How to Nail Your Valentine’s Day Staycation

Young couple sitting in kitchen having a romantic moment

You don’t have to plan an extravagant vacation to do Valentine’s Day right. And it doesn’t have to be just dinner either. This year, try extending the day into an entire weekend in which just the two of you stay at home and create special memories without the expense and hassle. Use Cash Back at Ebates to make it the smartest Valentine’s Day you’ve ever planned. Start with these staycation ideas for couples:

Pick a Theme for the Weekend

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If going to a remote island and sipping cocktails on the beach is your idea of a romantic vacation, create the beach theme at home. You’ll be able to take a weekend to have all the fun and relaxation of a beach trip without spending all the money. Even if you don’t get the tan to prove it, you’ll still have a memorable weekend together. To make this theme a reality, try turning on some island music and making homemade margaritas in a Jimmy Buffet-approved blender.

How to Nail Your Valentine’s Day Staycation 1

If you and your partner dream of snowy mountains instead of white-sand beaches, create a lodge ambiance in your home to bring the romance of a winter destination to you. Get a bottle of sultry red wine and turn on the fireplace before you kick back with some new luxurious pajamas you were able to buy from Soma Intimates because you saved all that money by not going on vacation.

Cook Together

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One of the most romantic ways to spend an evening together is to cook side by side. Creating a meal together is the perfect way to pass a Valentine’s Day evening. It calls for conversation, creativity, teamwork and wine. For this date idea, try going all out — lobster or steak cooked to perfection will suit the occasion. Because you’re not shelling out for a trip, you can afford to splurge on a delicious meal you can prepare (and enjoy) together.

Make Intimacy a Priority

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When you take away the destination, the only thing that makes a Valentine’s Day trip unique is the intimate moments you share. Why not pull out all the cliché stops this year and buy that massage oil you’ve always joked about getting. Carve out time in the evening so you both can give and receive a massage with special oils for just this occasion, and you’ll quickly forget you’re not on vacation.

Get a Hotel in Your City

Even with all the planning in the world, sometimes home just doesn’t cut it. To get the romantic-getaway feeling traveling offers, try staying at a hotel in your hometown. You can find great last-minute deals at Hotels.com. Pack a bag for one night, head downtown and pat yourselves on the back — you’ve embarked on a memorable adventure together, and your romantic staycation didn’t even cost you the price of a flight.

 

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6 Can’t-Fail Valentine’s Day Trips

Couple Kissing Holding a HeartValentine’s Day is right around the corner! Have you figured out how to wow your sweetheart yet? If you’re fresh out of Valentine’s Day ideas, consider how awesome it would be to take a quick vacation. With all the remarkable deals on flights available right now, a romantic getaway has never been so incredibly affordable and is sure to impress. Grab your airline tickets on the cheap and head to one of these fabulous destinations.

Montreal, Canada

Montreal Buildings SkylineWith US currency holding strong against the Canadian dollar, heading north for a getaway can mean big savings right now. Grab a flight into Montreal’s pleasantly small airport and get ready for a world-class weekend. With the ever-present French influence on the city’s culture, language and architecture, Montreal has a lot of the same charm as its European counterparts. Take a romantic stroll through the old part of the city or visit the world-class botanical garden and bio dome for a blast of warm air and a really gorgeous dose of nature. Treat your love to a romantic French language-speaking getaway without the cost of a transatlantic flight!

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas NevadaWant to go a little wild? With airline tickets often subsidized to bring visitors into Las Vegas, the time is always right to catch a flight to this super fun destination. Vegas.com always has incredible deals on shows, spas and 5-star restaurants to guarantee that this will be a dazzling escape. Whether you both want to try your luck in the casinos or you are headed straight for the chapel to elope, there’s always something unforgettable going on throughout the city. Although what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, this will be the getaway weekend that you both remember for years to come.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans Mardi GrasWith Mardi Gras already over by Valentine’s Day, the giant crowds and mayhem will have cleared out of The Big Easy and the city will have returned to its normal rhythm and jazz. New Orleans is perfect this time of year for a quick weekend getaway whether you’re looking for a foodie or a historical destination. Book a quiet B&B away from Bourbon Street and you’ll be amazed at the laid back and charming side of New Orleans. With year-round outdoor cafes, stone streets, horse drawn carriages and food so good you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven, New Orleans is filled with splendid surprises that will surely delight. Incredibly affordable and fun, head to New Orleans and you’ll be strolling around with a daiquiri in hand in no time.

Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont LighthouseLooking for somewhere to curl up in front of a fireplace with your favorite person? Tuck yourselves into a rustic getaway in snowy Vermont. With numerous daily flights to beautiful Burlington, you can easily get to one of Vermont’s wonderful attractions via a quick and very scenic drive. You can also check out gorgeous spots like Stowe and Woodstock if you’re in the mood for bustling little communities that know how to do small town relaxation right. Vermont’s mountains may be no match to the size of the peaks out west, but you’ll find that you can have just as much fun at a fraction of the cost. With lots of affordable lodging near the ski resorts in Vermont, you won’t have to go far to have a great time.

Todos Santos, Mexico

Todos Santos, Mexico Resort This quiet little town on the Baja California Peninsula is perfect for a special and affordable seaside getaway. Away from the early Spring Breakers and ruckus of Cabo, Todos Santos has become an artists’ enclave. Take a stroll around this quaint and historic little town. Plan a day trip and head up into the nearby mountains to check out the local pottery works or wait on the beach for the fishermen to bring in fresh fish for your dinner. Whether you are sitting in one of the many cafes listening to live music or head down to the nearby beaches to watch the release of baby sea turtles after the sun sets, you won’t forget Todos Santos long after you’ve left.

Savings-Friendly Staycation

Hotel Room BedSometimes all you really need to reignite the romance in your relationship is a night out in your own town. Surprise your sweetheart with a staycation and get a fun, fresh perspective as a tourist in a new part of your city. With no airfare or long distance drive to pay for, you can splurge on booking an upscale room through Hotels.com and save bit on a fancy dinner with gift card deals from Restaurant.com. to appropriately pamper your love. Finally, check out that museum that you’ve been talking about for ages or visit Ticketmaster and book those concert tickets you know your sweetheart desperately wants. No matter where you go, the best part of your trip will be the wonderful quality time spent with someone you love.

Flowers and chocolate are holiday staples, but these Valentine’s Day ideas will make your celebrations sweeter than candy and the memories will last much longer than a bouquet. So go ahead, explore the world with your sweetheart and plan unique Valentine’s Day trips that won’t break the bank. Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

 

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Staycation Success: Tips & Tricks

staycationsuccess

The word vacation brings up images of escape, relaxation, and fun. Most traditional vacations take place away from the home. But when a traditional vacation isn’t an option, plan a staycation instead! You can easily take a break in the comfort of your own home and city. Staycations are a great choice for singles, couples, and families alike!

marshmallows

The Ground Rules
A staycation is meant to feel like a real getaway, so there are a few ground rules that need to be set. Deciding a start and end time to the vacation (whether it be a weekend or a whole week) and guidelines to follow ahead of time keep everyone involved and on the same page. NOTE: Not all of these examples will work for everyone, so pick and choose what works for you and your family!

  • No working from home
  • No cooking, cleaning, or laundry
  • Only check your phone or email when you absolutely have to (preferably not at all!)

hiking

Plan Your Staycation
Destination vacations usually include fun plans for dinners, activities, and ways to relax, so make sure you do the same for your staycation! Set a realistic budget with money set aside for eating out or a massage. Try to prep around the house in a way that makes your vacation at home as relaxing as possible. You can make sure all your laundry is done ahead of time, gathering local menus, preparing meals in advance, and using disposable dishware to cut down on doing the dishes.

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Get Out and About
Just because it’s called a staycation doesn’t mean you need to stay in! There are most likely dozens of things to do around your hometown that you have never even thought of. Here’s a list of 10 ideas to get you started. Check out our Groupon and LivingSocial for coupons and discounts on local events, plus get 6% Cash Back at Ebates!

  • Visit your local museums
  • Check out your local library for activities
  • Root for your favorite major or minor league team
  • Have a board game tournament
  • Camp in the backyard
  • Catch a show at your local theater
  • Tour a local brewery
  • Take a painting or pottery class
  • Visit a local park
  • Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride

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Relax and Refresh
While you’ll probably be tempted to tackle a few chores during your staycation, remind yourself to kick back and enjoy the moment. Whether you have a list full of activities or one or two picked out, the attitude and commitment you have to making this time about relaxing and having fun is ultimately the most important key to a successful staycation. Take the time to let your hair down and spend time with your partner, kids, or even catch up on some “me time!”

Have you ever taken a staycation? What activities around your town would you do? Let us know in a comment below!

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