Every year, thousands of travelers choose to volunteer abroad during their time off, pitching in at spots around the world. For two weeks in January, I was one of them.

The merger of United Airlines and Continental Airlines, paired with the more recent announcement of Southwest Airlines' plans to acquire AirTran, has 2011 shaping up to be a very significant year for the merging of U.S. frequent flier programs. So what does that mean for you?

Not sure what to do this Valentine's Day? We've got you covered. Looking for a private escape or a big-city splurge? Want to kick back and do, well, pretty much nothing? Or are you adrenalin-junkies in search of the next big downhill thrill? We've got Valentine's Day for travelers covered. Read on for where to spread the love this February 14.

Ever heard the story of the guy whose identity was stolen after his personal information was swiped from his electronic room key? Or the one about thieves drugging passengers with sleeping gas on trains in Eastern Europe? What about money hidden in hotel bibles? These are just a few of the myths that make the rounds on the travelers' circuit that make good stories -- but, for the most part, simply aren't true.

A year after the earthquake in Haiti, vast destruction largely remains, particularly in Port au Prince and the areas closest to the epicenter. But amidst the piles of rubble, pancaked homes and shaken lives, Haitians and international volunteers are working together to slowly rebuild communities. One Boston-based non-profit organization, All Hands Volunteers, was asked by the mayor of Leogane -- the city closest to the quake's epicenter -- to design and build a commemorative space around the mass grave just outside the cemetery gates where thousands of quake victims are buried.