Valentine's Day with Travel Benefits?

A bevy of mommy bloggers were whisked off to the Bahamas last weekend, flights courtesy of Jetblue, to soak in the sunshine and preview the new children’s LEGO Camp at Atlantis, all expenses and accommodations free.   As more companies and brands try to create buzz in the blogosphere, Moms who write blogs have been spearheading their word of mouth marketing efforts. The incentives and perks that publicity firms and marketers dole out to garner support from this highly desirable consumer segment are effective, until you consider the missed opportunity costs of the singles segment.

Yup that’s right: Today’s singles make up more than 62 percent of the travel market, yet continue to be overlooked by the flailing hospitality industry. And many of the popular single bloggers, like Single Gal in the City and Funky Brown Chic, have plenty of followers who are searching for single-friendly retreats.

This huge oversight was recently explained by Glenn Haussman Editor-in-Chief of Hotel Interactive when he wrote, “the biggest culprit that’s causing the problem is a massive lack of creativity out there.” Age old misconceptions also play a role as many still believe that unmarried individuals cannot afford or have no desire to travel alone, or that they are a disruptive bunch. Thankfully Haussman contests such hasty generalizations by posing hard questions and proffering sensible ideas: “How about a Valentine's Day package that appeals to single folks? Maybe you can create a singles weekend at your hotel. Or how about a girlfriend getaway that gets the ladies' minds off not having a relationship?”

While finding travel deals and special packages for solos may be difficult at this time of year, they do exist. Here is a shout out to the bold few who were brave enough to promote a single-friendly incentive this February:

1.    Share the Love Singles Snowshoe Tour, Squaw Valley, California:  This Valentine's Day men and women can share the love and have a blast in the snow with other lucky singles. Guests enjoy a starry Cable Car ride up to High Camp, where they will embark on a snowshoe tour around Squaw Valley's upper elevation. Following the event, guests can mix and mingle over tasty hors d'oeuvres and drinks in an inviting mountaintop setting.

2.    Single & Fabulous Package, The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City: Starting at $389 per night and including accommodations for 4 people in a double room, entry to the MIXX nightclub, a "recovery" breakfast and a $50 coupon for each guest to use at La Perla/Hugo Boss when spending at least $100 in either store.

3.    Just Want To Be Friends, Fusion Hotel, San Francisco: For friends who share benefits, Hotel Fusion and Lounge are offering the chance to play together, but as singles!  The package includes a one night hotel stay at Hotel Fusion with two separate beds.  Guests are greeted at check-in with a box of chocolate for her and a whisky cocktail for him, as well as two free drinks at the Infusion Lounge.  For the ex’s who are looking to meet someone new, both a tie and garter belt will be available in the room just in case one of the lucky guests needs to leave that not so subtle hint that the room is occupied.

4.    Get Over Him With Help, The Avenue Inn, New Orleans: Grab a friend and enjoy three nights in a double bedded room with private bath. Mardi Gras beads, $100 coupon book, Southern Comfort souvenirs, plus a copy of "He's Just Not That Into You" await your arrival. Two pints of Ben and Jerry's ice cream and a voodoo doll with pins and a marker will offer particular pleasure. Massages at Belladonna Day Spa, streetcar passes, and Cocktail History Tour tickets are all included.

5.    Celebrate Un-Valentine's Day, The William Henry Inn, Ithaca, NY: Stay on Monday, February 15 for an Un-Valentine's Day celebration, including an evening chocolate and dessert buffet for Un-Valentine's revelers. Relish a full breakfast by firelight the next morning. Rates start at $165 nightly; be sure to mention the Un-Valentine's Day celebration when booking.

6.    Ultimate Valentine's Girlfriend Getaway from L'Auberge Provencale, White Post, VA: Enjoy overnight accommodations at Villa La Campagnette, a private villa. Start with mulled cider, homemade pastries and cookies by the fire. Supper and wine are delivered to your private dining room where conversation, movies and popcorn can continue into the night. In the morning, a full gourmet breakfast plus a manicure/pedicure will cushion the return to reality. Available February 7-11 for $1250 for six people, including one night's accommodations, dinner, breakfast and spa services.