The most romantic day of the year is upon us but the good news for many is that Valentine’s Day is no longer associated with “couples only.” So, whether you are celebrating married, dating, single or just want to have some fun with a few close friends, here are some cool gifts, activities and last minute trips you can book with special deals for traveling solo.
Four Seasons at Home
If you can’t get to one of the dreamy locations around the world from Bali to Bora Bora, you can gift your lover, friend or yourself, a plush Four Seasons spa robe (prices start at $199) or a set of silky sheets to name a few cozy ideas.
Romantic Themed Prints
Gift your Valentine a memory (or future bucket list destination) from around the world in the form of a photographic work of art from a beloved location. Driftward offers premium prints of favorite travel spots from The Beverly Hills Hotel to a Southern Summer with a field of Queen Anne’s Lace wildflowers, that you can order online. Choose from a list of artists and photographers with landscapes and ocean scenes from some of the most romantic places on the planet, some even include heart motifs, in color or black and white. The sizes range and prices are starting at around $145 per print.
Seductive Scents
KILIAN Paris has new unisex fragrance offerings, including the floral scent, Can’t stop loving you ($265) which is the perfect gift to show your unwavering love and affection but they also have some cheeky names for a memorable gift that will leave a lasting impression.
Chocolate Lovers
You and maybe your lover adores chocolate but is health conscious? California-based Goalz Chocolate founder Michelle Oten searched high and low for a chocolate that suited her keto diet that still tasted like actual chocolate, so she decided to make her own. Made fresh to order at company headquarters in Orange and available in a variety of flavors, in handy travel tubes ($12.95 each), Goalz is European-style, high-quality chocolate that is sugar-free, low-carb, keto-friendly, and 100% vegan.
Activities and Experiences
For a fun surprise gift, One California Day Co. is a new sustainably minded experiential travel company, offering travelers a uniquely fun way to explore California by taking self-guided day trips with a catch: Travelers will not know where they are going until the day of their trip. Departing from three major cities–Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco–the mystery itineraries are designed to surprise and thrill, revealing a beautiful California destination, one memorable stop at a time. With nine itineraries to choose from currently (and more to come), the gift-worthy day trips are perfect for anniversaries, girls’ getaways, birthdays and other celebrations, such as Valentine’s Day, and cost $80 for a digital pdf download and $95 for a mailed packet.
And, this company is all about doing good along the way. As members of 1% for the Planet, they are committed to donating 1% of their annual revenue to environmental and carbon-reduction programs in California. Guests are also encouraged to do their part by donating $1 at check-out to partner One Tree Planted, who, in turn, will plant one tree in California.
Singles and Group Soirees
SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County) has some fun events that are great for mingling and making new friends. The chic Hotel Cerro in San Luis Obispo will be hosting a Singles Night on the Rooftop on the rooftop deck and bar, so you can feel the love with custom cocktails, delicious bites, festive decor, and live music. The Templeton Mercantile will be hosting a “Til Death Do Us Part”: A Valentine’s Day Murder Mystery Dinner for an interactive night out with friends. Cass Winery in Paso Robles is doing a Valentine’s Day Dinner & Comedy Show hosted by Jim Gallagher that is perfect for a group outing.
For Couples
Also, on California’s Central Coast, Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles is offering a Tuscan-like experience with the launch of the Aphrodisiac Package. It includes a two-night stay, vineyard tour and wine tasting for two, a Duo Duo couples massage, $500 food and beverage credit, and wine tastings for two at three wineries (including transportation). Or head to Pismo Beach for a little romance by the sea at The Cliffsfor a private fire pit experience fit with a dedicated server, a bottle of bubbly, strawberries, and a house-made S’mores Kit.
Solo and Single Travel Savings
This February, global tour operator Explore Worldwide is treating solo travelers to a special offer.
Explore’s small group tours are well suited for solo travelers with expert leaders and an average group size of 12. There is no need for vacationers to wait to go on their next adventure. If you are flying solo, save on your own room with free single room upgrade and half price supplements on hundreds of departures throughout 2023 when you book from February 14 – 28.
They offer hundreds of choices such as Sri Lanka in Depth: Experience Sri Lanka in depth with stops in vast wildlife-filled national parks, gilded Buddhist temples and vibrant cities.
Simply Peru: A bucket-list sojourn through nature, travelers will traverse through Peru’s wonders, including Machu Picchu (temporarily closed), Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon. Or Cycle Turkey: Get active on this eight-day cycling adventure across Turkey’s picturesque Turquoise coast. Other trips include, Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Trek, Inside Vietnam and the Best of Northern Thailand.
