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Travel. The very word conjures up romantic possibilities, but if you’re planning a short romantic getaway you don’t want to do too much of it. That is, you don’t want to spend up to a day shuttling to and from airports, connecting to other flights or being crammed into coach seats eating the $5 boxed lunch the airlines now provide.

The first thing to consider when planning a romantic getaway is location. A short flight is fine. A drive is even better; it allows you to set your own schedule and even a longish drive gives you and your sweetheart time to bond.

So location is key. Take a look at these guides to get an idea of where to go:

• Romantic getaways in the Southeast.
• Romantic getaways in the Northeast.
• Romantic getaways in the Midwest.
• Romantic getaways in the West and Hawaii.
• Romantic getaways in Canada.
• Romantic getaways from major US cities.
• Weekend road trips.

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You might also want to consult one of the Bests Places to Kiss books, which lists romantic getaways by region.

Or maybe you want to go someplace tried and true. Choose a destination that’s special to you as a couple: A city you both enjoy, a country inn where a friend’s wedding was held, the place where you went on your first romantic getaway. In choosing a place you’ve been to before you already know what you’re getting and won’t set yourself up for any unpleasant surprises.

Choose a place where the two of you can indulge in activities you both enjoy. Some activities to consider:

• If you’re adventurous, choose something physically challenging, like hiking or whitewater rafting. If you’re really daring go for skydiving or bungee jumping..
• Hit the beach. There’s nothing more romantic than a sunset stroll long the water.
• Love to eat? Take a gourmet getaway. Every major city has its share of world class restaurants.
• If you both like golf, there are thousands of full-service resorts to choose from.

But don’t overplan. You want to have some unstructured time together.

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Once you nail down a place, research bed-and-breakfasts, small inns and private cabins or condos in your destination area. Bed and Breakfast Inns Online is a directory of 5,200 B&Bs that provides photos and information on special packages. BedandBreakfast.com is another valuable resource.

Choose a place that doesn’t allow children to ensure a romantic atmosphere. Ask about special room features such as large tubs, fireplaces, king-sized beds or private decks. Arrange for special treats to greet you when you arrive. Champagne, chocolates and flowers really set the mood. You can also bring your own if the hotel doesn’t provide such features or if you want to save some money. Other things to pack to set the mood:

• Scented candles
• Evening wear
• Lingerie
• Swimsuits
• Champagne
• Music and a music player
• Bubble bath
• Incense

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Your getaway doesn’t begin, however, when you get to your destination. It starts when you get in the car. If you’re making the entire trip by car, plan stops along the way: Lunch at an out-of-the-way inn, a walk through the woods, or a visit to a quaint old town filled with antique shops. Order a meal from his or her favorite restaurant and pack it, along with the necessary plates, glasses and silverware, to have a picnic at a scenic spot along the way.

Ask friends if they can recommend places to eat or stops along the way. There are web tools to help you, too.

• AAA Trip Tik: Allows you to create turn-by-turn maps which you can print out and take with you. Alerts you to roadwork plus provides a list of attractions and places to eat along the way.
• Yahoo! Trip Planner: Create maps, see available lodging, restaurants and attractions and post photos and journal entries after you’ve completed your trip.
• Rand McNally Trip Planner: Provides limited information on restaurants and attractions along the way in addition to allowing you to map your trip.
• MapQuest: Turn-by-turn directions, maps and some info on stops along the way.

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Stock up on water and snacks before you leave. A first aid kit is also a good idea. If you’re thinking about stopping for a picnic, pack a blanket or folding chairs. And don’t forget the music, bring CDs you know your sweetheart enjoys. A portable DVD player and a couple of romantic comedies might also come in handy if you’re significant other wants to chill out while you drive.

Consider timing. If you’re taking Friday off, wait until the morning rush hour is over before you set out. That will allow you both to get some extra sleep and eliminate the anxiety caused by trying to negotiate heavy traffic. If you’re working the day you’re set to leave, pack the car the night before and skip out a few hours before the workday ends.

And don’t revert to all business when it’s time for the trip home. Ask the innkeeper to provide a picnic lunch for the drive back, or stop at one of the places you discovered on the way up but didn’t have time to visit. That’ll help the romantic feeling last until your next getaway.