Valentine’s Day is next week, and while many couples are planning or solidifying their romantic plans to celebrate the holiday, single ladies are treating themselves to solo vacations in the name of self-care. After all, who said a Valentine’s Day trip should only be reserved for couples? Everyone should have the opportunity to honor and cherish themselves during the holiday. As we mentioned before, self-love is the best kind of love.
ESSENCE has you covered if you’re interested in celebrating and recharging for Valentine’s Day with a solo vacation but don’t know where to start. We’ve tapped several travel experts to share their tips on how to enjoy yourself on your trip, even without a bae.
A Valentine’s Day solo vacation can be a great way to step away, re-center, and put your focus on the things you want. Doing that in romantic locations that couples frequent, like Paris, may not be the best choice, but it all depends on your comfort level.
Destination Fab founder Brandi Fowler recommends staying in a resort with restaurants, bars, a spa, and a pool that will pamper you. “So, if you want to kick it there for a day and not leave, you have everything you need. Stateside, I love W South Beach in Miami, Marina Del Rey Hotel in Los Angeles, and Four Seasons Westlake Village right outside Los Angeles,” she says.
If you’re late booking your flight, don’t worry. “If you can swing a last-minute trip, check Google Flights for last-minute flight deals,” says Fowler. She also recommends going to Portland to say at The Trident. If you want to experience more of a tropical locale, try Negril in Jamaica (and the Instagram-famous Rockhouse) or visit Tulum’s Azulik or La Zebra resorts.
It’s important to visualize your trip before your arrival. “Create an itinerary with things you want to do, and make it as packed or relaxed as you want. Airbnb Experiences, Get Your Guide, and Viator are great places to find tours and experiences,” she says.
Regarding what to do during your trip, Fowler suggests journaling. “If you are single and looking, take time to journal. Make a manifestation list, and claim that next relationship. Write down everything you want in the person and what you want that relationship to look like,” she shares.
Place self-care above all else. “Make this trip a treat yourself moment. Schedule a spa day, book a massage, have dinner at a 5-star restaurant, and meditate on the beach in the morning. Do things that make you feel good,” Fowler states.
Travel influencer Danielle Pointdujour agrees with spoiling yourself. “When you’re single on Valentine’s Day, being around a bunch of smooching couples can be overwhelming, depressing, and annoying. Instead of feeling like the world’s third wheel on love’s day, opt for loving yourself instead,” she says.
She continues, “Dubai is the perfect place to spend a solo Valentine’s Day because the entire city is about spoiling yourself with the finer things in life. Bask in the afterglow of Beyoncé by booking a room at Atlantis The Royal, head to the Awaken Spa for a hammam or 24K gold hot stone massage, and taste the sweet life at Scalini before getting some rest so you can spoil yourself some more the next day.”
Instead of feeling down about being single on Valentine’s Day, challenge yourself to try something new. “Go glamping among the redwood trees at Ventana Big Sur in California. The safari-style tents come with premium mattresses and linens, a wood-burning fire pit, s’mores kit, priceless views, and endless adventures,” says Pointdujour.
They say food is a love language, so what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to indulge in delicious cuisine? “Bangkok has some of the world’s best cuisine, so catch a flight, check into the Verandah Suite at Capella Bangkok, and hit the Thai streets for a Michelin-star lunch at Jay Fai (Get the prawn in yellow curry) and dinner on a night tour via Tuk Tuk with Bangkok Food Tours,” she says.
