Valentine's Day falls on a Monday this year, which is a windfall for the tourism industry and traveler alike as a three day weekend seems almost mandatory to celebrate the festival of love with that special someone. If last year's bed and breakfast getaway was romantic but low-key and you want to make more of a splash this year, instead of chocolates and roses, consider a mini-vacation with your loved one.
Gate 1 Travel (tel. 800/682-3333; www.gate1travel.com) is featuring a wide selection of European, Asian, South American and even Middle Eastern getaways that will place you in some of the most romantic cities in the world this Valentine's Day. Our only disclaimer is that we are not responsible for any impromptu marriage proposals that may take place when you are swept up in the romance of your trip.
Their five-day "Valentines in Venice" special starts at $539 per person plus taxes from New York. It includes round-trip airfare, three-nights accommodation at the three-star Olimpia Hotel and daily breakfast. Departures are from February 6 to March 15, including the Valentine's weekend. Additional nights are also available should you wish to extend your stay.
For a touch of old world European romance, six-days in Prague could be the perfect setting. The $499 price tag is a bonus for this package that includes round-trip airfare from New York, four-nights accommodation at the Praha Smichov Hotel, and daily breakfast. Taxes are additional.
For a truly exotic Valentine's Day, consider their eight-day Egypt getaway. Departing on February 8, 2005, the package features round-trip airfare from New York (additional departure cities available), internal flights in Egypt, six-nights deluxe accommodation (three-nights at the Sheraton Royal Garden in Cairo and three nights in a Junior Suite Cabin on a Nile cruise), transfers per itinerary, 12 meals, sightseeing, services of an English-speaking Egyptologist guide and all entrance fees. On Valentine's Day itself you'll be whisked off to visit the Temples of Karnak and Luxor, and the Avenue of the Sphinxes. Priced at $1479 per person plus taxes, this trip would make anyone's Valentine's Day dreams come true. Alternatively for less than half this price ($679 plus taxes) you can have four sumptuous nights in Marrakesh Morocco staying at the four-star Tichka Salam Hotel.
For more ideas, visit the Gate 1 website's special "Sweet Valentines Suggestions" page (www.gate1travel.com/valentines/default.htm). It's sure to have a Valentine's package to suite your passions and budget.
Go Today (tel. 800/227-3235; www.go-today.com) can also get you in the mood for love with its Paris Valentine's package starting from $499 plus taxes. It includes round-trip airfare from New York (Add $25 from Boston, Washington, D.C. $70, Miami $80, Los Angeles $140), minibus transfers from the airport to your hotel, three- nights accommodation at the Pavillon Villiers Etoile Hotel located near the Arc de Triomphe in the elegant17th Arrondissement, continental breakfast daily, a Bateaux Mouches Seine River Cruise including three-course lunch, hotel taxes and service charges, The departure date for this special is February 11, 2005. Purchase deadline is January 25, 2005.
If cruising is more your thing, there are several Caribbean and Pacific coast cruises that will have you sailing the high seas this February 14. Departing on February 13 from San Diego, the Carnival (tel. 888-CARNIVAL; www.carnival.com) Spirit Valentine's cruise will take you to the colorful Mexican Riviera ports of Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa and Manzanillo. Your cruise begins with champagne and chocolates in your cabin and on Valentine's Day, evening activities include a cocktail party, gala dinner, and Las Vegas style show. This eight-night cruise has prices starting from $699 per person dual occupancy.
Travelocity (tel. 877/815-5446; www.travelocity.com) has a selection of eight cruises that depart before or on February 14 with destinations including Baja, the Bahamas, Mexico (Gulf and Riviera) and Western Caribbean ports. From as little as $409 per person including port charges, you can depart Orlando for a three-night cruise to Nassau and Coco Cay in the Bahamas aboard the Sovereign of the Sea on February 11. Upgrade to an oceanview or better stateroom by January 28, 2005 and save $25 per person. Taxes are additional.
Fare Deals (tel. 800/347-7006; www.faredeals.com) still has vacancies for a seven-night upscale Caribbean cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale on February 12. You'll spend Valentine's Day is Old San Juan Puerto Rico on this Eastern Caribbean cruise that visits the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Prices start at $474 per person plus taxes for an inside cabin on the 2004 launched Italian-designed MSC Opera. This represents a saving of $200 per person on regular rates. The Opera specializes in European-style cruising with authentic Italian cuisine.
If the thought of spending Valentine's Day in the South Pacific appeals to you, and you happen to already be married, Outrigger Hotels (www.outrigger.com) have a truly romantic way to show your partner how much you love them. If you are a registered guest at any of their 18 hotels and resorts across the Pacific in Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and Guam, Outrigger will conduct complimentary wedding vow renewal ceremonies on February 14. To qualify you only need to sign up directly with the property by Saturday, February 12. See the Outrigger website for individual property rates and amenities.
