. They often offer many of the amenities and luxury of hotels, but are generally a lot cheaper. A bed and breakfast is also an affordable romantic option. If you spend some effort to shop around, you’ll have a great time, and your bank account will thank you.

Being romantic does take work for most of us, and while daunting at first, there are some excellent resources available at Ideal Romantic Getaways (www.idealromanticgetaways.com), which offers more great tips and ideas on planning that perfect romantic getaway.