Valentine’s Day Weekend Trips

Luckily for this year’ s lovebirds, Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend. There’s nothing better than taking a long weekend with your loved one — whether you’re exploring a new place or revisiting a favorite destination. Taking a weekend trip together beats flowers and chocolate any day.

While many luxury hotels, spas and restaurants offer couples’ packages in February, get out of the V-Day rut with a short getaway. For more adventurous couples, try visiting a national park or going camping. Most park attendance drops in the winter, making it more likely that facilities will be less available and maybe even discounted.

For a compromise between nature and luxury, stay at a nearby bed and breakfast instead of in the park itself. Small, independent hotels provide a more intimate experience and sometimes offer personalized service and discounts.

If deals sound more appealing, start shopping now. Try unconventional activities or lesser-known cities. Share a new experience with your loved one by trying a new activity. For example, Blue Harbor Resort offers a compromise between luxury and the outdoors with their Couple’s Ice Fishing special. While this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, take your time researching new activities and looking for discounts on vacation packages.

Valentine’s Day travel does not have to be a rigorously structured affair. Taking a spontaneous road trip or just exploring new aspects of your city can be an exciting experience. After all, it’s who you’re with not where you are that matters.