Budget Travel

5 Romantic Budget-Friendly Getaways

Whether you and your partner are into dancing, wine, or a stroll in shared solitude for your ideal romantic getaway, there are plenty of great, affordable  destinations. Here are five places perfect for those looking for some alone time—but be sure to book that return ticket, or you may never leave.

Banff, Canada

The air in Banff is considered so fresh that two enterprising Edmontonians started a business selling bottles of it overseas where air pollution is rampant (we’re not joking). While you can capture the air in a bottle, you can’t experience the romantic beauty without going there. There are plenty of outdoor activities for couples to enjoy, including snowshoeing and sleigh rides in winter, and hiking and horseback riding in summer.

How to get there: Bus to Banff from Vancouver, Calgary, or Kelowna.

Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza, considered one of the world’s great capitals of wine—primarily for its Malbec —is the perfect romantic getaway for couples who seek food and wine and, as this is Argentina after all, tango. For novice dancers, there are plenty of places to learn or take in a show. In addition to dancing and wine tours, there are several museums including the Museo Popular Callejero, an innovative sidewalk museum that features eye-catching streetside dioramas.

How to get there: Bus from Santiago del Estero, Córdoba, and Buenos Aires.

Savannah, Georgia

For good old fashioned southern charm, strolls through a romantic town square, and fantastic food, Savannah makes for a great romantic city destination that can also feel intimate. Take a day trip to Tybee Island—20 minutes from downtown—to check out the sandy beaches or join a dolphin tour. Savannah is considered one of the most haunted cities in America, so before returning to the hotel in the evening, check out one of Savannah’s many ghost tours.

How to get there: Bus to Savannah from Atlanta, New York, and Jacksonville.

Annecy, France

Often referred to as “Little Venice,” Annecy is located on Lake Annecy in eastern France near the Swiss border. The town is the definition of picturesque, with its swan-graced, terrace-lined canals. Romantic strolls along the canals are sure to be less crowded than Venice itself, and the Lake Annecy area offers every kind of accommodation—including camping, bed & breakfasts, and hotels.

How to get there: Bus to Annecy from Barcelona.

Dover, England

If your perfect romantic getaway involves leisurely walks along windswept cliffs (but be prepared for the English rain!), look no further than Dover. There are accommodation options for every budget, and the town has plenty of restaurants like Cullins Yard, a waterfront seafood restaurant, or Dino’s Italian restaurant, which offers homemade Italian pizzas. Historic sites to visit include Archcliffe Fort and Dover Castle.

How to get there: Bus to Dover from London and Canterbury.