Check Out the Best Romantic Getaways for Any Budget

Summary: From affordable beach towns to luxury wine country escapes, this guide to romantic getaways shows you how to plan a trip that fits your budget—without sacrificing the experience.

Whether you’re juggling careers, family, or planning your next chapter, it’s always the right time to create new memories. For couples seeking a memorable experience, even a brief romantic getaway lasting just a few days can prove incredibly enjoyable and revitalizing. Traveling is a great way to bond, relax, and try things you normally wouldn’t. While splurging on a dream vacation now and then might make sense, there are many ways to take a trip with your spouse without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re seeking a cozy weekend retreat or a big anniversary getaway, the right destination doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Below is a range of romantic getaway destinations, from affordable escapes to luxury splurges, with tips to make your trip fit your budget.

Make your trip fit your budget

With proper budgeting and planning, you don’t have to dip into your emergency fund to enjoy a memorable romantic getaway. If you are retired and living on a fixed income, smart planning becomes even more important.

Retirees enjoy a significant cost-saving benefit: the freedom to travel throughout the year without work constraints. You can plan your romantic getaway during the off-season and on less popular days. For example, romantic beach getaways are often more expensive when kids are out of school during summer break and on the weekends. Your trip could be less expensive by going when kids are in school or during the weekdays.

Here are a few simple travel budgeting tips to make your romantic trip more affordable:

• Use price-tracking tools to watch flights and hotel rate drops
• Redeem credit card points or loyalty rewards for free-night stays
• Skip the rental car in walkable cities or use transit passes
• Avoid peak travel holidays
• Book experiences directly with local vendors to save third-party fees

Sometimes the best romantic weekend getaways are the ones where you focus on quality time, not room service.

Save on these romantic getaway destinations

If you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway and traveling on a budget, check out these places:

Savannah, Georgia

Experience the charm of the south in historic Savannah.

Things to do: Walk down River Street and enjoy the homemade candies. Stroll through the city squares and Forsythe Park to see the live oak trees elegantly draped with Spanish moss.

Savannah can be a great budget-friendly vacation option. Stay in a charming bed-and-breakfast instead of a hotel, and eat like a local—casual Southern diners can be both delicious and affordable. Enjoy free, relaxing days exploring the city’s parks and historic streets.

Asheville, North Carolina

Enjoy the scenic mountain town of Asheville.

Things to do: Tour the 8,000-acre estate built by George Vanderbilt, the Biltmore. Breathe in the fresh mountain air during a hike through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Walk along the Urban Trail in downtown Asheville to learn about the city’s past.

If you’re watching your wallet, you can skip the Biltmore admission to focus on Asheville’s great outdoor options, especially hiking trails and public art. Traveling mid-week can also save you a bundle on lodging.

Canon Beach, Oregon

Relax in the quaint beach town of Canon Beach.

Things to do: Take a walk on the beach alongside the Pacific Ocean and see the famous Haystack Rock. Explore downtown Canon Beach’s courtyards, art galleries, restaurants and public art.

Canon Beach makes for a peaceful, romantic beach getaway. While it has its luxury stays, you’ll also find cozy rentals and motels nearby for half the price, especially off-season. Make it more memorable with a sunset picnic on the beach.

Rockland, Maine

Relax and unwind in the coastal town of Rockland.

Things to do: Go on a hike through blueberry fields to Beech Nut for panoramic views of the ocean. Hop on a ferry to see the lighthouses and neighboring islands. Head to Harbor Park to watch sailboats come in. Treat yourself to a freshly harvested lobster dinner.

For a more affordable lodging option, consider a local inn just outside town and enjoy Maine’s coastal charm without paying waterfront prices. Fresh seafood doesn’t have to mean fine dining—local shacks and harborside spots can be tastier and cheaper.

Splurge on these romantic getaway locations

If you’ve been saving and are ready to splurge, consider a romantic getaway to one of these cities:

San Francisco, California

Enjoy the City by the Bay.

Things to do: Take in the city’s famous sights, like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, Coit Tower, and Lombard Street. Take a day trip to wine country to see the sprawling vineyards. Take a ride on the storied cable cars. Indulge in decadent chocolate at the San Francisco-founded Ghirardelli Chocolate.

For luxury romantic getaways, San Francisco delivers. With its walkable neighborhoods, iconic skyline, and world-class dining, it’s ideal for couples ready to indulge.

Chicago, Illinois

Take in the city views and the foods of the Windy City.

Things to do: Take a ride to the top of the city’s tallest skyscraper, Willis Tower. Share a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Visit Navy Pier on Lake Michigan. Shop along the Magnificent Mile, the city’s bustling commercial district. Take a walk through Chicago’s beautiful botanical garden.

Couples seeking a luxurious and romantic city escape will find that Chicago offers a sophisticated experience, complete with fine dining and high-end hotels. The Windy City offers the perfect blend of culture, elegance, and unforgettable skyline views.

If none of these places sound like the right fit for you and your significant other, think about what you like to do together. Do you enjoy golfing? Theater? Gaming? Once you have identified what you’d like out of a romantic getaway, look for places that fit both your interests and your shared financial goals.

Traveling together is one of the best ways to strengthen a bond and create memories. Now that you have some destinations in mind, choose some dates and take that trip. Whether it’s a romantic beach getaway, a post-retirement trip, or a quiet anniversary weekend in the mountains, there’s no shortage of options. If you’re planning an adventure, just make sure you consider important safety tips and guidance on ways to travel smart and stress-free.

Want a romantic getaway? Mutual of Omaha offers essential resources to help you create meaningful experiences, whatever your budget.

FAQs

Q1: How much should the average couple budget for a weekend trip?

A typical weekend trip for two might cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000, depending on destination, travel method, and accommodation. Staying local or traveling off-season can keep costs lower.

Q2: What do you need to budget for a vacation?

Key things to budget for include transportation, lodging, meals, activities, and any extras like tips or souvenirs. It’s also smart to factor in an emergency buffer in case of unexpected expenses.

Q3: What is the cheapest way to plan a vacation?

The cheapest way is to plan ahead, travel during off-peak times, and use price comparison tools. Choosing drivable destinations and booking bundled deals or loyalty rewards can also save a significant amount.

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