Top 10 getaways without the kids

Now the kids have been back at school for a bit, you might feel you could use a little break
from the domestic world with your partner, as long as the
grandparents don't mind watching over the children while you jet
off for a short holiday. In the spirit of parental sanity,
online travel adviser Cheapflights (www.cheapflights.com) offers
its top 10 list of destinations for you to grab a cocktail, kick
back, relax without the little rascals. Reuters has not endorsed
this list:
1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Thanks to Vegas, we know there is plenty of fun to be had in the
desert, but nothing comes close to Dubai; the adult playground
set in the piping hot deserts of the United Arab Emirates. From
the world's largest man-made islands to the entrancing gold
markets and underwater hotels, everything in Dubai is bigger,
better and more luxurious. Feel free to spend some time being
overwhelmed by shopping malls and markets known as souks, then
tee off at world-renowned golf courses, stop at the only Formula
1 theme park and kick up some fun with a Jeep trip into the sand
dunes.
2. Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
In 1995, the old town of Lunenburg on Canada's east coast
was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its survival
as a British colonial settlement. This quaint coastal village
off Mahone Bay is the perfect place to book a bed-and-breakfast
or small cottage and explore the history, do a little kayaking
or simply unwind. Let Lunenburg's small-town charm and the
tranquil seaside views win you over. When looking for things to
do, visit Bluenose, the world-famous wooden racing schooner,
check out the Fisheries Museum and learn about the salty men who
navigated the Atlantic, then head over to the Ironworks
Distillery for artisan spirit tastings.
3. St. Lucia, Antilles
Just getting away isn't always enough – sometimes it takes a
tropical island in the middle of the ocean for us to feel
completely free of our duties and responsibilities. Home to the
grand Piton mountains, the world's only drive-in volcano and
warm crystal blue waters, St. Lucia is an ideal Caribbean
getaway for any relaxation-seeking couple. For a quick and
rewarding hike, check out the Saltibus Waterfall Trail, which
leads you through mountaintop rainforests to several picturesque
waterfalls, perfect for cooling off. If you're not interested in
leaving the beach, take advantage of renowned scuba and
snorkeling, or hop aboard a sailboat and cruise around the
island.
4. Napa Valley, California
Even though early autumn is Napa Valley's most popular
season for visitors, we still think it's the best time to take
part in the grape harvesting festivities known as Crush. It's
one of the Valley's most exciting times and vineyards all over
hold special events and celebrations. Napa boasts more than 200
vineyards, world-renowned spas and a dense population of
Michelin-rated restaurants, so there are plenty of opportunities
for you and your significant other to spoil yourselves. The
scenery alone is worth the trip, and we recommend viewing it
from a hot air balloon or the Napa Valley Wine Train, which
stops at several vineyards.
5. Portofino, Italy
The words "Italian Riviera" are usually enticing enough to
dust off the suitcases, and Portofino is considered to be the
most beautiful harbor of them all. What was once a quaint
fishing village is now a popular boating and yachting
destination. The best place to stay is on a boat, and there are
plenty of exquisite restaurants and high-end boutiques that line
the harbor. If sleeping on dry land is more your style, travel
the sea by water taxi to other towns along the Riviera,
including Genoa and San Fruttuoso. And, if you haven't seen
enough breathtaking scenery, head up to Castello Brown to check
out the beautiful views and stunning gardens.
6. Cozumel, Mexico
Cancun might have a reputation for college kids, foam
parties and a heavy late-night scene, but on the island of
Cozumel, just a short distance away, it's a different story. As
a tourist destination, Mexico is known for catering to its
visitors at spectacular resorts where the possibilities for fun
in the sun are endless – and Cozumel is no exception. Aside from
observing the beautiful surroundings, consider hanging out at
the beach, getting in some scuba diving, taking advantage of
resort activities like tennis and yoga, or catching up on some
reading by the pool. Best of all, there are plenty of resorts on
the island that only accommodate adults, so you don't need to
deal with anyone else's rugrats.
7. Stirling, Scotland
A bit smaller than some of Scotland's other cities, Stirling
is an ideal place for parents who are looking for a quiet
getaway. Packed with history, lush rolling hills, charming
bed-and-breakfasts, and plenty of outdoor activity, there's a
little something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff or
not, The National Wallace Monument, in honor of William Wallace,
is a must see. (That's for you, Braveheart fans.) Then tour the
Stirling Old Town Jail, visit Stirling Castle and check out the
Old Bridge. If golfing is on the list, you won't be disappointed
with the abundant greenways that meander through the flawless
landscape.
8. Valle Nevado, Chile
A day on the ski slopes is a great way for families to bond
and for kids to put to use some of that excess energy, but with
the hassle of gloves, hats, equipment and the occasional
cold-weather whining, a ski trip for two could be just what you
need. Since good skiing in summer months is hard to come by,
think about heading south to Valle Nevado in Chile, where it's
still winter – if you've got a chunk of time to spend. It's
considered the best ski resort in South America, and is
comparable to something you might experience in the Alps. Valle
Nevado even offers world-famous Heli-skiing and boarding for
those needing a bigger rush.
9. Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Conveniently located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine is
the famed Ponte Vedra Beach. You may think the only thing Ponte
Vedra has to offer is a ridiculous golf scene – which it does –
but that's not the sole reason to visit this swanky coastal
community. When not teeing off, visitors take full advantage of
exquisite spa treatments offered at several multi-diamond spa
resorts, hit around the tennis ball, stop off at beautifully
manicured beaches, check out quaint and unique shops, and
partake in other activities you indulge in when the kids aren't
around. And no Ponte Vedra Beach experience goes without a look
into the Spanish colonial history stretching back as far as
1513.
10. Lavaux, Switzerland
The vineyard terraces of Lavaux may not be on your travel
radar, but they should be. There is evidence to suggest that
these terraces were used to grow grapes for wine during the
Roman Empire, and they have now been inducted as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Settled along the coast of placid Lake Geneva are
a string of small villages connected by the grape vines of the
ancient terraces. Travel between the villages by foot, stopping
for picnics and wine tastings, and spend the night at
bed-and-breakfasts as you go. Or, take the train, which stops in
many small towns. If travel within the autumn months is
possible, make sure to have the camera handy for some truly
stunning fall foliage photographs.