10 Travel Tips for a Special Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Traditions: Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and you still haven't come up with a creative idea for what to gift your loved one? How about a stay at a romantic hotel or a truly unforgettable trip to a country where you can experience crazy traditions and events up close?

We reveal the most astonishing Valentine's customs from around the world.

Tradition: Every year, several cities in the USA host the "Cupid's Undie Run" on Valentine's Day, an event to raise money for the "Children's Tumor Foundation." Participants run in their underwear, and the crazier the outfit, the better.

If that sounds too outlandish, you can also spend Valentine's Day surrounded by thousands of lovers at Times Square.

Valentine's Day Spots: "If you're up early, don't miss the sunrise while walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. The view is stunning," says travel expert Josephine Lindner. We advise against attaching a love lock here since fines of $100 are now imposed. How about a romantic ride on Jane's Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park instead?

Fun fact: A US superstition says that your partner will become a superhero if you see a robin on Valentine's Day.

Romantic selfie backdrop: Empire State Building

Tradition: In Japan, it is not the women who give gifts on February 14th, but rather the men! On Valentine's Day, countless women flock to stores and department stores to gift chocolate to their loved ones. According to Japan Times, $11 billion is spent annually on this holiday, with more than half of that being spent in February.

Valentine's Day Spots: Those looking to immortalize their love in Tokyo do so in an unusual way at Tokyo Dome, a baseball stadium. Here, you can hang a love lock in a different place than the classic bridges.

Chocolate lovers should arrive a little earlier and check out the latest and most unique chocolate variations at the "Salon du Chocolate" in early February.

Fun fact: Don't worry, ladies. On March 14th, men reciprocate by gifting their significant others white chocolate on what's known as "White Day."

Romantic selfie backdrop: The Sky Tree (634-meter tall television tower)

Tradition: Did you know that the Argentinians find the standard Valentine's Day insufficient? They celebrate for an entire week in July, originally called "Sweetness Week," which was initially just a marketing campaign by the company Arcor for their Bon-o-bon. Today, it has become an important tradition where sweets are exchanged. The festival week ends with "Friendship Day."

Valentine's Day Spots: You can romantically whisk your partner away for a gondola ride akin to Venice, as Buenos Aires also offers cozy water rides for tourists. Another tip from our travel expert is to catch a tango show, as "many dance studios offer special deals for Valentine's Day." Or you could try your hand at tango by attending a tango class.

Fun fact: Don't be surprised if tango music always plays in Argentine nightclubs. There is a law in this country that states a minimum amount of tango songs must be played compared to other types of music.

Romantic selfie backdrop: Jardín Japonés (Japanese Garden)

Tradition: In Italy, the focus of Valentine's Day is on attaching a "Luchetti dell amore" (love lock). These little locks are hung on bridges, fences, or waterfront promenades. Once the lock is attached, the corresponding key is thrown into the water and the couple can make a wish.

Valentine's Day Spots: One of the most popular places to hang love locks is the Milvian Bridge in Rome. Additionally, plan a visit to the Trevi Fountain and toss a coin in. A myth states that tossing a coin means you'll return to Rome, tossing a second means you'll fall in love with a Roman, and a third means you'll marry him. For a less crowded experience, climb Aventine Hill and enjoy the view of the city from the Orange Garden.

Fun fact: As Verona is the hometown of Romeo and Juliet, thousands of letters addressed to "Juliet" are sent there every year, which are then voluntarily answered by the city's residents.

Romantic selfie backdrop: The Colosseum at night

Tradition: Similar to Japan, in South Korea, men receive chocolate as gifts. Unlike in other countries, the South Koreans love Valentine's Day so much that they celebrate it on the 14th of every month. The equivalent of Valentine's Day is also celebrated on March 14th as "White Day", but in April, there's also a "Black Day", exclusively for singles. On this day, singles gather and eat Jajangmyeon noodles topped with black sauce together.

Valentine's Day Spots: The N Seoul Tower offers a romantic pilgrimage for couples. Starting with love locks, there are special facilities to hang up your love messages. Afterwards, you can relax on one of the heart benches overlooking the city. Finally, instead of throwing the key of the love lock into the water, you can put it in the love mailbox. If the hike to N Seoul Tower is too strenuous, you can also write your love message and hang it up at Ssamziegil.

Fun fact: Be careful when picking a partner-it's illegal to marry someone with the same surname in South Korea.

Romantic selfie backdrop: Banpo Bridge

Tradition: Traditionally celebrated in India, Valentine's Day is the only day of the year couples can publicly express their love. Since not everyone in the population supports public displays of affection, police protect couples on this day.

Valentine's Day Spots: If you want to experience the unique charm of India, our travel expert recommends taking a tour to the Taj Mahal and says, "this Indian landmark is not only famous for its beauty but also known as a symbol of eternal love." The joint visit as a couple is supposed to strengthen their love. Another romantic paradise is the Deer Park.

Fun fact: Indian belief at weddings states: The darker the bride's henna tattoo, the more she will be loved by her future husband.

Romantic selfie backdrop: Garden of 5 Senses

Tradition: Did you know that Finland does not celebrate Valentine's Day but rather "Friend's Day," in Finnish called "Ystävänpäivä"? Traditionally, on February 14th, Finns invite friends, family, colleagues, and of course loved ones. This year, the motto of the Finnish Independence anniversary is "Together," and visitors can expect a varied program of events throughout the year.

Valentine's Day Spots: Visit the "Bridge of Love," just a few kilometers outside the city center. As the name suggests, this area is filled with love locks along the bridge. You can also check out the Uspenski Cathedral with its golden onion domes.

Fun fact: Would you like to have a picnic in Finland on a walking path or in a park with your own tables, chairs, and romantic decor? You can! On "Restaurant Day" on May 20th, 2017, everyone can open their own restaurant.

Romantic selfie backdrop: Do you remember the Moomins? The white, hippo-like troll creatures are life-sized at Helsinki Airport right in front of the shop-a unique couples' selfie you will never forget.

Tradition: Any time of year, Copenhagen, known as the happiest city in the world, has a romantic spot. On Valentine's Day, the tradition is to send "Gaekkebrev" (anonymous romantic letters). The woman who receives this letter is supposed to guess the name of the poem writer. If she finds the correct name, she is traditionally given an Easter egg. Another gift is sending white flowers (called "snowdrops") to friends and loved ones.

Valentine's Day Spots: A popular place for couples is Bryggebroen to attach their love locks. Be sure to visit the famous sight, the "Little Mermaid" on the waterfront promenade Langelinie, who has mourned the loss of her beloved for over 100 years.

Fun fact: The Danish are not without reason considered the happiest people in the world. The secret ingredient to their happiness recipe is "hygge," which translates to coziness and is especially lived out in the Danish capital.

Romantic selfie backdrop: On the bridge with a view of the picturesque harbor "Nyhavn"

Tradition: Did you know that in Wales, kissing occurs on Valentine's Day? Here, Valentine's Day, or "St. Dwynwen's Day" (the patron saint of lovers), is celebrated on January 25th. On this day, the beloved receives a card and a handcrafted "love spoon."

Valentine's Day Spots: Cardiff also follows the trend of love lock bridges, with the Blackweir Bridge being a popular spot. Classic romantics should get tickets for the St. Valentine's Day Special concert at St. David's Hall. As a secret tip, Josephine Lindner recommends a cocktail at the secret bar "The Dead Canary" to relax and wind down the evening.

Fun fact: On the island of Llanddwyn, there is a well called "St. Dwynwen's Well." According to myth, the fish swims to predict the future of couples. When the water bubbles, it is said that love is assured for the lovers.

Romantic selfie backdrop: In front of Cardiff Castle or at Cardiff Bay, across from the Wales Millennium Center.

Tradition: The Spaniards are so romantic that they celebrate Valentine's Day twice. Once on February 14th and again in Valencia on October 9th with the festival "Sant Dionis." On this day, men give their wives marzipan fruits wrapped in a cloth.

Valentine's Day Spots: A must for couples is a trip to La Albufera Nature Reserve, located about 15 kilometers from Valencia. Sunset boat rides through the wetland are especially popular. Or how about a romantic walk on the beach just 2 km away? "Foodies should try 'Horchata' (made from ground nuts) for a taste of love," recommends our travel expert.

Fun fact: Want to see red from love? One of the most celebrated festivals in Valencia is "La Tomatina," where about 20,000 people throw tomatoes at each other in a massive street battle held at the end of August.

Romantic selfie backdrop: In front of the Valencia Cathedral