3 Destinations for V-Day: Valentine’s or Vacation

Whether you love it, hate it or don’t celebrate, Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us. It’s really just another day, but this year, it happens to be a Friday, which means all the more reason to celebrate — even if it’s only in honor of TGIF. While everyone is scrambling to make dinner reservations and flower deliveries, there are some tasteful celebrations happening around the world you may be missing.

Plan for a relocation to celebrate solo, with your sweetheart or family with this list of way better plans for your Feb. 14. For budget travelers, don’t forget this time of year is one of the best to capitalize on off-season deals, holiday discounts and unlikely family promotions —  if it means stretching your dollar that much further, you may not want to skip the holiday this year.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Keep it stateside with a fun locale you can enjoy with friends, family and as a couple, like Colorado Springs, Colorado. With more winter-based fun, relaxing luxury stays, adventurous activity and truly something for everyone, this destination is a great place to start your V-Day planning — even if the V is just for vacation. Take in the Rocky Mountain views while glamping in a yurt on Airbnb, or enjoy winter sports at the myriad resorts offering all levels of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and the all-important après ski. Upgrade to a lodge and take advantage of family-friendly amenities and tours, like horseback riding, or explore town with friends while touring local breweries and distilleries.

Verona, Italy

The heartbeat of Valentine’s Day (literally), Verona, Italy, sees lovebirds from all over the world flock to the town square for the beloved holiday. Join the crowd for a true burst of Valentine’s energy, including larger-than-life, heart-shaped everything. The city is essentially covered with beautiful flowers and festivities all over the city reminiscent of a certain William Shakespeare play. Bring the story (or at least the setting) to life with kids and introduce them to the world they’ve read about, loaded with charming shops, ancient architecture and history with a daytrip to the fair city of Verona.

Paris, France

This one is so obvious, it hurts, but a list of truly stunning destinations for winter festivities and romantic escapes is always going to include Paris. Explore with sightseeing tours just in time for the season, or venture on your own walking tour of the city, hitting all the must-see stops. You don’t have to plan a whole lot on this trip, as Paris does all the work for you. Bring friends and dine on fine French cuisine and wine, or make it an unforgettable romantic escape. Either way, it’s a great excuse to enjoy the incredible city while diving into French culture, meaning macarons and Champagne.