Romance is difficult to create in day-to-day life. Job stress, rent or mortgage bills, and family obligations dampen the spontaneity that ignites that special spark. What you need is to take a break in an exotic place that doesn't require navigating bureaucratic red tape and spending thousands of dollars to get to. One that isn't infiltrated with screaming toddlers, baby strollers and long lines. One with plenty of natural beauty, affordable activities, an interesting history and a bit of mystery.

Look to the island of Key West for your answer. Officially part of Florida, this town was named the "Conch Republic" during its brief emancipation from the United States in 1982. You can arrive in the warm, tropical climate with a direct flight into its small international airport (there's a tiki bar waiting), or by renting a car and driving down the Florida Keys. Many of the hotels and resorts provide parking and shuttle buses to and from the airport.

The best Key West itinerary takes advantage of both the natural surroundings and the town's bubbling energy. Balancing the two might be challenging at first. Most newcomers are immediately drawn to Duval Street, a corridor of shops, bars, restaurants, street musicians, museums and art galleries that rivals New Orleans' Bourbon Street in its level of excitement. When the party gets old, take a rest and review other options for a romantic time. Here are a few ideas:

Mallory Square

Mallory Square at sunset is the quintessential Key West activity. Arrive about an hour before sundown to mix with the crowd of tourists, locals, art vendors and performers. Buy your valentine a gift of jewelry, flowers or a wire sculpture with your names intertwined. Snap a selfie or two with the magnificent backdrop of blue sky and golden sun silhouetted by the dreamy schooners and sailboats. After the sun sets, stop by one of the live impromptu shows — stilt walking, fire eating and tumbling are the usual acts.

Water Adventures

Kayaking, parasailing and scuba diving are popular on the island and throughout the Keys. A walk anywhere near the water will lead you to rental booths and agents who can register you on the spot and send a shuttle to your hotel to pick you up for your designated time slot. Not suited for sports? Sign up for a schooner ride instead. These old-fashioned wooden vessels will transport you to a time before technology. Raise a champagne toast to romance and snuggle for warmth against the ocean breeze.

The Hemingway and Audubon Houses

As the southernmost point in the U.S., Key West is a central hub for the Navy and Coast Guard. Its tropical climate and stupendous scenery also attracts painters, writers, musicians and poets. Famed author Ernest Hemingway lived in town for about four years with his wife and a six-toed cat named Snowball. Their home is preserved as it was when they lived there. Buy tickets at the door and tour the 1920s mansion, now occupied by staff and Snowball descendants. Continue with the history lesson at nearby Audubon House, where the painter and naturalist John James Audubon stayed in order to study the indigenous plants and birds.

The Old Cemetery

Put a macabre spin on Valentine's Day with a tour of the Key West Cemetery, located in Key West's Old Town. The graves and memorials of nearly 100,000 people are visible from the cemetery's paved pathways. Rent a bike and pedal through during a peaceful morning; you might have to swerve around a few iguanas who make their home among the stones. Alternatively, you can join a nightly tour of haunted places on the island, including the cemetery and several spooky houses.

Iconic Restaurants

If you've got the cash, there's a seat for you and your date at one of Key West's many cafes, bistros and diners. Many of them, such as Sloppy Joe's on Duval and the waterfront Schooner Wharf, provide live music around the clock. Another popular choice is Margaritaville, also on Duval. Come here for Parrothead-inspired food, drinks and guitar players. To keep away from crowds, travel down the small side streets and alleyways. Outdoor chalkboard menus and street maître d's encourage drop-ins for dinner and appetizers.

Entertainment

The Conch Republic is a non-stop celebration of life and the natural world. New performers and artists arrive every day, some of them setting up stage on Mallory Square, in a bar or on the street. They perform alongside the more established acts, such as the drag shows at Aqua, 801 Bourbon Bar and La Te Da. Community theater is another option: The Red Barn Theatre on Duval and the Waterfront Playhouse in Old Town present the best of community-cultivated talent. Look to the local newspaper or your hotel concierge for festivals, art exhibitions, parades and demonstrations.

Key West is inherently romantic. In spite of the constant crow of roosters and the occasional giant lizard sighting, you'll likely find a hideaway to help you rekindle love's flame. Send a few postcards before you leave, and make your last stop at the Butterfly Museum at the corner of Duval and South streets. Its garden is the perfect place to sit on a bench and hold hands, hoping for a butterfly to land on your shoulder and whisper, "Come back soon." No matter if you're coming or going, contact Allianz Travel insurance for a policy that's just right for your trip.

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