Nothing Says “I Love You” like Travel

By David Antrilli

As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, it has led me to begin contemplating the uncanny connection between love and travel. Not so much in the “I love to travel” way but more in the expressing one’s connection through travel. It’s the “I love travel, you love travel, I love you … POW! Let’s travel together”.

In popular culture, travel and love are commonplace. We see this in film, music, art and literature, to name a few. From that romantic Caribbean cruise over a long weeked to a fling in Paris, to a stroll through midtown Manhattan, when we travel together, love is truly in the air.

If you are on a tight budget, consider the short haul. Instead of dreaming of the Eiffel Tower, consider destinations that are within a two-to-four-hour drive. This length provides just enough feeling of getting away, without draining your wallet.

What about something out of the ordinary? Something you will find completely unique? If the two of you have never cruised, cruise. If you have never been to Disney World without the children, go to Disney World. Doing something out of your comfort zones will create a sense of togetherness as well as new and long-lasting memories.

Finally, perhaps this is the year to go the extra mile. Call your AAA Travel Professional and ask about that high-end luxury hotel that you both have been dreaming about and then go for it! Many times there are fantastic deals to be had and you will be surprised to learn that the posh resort is not as expensive as you anticipated.

While there is nothing wrong with giving the tried and true Valentine’s gift options like dinner for two, a box of chocolates or a bouquet of roses, when the everyday world begins to close in on you, remember that nothing says “POW” like an unexpected romantic escape with your significant other.

SYC & SValentine Specials

You can make Valentine’s Day extra special with these great offers by using AAA’s Show Your Card and Save program.

Blue Nile: Save 15 percent on all Amethyst Jewelry and receive 10 percent off all other jewelry at AAA.com/BlueNile, from Jan. 15 through Feb. 15. This offer is valid for AAA members only with verified membership, and may not be combined with other offers and is void where prohibited. Discounts are subject to change at any time. Other restrictions apply. Visit AAA.com/discounts for additional terms and conditions.

FTD.Com: Save 30 percent on the AAA Valentine's Day Collection, from Jan. 23 through Feb. 14.To view the collection and order online, visit www.AAA.com/FTD or call 1-800- SEND-FTD and mention promo code 14358.

Remember, AAA Members save 20 percent on FTD flowers and gifts on FTD.com. To receive this member discount, mention code 11000.

Travel Compass

Looking for an idea on where to go for a romantic getaway within a few hours drive of home? It all depends on what direction you want to go.

If you want to go East, popular Valentine’s Day spots include the excitement and world-class entertainment of Atlantic City, or the Victorian charm of Cape May.

Heading North, the Poconos offer lots of sporting options in the snow, along with numerous romantically themed hotels. Further north is the non-stop thrills offered in New York, the “city that never sleeps.”

If you point your car West, Philadelphia offers numerous cultural and entertainment options. Continuing in that direction, options include the quaint charm of Peddlers Village, the Pennsylvania Dutch Country of Lancaster, Pa., or the “home of the kiss” (and lots of chocolate!), Hershey, Pa.

If you choose to go South, there’s the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Md., the relaxing maritime fun of Annapolis, Md., or the history and museums of Washington, DC.

Of course, if you decide to get away from the East Coast winter for a few days, the fun and sun of Florida or the Bahamas are just a few hours away by plane.

Paris

By
Dawn Higgins

The perfect city for a romantic getaway is none other than the beautiful city of Paris. You can start at your morning a local patisserie with a freshly baked croissant and a café au lait, or buy a delicious crepe from one of the many street vendors that prepare them as you watch.

Spend the morning touring the Louvre. Stand within a few feet of the Venus de Milo and view the incomparable Mona Lisa. Stroll down the halls, passing sculptures by Michelangelo and visit the private apartments of Louis the XIV with its gold inlaid ceilings.

Stop at a café along the Champs Élysées for lunch and watch people passing by as the Parisians have done for centuries. After a long and lazy lunch, visit the Arc de Triomphe which honors those who fought for France and view the traffic Circle below you – it is definitely a hair-raising experience.

Saunter over to the Eiffel Tower and watch the lights come up over the city. There is a reason that Paris is often called the “City of Lights”. It is a sight that will live long in your memory. Stroll along the Seine and buy a painting from a struggling artist as a souvenir and then board a glass-covered boat for a romantic dinner cruise along the river.

Go to bed thinking of all that you have left to do – the world famous Notre Dame, Musee d’ Orsay, which houses collections of the Impressionists, visit Napoleon’s Tomb or visit the really quirky Shakespeare and Company Bookstore where Hemingway and Fitzgerald were often seen. It is a city full of opportunities to create indelible memories with the person you love.

NYC

By
Erika Gagliardi

If you are looking for a romantic night on the town for Valentine’s Day, the Big Apple is the place to be. Whether you are an adventureseeking couple, a romantic couple who likes to wine and dine, the outdoorsy type, or a history-loving couple, New York will have something for you. To start off your day, stop by Flowers of the World to pick up one of the most unique, extraordinary floral arrangements in the world. The floral designers personally hand write each note card in calligraphy and spend hours making sure each bouquet is just right. With flowers in hand, stop by one of New York’s famous chocolate shops such as Jacques Torres or Chocolate Haven. If chocolate is a top priority on your Valentine’s Day date, why not enjoy the two-hour Luxury Chocolate Tour of midtown? This is certainly one of New York’s most unique and romantic tours.

Dinner in New York City is one sure to be remembered. In one block you will find fine Italian dining, Japanese, Chinese, and Mexican cuisines, Brazilian steakhouses, and some of the best seafood restaurants around. Search for cozy yet spectacular restaurants such as Aureole which is located inside a charming brownstone on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

After dinner, chose one (or a few!) Of New York’s many romantic activities.
You can ice skate under the stars at Rockefeller Center, snuggle up on a private carriage ride in Central Park, enjoy a moonlight stroll on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade with spectacular views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge, visit Coney Island for a trip down memory lane, or head to the Central Park Boathouse for a romantic gondola ride.

Besides the famous restaurants, flowers, chocolates, and attractions, New York City is also known for all of the popular movies filmed there. You could re-create the end of “Sleepless in Seattle” and kiss at the top of the Empire State Building, or take the woman in your life to Tiffany’s on 5th Avenue just like in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” (Getting to pick out a piece of jewelry would definitely be an added bonus!) Women aren’t the only ones who would enjoy movie scenes in New York. What man doesn’t want to see where famous scenes from “The Godfather,” “Midnight Cowboy,” or “Wall Street” were filmed?

One of the best things about New York is that it is so close and easily accessible. You can drive into the city, take the train, arrange for private transportation, or spend the night in one of the most exquisite hotels in the world. In New York, no matter what your style is, you are sure to have an unforgettable Valentine’s Day!

Couples Resorts

By
Cheryl Chambers

Couples Resorts in Jamaica are wonderfully romantic for a secret rendezvous in the Caribbean. Escape for three to seven (or more!) Nights to one of four beautiful allinclusive beachfront properties in Jamaica. While there, you can relax, savor the superb dining, enjoy cold drinks at the swimup bar, party with evening entertainment, or go swimming in the gentle, clear waters. With plenty of nonstop flights out of the Northeast Corridor, and just a four-hour flight time, Jamaica is an easy getaway for a long romantic weekend in the sun.

I recently spent four days at Couples Negril for an Anniversary Getaway. Couples Negril is located a quick, one-hour ride from the airport.

This is a small, low-rise, beachfront hotel where you can drop out of the world of cell phones, computers, and everyday challenges to relax on a long, sandy beach and cool Caribbean waters.

They offer a free internet café for anyone who needs to check in with an office, etc., and also complementary broadband access for wireless devices. They also offer a small fitness center and some beach activities like volley ball for anyone who likes to be a little active on a getaway. The restaurants are fantastic. Couples Negril also offers a free catamaran sail at sunset a few days a week, exclusive to Couples’ guests.

The world-renowned Rick’s Café is nearby for an evening to celebrate the sunset and enjoy a reggae band.

Couples offers superior service and luxurious accommodations in a naturally beautiful, all-inclusive setting. Reconnect with your loved one with fine dining, spa treatments, candle-lit dinners on the beach, and romantic walks. Plunge into Paradise with great winter deals at Couples Resorts Jamaica, winner of Travel and Leisure World’s Best Award 2011.