How to Plan a Romantic Getaway on a Budget

It’s never a bad time to show your special someone that you care, whether you take them out to a romantic dinner or surprise them with small gifts. But the ultimate way to show you care and renew the romance between you two is to plan a romantic getaway together. Taking a short trip is one of the best things a couple can do for their relationship. Being away from the day-to-day routine and scenery can be rejuvenating for you and your partner and remind you why you love being with one another no matter where you are. But if you’re on a budget, there’s no reason to scrap the plan altogether. There are so many ways to plan a romantic getaway on a budget—all you need to do is think outside the box. That’s where we come in! Here are our top tips for planning a romantic getaway on a budget.

Go Off-Peak

Trying to plan a romantic trip during a popular travel time, like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or Valentine’s Day, is a surefire way to overspend. Everyone is trying to book flights and hotels, renting houses and cars during these times, so prices are higher. Instead, try to book a trip during a weekend without any major holidays. Or better yet, try to travel during the week, when flights are less expensive, the roads aren’t as busy, and it’s much easier to find good, affordable lodging. Traveling off-peak makes a regular Wednesday feel just as special as Valentine’s Day and is a great way to get away on a budget.

Choose Your Splurge

Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to completely do without. Choose one big thing to spend a little extra on during your trip. If you booked the least expensive and convenient flight, make a reservation at a nice (but not exorbitantly expensive) restaurant once you reach your destination. If you didn’t spend too much on lodging, surprise your partner with a nice gift when you arrive, like a luxurious women's robe or a piece of jewelry. Sometimes it’s important to recognize when it makes sense to spend and when you can do without. For your budget romantic getaway, make sure you allow yourself at least one splurge and be sure to fully embrace it. Feeling guilty about spending money defeats the purpose and prevents you from really enjoying the gift-giving process.

Little Romantic Touches

In relationships, it’s the thought that counts. After all, giving gifts isn’t about checking an item off someone’s wishlist but about showing someone that you’re thinking about them and giving them something that will remind them of your love for them. Even if you don’t spend a lot on a far-flung trip to a super romantic city, there are so many other small ways to make your getaway super special and memorable. Little touches go a long way. Instead of paying a large sum to request your hotel to provide champagne and rose petals, bring flowers and champagne to your lodgings, and celebrate your love together. Making a playlist of your favorite songs for a road trip is another great way to show you care. All these little things transform an everyday trip into an unforgettable romantic getaway.

A Romantic Staycation

Sometimes you don’t need to go far to get out of your element. Why spend money on travel when there are plenty of ways to get away without even leaving town. Booking a staycation in a local hotel or Airbnb can be a radical enough move on its own. Enjoy the hotel amenities like the pool or spa, or take in the view from a different part of town. You can also plan a staycation hike: go on a day trip to a nearby trail and get out of the city for the day. A romantic picnic is another way to get away from it all, even for just a day. Bring some bubbles (champagne or sparkling water), some finger food, and take in some nature while enjoying each other’s company.

No-Frills Lodging

Unless you’re doing a staycation, the biggest piece of advice for planning a romantic getaway on a budget is not to blow your budget on lodging. While you want to find a spot that’s comfortable and convenient, your trip should really be more about being with one another. If you’re traveling to a new place, many of your activities can be free or low-budget, like taking a walking tour, visiting a museum, or enjoying the natural landscape. And then, of course, there’s the lowest-frill lodging of all—a camping trip. Grabbing your sleeping bags, tent, and some women's loungewear is a wonderful way to escape with one another and enjoy the romance of the great outdoors, with no one around but the two of you.