Love is definitely in the air during the month of February. It is the one month where we are constantly reminded to say “I love you.” So it’s no wonder then that February is also one of the most popular time of the year for couples to get engaged. But did you know that Valentine’s Day isn’t the only memorable romance-related event that takes place in February?

According to the Association of Bridal Consultants, February is also recognized as National Weddings Month. But, while few couples actually get married during February, many brides and grooms are knee-deep in last-minute preparations for their spring and summer fairytales.

With National Weddings Month in mind, we’ve compiled a list of some of Country Inns & Suites By Carlson’s best hotel wedding packages—some complete with personalized assistance, professional catering, elegant banquet space and overnight accommodations—for planning your special day.

Bothell, WA:
Your wedding should reflect your dreams, so whether it is a grand affair for 150 or an intimate ceremony for 10, the exceptional staff at Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Bothell, WA promises you a flawless reception. Offering quality cuisine and service coupled with comfortable accommodations and numerous amenities, this location prides itself on creating a warm and friendly atmosphere with special attention to the smallest detail to ensure that the wedding of your dreams will be a complete success. The wedding package includes banquet tables and chairs, champagne or sparkling cider toast, complimentary suite for the bride and groom on wedding night (with chocolate-covered strawberries waiting in the room), discounted room rates for out-of-town guests and much more.

Deer Valley, AZ:
The banquet space at Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Deer Valley, AZ can accommodate a quaint wedding reception of 30 to 80 guests.  Multiple seating arrangements and catering menu options are available. And, when you book your wedding guests’ accommodations you will receive a complimentary customized web page complete with event details, bridal gift registry information, driving directions and more.

San Diego, CA:
The Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, San Diego North, CA is pleased to offer three different wedding packages (Moments in Time, Simply Elegant and Treasured Dreams), so you can choose the plan that best fits your budget and vision for your big day. Each package includes professional cake cutting service, champagne or sparkling cider toast, coffee station, deluxe accommodations for the bride and groom, special group rates for guests, decorated head table, white linens and parquet dance floor.

Raleigh, N.C.:
The Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Raleigh-Durham Airport, NC employs an experienced team of professionals who work tirelessly to provide wedding guests with the event of a lifetime. This location also offers a unique wedding package that includes ballroom rental (2,100 square feet), complimentary stay in the Honeymoon Suite on the wedding night (along with champagne and chocolates), group rates for wedding party/attendees, transportation to RDU Airport and complimentary parking at the hotel for the duration of the honeymoon.

With Valentine’s Day just a few weeks away, do you have anything romantic, fun or unique planned for your special someone? If you’re in need of a little heartfelt inspiration, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson^SM has the perfect recipe for a romantic getaway: a bottle of wine, champagne or sparkling cider, a comfortable room and the two of you. What more could a couple ask for?

Book a Country Inns & Suites Romance Package online now at any participating hotel in the U.S., Canada and Mexico and stay now through Dec. 31, 2012, and you’ll receive a bottle of wine, champagne or sparkling cider. In addition, Club Carlson^SM members will earn 2,000 bonus Gold Points®, and all guests will enjoy our everyday amenities including hot complimentary breakfast, free High-speed Internet, Fitness Center, free weekday newspaper, our Read It & Return Lending Library^SM and  swimming pools at most locations.

Check availability at your preferred destination and discover what it is offering for a Romance Package.

Next time you stay at a participating Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, in the U.S. or Canada check out the complimentary lending library! Through the Read It & Return program, guests are invited to choose a book from the lobby bookshelf and return it at any Country Inns & Suites hotel once they’re done reading. You’ll find a variety of books, including mysteries, fiction, non-fiction and children’s books. These are a few of our favorites—check out the full list of titles!

Sight Hound
by Pam Houston
Dog lovers in particular will be charmed by Pam Houston’s debut novel (she has previously published short story collections). Rae is a Colorado playwright who is learning about hope, love and faith from an unlikely source—her Irish wolfhound, Dante. Though Dante is diagnosed with bone cancer and loses a leg, his strength and serenity impacts everyone in Rae’s life.

Each chapter is narrated by a different character in the story, including animals. Rae’s complicated life is anchored by Dante and, in his own chapter, he offers insight into how he wants Rae to learn to trust love and keep hope alive in a world without him.

Crashing Through: A Story of Risk, Adventure, and the Man Who Dared to See
by Robert Kurson
Mike May lost his sight at age three, but thanks to a revolutionary stem-cell and cornea transplant, he regained his vision at age 46. After decades of blindness, he embarks on a physical and emotional journey as he adjusts to his ability to see.

Although this is a true story, May’s life seems at times unbelievable. He was a CIA analyst, champion skier and entrepreneur before ever undergoing the procedure. As he weighs the physical risks of the transplant, he also struggles with how his identity and self-image are changed.

Shem Creek: A Lowcountry Tale
by Dorthea Benton Frank
If you’re in the mood for a good narrative, try this one from Frank’s Lowcountry Tales series. Linda Breland is a single mother who decides to pack up and move, along with her two teenage daughters, from New Jersey to Mount Pleasant, S.C. Her sister Mimi is waiting with open arms and endless advice for the three women.

Linda is hired to work at a local restaurant, and the owner seems like a refreshing departure from the men she left in New Jersey. The story unfolds as the likeable cast of characters all learn to depend on one another and find a new life together in this small Southern town.

Still looking for that perfect gift? We’ve got even more hotel shopping packages to help you get away and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Bloomington, MN
Spend the weekend taking on America’s largest mall, the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. With more than 400 stores to explore, you should have no problem finding that perfect gift. The Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Bloomington’s “Shop ’Til You Drop” package includes a Mall of America coupon book, shopping bag (to fill up with all your great purchases) and two bottles of water to quench your thirst while power shopping.

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Bothell, WA
For shoppers on the hunt for deals in the Pacific Northwest, look no further than the Country Inn & Suites, Bothell, near Seattle. This package includes a $10 dining voucher for room service, discount coupons to Country Village Shops and Seattle Premium Outlets and a pedicure at Blooming Nails & Spa (because your feet are going to be super tired). And don’t forget, after you’ve had your fill at the mall and the spa, make sure to relax your mind and body in your room (or upgrade to a suite)—where else are you going to store all your shopping bags?

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Deer Valley, AZ
Shopping isn’t a treat for everyone. Which is why Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Deer Valley (outside of Phoenix) wants to help you make it an enjoyable experience. Their shopping package comes with an Arrowhead Towne Center goody bag that includes a $40 gift certificate to spend anywhere in the mall! And when you’re all shopped out, the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service will pick you up and bring you back to your room where you can relax and take a dip in the heated pool and whirlpool.

Ready to shop ’til you drop? The holidays are here, along with the best sales of the year! Several Country Inns & Suites By Carlson hotels offer shopping packages to help you save even more at some of the best destinations in the country. Make Country Inns & Suites By Carlson your home away from home as you breeze through your holiday shopping list and enjoy some great perks along the way (such as a complimentary hot breakfast to start your day out right) and to help you unwind after your shopping is finished.

Westfield Mall in San Diego
Marathon shoppers will be in heaven at Westfield Mall in San Diego. With 114 stores, including Macy’s, Nordstrom and the Apple Store, you’ll have no problem finding something for everyone on your list.

The shopping package from Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, San Diego North, makes your day even sweeter with a $100 gift card to the mall and a welcome bag with an energy bar, bottled water and more! A complimentary shuttle with take you from the hotel to the mall and back.

Legends Outlets in Kansas City
See the savings stack up at Legends Outlets in Kansas City. The stores and restaurants stretch over 1.2 million square feet! Your shopping package from Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Kansas City at Village West includes a $50 gift card you can use at any of the stores or restaurants. After a day of exploring Legends, rest your tired feel at the hotel’s heated indoor pool and hot tub.

Shop Your Style in Covington, LA
Browse through the antique shops in search of a one-of-a-kind gift, or hit the new shopping districts for the latest designer fashions. Your shopping package from the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Covington, LA, includes a $50 Visa Gift Card you can spend wherever you’d like. The hotel is convenient to fantastic shopping, and you’ll get coupons and shopping guides to help you navigate the deals. Warm chocolate chip cookies will be waiting upon your return. And you’ll have plenty of room for all of those shopping bags in your upgraded suite.

At Country Inns & Suites, we’re thankful for all of you: our guests, great employees and hotel teams. We hope you are spending time with friends and family today to celebrate the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

No matter where you’re traveling, winter weather can cause unpredictable delays. Flight cancellations, poor driving conditions and closed businesses can be a major headache, especially if you’re far from home.

Even warm-weather regions aren’t immune to winter weather: Last year, major airports across the Southern United States were closed for days due to unexpected snowstorms. And since these parts of the country are less equipped to deal with ice and snow, you shouldn’t count them out when anticipating delays, either. The good news? With a little patience and preparation, you can make the best of less-than-perfect travel weather.

Air Travel Delays
All may be clear at your home airport, but if snow is bearing down on another part of the country, you still might suffer delays due to backlog. Before leaving for the airport, be sure to check your airline’s website to confirm your flight status. Many airlines and travel websites offer text message alerts or emails to keep you informed even when you’re en route.

Speaking of text messages and emails, keep chargers on hand for all of your electronics. If you get stuck in an airport, you’ll want to keep the batteries for your phone, laptop or tablet charged—and you don’t want to find out that what you need is in the bag you checked. And really, it’s best to not check any belongings at all, if you can help it. If you end up with an unplanned overnight stay, you’ll want to have your clothes and essentials with you. Plus, delays and cancellations are practically the perfect recipe for getting separated from your checked luggage.

It’s important to remember that airlines may not be required to compensate you for cancellations or delays due to weather. Some airlines will provide food vouchers or cots for stranded travelers, but it varies and you should be prepared to fend for yourself. If your flight is affected and you don’t mind picking up the tab, get rebooked for the next day and try to get a good night’s sleep at a nearby hotel.

Winter Driving Conditions
The best tip for driving in extreme wintry conditions is not to do it. But if you must be on the road, be sure to take precautions and consider sticking to driving during daylight hours on well-trafficked roads as frequently as possible. Review driving tips from The Weather Channel and winter storm advice from FEMA in advance. And before you head out to your destination, listen to local weather forecasts and always make sure someone knows your route.

If you’ve rented a car, make sure a representative from the rental company reviews essential safety and handling features with you before you leave the lot if you aren’t already familiar with them. If you’re driving your own car, check to see if it should be it serviced before taking it into uncertain driving conditions. Be prepared by always keeping your gas tank as full as possible, and keep a blanket and water in the car in case you get stranded.

Packing Advice for Winter Wear
Winter weather also means dealing with bulky, winter clothing, which can be hard to pack. If you’re flying, wear your winter coat and boots on the plane. It may be a pain going through security, but you’ll save room (and weight!) in your luggage, and won’t have to go digging for it once you’ve landed. When you board the plane, just ask a flight attendant to hang your coat in one of the closets.

Layering is key for winter wardrobes. It may be frigid outside, but as soon as you’re indoors, you’ll want to strip off those extra layers. Silk long underwear goes a long way in keeping you warm, plus it’s lightweight and easy to pack. A scarf is also a must-have and can double as a neck pillow for your flight. Can’t live without your chunky knits? Purchase a set of compression bags to help get everything in your suitcase.

Today we celebrate Veterans Day, the annual U.S. holiday honoring military veterans and the end of World War I. Known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, Veterans Day is an opportunity for all of us to join together in service and celebration.

Country Inns & Suites would like to recognize and thank the courageous men and women who willingly serve to defend the freedoms and rights of others.

When the weather is mild and the trees are draped in crisp, fall colors, it’s hard to resist the urge to squeeze in as much time outdoors as you possibly can, especially before winter hits. Our solution: Plan a vacation that includes some fresh-air fun! Many Country Inns & Suites By Carlson^SM hotels offer special packages designed just for outdoors lovers.

Go Caving in Kentucky
Lost River Cave offers Kentucky’s only underground boat tour, taking visitors through some of the largest caves east of the Mississippi River. While at the park, you can hike nature trails, go bird watching or visit the butterfly habitat—a whole day’s worth of fun activities.

The Country Inn & Suites, Bowling Green, is only four miles from Lost River Cave, and has an indoor pool and fitness center. The Lost River Cave Package includes an overnight stay in a quality suite, plus two adult tickets to Lost River Cave.

Hit the Links in North Carolina
There are plenty of blue-sky days to spend on the fairways this fall. Birkdale Golf and Country Club in Lake Norman, NC, is an 18-hole Arnold Palmer-designed golf course right outside of Charlotte. This acclaimed course has well-manicured greens and challenging water hazards to keep you on your toes.

As part of the golf package at Country Inn & Suites, Lake Norman, you’ll get a suite with a king-sized bed and 18 holes of golf for two adults at Birkdale Golf Club. Also included is bottled water and various snacks for when you hit the course.

Bike through Lehigh Gorge
The trails that crisscross Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Gorge State Park take you through a railroad bed along the river, making for an unforgettable bike trip. Take the 15-mile ride down the Mid-Way trail, which is 100 percent downhill and takes about 2 to 4 hours to complete. Or for more of a challenge, opt for the 25-mile ride, which takes 3 to 5 hours and canvasses just a slightly downhill grade.

The Country Inn & Suites, Lehighton has biking packages for either route you choose. The packages include overnight accommodations, bike rental and shuttle service for two.

And don’t forget, any stay at a Country Inn & Suites by Carlson hotel always includes our free hot breakfast to help you start the day!

The veteran business traveler hits the road an average of 12 trips per year, according to a survey by the Global Business Travel Association, a trade group for travel professionals. That much time away from home can be isolating, removing the road warrior from connections with family, friends and familiar environments.

There are ways to minimize that sense of dislocation by tweaking your routine and bringing a little bit of home with you when you travel.

1. Don’t live out of your suitcase. By unpacking and putting your “stuff” where it belongs, you’ll give yourself a subconscious cue that you’re in familiar territory.
2. Venture out of the room. Even if you need to bring your laptop with you, make use of the hotel’s welcoming shared spaces, such as seating areas around the fireplace and pool. Being around others can spark conversation or make silence more companionable.
3. Bigger is better. When possible, upgrade from a standard room to a suite for an extended stay. Having more elbow room, an in-room fridge and other conveniences makes a big difference.
4. Travel with your totems. What reminds you of home? Maybe it’s your pillow, a few photos, an iPod playlist. One frequent traveler opts for fresh flowers in a collapsible vase that’s easy to pack. Another listens to e-books to stay connected to the neighborhood book club. Or maybe it’s a comfy robe and slippers to make evenings cozy. Whatever it is, bring it.
5. Stay with your normal routine. Flying, driving and being on the move are disruptive enough. When possible, try to stick with your normal regime of exercise, diet and sleep habits to maintain balance away from familiar turf. Make use of your hotel’s fitness center and check for healthy food options in the breakfast offerings.
6. High tech helps. Kissing your spouse and kids goodnight over Skype isn’t perfect, but it’s better than nothing. Apps for smartphones, such as Apple’s FaceTime, deliver live video calls perfect for bedtime reading and sharing the details of a busy day. Even something as simple as keeping a photo gallery on your laptop to remind you of loved ones is a big help.
7. Membership has its privileges. Be sure to join your hotel’s frequent stay program. Club Carlson^SM rewards with free room nights, airline miles, prepaid cards and more. When you feel like your business is appreciated and the welcome mat is out, you’ll sleep easier, even if you are away from home.