LOVE IS certainly in the Aberdeen air this Valentine’s Day as one in three (35%) Aberdeen adults prepare to whisk their Valentine on a Lovecation this year. This is up on the number of people going away compared to last year when only 13% of Aberdonians took a romantic Valentine’s break
With Valentine’s Day falling on a Friday this year more people are expected to whisk their loved one away for a romantic break. Romantic Aberdonians will be spending on average £190 on their romantic Lovecation providing a huge boost to the local and national economy.
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Nationwide, 36% of Scots are taking a Lovecation this year. Last year only 12% of Scots took a romantic Valentine’s break. Romantic Scots are spending on average £226.39 on their romantic Lovecation which will give the Scottish economy a collective love boost of £590 million.
These findings have been revealed in a new report out today by Travelodge who operate 580 hotels across the UK, including 46 in Scotland. The hotel chain surveyed 2,000 Britons to seek their plans for this Valentine’s Day.
The survey revealed that Aberdeen residents are among the nation’s most romantic sweethearts when it comes to giving a gift at this time of year. Sixty-five per cent of Aberdeen residents will be purchasing a Valentine’s Day treat for their loved one this week.
Amorous Aberdonians are expected to spend on average £29.54 on a gift for their loved one. The romantics of Edinburgh will spend, on average, £37.43, while prudent Glaswegians will spend, on average, £22.04.
The research also revealed that an unromantic 27% of Scottish adults reported that they will not be getting their partner anything this year as they don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Romantic words written in a soppy card is Aberdonians’ top Valentines gesture of love this year with a third (34%) adults sending their sweetheart a card. The second most popular Valentine’s gift for is a bouquet of flowers, with a fifth (22%) choosing this option. Just over one in ten (13%) Aberdonians will show their partner how much they love them with a romantic meal out.
Aftershave and perfumes were the next most popular gift on wish lists, followed by jewellery and clothing. Designer handbags, football tickets and lingerie were other items partners were planning to purchase.
The average spend per partner across the UK is £42 with one in ten Britons (11%) spending over £100. The biggest spenders are men who will be splashing out £50.08 on average. In contrast, women will be forking out £33.01 on their loved one.
Collectively Britons will be spending just over £2 billion on gifts, providing a further boost to the UK economy.
The table below details Britons most extravagant and thriftiest Valentine spenders
| Rank | Extravagant Spenders | Average Spend | Thriftiest
| Average Spend |
| 1. | Londoners | £74.20 | Sheffielders | £15.03 |
| 2. | Glostonians | £72.28 | Plymothians | £15.76 |
| 3. | Bristolians | £56.60 | Wrexhamites | £18.03 |
| 4. | Wulfrunians (Wolverhampton) | £48.44 | Norvicians (Norwich) | £18.56 |
| 5. | Scousers | £47.47 | Coventrians | £19.50 |
| 6. | Swansea Jacks | £42.33 | Oxonians | £21.53 |
| 7. | Leicestrians | £39.56 | Yorkies | £21.75 |
| 8. | Loiners | £39.20 | Glaswegians | £22.04 |
| 9. | Edinburghers | £37.43 | Brummies | £22.80 |
| 10. | Geordies | £34.46 | Mancs | £25.04 |
Other key findings revealed that a cultural city break is Britons top romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day with 31% of adults heading to London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool and York. The second most popular type of romantic break for Britons this Valentines is a trip to the countryside with the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the Cotswold as the top three romantic locations. In third place is it a trip to the coast with Cornwall, Devon and Brighton as the most popular locations.
Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge Spokeswoman said: “Love is definitely in the air this Valentine’s Day for Aberdeen. As this special day falls on a Friday this year it has certainly inspired a lot more Aberdeen adults to take a Lovecation and opt for the priceless gift of spending quality time together.
“Scots getting romantic and taking a Lovecation this Valentine’s Day is also great news for the economy and will provide a nice seasonal boost both locally and nationally.”
“Our hotels in popular romantic hotspots such as London, Edinburgh, Bath, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Cornwall are gearing up for a busy weekend. Our hotels that have a Bar Café have ordered extra breakfast supplies for couples who will be indulging in a late lazy weekend breakfast.”
Top 10 most popular destinations for Valentine’s Day 2020.
- London
- Lake District
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Scottish Highlands
- Cornwall
- Yorkshire Dales
- York
- Manchester
- Devon
