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Give the Gift of Travel on Valentine’s Day
If you’re still trying to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, here’s an alternative to wine and chocolates. Surprise your spouse with travel, the most-desired gift on Cupid’s day, according to a survey of more than 2,000 people by Offers.com, an online marketplace that aggregates product deals and discounts.
The combination of love and travel has special appeal. “The spontaneity of a romantic getaway is key to keeping the passion of your relationship alive,” says Dr. Kat Smith, a sex therapist and author of the book, Romantic Retreats in Texas.
While that may be true, a little planning may be wise. While far-off destinations like London, Paris, and Rome may have romantic appeal, they often require more advance planning than a domestic trip. Travel closer to home, however, is usually more flexible—consider a weekend roadtrip to a bed and breakfast—and more budget-friendly.
Be Practical
Keep in mind that while plans for a trip may seem romantic, it may not be practical. A good idea: Forewarn your spouse of the planned travel dates, especially if you’re making non-refundable deposits or purchases.
Even more practical—you may want to simply give your spouse the promise of a trip. Then, you can figure out the details and the budget together, to avoid any unpleasant surprises. One recommendation: If you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant, avoid travel to the 27 countries, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where the mosquito-borne Zika virus has been reported.
Finally, use these valuable money-saving travel tips:
- Look for savings on accommodations by finding last-minute deals online, booking a condo, house, or apartment instead of a hotel and using your rewards card points.
- Plan the dates of a bigger, more expensive trip to a less-expensive shoulder season, which takes place, for example, in April and May in Florida, mid-March in Hawaii, and April in the Rocky Mountains when the ski season is coming to an end.
- Don’t let high airfares, cramped airline seats, and poor service on a flight spoil your vacation. Choose a top-rated airline and shop wisely for the best fares.
- Get the best car-rental price by booking through discount websites like Hotwire and Priceline, and carefully consider whether you need rental car insurance—your credit card company may already provide it.
Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.
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