Valentine's Day lands on a Friday this year, which makes it the perfect year to take a long, romantic weekend. Below, check out three potentially quick and not-too-expensive trips.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Many carriers offer fairly inexpensive flights to Puerto Rico. A mixture of Old World (cobblestone streets and colonial architecture) and modern urban life amenities, San Juan offers a vibrant nightlife, contemporary dining, art, robust flavorful food, adventure, and beauty. The Caribbean city is the home of Balneario de Carolina (Carolina Beach), Calle De Cristol (Cristol Street), El Yunque National Rainforest (35 miles east of San Juan, and 16th-century landmarks. As a bonus, you'll be helping an economy that took a big hit in the wake of the wave of earthquakes that the Island recently experienced. Here is a FAQ from nonprofit organization Discover Puerto Rico if you're worried about traveling there.
New Orleans, Louisiana
NOLA is known for its Cajun cuisine, music, beautiful colors, alligators, and swamps. The Big Easy is also home of its popular French Quarter, The Mercedez-Benz Super Dome, Chalmette National Historical Park, Tulane University, and The New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park. Although New Orleans has a ton of boutique hotels that garner a Big Easy theme, the southern city also has a host of Air BnBs that also plays up the NOLA culture.
Denver, Colorado
Most people probably wouldn't think of Denver when they think of romantic getaways. However, flights to Denver are typically cheap. And if you're open to a winter-ish vacay, you could plan a staycation in one of Denver's cute cabins or AirBnBs. The city that's filled with a beautiful mountain view is the home of The Golden Triangle, The Clear Creek History Park, and the Colorado Railroad Museum.
