Travel
Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Getaways That Won’t Break the Bank
Do you want to make the most of your Valentine’s Day date? Do you hate the winter weather that keeps you stuck indoors? Lucky for you, Valentine’s Day comes just before President’s Day — so why not take advantage of both? Make it a long weekend getaway with these spots that have a lot to offer for a short vacation and a major airport close by. With Rakuten, you can book last-minute travel for a great price, and make some money back on the deal!
New Orleans, Louisiana
Since Valentine’s Day weekend is just before Mardi Gras, you’ll get access to the activities going on all month while avoiding the peak crowds that come the following weekend. Parades regularly stroll through the city on February weekends, and there’s live music everywhere you turn. Check out some of the most popular hotels in New Orleans to guarantee a memorable stay.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is a big city with the heart of a small, friendly neighborhood. Stay at the highly rated Pan Pacific Hotel if you want a harbor view or Sutton Place for reasonably priced suites. The city boasts the incredible Stanley Park, in which you can spend the day biking, and quick access to Granville Island (via the charming aquabus) and its thriving public market and artist community.
Park City, Utah
If you’re looking for some pampering, Park City is all about indulging in self-care. There are loads of luxury resorts to choose from, such as the glamorous Main and Sky (penthouse with a hot tub on the deck, anyone?) and some more unusual spa treatments, like the Vichy rain bar at the five-star spa in the Stein Eriksen Lodge. And you thought this was just a ski town.
New York, New York
Don’t discount New York City as a romantic destination for a weekend away. Stick to the basics and don’t try to do it all: Take in a Broadway show, ice skate in Central Park and catch the amazing Lunar New Year parade on Feb. 17! The cold winter weather makes for plenty of cheap travel and cheap hotels in the city that never sleeps.
Nashville, Tennessee
The Grand Ole Opry is reason enough to make a quick trip to Nashville. But if honky tonk isn’t your thing, there are museums galore and you can get lost in Germantown for beer and sausages. The sights make Nashville the Las Vegas of the South, with its Gaylord Opryland Resort that looks like a Southern storybook got caught in a biodome and a full-scale model of the Parthenon in Centennial Park.
Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz’s famous boardwalk is open on weekends in February, weather permitting. Despite being in the dead of winter, February weather in Santa Cruz is typically in the 60s — perfect for strolling West Cliff Drive for ocean views and photo ops with classic cars. Book a room at the romantic Dream Inn for a front-row view of the surf and pier.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s museums are half price in February, so take advantage if you are a history, arts or culture fanatic. Pike Place is a classic must-visit spot, and you have to see the Artists at Play playground at the Seattle Center to believe it — even if you don’t have kids. Stay at the funky and creative Hotel Max or the classic and historic Mayflower Park Hotel, both near the city center.
Anaheim, California
You can ride all the rides at Disneyland in February, since this typically is the least crowded time of year. Although that doesn’t mean discounted tickets, it does mean Anaheim hotels will likely be more affordable, especially when you shop with Rakuten Travel & Vacations to get Cash Back. Isn’t that enough reason to spend a weekend with your love at the happiest place on earth?
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