WASHINGTON, D. C. (Tuesday, February 13, 2018) ––Tonight, Valentine’s Eve, is “ladies’ night” with a postmodern twist, and their AAA membership card is their passport to saving money and earning reward points simultaneously while celebrating “Galentine’s Day.” It is a relatively new “February 13^th ladies-only” special occasion which “honors friendships between women.” Not to be outdone, tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, the quintessential holiday that betokens the love and romance of beloved ones everywhere. To commemorate the cordiform or cordate, red-letter day that is shaped like a heart, AAA membership card holders are likewise eligible for special savings on Valentine’s gift cards and other romantic deals through AAA Partnership Programs and their benefits.

It’s “lovey dovey, lovey dovey, lovey dovey all the time.” But you are running out of time to get your lovely special someone that something special for Saint Valentine’s Day. As Cupid’s arrows fly straight through to their lover’s hearts, American consumers plan on spending nearly $20 billion to exult in the heart-shaped celebration of love and affection. Venerable, yet very much young at heart, AAA can help make all of your Valentine’s dreams and wishes come true and save you cash too on deals and discounts for gift-giving on February 14^th, the age-old yet ageless “Day of Love” that time itself could not destroy. As proof, Americans are sending and giving and receiving an estimated one billion Valentine’s cards, 150 million Valentine’s gifts, and 58 million pounds of chocolate candy, including 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolates for starters.

“Many members are aware of the bargains available for travel, but we are committed to providing additional benefits and bounty through discounts for AAA members on everyday expenses including gifts for loved ones,” said Victoria Stark, Retail Manager, AAA Mid-Atlantic. “The same card that provides peace of mind with emergency roadside assistance can also provide gorgeous and generous savings on retail items, hotel accommodations, household repairs, pet care, jewelry and more.”

Choosing a sweetheart on Saint Valentine’s Day dates back to “14^th Century English and French court circles.” Regardless of our age, it is the time of year when courtship is in the air and everyone “speaks of the Pompatus of Love.” When you are planning for a romantic Valentine’s Day, AAA may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet the “faithfully yours” road-wise membership organization is playing Cupid and providing lovers young and old the keys to an array of cuts rates and mark-downs  this Valentine’s Day.

“Will you be my Valentine?” It’s the lover’s question. And a red-letter day, literally and figuratively. Unfortunately, even most AAA members only think of using their memberships when their cars won’t start. AAA members can save money and find discounts on Valentine’s Day flowers, jewelry, sweets for your sweetheart, romantic candlelit dinners, books and spa treatments. In fact, your AAA card can save you a bundle. Think of it as your “chubby cherub” as you do the “Cupid Shuffle.”

 In celebration of Valentine’s Day 2018, AAA members can take advantage of popularly priced “steals and deals” and exclusive rates tantalizingly tendered by AAA’s travel partners, including hotel partners and car rental partners. American consumers will spend a total of $19.6 billion to celebrate “Galentine’s Day,” (a slang term describing the night before Valentine’s Day, when ladies go out on the town with their female friends), and of course, to  say “I love you” to their true loves this Saint Valentine’s Day. This is how love goes. All told, 55 percent of the population of the United States will celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, spending an average of $143.56 in the process, according to the latest annual survey the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

This year’s NRF survey finds that 55 percent of those celebrating Saint Valentine’s Day say they will give heart-shaped “gifts of candy.” Others will give fresh Valentine’s flowers and lustrous “heart-shaped gems,” including brilliant red ruby rings accentuated by precious white diamonds that say “I love you” in ten thousand ways and in a thousand tongues. In addition, we will spend:

·         $4.7 billion on jewelry.

·         $3.7 billion on an evening out.

·         $2 billion on flowers.

·         $1.9 billion on clothing.

·         $1.5 billion on gift cards/gift certificates.

·         $894 million on Valentine’s Day-themed greeting cards.

In Greek and Roman mythology, Cupid is often “portrayed with a bow and arrow, which he used to shoot the power of love wherever he wanted it to go.” This Saint Valentine’s Day, Cupid’s quiver is full with other sweet discounts available to anyone with an AAA card.  “Hello young lovers, whoever you are.” For those filled with romance but strapped for ides and cash, AAA has some suggestions and discounts for romantic gifts available through its AAA Discounts, including these easy-on-the-money goodies:

• 1-800-FLOWERS – get 25 percent off through Valentine’s Day.
• Cheryl’s Cookies – get 25 percent off through Valentine’s Day.
• Harry and David – get 25 percent off through Valentine’s Day.
• Kay Jewelers – get 30 to 40 percent off Valentine’s Day Deals (online only).
• AMC, Cinemark, Regal Cinemas – save up to 30 percent on movie tickets (discounts vary depending on the movie theater – gift cards also available in AAA stores).
• Brookstone – get up to 20 percent off, online only.
• Barnes & Noble – get up to 40 percent off best-sellers.
• Spa & Wellness – get 10 percent off Spa & Wellness gift cards (accepted at over 8,000 facilities).
• Restaurants – Chart House (save 10 percent), Mitchell’s Fish Market (save 10 percent).

It’s worth the money! AAA members who use their card for discounts save an average of $86 per year. Yet membership starts at just $68 a year, a price local driver’s find well worth it for roadside rescue peace of mind.  There are far more romantic options than picking up your sweetheart in an AAA tow truck or getting her a free AAA auto insurance quote to show your love. In the words of Sam Cooke:

“Cupid draw back your bow,

And let your arrow go.

Straight to my lover’s heart for me, for me.”

 Which brings to mind a final great Valentine’s Day gift…an AAA membership. Nothing says love like the protection of AAA…and, maybe your sweetheart will treat you to some of the wonderful discounted options available with AAA membership! Information on all discounts can be found at AAA.com/Discounts.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and nearly 78,000 members in the District of Columbia.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit  https://aaa.com