A surprise Valentine’s Day in Paris awaits

A Parisian surprise awaits

For Valentine’s Day, you could give that special someone a bag of candy hearts, but doesn’t taking your lover to Paris sound better? If so, you should know about ApoteoSurprise, a French company that orchestrates perfect moments in the City of Light. The one-of-a-kind online catalog includes experiences such as a private visit to the Musee Grevin, the wax museum of Paris, where one of the figures will come alive to offer your loved one a rose and Champagne; a dinner cruise on the Seine, ending with an illuminated message near the Eiffel Tower; or an Ile de France flyover in a Cessna 172. Just when it seems things couldn’t get any better, another plane will fly by with your declaration of love written across the wings. Expect to pay $2,000 to $3,000 (and up) for the experience but if that’s beyond your budget, just stand on the Pont Royal with your arms around each other. Still too expensive? Then go for the candy hearts (especially the pink ones). Info: www.apoteosurprise.com

-- Susan Spano

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Budget driver

If you are heading to Vietnam and concerned about driving, you might consider a new program from Budget Rent a Car. The car-rental company’s World-Class Drives program pairs you with an English-speaking driver who knows the area and how to navigate motorcycle-choked roadways. The 15 itineraries include short trips from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta or the seaside resort Vung Tau or longer trips to Cat Tien National Park, a lowland rain forest about three hours away. Prices start at $99 a day. Info: www.budget.com.vn

-- Mary Forgione

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Snow studies

As if college students didn’t have enough to distract them from their studies, Mountain High ski resort near Wrightwood is offering a couple of Thursday “College Night at Mountain High” events, with a discount on lift tickets and a party at the Bullwheel Bar & Grill at the West Resort. The first party scheduled for mid-December was scrapped for lack of snow. Two more are scheduled Feb. 12 and March 12, from 5 to 10 p.m. In addition to $20 lift tickets (with college I.D.), the parties feature giveaways, DJs and $1 hot dogs. Info: mthigh.com/college.

-- Scott Martelle

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No fish tale

We’re deep in the heart of ski and snowboarding season when It seems as if all the cars heading into the mountains are sporting winter gear on their roof racks. But when spring rolls around and you’re ready to hit your favorite fishing spot, how will you transport your precious rods? We found a cool rack that attaches to the outside of your car with a combination of vacuums and magnets. Secure your poles to the windshield rack with elastic cords, and off you go. No need to lay fishing rods across car seats or bend them to fit in the trunk. To steer clear of the CHP, be sure the poles don’t obstruct your vision. The Combi rack is made by Vac-Rac and sells for about $90. Info: www.vac-rac.com

-- Hugo Martin

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