However, the timing of the Catalan version of Valentine’s Day—Sant Jordi Festival—has always made a bit more sense to me. The holiday is held on the 23rd of April each year, when spring has officially sprung with love and pollen blowing in the air. What says “amor” more than beautiful Barcelona in full bloom!

Book stalls fill the streets in Barcelona on Sant Jordi’s Day. Photo: Regina W Bryan

Sant Jordi Festival

For Sant Jordi’s Day, either a book or a rose are given as gifts. Men, you’ll want to look for a few select red roses to give to the special women in your life. Women, you’ll need to browse the many book shops and book stands that set up on La Rambla and get a paperback for the important men in your life. These are the rules, and as someone who appreciates both flowers and reading, I like to break them!

Where to stay for an affordable romantic getaway

If you’re traveling through Barcelona in April with that special someone, look for rooms in these hotels that make the perfect escape for lovey-dovey couples.

The rustic lounge is a perfect spot to cozy up for the evening. Photo: Courtesy of the hotel

Cozy charm in the city – Hosteria Grau

Doubles from: $83 to $143

Privacy is key to romance, so avoid the backpacker hostels and instead go for double room at Hosteria Grau, one of the coziest hotels in the city center. The two-star rooms are cute and clean, and the staff is incredibly helpful. Furthermore, Grau is a couple blocks from La Rambla and Passeig de Gracia, where much of the Sant Jordi fun will take place.

The stylish and romantic rooms at Hostal Goya are a real bargain for Barcelona. Photo: Courtesy of the hotel

Designer decor – Hostal Goya

Doubles from: $97 to $152

Ambiance is important if you’re on a romantic escape. Avoid faded rooms with questionable artwork and amateur silk flower arrangements, and instead book at Hostal Goya, a chic option in L’Eixample. Goya’s interiors are some of the best we’ve seen in Barcelona budget hotels. You’ll be wowed by not only the modern tiled floors, the abundance of natural light and the elegant attitude—but also the very affordable price!

Wonderful city walks are just outside the door of Hotel Banys Orientals. Photo: Andrej Nicolas

Old city strolls – Hotel Banys Orientals

Doubles from: $138 to $145

What’s more romantic than wandering the old city with your lover, arm in arm? Not much. So make sure to book at Hotel Banys Orientals in El Born for lots of cobblestone charm. Picture yourself sipping Spanish wine in front of Santa Maria del Mar Church, and then window shopping at the many boutiques near Banys Orientals.

Bonus tip: Not only is love in the air, but spring, and the months of April and May, are some of the best months to visit Barcelona because the weather is gorgeous, and the city is a lot less crowded than summer. Enjoy!

The post Budget romantic hotels in Barcelona to celebrate Sant Jordi Day appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But not so fast, Paris! There’s also an endless supply of romantic spots in Rome. The Eternal City inspires romantics from every vista, piazza and fountain. Looking for the perfect spot to profess your love? The hardest part will be narrowing down your options!

Of course, you’ll also need a romantic nest to cuddle up in every night, so reserve one of these romantic hotels in Rome that won’t break the bank and start planning your trip.

Here are five of the most romantic spots in Rome:

Janiculum Hill

There’s simply nothing like going for a late afternoon passeggiata (stroll) from Trastevere up to the top of the Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill). On the hike up, the breathtaking views of the the city’s skyline will make any heart flutter. It’s also an amazing place to watch the sunset.

Giardino degli Aranci

Viale Nino Manfredi

Many tourists overlook this beautiful spot, so popular with locals in love. The magical Giardino degli Aranci (“Garden of Oranges”) is situated near many of Rome’s most enchanting churches. This garden is popular, and if you visit on a weekend you’re likely to run into newlyweds getting their wedding photos taken.

The beautiful orange-scented garden offers a stunning bird’s-eye view of Rome’s most romantic panoramas. Make sure to snag a spot on the little terrace and watch the sun set over St. Peter’s Dome.

Pincio Gardens

Villa Borghese

Whether for a picnic or an afternoon stroll, there are a slew of things to keep lovers busy in Villa Borghese, Rome’s most popular park. Nothing, however, tops stealing a bacio (kiss) or two at Pincio gardens while gazing over the magnificent Piazza del Popolo. The Pincio balcony and gardens are especially popular with love birds.

Via della Conciliazione & Borgo Pio

Citta del Vaticano

There’s nothing quite like walking up Via della Concilliazione, the street that leads you to St. Peter’s Square, at night when the Basilica is lit up. Regardless of whether or not you’re a pilgrim, you’ll find yourself inspired by the scene. Once you’ve reached the square, turn back around to the Borgo Pio (the mostly pedestrian neighborhood) that surrounds Vatican City and duck into one of the restaurants for a candlelit dinner.

Villa d’Este

Tivoli

The Villa d’Este is one my favorite spots, and one that I always recommend for those looking for an easy day trip from Rome. Villa d’Este is a villa located in Tivoli, a town just outside of Rome, that boasts perfect examples of Renaissance architecture and splendid gardens.

The villa itself is filled with marvelous frescoes and an extravagant array of artwork. Perhaps the most beautiful part of the villa is it’s exterior: a maze of lush gardens with some 500 fountains running all at once. During the summer, the villa is also open at night and believe me, it’s equally gorgeous lit up at night. It’s a perfect place to propose!

The post Rome: The 5 most romantic spots in town appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.