Five Alternative Valentine's Day Activities

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Feb 13, 2012, 09:18 ET

LONDON, February 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Cheap ski holidays and adventure tours are tempting couples to the beautiful Scandinavian outdoors this Valentine's Day.

Demand for specialist holidays

According to the findings of the ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents) Travel Trends Report 2012 - produced in conjunction with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office - there will be an increased demand for specialist holidays this year. The appetite for authentic experiences and all-inclusive breaks like last minute ski holidays is strongest from the budget and luxury markets.

Mark Tanzer ABTA Chief Executive said: "The squeeze on household spending looks set to continue and this is likely to see holidaymakers become more discerning about where they spend their money and what they get for it. This presents a good opportunity for travel companies to offer tailored, specialist and authentic experiences, as well as all-inclusive packages for the budget conscious, that provide great value for money."*

Scandinavian Romance

According to Thomas Cook, Sweden and Norway are popular destinations for couples seeking romantic settings, cosy ski chalets, cheap ski holidays and outdoors excitement at value-for-money prices. The Arctic's charming scenery, warm hospitality and après ski entertainment are popular with all age groups. ABTA also found that baby boomers are fuelling the market; 10% of over 55's took more than four foreign holidays in 2011 and this trend is set to continue.*

Here are Neilson Holidays' Top Five alternative activity suggestions for a Valentine's Break with a twist:

1. Catered chalet ski holidays, Sweden

Get your pulse racing on the piste by day before returning to a clean and tidy chalet when the sun goes down. Sit back and relax whilst your highly-trained hosts prepare a delicious dinner, which you can wash down with complimentary wine.

2. Night Skiing - Åre Village, Sweden

The freshly-groomed slopes are lit by coloured lights to create a magical night-time skiing experience. Pop into one of Åre Village's lively bars for a post-piste drink before heading home to a cosy property, stylishly constructed and furnished with the very best of Scandinavian design.

3. Forest Chalet -Geilolia, Norway

Set in a beautiful wooded clearing, a classic cosy chalet with log fire, private hot tub and sauna will soothe your body at the end of a hard day on the pistes. All chalets are a very short walk - or ski - to Geilolia ski centre.

4. Snowmobile Safari -Hemsedal, Norway

Take to the forest trails and explore the wilderness of the outer reaches of the resort on a shared snowmobile. Speed through snow-covered pines and take in the scenery as the exhilarating alpine air refreshes body and mind.

5. Kite Skiing - Vemdalen, Sweden

If you're into kitesurfing and skiing then this adventure tour is for you. Whip across the snow using the power of the wind and let the frozen waterfalls and stunning Arctic scenery take your breath away.

Neilson Holidays offer a range of Ski & Snowboard Holidays in Sweden & Norway and pre-bookable apres ski activities. For more information or to book visit neilson.co.uk or call 0845-070-3460.

*http://www.abta.com/resources/news/view/459

SOURCE Neilson Holidays