{"id":2340,"title":"15 Romantic Vacations for Couples That Are Easy on the Wallet","slug":"15-romantic-vacations-for-couples-that-are-easy-on-the-wallet","lang":null,"description":"When you think of a romantic vacation, you might imagine holding hands with your partner while wandering the alleyways of Santorini or dining by candlelight on the Amalfi Coast. But a couple's trip doesn't have to be so lavish, nor expensive. There are plenty of places to celebrate your love that you can visit on a modest budget.\n\nWhether you're planning your first getaway together, an anniversary trip, a honeymoon, or a sojourn \"just because,\" you can save money on a couple's vacation by choosing less-popular destinations that have great free attractions. Stay flexible on your travel dates, shop for flight deals on sites like Hopper or Skyscanner, and plan a trip during the off-season. You might also want to consider all-inclusive hotels, but only after evaluating what is actually included and how much you would take advantage of the amenities.","content":"

Recognizing that “affordability” is a relative term, we’ve aimed for places where couples can have an enjoyable vacation while staying within the budget they create for themselves. We looked for free or low-cost activities and considered the availability of less costly lodging. From Puerto Rico across the U.S. to Canada, here are the best affordable destinations for couples.

Honolulu, Hawaii

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Rowers in the water near Honolulu.

Violetta Smirnova/Travel + Leisure

If your hearts are set on a vacation in Hawaii, you can still enjoy a trip there on a limited budget, especially with the help of reward miles or points. Spending time on the beach and hiking doesn't cost a dime, and the tour of Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial is free as well. Oahu’s bus system is an inexpensive and efficient way to explore the island. Food is part of the travel fun, so look for farmers’ markets, saimin noodle soup, poke, and shave ice at local spots. Rooms at the surf-inspired beachfront hotel, The Twin Fin are reasonably priced, and the property also has free group surf lessons, free surfboard rental, and complimentary late check-out. Nightly entertainment includes live music, stargazing, and more. The Kaimana Beach Hotel is another affordable option.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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An aerial view of Coeur d'Alene Lake in Idaho.

Shunyu Fan/Getty Images

Located in northwest Idaho on the northern shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, the year-round destination is ideal for couples who love the outdoors. Every season offers something different, from lakeside fun in the summer to snow sports in winter. Hiking, biking, and visiting wineries and breweries are among the things to do, in addition to simply taking in the gorgeous scenery. Explore the downtown area near the waterfront, browse the boutiques and art galleries, and stop for a bite at one of the restaurants. Places to stay include hotels, bed & breakfasts, and campgrounds, as well as the Coeur d’Alene Resort, known for daily scenic, sunset, and dinner cruises.

Yosemite National Park, California

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Half Dome in Yosemite National Park.

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Home to granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and incredible wildlife, Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the U.S. This budget-friendly vacation destination is a paradise for hikers and photographers, and many trails stay open in the winter, when crowds tend to thin out. Save on dining and enjoy picnic lunches with views of Yosemite’s wonders. Affordable lodging choices range from camping to cabins, either inside the park or nearby. Even if you don’t stay at the classic Ahwahnee hotel, be sure to stop in to see the decor, art, and architecture of this historic property.

New York City, New York

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Busy streets near the Flatiron building in New York City.

Don Eim/Travel + Leisure

You might be surprised to find the Big Apple on a list of affordable vacations, but there are many free things to do in New York City. Meals out don't have to be expensive, either. Enjoy an iconic (and affordable) New York bagel breakfast, grab a slice of pizza, or try a hot dog from one of the street stands—these are obligatory experiences. Many of NYC’s museums are free (such as the American Folk Art Museum) or accept a donation to enter. Couples can also take the subway to Long Island City’s Gantry Plaza State Park, which has gorgeous views of the NYC skyline, or ride the Roosevelt Island Tramway for an aerial view of the cityscape.

Mazatlán, Mexico

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A beachside view of a hotel in Mazatlán, Mexico.

Travel_Bug/Getty Images

Mazatlán offers golden beaches, delicious restaurants, vibrant nightlife, history, a miles-long seaside promenade, reasonable prices, and lots to do at little or no cost. In the downtown historic district, couples can explore the romantic old square of Plaza Machado, stroll along cobblestone streets, and stop for a drink or ice cream. You could spend an entire day along the Malecón de Mazatlán, browsing souvenir stands, or watching cliff divers. As for accommodations, meals are included at the all-inclusive Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán Beach Resort. Plus, all-inclusive guests can access restaurants and amenities at the upscale Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, including a 16,500-square-foot wellness facility with hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms, and spa treatments (available at an additional cost).

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

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Gulf Shores, Alabama, is known for its white-sand beaches.

Jon Mattrisch/Travel + Leisure

White sandy shores, warm Gulf of Mexico waters, great food, and lively nightlife make the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area an economical place for a beachfront getaway. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel or roller coaster, drive a go-kart, or play miniature golf at Track Family Fun Park. Hop on the Mobile Bay Ferry to enjoy scenic views, and choose from hundreds of locally-owned restaurants—be sure to try some Gulf seafood like shrimp, oysters, crab, and snapper while you're here.

Fort Worth, Texas

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A crowd watching long horns in Fort Worth.

Heather Durham/Travel + Leisure

Located 25 miles west of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Fort Worth is a fast-growing Texas city known for its rich Western past, now preserved at the historic Stockyards District. Explore the famed streets that once served as the heart of the cattle trade during the Wild West era, and learn about the area’s past with a tour. You’ll want to see the twice-daily cattle drive at the Stockyards, as a herd of longhorns pass by with drovers who are available to answer questions. Shops, saloons, restaurants, the famed honky tonk Billy Bob’s Texas, as well as rodeo events at the Cowtown Coliseum provide plenty of affordable things to see and do. Stay at the budget-friendly Kimpton Harper, and check out the upscale Hotel Drover on Mule Alley for a beverage in its outdoor backyard lounge.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Colorful buildings in Old San Juan.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

If beautiful beaches, great food, and history are what you're after, consider visiting Puerto Rico—no passport needed. Instead of an expensive resort, look into locally owned boutique hotels or glamping sites. Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber are available to get you around the San Juan area, so you don't have to spend on a rental car.

In Old San Juan, you can visit 16th-century fortresses, watch street performers along the Paseo de la Princesa promenade, and go salsa dancing at cocktail bars like La Factoría. Visit museums with low admission fees like Museo de las Americas, or head to the nearby Santurce neighborhood to see dazzling street art for free. Less than an hour's drive from the city, El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Hike to a waterfall and enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful surroundings.

Palm Springs, California

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Landscape of Palm Springs.

Heather Durham/Travel + Leisure

The desert of Greater Palm Springs is a year-round destination, though hot summers often have visitors heading for pools or air-conditioned venues. No problem—there are plenty of both, plus other things to do without spending a lot in the Palm Springs area. Stroll along Palm Canyon Drive in the city to browse the shops, art galleries, and restaurants, or take a self-guided tour of mid-century architecture or celebrity homes. Explore the outdoors with a hike through the Indian Canyons nature preserve. With a range of places to stay, you’ll find options that fit your budget. About an hour away, Joshua Tree National Park features stunning rock formations, native vegetation, and a twinkling night sky for romantic stargazing.

St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida

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Cityscape of St. Petersburg, Florida.

Kelsey Glennon/Travel + Leisure

Known for its white-sand beaches and warm waters, this area is a great choice for an affordable vacation, especially if the goal is sunshine, swimming, and water sports. There’s plenty to experience after sunset as well, from restaurants to clubs to dive bars. Stroll around town to view the more than 600 murals or join a street art tour. The Dalí Museum is set in a unique building on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront and have discounted tickets on Thursdays after 5 p.m. And with a variety of places to stay, including beds and breakfasts, the area has lodging options for almost any budget.

Washington, D.C.

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View of The Capitol in Washington D.C.

Heather Durham/Travel + Leisure

The nation’s capital, with its monuments and museums, can be an affordable destination and serve as the perfect opportunity to learn more about history, art, science, and technology. The Smithsonian Institution's 21 museums are free, and there’s something for every couple’s interest, from space travel and technology to art and natural history. The National Zoo is a great place to spend a day at no cost. Just remember to apply for timed entry passes (required for the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture) in advance. Public transportation on trains and buses is convenient and low-cost. For an affordable meal, try the famous chili half-smoke at the historic chain Ben's Chili Bowl. Hotels in the capital might be pricey, but staying in nearby Alexandria, Virginia can save some dollars and introduce you to a lovely city.

Toronto, Canada

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Pedestrians passing a building in Toronto.

Kristjan Veski/Travel + Leisure

This pedestrian-friendly city is known for its diversity, reflected in its vibrant culture and food scene. Some of the best things to do in Toronto include strolling down the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District, which features art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques housed in restored industrial buildings; grabbing a bite to eat at St. Lawrence Market; and checking out Stackt, a shipping container market with pop-up shops and special events. Take advantage of the extensive public transportation network, or get around on two wheels with Bike Share. Your best bet for finding an affordable hotel room is to visit outside of the busy summer season.

Ridgedale and Springfield, Missouri

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The historic downtown district of Springfield, Missouri.

JTGrafix/Getty Images

About an hour’s drive from Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), Ridgedale has stunning scenery and a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors, from hiking among waterfalls and rock formations to boating. In nearby Springfield, Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is home to wildlife exhibits, art, photography, and an array of marine life; it's a fascinating place that can take a full day to explore. Next door, you can browse the displays at Bass Pro Shops a 500,000-square-foot retail and outdoor entertainment space with a café and exhibits. There’s hiking, biking, wildlife, horseback riding, and fishing in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park and golf at Big Cedar Lodge, where various types of inexpensive accommodations are available. A few miles away in the Ozark town of Branson, Missouri, there are even more hotel, campground, and cabin options as well as a historic downtown to explore.

Greenville, South Carolina

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The Reedy River running through downtown Greenville, South Carolina.

Kruck20/Getty Images

A short 15-minute drive from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), downtown Greenville, South Carolina, is a charming, walkable area with excellent restaurants and unique shops. Located in the heart of downtown, Falls Park on the Reedy features gardens, waterfalls, picnic areas, and the 345-foot Liberty Bridge that spans the Reedy River. In addition to strolling through Falls Park, Greenville has a variety of free and low-cost things to do. Tour the city’s public art, visit the Greenville County Museum of Art, or take a ride on the downtown trolley. Regular free events include Downtown Alive and Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays, which take place from spring through early fall, with live music and food trucks at NOMA Square. Plentiful hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds mean there are places to stay in Greenville for any budget.

Lexington, Kentucky

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Storefronts in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.

Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

Known for equestrian ranches, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and bluegrass music, Lexington is a great destination for a budget-friendly trip. At Kentucky Horse Park, there’s a museum, a horse-drawn trolley tour (in summer), and a campground with a pool, tennis, and a bike trail. History lovers will enjoy visiting the 1814 Hunt-Morgan House and the Mary Todd Lincoln House. Watch horse races at Keeneland Race Course, tour the grounds, or visit early to see the warm-ups. Lexington’s Distillery District is a great place to relax with a beer, slice of pizza, or ice cream cone after a tour of the James E. Pepper Distillery. You can stay nearby at the reasonably-priced Manchester hotel and take in the view from its rooftop Lost Palm cocktail lounge.

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