Bling is out! Canadians Prefer Vacationing this Valentine's Day

Hotels.com shares top picks for February 14^th travel

TORONTO, Jan. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - Roses are red, violets are blue, Valentine's Day is coming... for you?! Whether you like it or not, the love-infused holiday is right around the corner. This year, embrace Valentine's Day with a trip to a Hotels.com® sexy destination. Whether you're staying local or splurging on an exotic trip, there's a trip to light your fire below.

But First, What Do Canadians Really Want On Valentine's Day?

That's simple. According to a recent survey conducted by the Hotels.com travel experts, Canadians would rather bond with Sparky than indulge in one-on-one time with a favourite celeb! See below for other interesting findings:

• 78% of Canadians would rather spend Valentine's Day with their significant other. With 14% choosing to stay in with their pet and only 8% choosing to snuggle with a celebrity crush.
• 52% of Canadians would prefer a vacation over designer jewellery. Bling is out this year so, for those looking to splurge on Valentine's Day, a trip is the best way to win over your sweetie. Gourmet dinners came in 2^nd, jewellery came in 3^rd and heart-racing adventures came in 4^th.
• 50% of Canadians are hoping for a romantic dinner out, followed by 30% wanting a quiet night in. Overall, Canadians chose special one-on-one time with their partner over an action-packed adventure like sporting.

Canada's Most Romantic Shortlist

Montreal - Head to one of Canada's most romantic cities and soak in European culture at a fraction of the cost! In Old Montreal you'll experience cobblestone roads, charming bistros and historic architecture at almost every corner. It's the perfect getaway where you can practice your French and soak in the culture... Where to stay? The W Hotel is a great option where you can relax, unwind and spend an evening between the sheets!

Tofino - Selected by both Conde Nast Traveler and Reader's Digest as a luxurious couples retreat, Tofino's Wickaninnish Inn offers rustic elegance amongst breathtaking ocean views in a remote location to help you sweep your significant other off their feet! And this year, you'll be sure to knock a few socks off with the help of the West Coast Romance Package which includes two nights' accommodation, hot brunches, a bottle of champagne with strawberries and a romantic turndown.

Whistler - Feeling a little frisky this Valentine's Day? When you're travelling with your significant other, cold weather retreats are a great excuse to cuddle up. Grab some blankets, wine and watch the picturesque snow fall! Whistler's Adara Hotel is filled with ski bunnies, crackling fires and hot tubs to set any mood in the right direction.

For Valentine's Day Abroad

Bora Bora - Fans of Kim Kardashian may be familiar with this little slice of paradise since it was featured in the show. The Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa is an unadulterated island paradise that silently screams tranquil perfection. Looking to impress? Then be sure to book an overwater bungalow which is the perfect unique hot spot where you're one with nature.

Florence - The capital of Tuscany is oozing with charm, romance, and seaside villages where you can find flavourful cuisine and wine. They say Italian food is made from the heart, so how can you resist falling in love? Plan a stay at the Brunelleschi Hotel and get ready to work off that pasta.

So, while Valentine's Day may come knocking at your door every year, you might as well make it something worth embracing! After all, if your sweetheart's Canadian we already know what's on their wish list.

Editor's Note: The Hotels.com survey was conducted on January 21-22, 2013 and surveyed 576 Canadian residents.

About Hotels.com^®
Hotels.com (also known in Canada as Hotels.ca) is a leading online accommodation booking brand. Through its global network of websites, Hotels.com, LP connects travellers with over 160,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favourites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Hotels.com, LP benefits from one of the largest hotel contracting teams in the industry, obtaining the best rates for its customers, and offers frequent sales, special deals and promotions. There are more than 7 million Guest Reviews on the websites from users who have actually stayed in the hotels to ensure customers can make an informed choice when booking. Through Hotels.com, LP's industry-leading loyalty program Welcome Rewards^TM, customers can earn a free night for every 10 nights stayed at more than 85,000 hotels. Under its Price Match Guarantee, if a customer can find the same deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com, LP will refund the difference. Travellers can book online or by contacting one of the multilingual call centers. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded at www.hotels.com/deals/mobile_app/ enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals. Hotels.com publishes an award-winning twice-yearly review of international hotel room price trends called the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index™, which is now produced in 31 individual country editions, with North American data available at www.hotel-price-index.com. Follow Hotels.com on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Hotels.comCA, on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/hotelsdotcomca and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/hotelsdotcom. Hotels.com, LP is part of Expedia, Inc., the largest online travel company in the world with an extensive portfolio that includes some of the world's best-known brands.

Hotels.com and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. © 2013 Hotels.com, LP. All rights reserved. CST # 2083949-50

Image with caption: "Canadians are getting bit by the travel bug this Valentine's Day (CNW Group/Hotels.com)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130129_C9094_PHOTO_EN_23073.jpg

SOURCE: Hotels.com

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