Romantic breaks, long weekends away and hotel love ins. St Valentine's Day is the time for treating your loved one to a few days away, from a city break to a treat. And with the traditional day of exchanging tokens of love big business these days, what better way to celebrate than by getting away from it all and doing something different to an overpriced meal out, a box of chocolates and some flowers that cost you a small mortgage to buy.
The 14th February is the big day, and in 2011 it falls on a Monday. So why not take an extended break over the weekend and make it one to remember.
So where will you head away?
The obvious places are Paris, the city of love, Venice or Rome. The cities lend themselves to romantic breaks in fantastic settings and with all the trappings of a traditional statement of love.
But you can make any location romantic with a little imagination. Every city has somewhere that can spark romance, whether it be with history, art, culture or food. It's what you make of a destination that will make it come alive with love. Why not consider a trip to Reims for a champagne weekend, a break in Stockholm for its waterside setting and cosy evenings in warm bars and restaurants or a longer journey to New York for some whirlwind romance. Or maybe take a short break to somewhere that was special to you in the early days of your relationship, whether that be somewhere close to home or further afield.
Even in places you may consider as beach holiday destinations such as the Costa del Sol, you can find romantic places such as Mijas, Nerja or the Alhambra in Granada. Others find a long ski weekend romantic, as you head up the mountain sides in the beautiful scenery or snuggle up around some fondue and wine. Even a trip to London for a theatre break and a quiet meal for two after the show can be romantic. Just avoid the obvious purchase of a red rose on the big day and opt for something more original.
Don't know where to go? Not sure what to buy? Can't take time off on the big day? You can always treat your loved one to a gift for another time and wrap it up to offer on the 14th itself. You can pre-book romantic stays in hidden retreats, activity days and even spa breaks to show how much you care.
