While most people will be rushing around to get roses and reservations this Valentine’s Day, perhaps you’ve decided to skip the hustle and bustle in favor of a few days off with the one you love. Now is a great time to take a little vacay for several reasons; the holidays are over so there are no family obligations on the horizon, it tends to be a slow time for many industries so you should have no trouble cashing in vacation days, and it’s off-season travel so you can find great deals on everything travel related (planes, hotels, cars, etc.). You might even be able to find some destination packages just for romantics like yourself looking to get away for Valentine’s Day. But if what you want is a quiet little trip with some amazing scenery, here are a few ideas that are bound to get you and your special someone in the mood for love.

1. French countryside. Paris may be the hotspot for lovers, but it is also a major tourist destination, which means you’ll face crowds and high prices wherever you go. If you’re looking for a romantic hideaway where you can sip wine and look out over beautiful rolling hills, the south of France is definitely the way to go (stay near Montpellier for access to a bustling city with some amazing architecture). Talk to your travel agent about renting a cottage for a few days of relaxation, then drive up to see the City of Light for a couple days.

2. St. Lucia. You’ll find warm waters and clear skies awaiting you at this Caribbean island, which is a nice break from whatever winter hell you flew in from. With the amazing white-sand beaches you’ve been dreaming of since the first chill of fall, a colorful landscape of coral for your snorkeling pleasure, twin peaks to hike, and resorts galore to cater to your every need, you and your honey may never want to leave this gorgeous Valentine’s Day destination.

3. Beaver Creek, Colorado. Some people like to lounge on the beach while others like to work up a sweat. If your idea of a fun trip involves hitting the slopes all day and then heading back to the lodge for an evening by the fire spent warming up your sweetheart, then this ski resort will give you the best of Colorado without the attendant crowds and costs associated with more popular sites like Vail and Aspen.

4. Buenos Aires, Argentina. This city was made for love and they certainly love tourists. With plenty to distract you during the day (sightseeing, shopping, and so on) you’ll quickly work up an appetite, and you’ll have no shortage of world cuisine to choose from. You won’t want to miss their famous parrillada (unless you’re a vegetarian). There are many fantastic lodgings around the city, but if you’re looking for romance, try the unassuming (from the outside) Algodon Mansion, which offers sumptuous rooms, organic spa treatments, and access to tango lessons for you and your partner.

5. California Coast. Winter weather could have you looking for trucks for sale if you plan to travel by road, but thanks to moderate temperatures year round, the southern California coastline could mean a road trip with the top down, even in February. So spend a few days driving from San Francisco to San Diego, stopping in at some of the many small towns along the way (Monterey, Cambria, Malibu, etc.) to visit some cool and kitschy shops, amazing restaurants, and of course, the beautiful beaches of southern California.

Sarah Danielson is a freelance writer and part time student. In her spare time she likes to go hiking and help with an animal rescue out of Los Angeles, California.

Thanks to snowbuzz for the photo from Flickr!