12 Affordable Vacations for Couples on a Budget

When you think of a romantic vacation, you might imagine holding hands with your partner while wandering the whitewashed 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.

Whether 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 your trip for the off-season. From Puerto Rico to Canada, here are the best affordable destinations for couples.

• Best tourist destination: Honolulu
• Underrated hidden gem: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
• Best getaway in nature: Yosemite National Park, California
• Best city break: New York City
• Affordable international destination: Mazatlán, Mexico

Read on for all 12 of our recommendations.

Honolulu

If you have your heart set on a vacation in Hawaii, you can manage to arrange one within a limited budget, especially with the help of some airline miles or points. Spending time on the beach and hiking are among the free things to do in Honolulu, as is touring the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the USS Arizona Memorial. Oahu’s bus system is an inexpensive and efficient way to explore the island beyond the state capital. Food is a fun part of travel, so look for farmers markets and sample saimin (noodle soup), poke, and shave ice at local spots. Rooms are affordable at The Twin Fin, a surf-inspired beachfront hotel, and you get built-in nightly entertainment that includes DJs, stargazing, and ukulele and hula lessons.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Located in northwest Idaho, on the shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, this year-round destination is ideal for couples who love the outdoors. Hiking, biking, boating, and visiting wineries and breweries are among the top things to do, in addition to enjoying the gorgeous scenery. Explore the downtown area near the waterfront, browse the boutiques, and stop for a bite at one of the restaurants. Places to stay include hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and laid-back campgrounds. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, known for daily scenic cruises including sunset and dinner sailings, is one of the most budget-friendly accommodations for couples.

Yosemite National Park, California

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. The budget-friendly vacation destination is a paradise for hikers and photographers, and many trails stay open in the winter. Save on dining and enjoy picnic lunches with views of Yosemite’s wonders. Affordable lodging ranges 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

You might be surprised to find the Big Apple on a list of affordable vacations, but there are so many free things to do in New York City. Airbnbs might be hard to come by these days, but you can still find affordable vacation rentals and hotels. 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 or accept a donation to enter. Couples can also take the subway to Long Island City’s Gantry Plaza State Park, which offers gorgeous views of the NYC skyline, or ride the Roosevelt Island Tramway for an aerial view of the city.

Mazatlán, Mexico

Mazatlán offers golden beaches, delicious restaurants, vibrant nightlife, history, a four-mile 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, watching cliff divers, and grabbing a snack from one of the vendors. Your meals are included at the all-inclusive Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán Beach Resort. Plus, guests can access the 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, spa treatments (available at an additional cost), and fitness classes.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Sandy shores, warm Gulf of Mexico waters, great food, and lively nightlife make the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area an economical romantic getaway. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel or head to The Track Family Fun Parks to drive a go-kart, ride a roller coaster, and play some mini golf. Hop on the Mobile Bay Ferry to enjoy the scenic bay, choose from more than 200 restaurants, and try the local shrimp, oysters, crab, and snapper. Hotels, resorts, bed-and-breakfasts, and campsites offer many affordable lodging options.

Fort Worth, Texas

About 20 miles from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Fort Worth is known for its Western culture and cowboy legacy, now preserved in the Stockyards National Historic District. Explore the streets where the cattle trade once took place, and learn about the area’s past with a guided walking tour. Don’t miss the twice-daily cattle drive, when the Fort Worth Herd of longhorns passes by with drovers who are available to answer questions. Shops, saloons, restaurants, and music and dancing at the famed Billy Bob’s Texas provide plenty to see and do. Stay at the budget-friendly Kimpton Harper Hotel, and check out the upscale Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection on Mule Alley for a beverage in the outdoor Backyard lounge.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

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 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 rain forest in the U.S. National Forest System. Hike to a waterfall and enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful surroundings.

Palm Springs, California

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. Visit art galleries along Palm Canyon Drive, take a self-guided tour of the midcentury architecture or celebrity homes, and hike past rock formations and palm trees on the trails in Indian Canyons. The Palm Springs area has many budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals. About an hour’s drive away, Joshua Tree National Park features stunning rock formations, native vegetation, and romantic stargazing opportunities.

St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida

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 offers discounted tickets on Thursdays after 5 p.m. And with a variety of places to stay, including B&Bs, the area has lodging options for almost any budget.

Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital has many free things to see and do, such as visiting the Smithsonian museums. There’s something for every couple’s interest, from space travel and technology to art and natural history. 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. Touring the White House is also free, but you’ll need to request a reservation at least 21 days in advance. The public transit system, including the Metro, offers a convenient, low-cost way to get around Washington, D.C. For an affordable meal, head to a fast-casual spot like chef José Andrés’ vegetarian restaurant Beefsteak, or try the famous chili half-smoke at historic chain Ben’s Chili Bowl. Hotels might be pricey here, but staying in nearby Alexandria, Virginia, can save you some money and allow you to explore another charming city.

Toronto, Canada

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, a microbrewery, 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.

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