Galesnjak, Croatia – This little islet may not immediately spring to mind as an ideal spot for romance, but a bird’s eye view of it will clue you in on why it’s one of the most romantic spots on Earth. This drop of land is perfectly heart-shaped, and no one lives on it, so it may just be the perfect desert island getaway you and your lover are looking for.

New York, USA – The harried pace of life in The Big Apple may not seem conducive to romance, but look closely enough, and you’ll find it in every corner. Whether you’re splashing out for a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or sharing a hotdog in the rain, you’ll be sure to have many moments to remember.

Prague, Czech Republic – The City of a Hundred Spires is an unashamedly romantic city, its endless cobbled streets and many bridges providing lovers with a beautiful backdrop to an unforgettable affair. Steal a kiss under an ancient spire, or wander through its centuries-old streets hand in hand just like countless other couples have done throughout the ages.

Venice, Italy – Venice and romance go together like, well, like a couple just meant for each other. A gondola ride while the sun sets may be too cheesy for words, but you can always hire a boat and explore the canals yourself. This way, you won’t have a noisy gondolier intruding on your romantic moments. Have dinner at a cosy little family-run restaurant by the water to cap off a wonderful day.

TOP 25 EXCLUSIVE DEALS & PERKS

Save 40 percent off Telluride Mountain Lodge, from $71/night
Surrounded by the spectacular San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, the Mountain Lodge Telluride has spacious accommodations with working gas fireplaces, gourmet kitchens, and private balconies — all with stunning mountain views. Guests of this posh slope-side resort enjoy a prime location midway up Telluride Mountain with ski-in/ski-out facilities.

Deal details: Book three nights or longer by October 31 to enjoy 40 percent off on stays through April 4, 2010. Rates start from $71/night in November and go up to $85/night in February/March with the discount.

Book it: Visit www.mountainlodgetelluride.com and enter special promotional code SHERMANS.

Up to 40 percent off Vail Condos with late checkout, from $150/night
The resort town of Vail is a popular ski destination come winter — and hotel rates tend to be sky-high during the peak months. Luckily, Destination Resorts Vail has a limited-time early-bird special that will save you a bundle at one of their eight condo properties. Each condo unit has a full kitchen, private balcony, and gas fireplace.

Deal details: Simply book by October 31 to receive 20 percent off a 3-night stay, 25 percent off a 4-night stay, or 30 percent off  stays of five nights or longer. Rack rates for 2-bedroom condos in early December start at around $215/night, but you’ll pay as little as $150/night by booking early. This offer is valid for travel   between November 25 and April 18, 2010. Plus, Top 25 subscribers receive a late, noon, check-out  — just in case you want to fit in  a few extra runs   on the morning of your departure.

Book it: Visit www.destinationresortsvail.com or call 970-476-1350 and mention Sherman’s.

Hudson Valley packages with free spa access, from $195/night
Celebrate the arrival of autumn in New York’s Hudson Valley, an area praised for brilliant fall foliage, up-and-coming wineries, and dramatic white stone cliffs. Located on the scenic Shawangunk ridge just 90 miles from New York City, the historic Mohonk Mountain House has over 85 miles of trails tailor-made for hiking or snow-shoeing, along with breathtaking lake views, and a brand-new 30,000-square-foot spa. Choose from two special seasonal packages for an outstanding fall escape with all meals included.

Deal details: The Apple Festival package celebrates the apple harvest with midweek rates as low as $195 per person. Book your stay from September 7-30 for tasty perks like apple pancakes at breakfast and apple cocktails in the evening. Or, visit during the Pumpkin Festival from October 1-November 24 for midweek rates as low as $252 per person. Plus, Top 25 readers receive free access to the spa’s heated mineral pools, sauna, and solarium.

Book it: Visit www.mohonkexclusives.com or call 1-866-666-3146 and mention ShermansTravel to receive free spa access.

Up to 30 percent off at Aspen’s Gant Resort with late checkout, from $195/night
Located at the foot of Aspen Mountain’s powder-packed slopes in Colorado’s picturesque high country, The Gant Resort provides an ideal base for an ultimate winter ski getaway. This posh mountain lodge boasts 140 upscale condominiums with luxurious amenities like wood-burning fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, and daily housekeeping.

Deal details: Rack rates in December start at around $195/night for a standard 1-bedroom suite, but you’ll save up to 30 percent with the early-bird special. The Summer Snow Saver promotion entitles guests to a 30 percent discount on stays of 4 nights or longer, or 15 percent off a single night’s stay, for travel between November 26 and April 11, 2010. Plus, Top 25 subscribers enjoy perks like guaranteed late check-out and a complimentary bottle of wine upon check-in. Book by November 15.

Book it: visit www.gantaspen.com and enter special promotional code SHERGT.

MORE EARLY-BOOKING MOUNTAIN DEALS

Third night free at Seventh Mountain Resort, Oregon, from $139/night
Experience the stunning scenery of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains with a fall or winter stay at the Seventh Mountain Resort. Bordered by the Deschutes National Forest and Mt. Bachelor, this upscale lodge offers a wide range of seasonal outdoor activities from whitewater rafting trips to high-altitude treks, ice-skating lessons, and guided tours by snowmobile. With the resort’s Two and Free special, you’ll get your third night free and a $50 voucher to use towards activities or dining. Rates for standard 1-bedroom suites start at just $139/night this September 8 through March 31, 2010. To book, visit www.seventhmountain.com or call 1-800-452-6810.

Two-night hiking package in the Catskill Mountains, from $543
Whether you’re an avid hiker or just enjoy taking leisurely strolls, the varied trails of New York’s Catskill Mountains will let you experience nature at its best. The I Like to Hike package available year-round at the Roxbury Motel provides guests with maps and a personalized itinerary for a trek through the forest, including packed gourmet trail lunches for two and a flask of Bordeaux wine. If the hike causes your muscles to ache, don’t worry: This deal also includes complimentary 2-day passes to the hotel’s Shimmer Spa with a relaxing 2-hour couple’s massage. Package rates start at $543 for a 2-night weekend stay in one of the motel’s uniquely furnished studios, and prices are even lower on weekdays. To book, visit www.theroxburymotel.com or call 1-607-326-7200.

The dollars
Based on double occupancy. Taxes and fees are additional.

The catch
Skis and hiking boots aren’t included.

Lonely Planet’s “Travel With Children” guide lists the top 10 cities around the world that are ideal to visit with children. This list is not endorsed by Reuters:

1. Oaxaca, Mexico
This colorful Mexican city is pint-sized, charming and fun to explore on foot. A central plaza provides plenty of run-around space for kids and there’s a vibrant market.

2. Istanbul, Turkey
With its mosques, palaces, museums, bazaars, multicolored carpets, food markets, Bosphorus cruises and sweet apple tea, the children will be fascinated and enchanted at every turn.

3. London
You could stay in London for a whole year and find interesting things to do with the children every day. In summer don’t miss out on playing in the fountains at Somerset House where there’s an outdoor ice-skating rink in the winter.

4. Los Angeles
A good destination for teenagers — choose between the original Disneyland, Universal Studios and Santa Monica. There’s heaps to see and do in this sprawling city that encapsulates the American Dream.

5. Vancouver, B.C.
Vancouver is frequently named the most liveable city in the world. There’s lots of water as well as beaches, a huge urban park (Stanley Park) and numerous hiking and biking trails. In addition, all the attractions of the Rocky Mountains are just over 100 km (62 miles) away.

6. Lisbon, Portugal
With trams trundling up to a castle, a state-of-the-art aquarium and a fascinating museum that explores Portugal’s great seafaring past, this city captivates kids. The fairy-tale town of Sintra, too, is a just a short train ride away.

7. Copenhagen, Denmark
Oozes old-world charm, with a compact city center, a lively waterfront and pedestrian-only zones. Thrilling rides at Tivoli Gardens and Bakken, a royal palace and museums designed especially for children will keep you busy.

8. Singapore
Safe, clean and accessible, Singapore is a gentle introduction to the cities of Southeast Asia — and an excellent jetlag-busting pit stop on the long haul between Europe and Australasia. Also, Sentosa Island with its beaches, butterfly park, dolphin lagoon and underwater world has to be seen to be believed.

9. Sydney
If beaches, swimming pools and numerous ferries aren’t enough, there’s Sydney Aquarium, Taronga Zoo and the Koala Park Sanctuary, which are all huge hits with the young ones.

10. Rome
With some of Italy’s best gelato, the impressive Colosseum and Castel Sant-Angelo, spooky catacombs under Via Appia Antica and the green spaces of Villa Borghese, the challenge in Rome is not to do too much.