Romantic getaways on a budget?
Getting away with your loved one, and spending some time alone is always a great experience and doesn’t always have to be a costly affair. With the increasing popularity of travel, especially among couples, cheap romantic getaways are becoming increasingly popular. Romantic holidays offer the much-needed break for couples from the hustle-bustle of everyday life at affordable prices.
Whether you want to hit the beach, take a short trip, or explore nature for a few days, there are a wide variety of cheap vacation ideas for couples that are easy on the wallet. You also have the option of visiting places in the offseason, they tend to be less busy and places lower their prices, we’ve made a list of the best places to hit below.
What are the best vacation spots for couples on a budget?
Explore the great outdoors
Exploring the wilderness is an excellent way to destress and spend some time with your significant other. It is an affordable vacation for couples looking to keep costs low. There is a wide range of accommodation for every budget that includes cabins, camper vans, and tents. Better still, if you own camping equipment, you save yourself the initial up-front cost.
There are so many grand landscapes across the US for you to explore, but we recommend Havasupai. It is one of the less well-known spots in the Grand Canyon and is home to beautiful waterfalls that flow into crystal clear water. It’s a 10-mile hike in, but your efforts will be rewarded when you wake to the sound of nature.
For those looking for Asian destinations, Da Nang in Vietnam might be one of the best choices for an affordable couples vacation. Outdoor activities like hiking the Son Tra Mountain, which is also known as Monkey Mountain, offers a fun escape into nature with great landscapes. Don’t forget to look out for the monkeys, which are a common sight over there.
We rank the top 10 most romantic holiday destinations
Relax on the beach
The sound of the waves continually crashing into the shore are a tonic for even the most stressed among you, and a lot of great spots offer affordable romantic getaways. Many seaside towns have a range of low-cost accommodation, especially if you are willing to forgo the typical hotel experience and opt for rented accommodation. It means you get to enjoy the beauty of the beach while being able to cook at home rather than eating out for every meal.
With just over 7,000 islands, the Philippines has more than enough beach destinations. A traveller-favourite is Boracay, which is a small island famous for its pristine beaches. One of the main tourist areas is the aptly named White Beach that offers smooth clean white sand as well as the picture-perfect turquoise waters you only usually find in travel magazines. It is a perfect affordable option for those looking at an Asian destination.
We recommend visiting places like Florida, or San Diego in the shoulder season for the most affordable romantic getaways. Heading somewhere within driving distance is ideal if you’re looking to cut costs, and it means you can opt for accommodation that is a little further away from the beach. Activities at the seafront are also far more affordable in the shoulder seasons.
Enjoy the off-season
If you don’t mind the cold, heading to a cold-weather city is a cheap vacation idea for couples that you’ll love. People tend to avoid areas like New York and Chicago in the winter and instead head for the mountains or the beach. Despite the crowds dispersing, all of the world-class restaurants and museums don’t close. In fact, they offer discount deals to get couples through the door.
We recommend taking a cheap couples vacation to Boston or Toronto. You can nab yourself a deal online and stay at some upmarket places that will lather you in luxury after a long day exploring the city. Choosing a short city trip in the off-season also gives you the chance to slow the pace down and take in the best the city has to offer.
Head to Europe
Europe is a hot spot for cheap romantic getaways and means you can explore the cultural history of old Europe. Lisbon, Portugal, is one of the most affordable vacations for couples in Western Europe. The seaside city is full of old charm and has a host of historical attractions to keep you busy. Spend your time exploring ancient castles and tasting the delights the olive groves have to offer.
Best of all, staying in a five-star hotel in Lisbon costs just a fraction of the amount in other European capitals, so enjoy your cheap romantic getaway in style. We recommend spending a day visiting the surrounding fishing villages, and they have an incredibly fresh seafood selection. While flights may be more expensive than staying locally, you’ll make up the difference by how little things cost while you are there.
Budget all-inclusive trips
Mid-tier all-inclusive resorts are ideal for couples on a budget. While the initial outlay of money may be slightly higher, all of your food and drinks are included throughout your stay, making it a real bargain. Resorts also take the stress out of vacationing because everything is taken care of, you don’t have to worry about finding restaurants or doing the dishes.
We recommend places like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic for affordable romantic getaways. With budget carriers like JetBlue connecting these destinations, you can enjoy a romantic getaway with your partner without breaking the bank. While you’re there, make sure to go snorkeling to take advantage of the abundant marine life.
Malaysia and Thailand also offer all-inclusive resorts and options as well. Travellers in Asia can take advantage of the good currency exchange rates, as well as a plethora of budget carrier options like AirAsia or Jetstar to have a truly affordable romantic weekend away.
How to choose your cheap romantic getaways?
Whether you are a lover of the great outdoors or only want to relax by the pool, there is an affordable romantic getaway waiting for you to enjoy. Make sure to take your time and book in advance to get the best deals, cheap romantic getaways are always up for grabs during the shoulder and off-seasons. So, what are you waiting for?
