When it comes to February travel, a lot of people target the 14th, says Peter Greenberg, CBS News travel editor and founder of PeterGreenberg.com. While Valentine's Day packages at hotels often include flowers, candy and Champagne, they're often not the best travel buy, he says.
With Valentine's Day falling on a Thursday, "that lends itself well to a four-day weekend," he says. And "there are lots of manageable overseas trips in February -- just make sure you have a passport."
And what could be more romantic than Paris? In February, "there are no lines in museums, no lines in restaurants and airfares are down," he says.
You'll save 30 percent to 40 percent over the cost of that same trip in April, Greenberg says.
Want to stay stateside? Try a bed-and-breakfast in the days before the holiday. If you check in Monday and check out Thursday morning, "you'll get a great deal because there will be no one there," he says. "You will own it." You can save 50 percent or more over what you'd pay for a Valentine's Day stay.
For Valentine's Day itself, plan a romantic evening at home, Greenberg says.