Romantic Getaway No-Nos

You picture the perfect romantic getaway for the two of you...but how can you make sure it really does turn out like the trip of your dreams?

The answer: By avoiding some of the most common problems couples face on a romantic vacation. Here's a look at some common pitfalls couple face on the road...and how you can make sure they don't happen to you:

Leave the Phones At Home or At Least Turned Off. In this day of 24/7 communication, the cell phone can seem like a necessary lifeline. It's not. Calling home or the office will keep you connected to your everyday lives, not to each other, which is the focus of this trip. If you must take your cell phones, turn them off and set aside a time each day to check them. Even consider locking them in your in-room safe so you won't be tempted to check in.

The Same Goes for Email. We know all too well how easy it is to get caught up in email while on the road but, like the phone, it drags you back into your everyday reality and shatters the bubble you've built around the two of you for your vacation. Put an autoresponder on your email and let everyone know that you'll get back to them when you get home.

Different Partner, Different Places. If you've taken romantic getaways with previous partners, don't return to the same place with your new love.

Don't Think Everything Has to be Perfect. Life isn't perfect and travel, no matter how well planned, won't be perfect. There will be delays; rooms will look different than they did in the pictures; rain will fall. Don't let it ruin your trip, however; learn to laugh about it and be flexible enough to change your plans to fit whatever comes up.

Don't Think a Fuss Means the Trip Was Ruined. You occasionally say a sharp word or two or have a disagreement at home...you will on the road, too. That doesn't mean the trip, even a once in a lifetime honeymoon, was spoiled; it means you're both human. Make up and move on.

Don't Feel You're Joined at the Hip. He wants to go scuba diving and you want to hit the spa for a massage? Go for it. You don't have to do every single thing together on vacation or even on a honeymoon. Enjoy some separate activities and then share your experiences when you return.

Don't Overschedule. While it's great to set an itinerary for some trips, don't overplan your days. Even if you have a whole list of places you want to see in Rome, save time to sit at a sidewalk cafe, enjoy a cappuccino, and do nothing but enjoy each other's company and your surroundings.