Romantic Music Fest in Hawaii

by Neil Woodburn on

In case things go wrong and you forget Valentines Day next week, there is a romantic alternative to win your baby back; fly her to Hawaii for the Return to Romance Music Festival in Honolulu.

The festival, which runs March 1-11, is two weeks after Valentines Day but all will be forgiven when your special someone is wrapped up in your arms celebrating “some of the most romantic music ever written.”

A hodgepodge of musical styles will be heard over the week-and-a-half of festivities. Of course, every note has been carefully chosen to elicit the most romantic, loving harmony and undertones.

The Matt Catingub Orchestra of Hawaii will be the heart of the festivities and will be joined by many local singers as well as talent from the mainland, including Michael McDonald, Natalie Cole, Kenny Loggins and Ruben Studdard (American Idol Winner).

And don’t forget, when the music starts to really work its magic, make sure to sneak away down to the beach and totally make out!

Valentine’s Idea: Join the Mile High Club!

by Willy Volk on

If the idea of getting freaky while you’re miles in the air turns you on, then maybe chartering a flight should be on your short list of things to do for Valentine’s. Surprisingly (or not), a small but growing market for people wanting to get their high-altitude lovin’ on has emerged recently. Featuring comfy, private spaces — big enough for rolling around but small enough for two (give or take) — charter flights for people wanting to join the mile high club have sprung up all over. For example:

  • In Georgia, Mile High Atlanta charges $299 for an hour-long flight in a Piper Cherokee Six. In addition to private time, participants get to swig from a complimentary bottle of champagne and “keep your sheets as a souvenir of this special event.” For that kind of money, laundry services should be included.
  • In the UK, Mile High Flights launches from Gloucestershire on a twin-engined Piper Aztec. After receiving champagne and strawberries, couples board their private love jet and cruise a mile in the sky. Prices range from £250 for a “Quickie” (30 minutes), and go up to £750 for a “VIP” (90 minutes). Upon conclusion, participants get a certificate. What? No sheets!?
  • Don’t like tiny planes? Maybe you have several girlfriends? Chicago’s classily-named Boomboom Plane has a 20-seat jet available for charter. You get what you pay for, I guess, as the Boomboom Plane goes for $1000/hour.
  • Mile High AZ (“We’re just plane naughty!”) charges $600 for 90 minutes — after you pay the $150 annual due.
  • Cincinnati’s Flamingo Air offers 1-hour flights, a private curtained cabin, champagne, chocolates and “one very discreet pilot” for $299.

Afraid of heights? Drop me an email and I’ll drive you around South Florida for $100/hour!

Surprise Someone with a Romantic (and Cheap!) V-Day Weekend Getaway

by Justin Glow on

It’s about that time, folks — Valentine’s Day! Guys, if you’re still rushing around trying to figure out what to do for that special someone (and I know most of you are), nothing beats a spontaneous weekend trip, and you don’t have to spend a fortune. I’ve been talking with Tim Leffel, author of The World’s Cheapest Destinations, to get his expert advice on selecting the perfect destination — one with plenty of romance and a lot of fun for a little money.

So Tim, how can I find the cheapest deal on a last-minute flight?

“If you subscribe to a service that sends out last-minute airfare info, you can just see where the bargains are and pick a random place.” If you don’t subscribe to any newsletters, don’t fret — head out and check the website of all the major airlines to see what they have to offer. Start with these:

Be sure to read the fine print before purchasing any last-minute specials, as these can often be non-refundable. Don’t let your budget be the sole factor in deciding where to go, either; the weather should also play a big part in selecting the perfect destination.

“Since it’s February, you may want to skip Minneapolis or Buffalo,” explains Tim, “but there are usually plenty of trips to warmer places on offer, to smaller towns that are a fraction of the cost of New York or San Francisco.”

So where do you recommend?

“Head to Austin, Tuscon, Jackson, or Savannah … [and] don’t forget that from most parts of the country, getting to Mexico doesn’t take much longer than a domestic trip. Hop a flight to Cancun and then make some romance down the road in Tulum. Or hit one of the beaches on the West Coast, or get romantic in one of the colonial towns such as San Miguel de Allende, Merida, or Guanajuanto. It’ll cost a bit more to get there, but the hotels and restaurants are a better deal than in the U.S. after you arrive.”

For a more frugal option, try sticking to unique outings in your home town, “or just get in the car and go. If you’re like most people, you haven’t seen a fraction of what’s within a couple of hours of where you live. Pick a nice little inn somewhere and enjoy the time together.”

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous and willing to splurge, take your love worldwide. Pick up a copy of Tim Leffel’s The World’s Cheapest Destinations, and see where in the world you can get the most for your money on the upcoming holiday.

Gadling’s Valentine’s Day Tips

by Willy Volk on

Of course, we know that most of you realize that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. And of course, we know that most of you have already made your Valentine’s Day plans, bought all your Valentine’s Day gifts, and wrapped all your Valentine’s Day candy. But for those you who haven’t quite made up your minds about what to do for that special someone, rest assured: Gadling is here for you.

All day long today, we’re going to be tossing out travel-themed Valentine’s ideas for you to consider, tweak, implement — and take 100% of the credit for. You don’t have to thank us; we already know how much you appreciate us.

Check in often, share some of your Valentine’s ideas with us, and let’s help spread the love.