Best Valentine’s Day Vacations for Couples – USI Affinity
February 10, 2016
4 Best Valentine’s Day Vacations for Couples
By Chaitanya Bala
Valentine’s Day is coming up and love is in the air! And what does this mean? For some, it means spending the weekend at home, popping open your favorite bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, and watching a movie you both love over a romantic candlelight dinner. But for many of you, Valentine’s Day is an ideal time to unwind from the commotion of daily life and travel with your significant other. There are plenty of places you could go, but it can get confusing and overwhelming when trying to pick a spot. That’s why we’ve done our research and picked out four great places where we’re sure you’ll have one amazing Valentine’s Day weekend!
New York City, NY
What better way to spend your Valentine’s Day weekend than in the Big Apple with the apple of your eye? With plenty of romantic, winter-friendly activities to go around, it’s no surprise NYC made it to the top of our list. The great thing about NYC is that there’s plenty you can do indoors and outdoors, provided you’re a fan of the winter. So if your ideal vision of Valentine’s Day is walking around together huddled up with a nice cup of hot cocoa, you’re in for a treat!
Where to Stay
If you’ve never rented rooms on Airbnb, now would be the perfect time to do so. Hotels in the greater New York City area can get pretty expensive. It’s no surprise that a good chunk of Airbnb’s revenue is generated by travelers visiting NYC. With that being said, we recommend superhost Candace and Paul’s highly-rated Luxe Loft, a modern, chic two-person loft in the heart of lower Manhattan.
What to Do
February in New York is going to mean plenty of snow and probably chilly weather. And you know what that means: taking romantic selfies in the snow and ice skating! Start off your day at the New York Botanical Garden strolling along the beautiful snow-covered gardens, then enjoy the beautiful city with your partner in its full glory at night by ice skating at Central Park.
Where to Eat
It’s okay to splurge every now and then, and Valentine’s Day sure is a great time for splurging on an amazing meal together. Winner of the 2015 Travelers’ Choice™ Award, Daniel is the ultimate fine dining experience. And it even has a special Valentine’s Day menu so you don’t need to get overwhelmed by all the amazing choices.
Miami Beach, FL
Add some excitement to your weekend getaway under the warm sun and palm trees galore, and check out Miami Beach in Southern Florida. With mostly pleasant temperatures year-round, there is a lot you can do for the entire day. Go shopping, take long, romantic walks on the beach, or enjoy an exciting night at some of the hottest nightclubs. Dubbed as one of America’s greatest beach resorts since the early 20th century, Miami Beach is the ultimate destination paradise for you and your special someone.
Where to Stay
We definitely recommend the Metropolitan by COMO. Rated #1 on TripAdvisor, the Metropolitan is one of the finest hotels in the area. It’s truly a unique experience, from the shiny marble floors at your suite, to the shiatsu massage sessions you can schedule right at the hotel.
What to Do
Miami Beach consists of amazing shopping districts, museums, and nightclubs. For a fun-packed day, start your morning at the South Beach neighborhood and take an art deco walking tour, where you’ll get the chance to explore all the unique art and architecture in the neighborhood. During the evening, head over to Lincoln Road, where you both can enjoy a stroll through the outdoor mall and art galleries.
Where to Eat
If you’re a pizza muncher and are looking for something fresh and new, definitely check out Visa-01 Extraordinary Pizza. This place has rave reviews all over the internet, and is rated #1 on TripAdvisor for restaurants in Miami. With fun, innovative pizzas like the Nutella pizza and the Star Luca, you’ll never get bored of this place!
Charleston, SC
Turn up that southern charm and go visit Charleston, South Carolina this Valentine’s Day weekend. Used for filming locations in many romantic Nicholas Sparks movies, including The Notebook, this place is the epitome of romance. Whether you’re embarking on a tour through historical Charleston in a horse-drawn carriage, or taking a romantic stroll through the Magnolia Gardens, we’re sure love will definitely be in the air. Enjoy the rich culture of the South with your beloved in one of America’s friendliest cities.
Where to Stay
For the ultimate experience, you should stay at the French Quarter Inn. Dubbed the best hotel in Charleston by most reviewers on TripAdvisor, and winner of the 2016 Travelers’ Choice™ Award, this luxury hotels exudes Southern hospitality at its finest. Receive a bottle of champagne right upon check in and enjoy your stay!
What to Do
For a magical day, start by taking a trip to the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, where you can tour the three-century-old Drayton plantation and share a kiss on the beautiful white bridge among the varieties of blooming flowers. Then, go on down to the picturesque Charleston Waterfront Park for an evening picnic and a relaxing stroll through the sunset.
Where to Eat
Known to serve the best prime steaks in Charleston, Halls Chophouse is rated as the #1 restaurant in Charleston on TripAdvisor. Highly praised for their hospitality and excellent customer service, they even accommodate vegan and vegetarian customers and prepare special meals at their request. A must-visit for steak lovers and non-meat eaters alike.
San Juan, PR
If you’re looking for an unforgettable time and the chance to add some spice to your otherwise mundane Valentine’s Day weekend plans, book a flight to the tropical beaches of San Juan, Puerto Rico. With plenty of lively, upbeat activities to do in this festive city that celebrates its unique culture in all aspects of life, every day will consist of something new and exciting. Whether you decide to stroll through the historical museums and cathedrals in Old San Juan or take salsa lessons with your partner, this tiny island is bursting with adventure!
Where to Stay
Hotel El Convento is our personal recommendation for you to experience Old San Juan right from your hotel room. Celebrating 50 years of excellence, this charming hotel has a classic 1960’s San Juan feel to it, with elegant metal headboards embellishing the beds and vintage furniture galore; not to mention a gorgeous view of Old San Juan from the top of the hills.
What to Do
San Juan is the ultimate hub of exploration. So for you adventure-seeking couples out there, admire the historical architecture of Old San Juan as you get out of your hotel and head over to San Juan. Once you get there, a must-visit is the San Juan National Historic Site, where you can get an insider’s look at the rich history of San Juan and take a walk through time. Finally, what’s a visit to Puerto Rico without partying it up a bit? Get an authentic taste of the Boricua culture at La Placita, where you can enjoy awesome food, live music, and dancing.
Where to Eat
If you’re looking for a change of flavor, Marmalade Restaurant Wine & Bar is definitely the place to check out. Featuring local, Caribbean eats, as well as international cuisine, and a wine bar, this #1 rated restaurant is bound to suit all tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for some fresh, crisp ceviche, or a warm risotto, Marmalade has got it all.
Hello Chaitanya,
Thanks for sharing your valuable information...
You have mentioned absolutely right tips to spend precious time while travelling. New York city is the most famous city in US and composed of five boroughs in which there are hundreds of district which defines their own city.
Great Work :-)
Posted by: Stephen White | June 1, 2016 at 03:48 AM