Take a romantic break to the Pacific Northwest

As the summer season approaches, you might be thinking of taking your loved one on a romantic vacation. And while a city break in New York or a cosy cottage retreat in New England can provide attractive destinations, they tend to be all too predictable. Why not take your partner to the Pacific Northwest on a romantic holiday for a vacation with a difference? Whether you choose to visit a range of city destinations - from Seattle and Portland to Vancouver and Boise - or you decide to traverse the area's more mountainous regions, you'll find a variety of locations that are sure to inspire you.

Seattle offers romantic couples a range of delights, especially if you visit between April and October. The home of coffee culture, Seattle also offers a range of first-class restaurants for the avid diner. With a range of locally-produced fruits, vegetables and cheeses, Seattle also offers a distinct version of West Coast fusion cuisine with its roots firmly influenced by Asian and Middle Eastern immigrant communities. What's more, if you and your partner share a love of music, you'll revel in Seattle's position as the Mecca of grunge music. The city is home to a variety of historic bands like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Nirvana and Modest Mouse; and if music is one of your shared passions, then paying homage to these bands is sure to be a romantic experience for both of you!

Or why not visit Boise, Idaho, also known as the 'City of Trees', for a cosy couple's experience that you're sure to remember. Boise has its origins rooted firmly in the nineteenth century, as home to Fort Boise (erected in the 1830s and abandoned in the 1840s) and situated near the intersection of the Oregon Trail. Today, however, Boise is home to a number of museums, including the Boise Art Museum, Idaho Historical Museums and the Basque Museum and Cultural Centre. In fact, Boise is home to the largest Basque community in the USA - the third largest outside Spain - making for a unique atmosphere that couples are sure to appreciate. What's more, if you're hoping to take some romantic walks on your vacation, try visiting the Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center in Boise, which offers a range of water features in tranquil surroundings.

Of course, if you and your partner are an active couple, you'll adore the opportunities for hiking and mountain biking offered by the mountain ranges of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you choose to explore the Rocky Mountains, the Columbia Mountains or the Cascade Mountain range (among others), you'll find yourself in a spectacular geographic setting with the opportunity for breathtakingly romantic views. How about taking a trip up Mount St. Helens or Mount Rainier in the Washington Cascades, which measures up to 14,410 feet ?

Where ever you choose to take your loved one on vacation in the serene Pacific Northwest of the USA you'll find a range of romantic hotel deals that are sure to save you money. So not only will you able to experience one of the country's finest geographical locations with your special someone, you can do it without breaking the bank.

Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist who travels extensively.