For many of us, the arrival of Valentine's Day brings with it a sense of panic – how do I show my better half how much I care? Thoughts spiral from flowers to chocolates to jewellery and back again. Perhaps this is the year to go big and book a surprise break?

Well, if a romantic trip away is your plan, then you might find help in an unlikely source: our Quarterly Review. It's not an obvious read when it comes to affairs of the heart, but nonetheless, the clues to creating a perfect trip away are hidden in those bold references of the companies in which our funds invest.

So, for those in need of Cupid’s helping hand, here goes…

First, grab your Microsoft Surface laptop and fire up the company synonymous with search, Google, whose stock market incarnation is Alphabet. 

You are going to need a place to stay, and this is not a trip to take risks, so you would be wise to consider a proven hotel group with a range of options, from those with a limited budget to some more upmarket offerings. Enter the InterContinental Hotel Group. They are most likely better known to you as Holiday Inn or Crowne Plaza, but they have other, more premium, brands you may be less familiar with, such as Six Senses and Kimpton.

Accommodation sorted. Now, it is time to turn your attention to getting to the destination. Those looking to minimise their carbon footprint will look to go by train, and in that scenario, there is no better place to start than Trainline. All you need is at your fingertips, and their coverage extends beyond our shores into Europe. If a hire car better suits the bill, then you could do worse than consider one of the electric or hybrid ranges from Toyota.

If it’s a UK-based trip, then what better way to start with a romantic and relaxing pub lunch? Fuller, Smith and Turner, whose origins date back to 1845, operate pubs across the country, including The Princes’ Head, as featured in the global TV success story Ted Lasso. Failing that, Greggs always has a Valentine’s Day-inspired meal day. 

Of course, we’ve got you covered when it comes to a drink. How about a Heineken beer to start with? Or perhaps a Tanqueray Gin and Fever-Tree Tonic or Captain Morgan Rum and Coca-Cola, all spirits of the world-famous beverage supplier Diageo.

Finally, you have decided to spoil your loved one with a luxury gift. LVMH owns some of the planet’s most famous brands from the world of fashion, cosmetics and a Valentine's staple, champagne. So, you could go for a classic Hermès scarf or a Louis Vuitton bag. Or a bottle of Verve Clicquot, perhaps even a ring from Tiffany, for that really memorable Valentine’s Day. The perfect end to a perfect break.

It’s been a trip to remember, and now it's time to return home. But you can do so safely in the knowledge that your spending has, in a small way, contributed to the continued success of the businesses in which your long-term savings are invested. A win-win.

Important informaiton

The contents of this article are for information purposes only and do not constitute advice or a personal recommendation. Investors are advised to seek professional advice before entering into any investment arrangements.

Please also note that the value of investments and the income you get from them may fall as well as rise, and there is no certainty that you will get back the amount of your original investment. You should also be aware that past performance may not be a reliable guide to future performance.