As Valentine’s Day 2026 approaches and falls on a Saturday, couples are increasingly turning weekend getaways into the centerpiece of their celebrations, fueling record-level spending on travel and hospitality, according to recent data. U.S. Valentine’s spending reached an estimated $27.5 billion in 2025, with travel a key component of that total as consumers prioritize experiences over traditional gifts, economists say.
Global spa development continues at a brisk pace as travelers increasingly book trips around health, recovery, and well-being rather than travel for escape alone. Health-focused trips now rank among the top booking drivers, according to the 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report, prompting hotels and resorts to invest heavily in new spa facilities and large-scale expansions.
Travelers hunting for cheap flights in 2026 may want to stop refreshing fare alerts for the country’s biggest hubs. New airfare data suggests the most consistent deals now show up in midsize cities and at secondary airports, where airline competition stays steady and demand spikes less sharply.
Wild swimming may evoke images of rugged dives into icy waters, but in Scotland, locals elevate the experience into an art form. As a Canadian accustomed to the dramatic landscapes of the Great White North, I’ve long embraced the restorative power of cold-water immersion. But in the Scottish Highlands, this ritual takes on a new dimension — one where the warmth of refined hospitality perfectly balances the thrill of the wild.
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