93. 3 Types of Romance Travel for February

Are you yearning for a romantic getaway this time of year? Whether you're planning a trip for Valentine's day, Galentine's Day, or are looking for a LGBTQIA+ friendly destination, I've got you covered! 

Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 41: Romantic Trips at Walt Disney World & Universal

Episode 23: All About Virgin Voyages

Episode 64: Greek Island Glow Virgin Voyages Cruise BTS

Episode 78: Aloha, Maui! The Best Tips for Luxury Travel on Hawaii's Islands

Sign Up for the 100th Episode Jet Setters Celebration Team: https://makinmemoriestravel.myflodesk.com/f9h2awcy2q

Connect with Michele on IG: @jetsettingwithmichele or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/MMTinsiders

Contact Michele to plan your next vacation: www.makinmemoriestravel.co/contact

This episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com. 

Transcript

Hello there, jetsetters, and welcome back to another episode of Jetsetting with Me. Today, we are going to uncover some inclusive romantic getaways, fun filled adventures, and unforgettable experiences highlighted in our exploration of the 3 types of travel for Valentine's that are designed for everyone. From swoon worthy romantic getaways to fabulous Galentine's Day trip because who runs the world? Girls. And even some fab gay and lesbian travel suggestions. We've got all the inspo you need to spice up your travel plans. So grab your hot cocoa, because as I'm recording this, not even at the January,, there is snow on the ground. So let's cozy up, and let's get exploring. But really quickly before we do, I wanna mention a group I have going this Sept.

0 to Scotland and Ireland for two weeks, which is filling up fast. And just added to my group's calendar for is a repeat of my trip that you just heard about to the Laplands. It was such an incredible journey that a fellow travel adviser colleague of mine who was on the trip and I were gonna repeat it in February 2026, and we would love to take you with us. So if you're interested in more details on either of these 2 group trips, space is limited on them both, please email me now. Contact info is in the show notes. Okay. Let's talk romantic and last minute travel for Valentine's Day. So let's start with the cozy romance for couples.

Because of my recent Laplands trip, I discovered that I'm kind of now into winter as a season. Never before said by me, ever. And the saying that there is no bad weather, only the wrong clothing, rang very accurately for me. You probably heard me say that on the Laplands episode. So if you love to ski or you just want a great apres ski hot spot, Aspen is the place where 2 lovebirds can explore together by day, cuddle up to fireplace at night, and 1 of the many charming lodges available. And flights are easy from every major US hub. Of course, there is Mexico. It's an easy to get to spot with many adults only all inclusive resorts, like, for example, 1 of my favorites, Palafitos.

It's the only overwater bungalows that are available in Mexico. They have butler service, a private beach, and a bungalow to go anywhere else. Then the third, Now you may call me crazy for this 1, but have you ever considered a romantic getaway to Orlando and the theme parks? Adults only vacation to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are my jam. I mean, it's way better than dragging around your tired 8 year old who may start to whine when it's time to go back to the resort for a nap. In Feb. 0, as in right now, at Walt Disney World, the festival of the arts is going on at Epcot, which offers unique adult beverages for drinking around the world. And at Universal, it is Mardi Gras where you can actually ride on a float in the parade. Check out episode 41 from when this podcast was solely theme park focused for romantic trip tips to Walt Disney World and Universal.

And, of course, that link for that previous episode is in the show notes. Now, let's talk some Galentine's Day travel. So many of you may know that I wasn't married until I was in my forties, and therefore, Galentine's Day was, and actually still is, much more important in my life than any Valentine ever was. Places to go for that girlfriend getaway include Las Vegas, Miraval Resort, or you can head to Key West via the ever fabulous Valiant Lady shipped by Virgin Voyages. Las Vegas is always good. And if you're me, it's perfect for a long weekend, which this Valentine's Day does happen to be on a Friday, so that would be your long weekend right there. And even if you're not a gambler, but you just love a good spa, the Canyon Ranch Spa and Fitness at The Venetian Resort is usually a must stop for me. Pedicure is great there.

Also, the food. You cannot swing your Louis bag without hitting a celebrity chef owned restaurant. Favorites include Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen, Kraft Steak by Tom Colicchio, and the brand new Amalfi by Bobby Flay at Caesar's Palace, which is inspired by his own love to the Amalfi Coast. Miraval Resorts are part of the Hyatt brand where they say you can experience, quote, wellness with a purpose. It is the exact opposite of that Las Vegas vibe. And here, where you can check in with your besties, you will actually put your cell phone in a sleeping bag. I'm not kidding. It says cell phone sleeping bag.

You will trade room numbers IRL so that you can communicate with each other by calling 1 another's rooms. Now there are 3 US locations for Miraval Resorts, Arizona, Berkshires, and Austin, Texas. Sedona, Arizona, by the way. And after you choose your intention, you can begin your experience by deciding from mental wellness, a reconnection getaway, relaxation spa experience, culinary and nutrition, self connection, grief and loss recovery, outdoor adventure, leadership fulfillment, or a fitness focus. You do that on the website, and then from there, you can choose that experience and peruse a sample itinerary. Or if based on weather, you know you want to go to Arizona or Austin, Texas in Feb. 0, you can choose the itinerary based on your location. Now I actually helped out for what we call the tits and ass or T and A or the real thing, test and adjustment at the Austin Miraval.

I can attest to it having fabulous spa services, good food, and crappy cell phone service, which, of course, is the point. I loved the cardio drumming, the floating meditation, and really just hanging out by the infinity pool and hot tub combo. Did I already mention this ball? It is also easy to fly into Austin from pretty much anywhere, and from the Austin Airport, you're a forty minute private van ride away from all that rest and rejuvenation with your besties. Also, my recommendation for a Galentine's trip would be a Virgin Voyage cruise. It's kind of the best of both worlds. It's got the Las Vegas nighttime entertainment vibe and the wellness cruise to detox during the day. So you can eat and shake it up during the evening with 1 of several entertainment options. Included are the specialty dining and over 20 eateries to choose from.

They even have Michelin starred chefs behind their famous test kitchen concept. You get to take advantage of breakfast twenty four hours a day, and please do not ever forget that iconic red hammock on your balcony. It also happens to be 1 of my most favorite Instagram pictures of me ever, And I haven't even gotten to the exciting Port Of Bimini, which is a private beach club for Virgin Voyages. A pool cabana can await you with all day long butler service, included eats and drinks and tips. The mermaids will come out at two, blow up the floats for you at the infinity pool, or perhaps you'd rather ride the waves in a wave runner and an excursion on the beach. It's all up to you. And you can still book 1 at 80% off for the second guest, with over $600 of free inclusions to include all group exercise classes, basic babies, basic Wi Fi, all staff appreciation, and all that entertainment. And the big bonus? Did I mention this is all only for 18 years and older people? No kids on this cruise line.

No kids in your hot tub. No kids splashing in the pool. It's kind of, as I said, a mix of Vegas and Miraval in the best way possible. I've done several episodes on the Virgin Voyages cruise before, and you can learn even more at 1 of those links that is in the show notes. Now, finally, let's talk about some gay and lesbian friendly travel locales. So, first, Riviera Maya, Mexico, which is considered a great place for gay, lesbian destination weddings, honeymoons, romance travel of all type. Forbes Travel Guide gives Nezuk yes. That's it.

Nezuk. Has been named by Luxury Lifestyle Resorts as the best luxury beachfront resort in Mexico. It is not all inclusive, which makes it still very luxury because they don't, quote, unquote, cheap out on the food and beverages. You can reserve your own personal villa, make yourself at home, while appreciating the, quote, modern take on ancient Mayan style. I've been there twice, and each stay was nothing short of extraordinary. Romantic evening dining can await you by the limelight at the reflective pool, and you can dance to the rhythms of the night with that Cuban band. Not to mention, they have 6 world class restaurants. Each of the lounges has its own signature cocktail, all with exceptional views of the ocean.

And now, you can take it up a notch with their special Dom Perignon wine cellar experience or the ever fabulous tequila tasting experience. I haven't been back there in several years, and I'm really wanting to go right now as I am discussing it. 1 of my favorite places, destinations, all of you know, is Hawaii, and it is well known for being very gay friendly. You can head to the islands of Maui that offers that stunning scenery that I talk about in my previous episode number 78. It has rainforest. It has cliffs. It has mountains. It has waterfalls.

Maui really does have everything. That is episode 78. It is in the show notes. Now if you'd rather have more nightlife and bars, maybe Honolulu is the island for you. But the islands of Hawaii offer more than just the favorable climate, especially in Feb. 0. There's also great whale watching, but they also support the LGBT community. From gay friendly luxury resorts to all the beaches, Hawaii is brimming with romantic opportunities for the gay and lesbian couples to create unforgettable memories.

Finally, very too gay lesbian friendly, actually, LGBTQIA plus. I hope I said that right. Tammy, you can help me out with that. Tammy is, of course, 1 of my matchmaker friends from h for m. That stands for he's for me, and she is the matchmaker to gays and lesbians, and we talk often about travel for this demographic. And so the 2 of us suggest an escape to the Caribbean gems of Antigua And Barbuda. Both islands are known for their openness. They offer those LGBTQIA plus travelers a safe haven filled with love, respect, and joy.

These luxury twin islands are ports for several luxury cruise lines, including the aforementioned Virgin Voyages. Barbuda is also home port to the famous sea cloud ships. You'll start in Barbuda, where you can stroll through historic Bridgetown, taste the amazing Mount Gay Rum at their rum distillery. Savor fresh seafood at their lively weekly fish fry. Yes. Every single week, there is a fish fry. Or you can snorkel in the calm crystal clear waters alongside their sea turtles. Then you're off on the seven day ship on board the Sea Cloud, which is a 90 year old iconic and luxurious windjammer ship.

It is basically your below duck sailing yacht wet dream. You can choose to climb up the sails when you have a full day, or you can decide to sunbathe right under them, all while enjoying an all inclusive experience with 5 star dining, fine wines, curated moments, including a beach barbecue. And let's not forget that marina platform with use of water sports equipment, snorkel gear, stand up paddleboards, the towable tube. And guess what? With you and your boo, that means there's only 62 other sailors on board this ship. And because I just concluded my very own Sea Cloud cruise, boy, do I have special offers just for you. So if any of these places sound like you are ready to book your last minute Valentine's getaway, or you're already planning for break, or any other romantic time when you have a long weekend, see my Instagram on how to get the most PTO time off requests, then hit me up. Of course, you can do that via Instagram, which is at jet setting with  Michele.  Michele is with 1 l, or all my information located in the show notes.

And until then, travel safe.