If you're uncoupled, you might be feeling like the world is conspiring against you, as Valentine's Day looms around the corner with the offering of romantic getaways for two that crop up this time each year. Never fear! There are travel options out there for you as well that will make you forget all about the commercial hype of that dreaded day of romance. Go somewhere you have never been before or to a place that isn't likely to be pushing the Valentine's Day theme. But be forewarned, it's highly likely you'll be charge an additional single supplement to get there.
Solos Holidays (www.solosholidays.co.uk) is a British travel company that celebrates traveling and being single with great group packages full of fun, excitement and "no couples." This February 14, instead of languishing at home with a box of chocolates and a trashy video, you and 20 of your new friends could be tearing up the trails in the Dolomites ski region of Italy. For $1,250, your adventure begins in London (airfare to London is additional) on February 13. This seven-night singles vacation is for the 25+ age group and includes round-trip airfare to Venice from London, airport transfers, single room accommodation at the Albergo Monte Bondone (no single supplement here!), six-days of ski passes, all ski equipment and ski lessons, breakfasts and dinners with wine daily. Staying in the village of Vaneze, this is a perfect trip for intermediate skiers, with a full program of activities planned for days and evenings, from your first run in the morning to relaxing in the hotel's sauna and outdoor jacuzzis before heading to bed.
For a warmer alternative of the single variety, the Arawak Beach Inn (877/427-2925; www.arawakbeach.com) in tropical Anguilla has a "Me, Myself and I" special package for anyone who is traveling solo. For $599 plus taxes (a savings of $50 on the regular winter rate), the package includes three nights oceanfront deluxe accommodation, airport or ferry dock transfers, full American breakfast daily, a lobster dinner at the Arawak Beach Inn's restaurant and a choice of a discovery swim with the dolphins including transfers or a private day excursion to your own secluded beach on an uninhabited island, including gourmet packed lunch.
The all-inclusive Club Med (www.clubmed.com) vacation used to be renowned for its single scene, but it still has two destinations in the North American Zone, which are adults-only resorts. They attract a higher percentage of singles, and therefore are great options for avoiding Valentine's Day. Cancun, Mexico, and Turkoise in the Turks and Caicos are two villages that currently have specials. Seven-nights at Club Med Cancun all-inclusive starting on February 13 (land-portion only) in a lagoon-view room is $1071 including trip insurance and taxes. This represents a saving of over $500 on the regular winter price. During the same period a seven-night stay at Turkoise is $1,600, a saving of $230. All Club Med resorts include meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, sports and gratuities. Airfares are additional.
Singles Travel International (tel. 877/765-6874; www.singlestravelintl.com) has a seven-night "Caribbean Dream" singles cruise departing on February 12 on Cunard's super-sized luxury Queen Mary II. The cruise visits San Juan, St. Thomas and St. Martin, setting sail from Fort Lauderdale. The price, starting at $1,394 plus taxes includes a welcome aboard cocktail party with open bar, sumptuous meals by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud, singles only seating at dinner, complimentary drink before dinner on sea days, daily activities and special events. Rates are per person, based on double occupancy, but they guarantee to find you a suitable roommate or the single supplement is on them.
Travel Babe (tel. 800/369-2680; www.travelbabe.com) has a seven-night "Singles Sports and Fun" Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Italian-designed Costa Victoria. Departing from Fort Lauderdale on February 13, the ship takes in the ports of Key West, Merida and Cozumel in Mexico and Grand Cayman. Apart from regular cruise amenities, the group from Travel babe has many additional extras including cooking classes, wine tasting, golf lessons, massage classes cocktails and a toga party. Prices start at $799 plus taxes of $255.
Meet Market Adventures (tel. 800/239-0542; www.meetmarketadventures.com), a travel company with a less than inviting name but exciting singles vacations usually has an anti-Valentine's Day trip. Unfortunately, this year's packages are already sold out but it may be one to consider for next year.
This February 14, don't get cynical, get on a plane!
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