There’s probably never a time when you’re not in need of a vacation—especially a couples getaway designed to rekindle your romantic spark. Of course, you could spend anniversaries and birthdays on candlelit dinners or cheesy gifts, but, when it comes down to it, travel memories are bound to last way longer.
But booking a trip on a budget is hard, especially nowadays. That’s why we tapped three travel experts for some genius cost-cutting tips. Below, Amanda Williams, Oneika Raymond, and Lee Abbamonte share romantic destinations that won’t break the bank while still packing a ton of excitement. They also recommend downloading travel apps like HotelTonight and Hopper, which crawl the web to find the cheapest fares on the internet.
So, what are you waiting for? Start adding these 30+ trip ideas to your travel bucket list and get ready for your next rom-com-worthy vacation. (P.S.: Don’t forget to get these travel essentials, weekender bags, and trip-friendly outfits.)
New Orleans
The Big Easy just might be the perfect couples getaway, with romantic B&Bs, rousing nightlife, delicious restaurants, and an endless array of sights. Check into the classic French Quarter hotel Bourbon Orleans, with rooms from $144 per night, before grabbing a bite at Café Beignet and a drink at The Sazerac Bar at the Hotel Roosevelt. Other highlights include Preservation Hall, the African lion habitat at the Audubon Zoo, and the iconic music club The Spotted Cat. A must is the Sazerac House, a cocktail museum with spirit tastings devoted to the iconic drink.
Stowe, Vermont
In the mood to ski? Known to many as the ski capital of the East, Stowe is the perfect place to go with your partner to enjoy a romantic weekend on the slopes. Located right at the bottom of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, Stowe is a delightful small town that invites visitors to escape into the beautiful surrounding nature. It is famous for its ski trails but also offers other activities you can enjoy, such as ice skating in Spruce Peak Village or a private dinner with a view. If you want to spend your days skiing down iconic trails while cuddling by a warm fire at night, Stowe is your best choice. The Golden Eagle Resort has rates as low as $170 for rooms right at the foot of the slopes.
Memphis
Full of soul and incredible music, Memphis truly is for lovers. The historic South Main Arts District’s Central Station Hotel features an endlessly cool vibe and musical-themed artwork befitting the area’s blues legacy. Nearby, check out the Memphis Blues Hall of Fame, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Memphis Rock ’N’ Soul Museum to get a taste of the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll. Also, don’t miss Sun Studio, where you'll get a personalized tour and can even snap a picture with the very microphone Elvis used to record his first album. And, of course, no visit to Memphis is complete without a trip to Graceland to see the King’s home. Then, snuggle up with a cocktail and truffle fries at Mollie Fontaine, an eclectic Victorian mansion turned bar.
Mexico City
Mexico City is for lovers. Why, you ask? The colonial architecture and sprawling parks are enough to help rekindle the flames. Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum for a dose of art or catch the ballet at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. A gondola-like boat ride at Xochimilco makes for a perfect date. The best part is that the current exchange rate of U.S. dollars to pesos makes it possible for you to splurge on four-star hotels, like the mind-blowingly gorgeous Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico, for low costs. Use the extra cash for dinner at Limosneros, where diving into the Wagyu tacos is recommended. And of course, tequila and mezcal abound at some of the most charming cocktail lounges, including Casa Franca, where you’ll hear live jazz nightly.
Barcelona
Steeped in romance, Barcelona is easily one of Europe’s most enchanting cities for couples—and with some cheap flights options from the East Coast, often affordable, too. Just off the Passeig de Gràcia thoroughfare, Hotel America Barcelona offers sleek and stylish rooms from $70, with a rooftop terrace boasting city views. Artistic influences reign: Check out the colorful, 42-acre Gaudí-designed Park Güell, including the Gaudí House Museum, as well as the famed La Sagrada Família church, begun by Gaudí in 1882 and still under construction. With a delicious food culture focused on small and shareable bites, it’s easy to nosh your way through Barcelona. Try Escairón for inexpensive Galician cuisine, Lluritu for seafood, and Catalan classics at La Cova Fumada.
Palm Springs
Beloved by Angelenos as a relaxing retreat and perfect place to decompress together, an increasing number of flights to Palm Springs are available (from all over the country) for low prices. Once there, try the elegant 1930s Spanish Revival boutique Andreas Hotel and Spa (there are Jacuzzi tubs, rain showers, and a pool). The city is synonymous with midcentury modern architecture, which is easy to enjoy in the Uptown Design District, or take in contemporary paintings and sculpture at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Other favorites include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, shopping till you drop at the Cabazon Outlets, or hiking to a waterfall at Tahquitz Canyon (with a stop at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum). Eat at stylish Birba for farm-to-table food and killer pizza or weekend brunch.
Bermuda
Lee Abbamonte, who has traveled to every country in the world, lists this stunning island off the coast of North Carolina for its resemblance to any tropical Caribbean destination. Enjoy the white sand and turquoise waters of Horseshoe Bay Beach and try the locally sourced seafood and crab cakes at Mad Hatters. Book a stay in the shoulder seasons (fall or spring) for lower prices.
Iceland
Few countries on earth as are majestic as Iceland, which offers couples a bounty of natural beauty (northern lights!) and once-in-a-lifetime experiences (skinny-dipping in the Blue Lagoon, anybody?). Forty minutes outside Reykjavík, the geothermal-adjacent Frost & Fire hote offers rooms from about $200, balcony views of Mt. Reykjafjall, plus hot springs, sauna, tubs, and an outdoor thermal pool. Must-dos an easy drive away include whale watching, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the Strokkur geyser.