How to shop for last-minute Valentine's trips
How to book now and not pay a fortune?
It's fast approaching, the day that strikes fear (usually him) and loving (usually her) into the hearts of many couples.
Be flexible with your destination. Canada has no shortage of romantic destinations - Quebec City, the Gulf Islands, Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia to name just three - but if you feel like going further afield, choose a "second-tier" city (smaller airports may be cheaper to fly into too). If Venice is outside your price range, consider Treviso, a 20-minute train ride from the watery city. If not Brussels then Antwerp. If Barcelona looks like it might bust your budget, then maybe Girona, one hour by bus from the centre of Barcelona. Not Paris? There's Marseille or, much closer to home, Montreal.
Choose a destination that is not doing too well, economically speaking. That way you'll save on hotel rates (airfare too in many cases) and you'll be helping the locals too. Ireland, Spain and Portugal are working hard for the tourist dollar now.
Be literal with the date and fly out on Valentine's Day, thereby saving on the premium weekend rates. Or surprise your loved one with a trip leaving the day after. After Valentine's Day we'll be back in low season for a while.
Choose a luxurious hotel for one night of your stay. We recommend upgrading for your final night rather than starting off swanky and then downgrading. See our list of the most romantic hotels around the world.
Shop around in advance for cut-price tickets on tourist attractions. And if your destination offers a tourist card (most European cities offer them) that are good for public transport and have discounts on museums, galleries and restaurants, snap it up.
Select an all-inclusive resort package and see if there are any freebies thrown in such as a spa treatment, bottle of champagne or an activity. You'll need to do the math here and cost it out. Do you usually go gaga for a mani-pedi? If not, it may not be worth paying the price for it now.
Consider the surroundings. Charming old city? Take to the streets for culture and entertainment. Beach destination? There'll be no extras here surely, just the price of sunscreen. Check the tourist board websites. You might find accommodation discounts there too. For example, Bermuda has rebranded February as Love Month and has published a brochure packed full of fun - and mostly free - events throughout the month. Read the pdf via the official tourism website.