Hot Adult Destinations: Ditch the Kids and Take Your Mojo

Ok if grandma didn’t get an invite to your last trip, she may not be inclined to babysit, but find someone who will, and take a real break without the kids.  As most couples will say from firsthand experience, having a child (or two, or three) can wreak havoc on your relationship (no, sex once a year is not the norm), and sometimes it takes a little getting away to remind you that this partnership once was all about you two.

The places mentioned below are not meant to be “budget” holidays – they are either expensive, or far to get to, or take some planning. But it’s worth it because as parents, you get so few opportunities to enjoy each other and do what you want to do, like wear a dress you wouldn’t want vomit on, or play 18 guilt-free holes on the golf course. In the words of this Chinese proverb: “Enjoy yourself. It’s later than you think.”

So, with further ado, here are Momaboard: the Site for Traveling with Kids‘ recommendations for traveling without the kids, based on your couple personality type:

The Culture Vultures: February is a fantastic time of year to visit Northern India (we know, it’s always been on your list) and the Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert) will offer you all the exoticism you ever expected of this country. Stay in stately residences turned boutique hotels, or magnificent establishments such as the Rambagh Palace. Spend a night or two on a desert safari in luxury tented accommodation and on hump-backed transportation. Visitors to Rajasthan also take in the Taj Mahal in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, the 16th century capital of the Mughal Empire, and Udaipur, City of Lakes, known as the Venice of the East. We like Make My Trip as a local travel agent who can help you plan your itinerary. Note: I get no commissions from Make My Trip – I know them to have comprehensive and reliable service in India.

The Party Couple: Without doubt, the sexiest location in 2011 is Beirut, for unstoppable clubbing, haute couture and 007-worthy cars. Poised to reclaim its position as the Paris of the Middle East, the Lebanese capital has seen a marked decrease in political instability and violence, and is on everyone’s list of places to go. Beirut made Conde Nast’s IT List in 2009 and has been gaining popularity since.
Check out Time Out Beirut for all that’s sizzling and cool on the Beirut scene and Gordon Campbell Gray’s Le Gray as a trendy place to stay. Just a warning: the men and the women there are gorgeous, so be careful. I’m just saying, you haven’t been out in a while!

The Amphibian Couple: Has your diving certificate expired since you had the kids? Or have you always wanted to get better acquainted with our friends under the sea? Well, there is no better paradise than the Maldives to do it in. Crystal sands, sparkling waters and a laid-back seclusion means that you really get away when you get here. Stay at the Banyan Tree or one of the several other stunning resorts on the island. Don’t believe me? Read Adam Buxton’s hilarious account of how the Maldives mesmerized his skeptical wife into renewing their wedding vows. And here’s some detailed information on diving in the Maldives, if that’s what grabs you.

The Adventurers: If the outdoors is your bag, then head over to New Zealand. As you know, I favor the South Island although you may need to fly into the North Island depending on where you are coming from. February is still peak season and it is glorious! Go bungy jumping in Queenstown (where it was invented), go hiking in Abel Tasman National Park, and for the truly intrepid, try the Milford Track, a 53.5 km, once-in-a-lifetime experience (my sister-in-law did it, and swears it is). Booking is essential as they only allow a certain number of people per year, so get in now. For more daredevil stunts, check out the recent article in the NYT on thrill-seeking in New Zealand.

The Too-Tired-To-Plan Couple: I hear ya, sometimes planning a trip can be more stress than it’s worth, especially when it’s tied to the pressure of being the last one you will take in a few years. Still, the goal is to relax and unwind and get re-acquainted with one another. If you don’t have the time, energy or moolah for something exotic, just book a hotel or bed ‘n’ breakfast in a nearby town and leave. Take a book (ditch the computer), some candles and a bottle of champagne and suddenly anywhere will feel like vacation!