Thaindian News

Mumbai, Feb 11 (IANS) Valentine’s Day is just round the corner and what better way than heading out to some special place with your beloved to spend those special moments in quality exclusiveness.That’s what most couples have planned for this Feb 14.

Since it is Monday, there is the added advantage of combining it to the weekend. Many people have planned to head out for a three-day trip or even longer to enjoy love and leisure.

“The idea is to have some quality time with your loved one. So couples look for short breaks around or out of the country,” Karan Anand, head of relationships and supplier management at Cox and Kings, told IANS.

“The Valentine’s Day falling on a Monday this year is definitely a plus point,” he said.

Keyur Joshi, co-founder and chief operating officer of MakeMyTrip.com, shared the same opinion.

“We have been getting queries for a weekend getaway around Valentine’s Day for both domestic as well as international destinations,” he said.

Some of the most popular domestic destinations this year include the Andamans, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Shimla, Ooty, Nainital and, of course, Goa, the ever favorite among travellers and couples.

According to Anand, the popular international destinations this year are Singapore, Phuket, Bangkok, Bali, Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles, Macau, Penang and Pattaya.

“Valentine’s Day packages are popular. There is a lot of demand as this day is associated with a lot of hype. Tour operators add their bit to it to get the best out of it,” Anand added.

Many luxury hotels are offering special deals to couples.

The global hotel booking website, hotel.com , lists The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach in Kerala, Coconut Grove in Goa and Capella Singapore among their most recommended hotels for a perfect Valentine’s Day getaway.

Reema Dubey, a 28-year-old housewife, is looking forward to this day of love since she is going off to Goa for a vacation with her husband of two years.

“We used to celebrate Valentine’s Day even while we were courting, but never got a chance to head out on this day. This year it being a Monday, my husband has taken leave and we are planning a three-day trip to Goa,” she said, not trying to hide the excitement.

Shashank and Swati Sharma, a working couple who hardly get to spend time with each other, have ensured that this Monday is just for the two of them.

“We are going to Udaipur. We will make sure this is going to be a great experience,” said Shashank, an advertising professional.