Packing for Romance

from How to Make Every Trip a Honeymoon

Before your trip, buy some sexy goodies. Secretly hide them throughout your room. Have your own scavenger hunt!

Bring a formal outfit for one “dress up” night

Pack decorations from your wedding. Decorate your hotel room with memories of that special day.

Bring along a pad of sticky notes. Leave a note on the bathroom mirror that you’d like to rendezvous at the pool, in the bar, on the beach, or in the steam room.

Bring along a room deodorizer in your favorite scent, especially for budget motels or smoking rooms (or rental cars). Another good choice: “designer” fragrances that copy famous brands—perfect for scenting your new home-away-from-home.

Pack a bubble maker. Take it along with you on a picnic and blow bubbles.

Pack a corkscrew (in your checked luggage if you are flying.)

Pack a provocative costume—whether that means a lacy teddy, a leather G-string, or a playful whip. Your imagination is the limit!

Pack a red lightbulb if you’re planning a nearby getaway. The bulb will give your hotel room a romantic, sexy glow.

Pack body paint and turn each other into a work of art.

Pack bubble bath.

Pack massage oil to work out the post-travel kinks in your room.

Pack personalized napkins you used at your wedding reception. Surprise your spouse by ordering champagne through room service then slipping in the napkins. No napkins left from the wedding? Have some made with your anniversary date.

Buy each of you a blank book to record your thoughts and memories of your trip.

Pack satin pillowcases to give your hotel room—even a budget motel room—a luxurious feel.

Buy your honey a surprise—some sexy underwear, a book of love poems, it’s your call. Pack it in his or her checked luggage if you’re flying so the secret isn’t revealed until you reach your destination.

Pack a “welcome basket” to turn your one-star motel room into a five-star getaway. Add miniatures of your favorite amenities and snacks.

Pack some edible massage oils.

Pack some of your favorite CDs to set the room. Check with your hotel to see if they provide CD players or if you’ll need to pack one.

Pack some toy boats or duckies to race in the sea, the lake, or in your hotel tub.

Pack something you wore on your wedding. Surprise your spouse.

Soak a cotton ball in your favorite scent and tuck it in the corner of your luggage.

When helping your partner pack, suggest a few items you especially think are sexy.

Pack a different negligee for every night of your trip.

Pack some candles to turn your hotel room into a romantic enclave.

Plan your own “toga night” in your room, complete with micro togas and a bottle of wine.