With Valentine's Day falling on a Sunday this year, what better way to say 'I love you' than whisking your beau off for a romantic mini break?
Relationships on Female First
Whether you prefer to stroll hand-in-hand down the beach or enjoy getting lost together in a city adventure - it's fair to say that you won't be the only couple looking to spend some quality time together that weekend.
Nicky Cox, a travel expert from HolidayGems.co.uk, has carefully hand-picked five alternative mini break destinations, with all of the charm but none of the hustle and bustle, guaranteed to set the flames alight this Valentine's weekend.
Spain - Costa Brava; needn't Costa Lotta
Whilst it may be a bit chilly to feel the sand between your toes at this time of year, Costa Brava has more to offer couples than it's blue flag beaches. What really swings it for Costa Brava is it's proximity to both Girona and Barcelona - the later being just 30 minutes away.
Renting a car to visit bustling Barcelona for the day, then escaping the crowds and returning to peaceful Costa Brava, you'll be happy you made the right choice for your weekend mini break.
Italy - Relax on the (Venetian) Riviera
Mini Breaks to the Venetian Riviera can be both relaxing and exciting, depending on the type of break you enjoy. The Venetian Riviera is bound to be quieter than cities such as Rome or Florence over Valentines weekend, so you can enjoy the entertainment, culture and cuisine without crowd dodging.
As well as the sandy beaches and crystal clear waters along the Lido, Venice is famous for its architecture and museums, perfect for building memories together as a couple.
Bulgaria - Sofia; the Perfect Romantic Hideaway
This beautiful country with vibrant modern cities and long sandy beaches hugging the Black Sea is the perfect destination for the couples that want to enjoy the ancient architecture and authentic food.
Make the most of your time in Sofia with a visit to the cosmopolitan area of Vitosha, with its specialist open-air literature market. On your way, why not slip into a cosy café and watch the world go by.
There's no doubt you'll enjoy exploring this gorgeous city together; with its beautiful boutiques and exciting nightlife.
Germany - Hamburg; Sail away together on romantic Lake Aster
Germany's second-largest city isn't short of things for couples to do together. Fine architecture and exciting menus, Hamburg is a great place to spend your romantic city break.
Hamburg is a great alternative to Berlin if you're looking to avoid crowded streets this Valentines weekend.
There are countless ways to discover this city's charm, make sure you visit St. Michaelis church tower to enjoy the panoramic view over Hamburg, as well as the fish market, and HafenCity. We assure you; the port of Hamburg keeps its promises.
Poland - Krakow; The perfect holiday for all explorers
This beautiful country with medieval roots is the perfect destination for couples that are looking for an adventure.
Krakow, the southern city in Poland, and the capital of culture, is a perfect hideaway for travelling lovebirds.
Snuggle together in a beautiful antique horse drawn carriage. The horses will transport you back in time on your journey from Market Square to Wawel Hill in the heart of Krakow.
You'll enjoy exploring this gorgeous city; its beautiful mythical atmosphere, attractive streets and squares.
Top tips when booking your Valentine's mini break
When searching and booking your Valentine's Day trip, following this simple rule can really make your money work harder for you. - 'The earlier you make your booking, the better'.
The busiest time for booking holidays and mini breaks is over the next two weeks. Holiday companies have already released their best deals, so be quick and grab them before they expire (usually in the last week of January).
The early bird catches the worm - to reduce the price of your trip, book your flights early in the morning. The price can rise as demand grows and gathers momentum during the day.
If you can help it, it's best avoiding Friday morning flights, particularly with the way Valentines falls this year. You can save hundreds of pounds if you fly midweek. So, book some time off work, grab your passport and get ready for a trip you and your loved one will remember for a lifetime to come.
tagged in Valentine's Day