Romance doesn’t need five-star resorts, infinity pools, or champagne breakfasts to feel special. In fact, some of the most meaningful trips happen when you’re focused on the place, the pace, and each other — not the price tag. If you’re searching for romantic getaways you can afford, the good news is there are countless destinations where intimacy comes naturally and costs stay reasonable.

This guide focuses on places that feel romantic without trying too hard. Cities made for walking. Landscapes that invite quiet moments. Destinations where food, accommodation, and experiences remain accessible if you plan with intention. More importantly, each section includes practical ways to keep costs down without stripping the trip of its charm.

Romantic getaways you can afford in Europe

Europe is often seen as expensive, but that reputation comes from a handful of famous cities. Step slightly off the main tourist trail and the continent becomes far more affordable — and often more romantic.

Porto, Portugal

Porto is relaxed, atmospheric, and deeply human in scale. Life spills onto balconies and riverside cafés, and days unfold slowly. It’s ideal for couples who enjoy wandering without an agenda.

How to keep Porto affordable

• Stay in Vila Nova de Gaia or Bonfim instead of the historic center. You’ll pay less and walk more.
• Eat where locals eat. Set menus at lunch (prato do dia) offer excellent value.
• Walk everywhere. Porto’s hills are steep but transport costs can be almost zero.

Why it works for couples Porto feels lived-in rather than polished. Sharing a bottle of wine by the Douro at sunset costs very little and feels far more personal than any luxury experience.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest balances elegance with grit in a way that feels honest. Grand architecture sits alongside everyday local life, making it feel romantic without being precious.

How to keep Budapest affordable

• Choose apartment rentals over hotels — they’re widely available and well priced.
• Visit thermal baths in the evening rather than peak daytime hours.
• Use public transport passes instead of taxis.

Why it works for couples Long walks along the Danube, late-night café stops, and shared time in thermal baths naturally slow the pace. Budapest offers space to talk, relax, and reconnect.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is compact, green, and calm. It’s the kind of place where days drift by rather than rush past.

How to keep Ljubljana affordable

• Visit outside July and August when prices are noticeably lower.
• Stay just outside the old town and walk in.
• Focus on free experiences like river walks, parks, and viewpoints.

Why it works for couples With no pressure to “do everything,” Ljubljana is ideal for couples who enjoy being present. Evenings are quiet, intimate, and unhurried.

Romantic getaways you can afford beyond Europe

Some destinations feel luxurious simply because they’re different. Culture, colour, and atmosphere often replace the need for expensive comforts.

Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh is sensory and intense, but within its chaos are moments of deep calm — especially behind the doors of a riad.

How to keep Marrakesh affordable

• Choose a riad slightly outside the busiest medina streets.
• Eat local tagines instead of tourist-focused restaurants.
• Walk or use local taxis with agreed prices.

Why it works for couples Private courtyards, rooftop breakfasts, and candlelit evenings create intimacy without high costs. Marrakesh feels like a shared adventure.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca is warm, creative, and rooted in tradition. It’s perfect for couples who bond over food, culture, and conversation.

How to keep Oaxaca affordable

• Stay in family-run guesthouses rather than large hotels.
• Eat at markets and small neighbourhood restaurants.
• Walk most places — the historic center is compact.

Why it works for couples Cooking classes, mezcal tastings, and evening strolls through colonial streets create shared memories that feel personal and grounded.

Bali (quiet areas only)

Bali can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is location and restraint.

How to keep Bali affordable

• Avoid overdeveloped beach towns.
• Rent scooters instead of hiring drivers.
• Eat local food and avoid Western-style cafés.

Why it works for couples Private villas, quiet mornings, and nature-focused days create a sense of escape. When done right, Bali feels restorative rather than hectic.

Romantic getaways you can afford in nature

Nature-focused trips often cost less and deliver more emotional impact. They’re ideal for couples who want space, quiet, and time.

The Scottish Highlands

Wild landscapes and long empty roads create a sense of isolation that feels deeply romantic.

How to keep the Highlands affordable

• Travel in spring or autumn.
• Choose self-catering cottages.
• Plan routes carefully to avoid unnecessary fuel costs.

Why it works for couples Shared drives, misty mornings, and quiet evenings by the fire encourage connection without distraction.

The Azores, Portugal

Remote without being inaccessible, the Azores offer raw beauty at reasonable prices.

How to keep the Azores affordable

• Book flights early from mainland Europe.
• Base yourself on one island.
• Focus on free activities like hiking and swimming.

Why it works for couples Hot springs, dramatic coastlines, and low crowds make the Azores feel personal and unspoiled.

Romantic getaways you can afford in the United States

You don’t need an international flight to feel far away.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is slow, historic, and quietly romantic.

How to keep Savannah affordable

• Travel outside peak festival seasons.
• Stay in historic districts just outside the center.
• Use free walking tours.

Why it works for couples Evenings are made for wandering, talking, and lingering over simple meals.

Sedona, Arizona (off-season)

Sedona’s landscapes feel almost unreal, especially when crowds thin out.

How to keep Sedona affordable

• Visit midweek or in shoulder seasons.
• Hike instead of booking tours.
• Choose simple accommodation and spend time outdoors.

Why it works for couples Sunrises, stargazing, and shared silence create moments that feel intimate and grounding.

How to plan romantic getaways you can afford without sacrificing the experience

Affordable travel isn’t about cutting corners — it’s about choosing what actually matters.

• Travel slower and stay longer in one place.
• Choose destinations where walking replaces transport.
• Spend on one meaningful experience instead of many forgettable ones.
• Avoid peak seasons whenever possible.

Romance thrives when there’s time, space, and presence — not when every moment is scheduled or expensive.

The best romantic trips are rarely the most expensive. They’re the ones where you feel relaxed, curious, and connected. From European cities with everyday charm to nature-filled escapes that invite stillness, there are countless romantic getaways you can afford if you choose thoughtfully.

Shared breakfasts, long walks, quiet conversations, and new surroundings create memories that last far longer than luxury ever could.