A new report from Vacasa confirms that Americans prefer weekend getaways over chocolates, diamonds and flowers. We have known this for a while. See our blog about Giving the Gift of Time.

According to a nationwide survey into Valentine’s Day habits of more than 1,500 American adults, compiled in a new report from Vacasa, North America’s largest vacation rental manager.

Indian Rocks Beach, Key West, and Ft. Myers all rank in the top 10 getaways for Valentine’s Day according to the Valentine’s Day report, which combines the consumer survey results with insights from Vacasa’s own trove of vacation rental data.

It’s great to sit on the chairs at The Beach GuestHouses in Cocoa Beach and watch the cruise ships on their way out to sea.

Lots of Reasons for Getaways

1. BABY BOOMERS WANT UNIQUE EXPERIENCES, TOO
It’s a cliche that millennials value having unique experiences over material gifts, and this is confirmed in the report. But it also found that Baby Boomers are in the same camp with 71% saying that they’re looking for experiences. 77% of Generation Xers say the same.

2. AMERICANS WANT A ROMANTIC VACATION RENTAL OVER A HO-HUM HOTEL
Roughly 55% of Americans would rather stay at a unique vacation rental for their Valentine’s Day getaway over a one-size-fits-all hotel. When asked why, 64% of respondents said they want to enjoy the comforts of home.

The view of the sunset from our balcony at the Edison Beach House in Fort Myers Beach

Getaways are for Both of You

3. GOING PHONE-FREE IS A GENERATIONAL THING
And, it is not what you’d expect. 54% of millennials said that they would either put the phone down completely or use it rarely when on a Valentine’s Day vacation. In another surprise, Boomers are split on the subject with 45% going phone-free and 39% choosing not to.

4. PHONE-FREE EXTENDS TO PARTNERS AS WELL
Most generations view their significant other’s vacation phone use similarly. 35% of GenZ and 29% of Baby Boomers wish their significant other would spend less time on the phone while on vacation. Whereas 37% of Millennials and 32% of GenXers want them to spend less time.

5. WHICH COAST IS THE BEST COAST?
Not to wade into an east-west rap battle but it is clear that Valentine’s Day vacationers prefer the warmer West (44%) and Gulf (44%) Coasts over the East Coast (12%). That said, the number one vacation destination isn’t on either coast: it’s Honolulu, Hawaii.

The full report includes a top 10 list of getaway destinations, and revealing statistics about Boomers, GenX, GenZ and Millennials and their respective getaway preferences and interests.