Valentine's Day Getaway Ideas

Travel Expert Valarie D'Elia Has Many, From Reasonable To Super-Pricey

(CBS)  It's not too late to book a fantastic romantic getaway for Valentine's Day, even though it's a mere three weeks away.

Travel journalist Valarie D'Elia, whose family has been in the travel business since 1902, has suggestions for trips that won't cost and arm and a leg, and some that will cost a whole lot more than that.

Among them: an affordable skiing package, cheap getaways to Europe, a chocolate-themed package at the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park, an island splurge at gorgeous Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys, and a whopping $850,000 package at the Ritz-Carlton Central Park that includes transportation on a private jet and a 10-carat diamond from Tiffany and Co.
As for specifics:

SKIING IN WINTER PARK, COLORADO

$99 per person per night

Includes two nights lodging an a two-day lift ticket

Valid through next month

Rates are per person based on double occupancy in a hotel, in-town.

skiwinterpark.com

Airfare to Colorado is very affordable right now. There are plenty of deals out there. A roundtrip flight from New York to Denver runs as low as $150. Fares are similar from Florida and Chicago.

EUROPE
Steal someone's heart this Valentine's Day with a fling for two to Brussels, Amsterdam, Vienna, or any of 15 romantic international destinations on specially-priced departures from Gate 1 Travel.

Packages range from six to nine days and may be extended up to a month.

They start at $399 plus tax for a six-day getaway to Paris, with airfare from New York.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and include roundtrip airfare, accommodations, and daily breakfast.

Low-cost add-on air fares are available from cities nationwide.

Packages can be customized with a wide selection of moderately-priced sightseeing excursions.

Gate 1 Travel offers other Valentine specials to London, Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest, Barcelona, Florence, Athens, Rio and Dublin, and many other destinations. Amsterdam starts at $599, and Brussels starts at $499.

gate1travl.com

CHOCOLATE IN NEW YORK
The "Sugar & Spice Romance Package" at the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park includes a chocolate buffet. Sugar & Spice provides a lovers' escape, complete with a passport to indulgence.

The package includes:

One night luxury accommodations in a city-view room

Entry to "The Chocolate Bar" in the 14th floor award-winning Rise bar. It has an all-you-can-eat gourmet buffet showcasing the most unforgettable chocolate desserts. Indulge in this sinful selection while experiencing the most breathtaking views in Manhattan.

Relaxing hour-long massages for two

The rate for weekends in February 2006 start at $699 per couple.

But you don't have to spend the night to indulge in the amazing chocolate. The chocolate buffet alone is $75 per person.

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