This week, our Operations Manager, Carlos, shares the strange story of his accidental Hawaii Honeymoon… Enjoy!
It all started with a search for cheap flights to Hawaii while sitting on a couch in a friend’s living room. There happened to be a good deal for a round-trip flight from LA to Maui, and minutes later a group of 6 of us were weeks away from what would become my pre-wedding honeymoon trip.
It is as American as apple pie and baseball to watch fireworks bursting into the air on July 4, and there are festivities scheduled that holiday in what seems like every city and town in the country. However, there are five cities that stand out.
Traveling for the holidays, but worried about missing out on all the festive décor, delicious food, and frosty snowflakes? Don’t worry. There are plenty hotels across the country — and around the world! –offering lots of lights, sights, treats, and sweets that will make you feel at home.
A 22-foot gingerbread house takes center stage at one of San Francisco’s most prestigious hotels. Take a stroll through the fragrant culinary concoction made from 650 pounds of candy, 12 gallons of chocolate, 7,500 pieces of gingerbread, and nearly a ton of icing. Be sure to peek through the windows at the train running through the house. After exiting this life-size Christmas staple, visit Laurel Court where guests can partake in traditional holiday foods and even a Christmas tea.
How many of us remember making our “Valentine’s Day mailboxes” that were pressed to our school desk and filling out all our little Valentines to our classmates. Maybe you had a special one for that one person you ignored during recess because you have a crush? Art class was filled with red, pink and white papers, paste, glitter and those rounded tipped scissors. Somehow, out of that glittered mess came a special Valentine’s Day card for your mom, grandma, and your dog. The room mothers and/or teacher had cookies or the ultimate Valentine’s Day cupcakes, along with red heart-shaped suckers and candy hearts that say “I love you,” “XOXO” and “Be Mine.” Ahh, the memories when everything was innocent and sweet and simple.
Fast forward two, three, four, or more decades and you would love to get that innocent feel back for Valentine’s Day. No more of those old Valentine’s Day gifts of cardboard candies and wilted flowers. You want to make some nice, Valentine’s Day memories. How about a long romantic weekend. Hop on a plane and you’re off on a mid-winter adventure.
If you want to take a long weekend, what would be better that to take a quick jaunt to a place where neither of you have been? I did a little research on the Most Romantic Cities in the United States. There are several on this list I would love to go to for a nice, romantic get-a-way with my sweetie.
Honolulu tops the list as the most romantic city. Who wouldn’t love to go to Hawaii for a few days; however, I prefer the entire island of Maui over Honolulu. It’s great to go to a beach in the middle of the winter. Hawaii certainly has many beaches, and this time of year whale watching is a great activity.
San Antonio is a great city to do a weekend. Strolling along the River Walk in the middle of the city is very romantic. With shops, restaurants, and a quiet boat ride along the river will kindle or re-kindle that spark into a nice flame.
If you are more of a “beautiful people” couple going to hot Miami could be the perfect place to get your passion boiling. Those hot, humid Miami nights are just what the love doctor ordered.
For those more adventurous Frommer’s lists world’s most romantic cities to fall in love.
Paris, France, is number one on the list, of course. Need I say more? The subject of all those great movies of the couples falling in love under the Eiffel Tower. Even in the movie, Casablanca, Rick says to Ilsa “We’ll always have Paris.” C’mon, even guys know that movie.
Florence, Italy. Take your love along the cobblestone streets. Whisper in her ear, “Ti penso sempre.” I guarantee she’ll be your Valentine, then.
Let’s go to where the dance of love, the Tango, originated. Go learn the Tango where it originated in Buenos Aires. Some Tango lessons may be a good Valentine’s Day gift idea, as well!
What are your plans for a romantic get-a-way? Wherever you decide to travel either for a long or short trip, start your vacation off by staying overnight at a ParkSleepFly.com hotel. The package includes a night’s stay, parking, shuttle service to and from the hotel – all for one low price. Go through the security line actually speaking to your Valentine instead of snipping at each other due to the lack of sleep or stress from almost missing your flight. Everyone loves a lover, they say. Even if you are single this year, no need to hum “Love Stinks.” Be your own Valentine and take yourself on a trip. You never know, you may meet your Valentine!
