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.
