With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many couples are turning their thoughts towards romantic getaways. This week, we’ll be offering ideas for traveling couples, from fantastic dancing destinations where you can literally sweep your partner off his or her feet, to delicious wine country romance, to active and fun trip ideas for retired couples, to some of the most enchanting getaways for gay couples, and more.
If your heart says “dinner by candle light in Paris,” but your wallet says something else, don’t lose heart. Romance doesn’t have to be about how much you spend, but rather finding creative ways to spend an enchanting getaway with your favorite someone. For couples with more love in their hearts than money in their bank accounts, here are some inventive ideas for romantic getaways that don’t cost a bundle.
Off-Peak Travel
Never dreamed you could afford a romantic getaway to Europe? Consider traveling during the off season when everything is cheaper, from flights to accommodations to restaurants to the most exciting local attractions. Folks tend to flock to Europe beginning in May — now is your chance to beat the crowds and have a more authentic European experience with your partner. If, say, you wanted to whisk your husband or wife away for a two week getaway (including Valentine’s Day) to Barcelona, you could get there and back for $400 - $500 — less than half of what you’d spend during peak travel season.
Barcelona Hotels are also a fraction of the price during the winter and early spring months. Worried that your romantic rendezvous will be ruined by cold weather? Never fear; Barcelona is quite pleasant all year round, with the average temperatures ranging from the high 50’s to low 60’s from February - May — plus, even when the temps are a bit chilly, the sun still shines most days.
Traveling around the world as a couple, RealTravelers The Journeyers experienced Barcelona’s charm during the off-season, and found its architecture quite enchanting. They write:
“Barcelona is such a lovely city, I am just surprised that you don’t hear more about it. It is an architecturally fascinating place greatly influenced by the famous (who knew!!) Antoni Gaudi. His most well known work is the as of yet unfinished church La Sagrada Familia. You literally have to see it to believe it…
I think one of the more fascinating aspect of Barcelona was the mix of modern and old side by side. Thus even in the older parts of town you find modern architectural pieces creating a pleasant and much appreciated break.” (more…)
Fancy another European destination for your off-peak romantic getaway? Learn more by visiting Europe.
If you live in the United States and want to celebrate your love closer to home, many of America’s liveliest and most romantic cities are quite lovely to visit during the off-season as well. You’ll find many sunny days in San Francisco during the months of September and October, and you can find romantic hotels, great flights, and excellent dining in New York City for a fraction of the cost if you travel there over the next few months.
Local Getaways
All you need to suffuse romance into a local getaway is a little creativity. Hot Springs Getaways can be wonderful for the budget-conscious traveler. A hot soak in natural springs, a bottle of wine, and your favorite someone are all you need for a memorable romantic excursion. A favorite hot spring destination is Glenwood Springs in Colorado — a weekend amidst gorgeous pine trees, starry skies, and bubbling warm waters might make for the perfect trip for the amorous pair.
You might enjoy something even simpler: a picnic in the park with champagne and strawberries, dinner at a restaurant you and your partner have never been to before, a cultural tour of your hometown, or a leisurely road trip along a local scenic route. Nearly any type of travel can be romantic if your heart and imagination are open.
