Valentine’s Day is around the corner so get out your road trip planner and build a romantic weekend getaway for you and your partner.

Infuse the element of surprise into your road trip planning by secretly packing a suitcase and stowing it in the trunk of the car. Admittedly, this works better if it’s the woman who’s doing the surprise. Men generally aren’t as picky as to what they’ll wear out to dinner while women have definite ideas, so men, if you want to keep the road trip a total surprise, I’d recommend on packing at least 3 different outfits for her or pack just the day clothes and add shops to your itinerary to take her shopping for her to choose an outfit to wear out for dinner.

THINGS TO PACK FOR YOUR ROMANTIC GETAWAY(Tip: Copy/paste this section directly into the Trip Notes section of your road trip planner):

* A picnic basket with a wine bottle opener, cutting board, utensils, etc. Stop at a local store to pick up the wine, cheese, crackers. This is also a good time to ask the locals about their favorite spots for a picnic.

* A blanket to take for your picnic in the sun or for night-time star gazing.

* Scented candles for the hotel room.

* Romantic CDs for the hotel room, upbeat CDs for when cruising on the highway.

* A good road map (nothing kills the romantic mood faster than arguing about how you missed the turnoff or why you can’t pull over and ask for directions). However, if you should get lost, view it an adventure and use it as an opportunity to stop for refreshments or pick up a souvenir from your unexpected detour.

WHAT WILL FILL YOUR ROAD TRIP PLANNER?

* You can create a theme for your Romantic Escape like choosing wineries or museums, or outdoor markets, or base it around events like festivals.

*If you’re anywhere near the Finger Lakes Region in New York, check out this detailed blog loaded with details to make this trip a truly romantic getaway.

* If you enjoy wine and vineyards, this blog will give you some great ideas on where to go.

* If you have kids, make sure you check out this page for tips on how to best blend family life with romantic encounters with your spouse.

* Beaches or lakefronts are always romantic backdrops.

* A room with a fireplace adds warmth to the room and a glow to your skin.

* Dressing up for dinner sets the stage for the rest of evening.

* A nice restaurant with a view is a nice touch.

* Walk along Main Street after dinner, and explore those shops that catch your interest.

ROMANTIC THINGS TO DO WHILE ON THE ROAD:

* Red signifies love! Kiss your partner whenever you get stopped by the traffic light!

* Be spontaneous! If you spot a field of wildflowers, pull over and take pictures of each surrounded by color.

* Save the corks from the wine bottles you had with dinner and make a collage with other souvenirs you collect throughout the trip.

* Listen to an audio tape of a book that interests both of you (or have the passenger read it out loud to the driver)

* Sprinkle the restaurant dining table with rose petals when the waiter seats you.

* Create hearts from nature whenever you can and take pictures of them (twigs, rocks, beach sand, stones, flowers, vines, carved into a trail, etc.)

Getting away already puts the ahh in your weekend. Adding romance to your road trip planner adds a sweetness to it that will have you both smiling all weekend.