Whether you’re looking to celebrate your anniversary on a dime or need to impress a new love interest without dipping deep into your savings, taking an amorous adventure doesn’t need to cost a fortune. From the cenotes of Mexico to the cobblestone streets of Charleston, these trips won’t break the bank but will leave you feeling reconnected with your significant other. Here are five romantic retreats that won't empty your pockets.
Mérida, Mexico
Mexico is well known for being budget friendly, but costs can add up quickly in resort towns like Cancun and Tulum. Opt for a more authentic yet less expensive option in the beautiful historic town of Mérida. While Merida isn’t the dazzling honeymoon hotspot of the Riviera Maya, its off-the-beaten path allure has been attracting lovebirds for well over a decade. Uncover the ruins of ancient Maya cities by day and stroll the idyllic Paseo de Montejo and its colonial mansions by night.
Explore thousands of cenotes, waterholes left over by the Chicxulub meteor, and sate your appetite on Yucatán specialties like cochinita pibil or tangy sopa de lima. Mérida is also known for being one of the safest destinations in Mexico so you can soak in the romance without a care.
Madison, Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s capital city, Madison, might not spring to mind when you imagine a fairytale holiday for two, but its proximity to beautiful hiking trails and two sparkling lakes, give it an elevated simplicity that make it a wonderfully laidback destination for two. Home to over 20 craft breweries, and even a few cideries, you can also discover Lake City through your taste buds. Don’t forget to sample a cheese curd or two – they are Wisconsin’s culinary claim to fame.
Because it's a far cry from tourist hubs like Chicago, this destination is naturally inexpensive while still feeling unique. Drive an hour north to the dreamy Wisconsin Dells for scenic hikes and moonlit cruises or walk along the shores ofLake Mendota or Lake Monona. For a romantic dinner for two, make reservations at Sardine, a waterfront dining option that specializes in French cuisine made with local ingredients. Even better, their prices are classically Midwestern meaning, yes, they’re budget-friendly.
Route 1, California
Stretching from just south of Los Angeles to north of San Francisco, California’s Route 1 is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastal road in the world. Picture jaw-dropping scenery of panoramic ocean views and craggy cliff faces to compliment it all. Even better? There are dozens of cute boutique hotels, restaurants and wineries, and scenic hiking trails to explore along the way. Some of the best pit stops include beautiful towns like Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo, or simple pull offs with sweeping views like Morro Bay or Ragged Point. And of course, no trip up Route 1 would be complete without experiencing Big Sur and the iconic Bixby Bridge.
Hotels can get pricey off of Route 1, but there are tons of stunning camping spots along the way to keep the trip budget-friendly. If you’re not ready to commit to a rugged trip of that caliber, but still want to stay on a budget, renting a campervan could also be a wonderful option. The entire highway is about 655 miles long, but most roadtrippers complete the portion between L.A. and San Francisco. Use crossing the Golden Gate Bridge as the grand finale to your romantic escapades, or follow Route 1 a bit further north to the Sonoma Coast for a sultry end at coastal wineries.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s quintessential Southern charm is irresistibly romantic. Stroll hand-in-hand beneath the Spanish moss and the glow of historic gas lamps after nightfall. Marvel at stately mansions protected by throngs of bougainvillea. Romance seekers will adore staying at a local B&B while in Charleston for an extra helping of cozy ambiance – and it's easy on the pocketbook.
For a romantic scene that’s quite literally out of the movies, make a special trip to Cypress Gardens, one of the filming locations for The Notebook. Most of this movie was filmed in and around Charleston and you can rent your own rowboat to relive all your romance movie fantasies. If you’re looking for an excuse to cuddle up, take your other half on a ghost tour that details not only local lore but also the history of “The Holy City.”
Quebec City, Canada
Conjuring up impressions of old Europe, Quebec City is one of the most charming cities in Canada – and an absolute deal for Americans. Roam the mesmerizingly beautiful Rue du Petit Champlain by night, or take a romantic cruise of the St. Lawrence River for a picturesque view of Quebec City reflected in the water. For a true testament to Quebec’s European influence, stroll through the gardens of the famous Château Frontenac, a grand hotel built in the French Renaissance style.
Located only a 15-minute drive from downtown, the idyllic Île d’Orléans reveals a pastoral side of this bustling metropolis with tangled vineyards and greenspaces that are perfect for getting lost with your darling. Quebec City becomes even more magical near Christmas time as soft snow begins to fall, twinkling lights decorate the alleyways, and every picturesque neighborhood and building seems to be decked in boughs of holly or flocked with towering Christmas trees. With the Canadian dollar (CAD) currently weak against USD, that means all the more fun to have on a shoestring budget. You can even test out your French in this francophone province.
