Two in five (38 percent) U.S. adults indicated that if they could afford to take one more leisure trip than they may have already planned, they'd first want to take a romantic trip with a spouse/significant other instead of a family getaway (25 percent), or a solo trip (13 percent) or a vacation with friends (16 percent).
SAN FRANCISCO – Hotwire.com revealed more results from its second annual American Travel Behavior Survey, conducted online on its behalf by Harris Interactive in October 2012 among over 2,000 U.S. adults. According to the survey, almost two-thirds (65 percent) of Americans who travel believe that their relationships with their loved one(s) would be better if they went on more leisure trips together. Furthermore, two in five (38 percent) U.S. adults indicated that if they could afford to take one more leisure trip than they may have already planned, they’d first want to take a romantic trip with a spouse/significant other instead of a family getaway (25 percent), or a solo trip (13 percent) or a vacation with friends (16 percent). And in a surprising twist, this preference was significantly higher in men (42 percent) than in women (33 percent), making a spontaneous romantic trip the perfect Valentine’s gift to give a boyfriend or husband.
Fortunately, this year, Valentine’s Day (February 14) lands on the Thursday before President’s Day, Monday, February 18. Since President’s Day is a holiday for many Americans, Hotwire suggests using the three-day weekend (or stretching it out into a four- or five-day weekend) to take a loved one on a romantic escape. And to get the destination ideas flowing, Hotwire has provided a list of the five most popular destinations for the long weekend.
Number one on the list is New York, and it has so much to offer amorous visitors, it’s no surprise that the city has served as a backdrop in countless romantic movies, books and televisions shows. Significant others can rent paddleboats at Central Park’s Loeb Boathouse, go ice skating in Rockefeller Center or enjoy sunsets on the observation deck of the Empire State Building. For sports loving couples, be sure to catch a game at Madison Square Garden.
Up next on the list is Orlando. While this Floridian city certainly offers fun for the whole family, it also serves up plenty of romance for two. Take a gondola ride through the downtown area, visit the Kraft Azalea Gardens in Winter Park at sunset or snuggle up and enjoy a chilled drink at ICEBAR Orlando. Newlyweds visiting the theme parks should be sure to stop by the Guest Relations office for a set of buttons that read “Just Married” for special perks and extras to complete their whimsical trip.
In at number three is Las Vegas. This desert destination might be Sin City to some, but there are plenty of sweet treats for couples spending a romantic weekend away. For the ultimate date night, visit Max Brenner at the Forum Shops and dive into a pot of chocolate fondue or buy some chocolate-covered strawberries before heading over to the Eiffel Tower to catch a glimpse of the Bellagio fountains across the street. Vegas is truly The Entertainment Capital of the World, so afterward, sit back and enjoy one of the dozens of amazing shows. Wrap up the night with a late dinner at one of hundreds of world-class restaurants and a gondola ride at the Venetian.
Rounding out the top five are Chicago and San Francisco. While in Chicago, visit the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, cruise on Lake Michigan or head to Sears Tower and hold hands while stepping on the glass floor. San Francisco visitors can have a wine and cheese picnic in Golden Gate Park or ride up and down the beautiful hills of San Francisco on one of the city’s famous cable cars.
“Our research shows that the majority of Americans feel a trip would be beneficial to their relationship, and given the surprising fact that more men are interested in romantic travel than women, a Valentine’s Day getaway is an ideal gift for a male significant other,” said Clem Bason, president of the Hotwire Group. “And with the President’s Day long weekend coming right after Valentine’s Day, folks should take advantage of the extra time and Hotwire’s deep discounts to strengthen their tie and enjoy a spontaneous romantic getaway.”
Hotwire’s five most popular destinations between Valentine’s Day and President’s Day and average nightly hotel prices for each are listed below:
|
Rank |
City |
Average Nightly Rates on Hotwire* |
|
1. |
New York, NY |
$126 |
|
2. |
Orlando, FL |
$63 |
|
3. |
Las Vegas, NV |
$94 |
|
4. |
Chicago, IL |
$80 |
|
5. |
San Francisco, CA |
$106 |
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
