Most students’ shoestring budgets don’t allow for them to whisk their valentines away to exotic locations. However, fantasies of windswept beaches and snowy mountain tops can always substitute for the real thing. And it’s never too early to start planning for the post-college reality, when the money is more than just a dream.
According to several travel agents, warm locales such as Mexico and Hawaii are the most popular places this time of year.
Sunrise Travel owner Karen Stahlberg recommends Hawaii because of its romantic sunrises and sunsets. She also said the Caribbean and Jamaica have several “couples only” resorts, which are perfect for dreamy getaways.
Tami Besemann, who also works at Sunrise Travel, is helping one man plot a week in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where he plans to propose to his girlfriend. Besemann’s client has secretly arranged time off from work for his soon-to-be fiancee and will even pack her bags for her to keep the scheme under wraps until they board the plane. Besemann has booked a private sunset cruise, massages and arranged a beach-side dinner.
“The night of the proposal, we’re going to have the concierge decorate the room with flower petals,” Besemann said. “There are a lot of things the concierge can do for (travelers). They do a lot more than getting taxis. They can get special tickets for concerts and operas.”
Couples can also plan great trips to locations inside the country. Travel agents mentioned San Diego, Palm Springs, Las Vegas and San Francisco as possibilities. Bonaventure Travel owner Bonnie Solari said Scottsdale, Ariz., is a popular destination.
“They have some top-notch spas and resorts,” Solari said. “Four and five star accommodations, Jacuzzis in the room, champagne and robes — they go all out for the February crowd that goes down there.”
Travel agents list Jacuzzis, champagne and fireplaces as extras that can make a stay special.
A warm and sunny location isn’t requisite for romance. Couples can get steamy at ski resorts such as Vail and Whistler. Stahlberg also recommends the Oregon locations Sun River and Black Butte.
Oregon’s coast can also make for a great weekend.
“Romance is associated with the crash of the waves on the beach,” Solari said. “The coast seems to beckon people.” Coastal locations recommended by travel agents are Newport and Yachats.
But whether it’s the ski slopes of Canada or the sandy beaches of Mexico, it is up to the couple to make the trip memorable — on Valentine’s Day or otherwise.