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My mother always insisted Mother's Day be no more special than any other day. No cards, no perfume, no breakfast in bed— just a ongoing gratitude for her strength and affection.

"Every day is Mother's Day," she'd say, implying that just having us little ones around was all the compensation she required. And we, her smitten children, would nod appreciatively at this wisdom.

Having been raised in this most un-Hallmark of traditions, it was relatively easy to make the leap to ignoring other subordinate holidays. My father, who has never been one to pass up an ugly tie or box of chocolates, seemed somewhat shaken when we first applied Mom's policy to the man of the house.

"Every day is Father's Day," we said on that given Sunday in June, and reluctantly he accepted our hugs as token reward for all he provided.

Of course the line was drawn on this understated benevolence when my birthday rolled around and Dad insisted he had no plans for a gift because, as far as he was concerned, "every day was my day." Some institutions just shouldn't be messed with, and for a vulnerable six-year-old the birthday rite is one of them.

That being said, there are certain events that require more than the symbolic gesture of a flowers or candies. And greater frequency then once a year. Valentine's Day is the case in point. Granted, this is perhaps the most fabricated of all holidays, but the intention is a good one. While it might hold true that for those lucky enough to be in love that "every day is Valentine's Day," some days are nonetheless more romantic than others.

For couples who enjoy the outdoors, there is nothing quite so romantic as escaping the monotony of everyday routine and sharing a sweaty moment in the company of Mother Nature. And although February 14th happens just once a year it is never too early (or late) to start planning the ultimate travels for two. Here are a few suggestions.