As Valentine’s Day 2026 approaches and falls on a Saturday, couples are increasingly turning weekend getaways into the centerpiece of their celebrations, fueling record-level spending on travel and hospitality, according to recent data. U.S. Valentine’s spending reached an estimated $27.5 billion in 2025, with travel a key component of that total as consumers prioritize experiences over traditional gifts, economists say.
From historic inns steeped in colonial elegance to coastal luxury, romantic destinations across the South are seeing a spike in interest, particularly those offering special Valentine’s packages designed to turn a weekend away into a memorable celebration.
Travel Trends Reflect Experiential Priorities
Data on Valentine’s Day consumer behavior shows a broader shift toward experiential spending that benefits hotels, restaurants and travel operators alike. In 2025, travel expenditures associated with Valentine’s Day globally topped$8 billion, up about 15% from the previous year, highlighting couples’ willingness to invest in shared experiences even amid economic uncertainty.
With Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday in 2026, couples have more opportunity to turn the holiday into a full weekend celebration rather than squeezing plans into an evening after work, travel experts say.Remitly’sValentine’s Day report notes that the weekend timing encourages extended activities such as road trips and overnight stays, while also increasing demand for reservations at restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues.
Because the date is expected to boost spending on experiences like dinners and getaways, industry observers advise booking travel and dining plans well in advance to secure availability and manage costs.
Historic Luxury and Intimate Indulgence at Keswick Hall
For couples seeking a romantic blend of Southern elegance and cozy winter escape,Keswick Hallnear Charlottesville, Virginia, offers a standout Valentine’s option. Perched amid rolling countryside near the Blue Ridge Mountains, the luxury resort’s Romance Package is designed for unhurried connection and memorable moments.
Guests can enjoy beautifully appointed rooms and suites, farm-inspired meals at Jean-Georges’ Marigold restaurant, holistic treatments at the resort’s spa and scenic views of the golf course that stretch into the horizon.
Gilded Age Charm and Seaside Romance on Georgia’s Coast
Couples looking to unplug and celebrate Valentine’s Day are booking stays atJekyll Island Club Resortin Georgia’s Golden Isles, a historic retreat known for its Gilded Age architecture and sprawling grounds beneath live oaks.
The resort’s Cupid’s Big Band Celebration package offers a full weekend of romance with access to six dining venues, beach paths, Spa Cabana treatments and traditional activities like biking along more than 20 miles of paved trails or playing croquet on the lawn.
Seaside Romance and Coastal Dining at Wild Dunes Resort
Couples looking for an effortless Valentine’s escape along the South Carolina coast are booking stays atWild Dunes Resorton Isle of Palms.
The resort’s Valentine’s Weekend package combines oceanfront accommodations with thoughtful romantic touches, including chocolate-covered strawberries, a champagne welcome and a three-course Valentine’s dinner for two at Coastal Provisions, the resort’s signature restaurant known for its seasonal, seafood-forward menu.
Laid-Back Luxury at La Playa Resort
Couples seeking a classic coastal Valentine’s escape are booking stays atLaPlaya Beach and Golf Resortin Naples, Florida, where soft sand, warm Gulf breezes and sunset views set an intimate tone.
The resort offers a standoutbeachfrontdining experience with a private four- or five-course meal served directly on the beach, complete with candlelight, rose petals, tiki torches and lanterns as waves roll nearby.
Island Romance at Pier House Resort and Spa in Key West
Couples heading to Florida’s southernmost point are finding beachside romance atPier House Resort and Spain Key West, one of the island’s only resorts with its own private beach.
The oceanfront property offers a Valentine’s experience centered on relaxation and indulgence, beginning with a 50-minute Swedish couplesmassagethat includes complimentary upgrades such as warm stones or CBD oils, aromatherapy, champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and a long-stem rose.
Experiences Over Gifts: A Broader Shift
These hotel packages align with a broader consumer trend that favors experiences such as weekends away, fine dining andspa treatmentsover material gifts like jewelry or flowers. Travel and economicprojectionsshow experiential categories, including travel and hospitality, continue to grow faster than traditional Valentine’s Day retail sectors, reflecting shifting priorities among couples.
Hospitality industry insiders note that Valentine’s weekend travel bookings are often confirmed months in advance, especially at premium properties that offer curated romantic touches. With February weather unpredictable across much of the country,Southerndestinations with mild climates and diverse amenities stand out as appealing options for couples seeking both warmth and variety.
Booking Early Pays Off
Travel advisors say securing reservations in January or even late in the previous year can make a significant difference in both availability and pricing. As hotels across the South roll out Valentine’s offerings, dates around Feb. 13 to 15 are among the most in demand.
For couples planning a weekend escape, elevated experiences and thoughtfully curated packages continue to drive Valentine’s travel, reflecting a broader shift toward celebrations that begin well before dinner and last far beyond it.
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