From beaches and mountains to history and culture: 10 best budget vacations for couples

Are you dreaming of a romantic vacation with your significant other, but don't want to spend all your savings on expensive hotels, tickets and excursions? Do not despair, because there are many ways to spend an unforgettable time together without going broke.

In this article, we'll tell you about the 10 best family vacation destinations in the US and Europe that fit any budget. From beaches and mountains to history and culture, you'll find something to your liking here. Read on and choose your perfect budget couples vacation!

Arizona

One of the best budget vacation destinations for couples who want to see amazing nature, history, and culture. The state is known for its deserts, canyons, mountains, and national parks that offer many opportunities for outdoor activities. Arizona also has many historical and cultural attractions such as Indian reservations, museums and ghost towns.

Scottsdale

During the summer, hotel prices and other services drop, making the city attractive to budget travelers. Here are some of the options on how you can have a good vacation in Scottsdale without spending a lot of money.

1. Take a stroll through Old Town Scottsdale. This is a free activity that will allow you to see the most vibrant and colorful part of the city where you will find many stores, restaurants, galleries, and museums. You can also visit the free Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art or the free Museum of the West.
2. Visit Taliesin West, the deserted home of Frank Lloyd Wright. It is one of the most interesting and inspiring attractions in Scottsdale and shows the genius of the famous architect. You can book a tour of this unique complex, which includes residences, studios, a theater and gardens. Tours cost between $26 and $40 per person, depending on time and type.
3. In the summertime, you can find great discounts at some of the most luxurious resorts in town. Some of the best resorts in Scottsdale that offer summer specials are Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Bungalow, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa.

These are just some of the options on how you can spend a budget-friendly family vacation in Scottsdale, Arizona. It's a place where you can find something to suit your tastes and enjoy some romantic and interesting time as a couple.

Sedona

It is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the United States where you can enjoy stunning views of the red rocks, visit ancient Indian ruins, try spa services, or engage in outdoor activities.

Sedona also offers plenty of options for how to vacation on a tight budget.

1. Hike Sedona's trails. This is one of the most popular and free things to do in Sedona and is suitable for all fitness levels. You can choose from over 400 miles of trails that lead to scenic canyons, waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife.
2. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, known as the "chapel in the rocks." One of the Sacred Buddhist Stupas is also located in Sedona in Peace Park, and is a quiet meditative spot. Admission to both places is free, but donations are accepted.
3. Take a trolley bus ride around Sedona. This is one of the cheapest and most convenient ways to see the city and its sights. You can choose from four different routes that include Old Town, Red Rocks, Chapel of the Holy Cross, and Airport Mountain. Tickets cost between $15 and $25 per person, depending on the itinerary and duration.

Sedona offers many budget-friendly lodging options, from multi-family rental homes to less expensive motels. Rustic cabins are another option for affordable lodging. You can find great deals on Booking.com or Airbnb.

Grand Canyon

This is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, which is amazing in size and beauty. You can admire the canyon from viewpoints, hike down the Colorado River, walk the trails, or take a helicopter flight. The Grand Canyon also offers a variety of lodging options, from tents to cabins.

One of the cheapest and most popular things to do in the Grand Canyon is to hike the trails. The park has over 400 miles of trails of varying difficulty and length that lead to scenic canyons, waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife. One of the most famous trails is Bright Angel Trail, which leads to one of the last glaciers in the park. Red Rock Passes can be purchased at dozens of locations for $5 per day or $15 per week. Be sure to bring enough water, a map, and let someone know your route.

If you want to try something more exciting, you can go whitewater rafting or river rafting. There are several companies in the park that offer these services, such as Grand Canyon Rafting or Grand Canyon Expeditions. You can choose from different levels of difficulty and duration, and enjoy mountain and forest views. Rafting prices start at $81 per person.

As you can see, Arizona is a great budget vacation destination for couples who love adventure and variety. You can enjoy views of the Grand Canyon, visit Sedona, go whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, see petroglyphs, try Mexican food, and more. Arizona is a state where you can enjoy a romantic and interesting time with your soulmate.

Glacier National Park, Montana

This national park offers amazing nature, scenic lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and wildlife. You can travel through the park by car, foot, horseback, or bicycle, and find affordable lodging in campgrounds or hotels.

One of the most popular and free attractions in the park is Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is both a National Historic Landmark and a civil engineering monument. This road passes through nearly every type of landscape found in the park, from lakes, waterfalls, and cedar forests to alpine peaks.

Olympic National Park, Washington

This national park includes three different ecosystems: the coast, forests, and mountains. Also available in Olympic National Park are places to stay, from campgrounds to resorts.

Even on a tight budget, there's plenty to do in the park.

1. Hiking. This is one of the cheapest and most popular activities in the park and is suitable for all fitness levels.
2. Coastal Walking. This is one of the most beautiful and unique places in the park where you can see rocky shores, sandy beaches, tide pools and marine animals. You can walk along the beach, collect shells, watch birds and whales, or go kayaking. Shoreline access is also included with park admission.
3. Forest Adventures. This is one of the most magical and green places in the park, where you can see huge spruce, fir and cedar trees covered in moss and ferns. You can visit one of the three rain forests in the park: the Ho, Quinalt or Bogachil. You can take short and easy trails that lead to rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Entrance to the rainforests is also included in the park entrance fee.

During the winter season, you can visit Hurricane Ridge, a snow recreation center.

Washington National Park is a wonderful place for a cozy getaway for two on a tight budget.

Finger Lakes, New York

This is a region of 11 lakes surrounded by vineyards, farms, parks and museums. You can visit historical sites, go boating or kayaking, hike scenic trails, or just relax in a cozy bed-and-breakfast.

Be sure to try the local cuisine. You can enjoy delicious food and drink produced in the Finger Lakes region by visiting one of the many wineries, cheese factories, chocolate factories, or farmers markets. You can sample different varieties of wine, cheese and chocolate, as well as buy fresh produce and souvenirs. Prices for tasting and buying vary depending on location and quantity, but are usually not too high.

Finger Lakes is a great destination for a secluded cheap vacation.

Salt Lake City, Utah

One of the best budget destinations for a couples vacation if you want to see a variety of nature, history and culture. Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah and the headquarters of the Mormon church. It is also the gateway to many mountain resorts and national parks. Salt Lake City has a lot of history, culture and nightlife, as well as outdoor activities and attractions. Here are some of the options on how you can have a good vacation in Salt Lake City on a limited budget.

1. Visit Temple Square, the city's most significant landmark and the center of the Mormon faith. You can see Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle, the Family History Library, and other buildings and monuments. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
2. Enjoy Liberty Park, the largest and oldest park in the city. You can walk, bike, picnic, play or relax in the park, which has a lake, fountain, playground, greenhouse and zoo. Admission to the park is free, but the zoo charges a fee.
3. Try the Sunset Wildlife Tour, a guided tour that takes you to Antelope Island State Park where you can see bison, antelope, deer and other animals. You'll also enjoy views of the Great Salt Lake and mountains. The tour is $69 per person and includes transportation, snacks and binoculars.
4. Enjoy a home-cooked meal at Ruth's Diner, a historic and cozy diner that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can try their famous biscuits, burgers, sandwiches, salads and desserts. The prices are reasonable and the portions are generous.
5. Spend the day near Katherine Lake, a beautiful alpine lake that is accessible by a moderate trail. You can enjoy the scenery, wildflowers and wildlife. The trail is free, but you need to pay for parking at the start of the trail.
6. Cheer on Real Salt Lake, a local soccer team that plays at Rio Tinto Stadium. You can watch them compete against other teams, enjoy the atmosphere and have fun. Tickets start at $16 per person and vary by game and location.
7. Hike Big Cottonwood Canyon, a scenic canyon that has many trails, lakes, waterfalls and wildlife. You can choose from different difficulty levels and lengths and enjoy mountain and forest views.

Salt Lake City, Utah is one of the budget-friendly vacation destinations for couples.

Branson, Missouri

Missouri's entertainment capital offers many opportunities for cheap and budget-friendly vacations that are just as fun. In addition to the many entertainment theaters known in Branson, there are many attractions that make Branson one of the most popular destinations in Missouri.

Some of the best and cheapest things to do in Branson are.

1. Visit the Branson Landing Fountain Show, the city's most colorful attraction, which consists of 120 fountains synchronized with music and lights. The show runs every hour from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is free for spectators.
2. Stop by the Waterfront Aquarium and say hello to the huge octopus sculpture. Take a trip through the water tunnel, explore the corals, visit the mermaid palace and just enjoy an aquarium unlike any other.
3. Sample the local cuisine at Dix-Old-Time-5-and-10, a historic and cozy store that sells everything imaginable, from toys and souvenirs to kitchenware and clothing. You can buy, collect or just admire the variety of merchandise. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is nostalgic.

Going to Branson you will get an exciting vacation for quite reasonable money.

Porto, Portugal

This cheap destination in the northwest part of Portugal is becoming increasingly popular, so hurry up and visit while it's still available. Right now, you can take the train from Porto to Lisbon for just $25 one way. You'll also be happy to know that several major attractions like the Dom Luis I Bridge, the Sé do Porto Cathedral and the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal gardens are free to visit. And if you want to sample delicious wine on a budget, buy tickets for a wine walking tour from City Lovers Tours for around $40.

When vacationing in Porto on a tight budget, don't miss out on great entertainment.

1. Enjoy waterfront views from Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can see colorful houses, rabelo boats (traditional vessels used to transport Port wine) and the Dom Luis I Bridge.
2. Take part in a free walking tour that allows you to see the city's main attractions such as Porto Cathedral, Clerigos Tower, Livradia Lello (the bookstore that inspired Joanne Rowling's Hogwarts library) and more. You can choose from different topics and itineraries, and ask your guide questions. Tours are free, but it is customary to tip if you wish.
3. Take a ride on the historic streetcar that connects the city center to the coast. You can enjoy views of the city, the river and the sea and visit interesting places such as the Tram Museum, the Palácio de Cristal Gardens or the beaches of Foz do Douro. A streetcar ticket costs €3 per person.

Portugal is a popular destination for a budget couples' vacation.

Prague, Czech Republic

Aside from the flight, you won't have to spend too much money to visit Prague. Many of the city's most popular attractions are free to visit, including Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and Petrin Hill.

Here are some of the things you can do in Prague without spending a lot of money.

1. Visit one of the many museums or monuments that are free or inexpensive.
2. Try traditional Czech cuisine, which is delicious, hearty and inexpensive.
3. Enjoy a beer, one of the national symbols of the Czech Republic. You can find this drink almost anywhere, and the price for a glass is usually under 50 crowns ($2.20).
4. Check out graffiti, one of the most unusual and creative expressions of art in Prague. You can see a variety of drawings, writings and messages that adorn walls, fences and bridges.

These are just some of the options on how you can spend your Prague vacation on a tight budget.

Valencia, Spain

Valencia has many beautiful beaches, but fewer crowds than popular Spanish cities such as Barcelona. The city offers a diverse selection of free things to do, including lounging on the sand, strolling around the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, exploring the Museum of Fine Arts and soaking up the atmosphere of the old town.

Some of the best and cheapest things to do in Valencia.

1. Visit the Plaza de la Virgen and its attractions: the Turia Fountain and Valencia Cathedral. Admission to the plaza is free, but entry to the cathedral costs 7 euros per person.
2. Take part in a free walking tour to see the city's main sights such as Valencia Cathedral, Clerigos Tower, Livradia Lello (the bookstore that inspired Joanne Rowling's Hogwarts library). You can choose different topics and itineraries and ask questions of the guide. Tours are free, but it's customary to tip if you wish.
3. Try traditional Valencian paella, the national dish of Spain.

Valencia is a great place for a budget vacation for couples. The city offers ample entertainment and guarantees an unforgettable experience.

Berlin, Germany

This city combines history and modernity and has a lot of creativity and culture. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, Museum Island and the Reichstag, and enjoy street art, music and clubs. You can find good hotels for less than $200 a night, and try German food such as sausages, potatoes and beer.

Berlin is a city where you can find something to suit your tastes and enjoy an interesting vacation, even on a tight budget.

As you can see, there are many options on how to have a romantic trip without spending a lot of money. All you need is a little planning, research and flexibility.

Don't forget that the most important thing about a vacation is not the place, but the company. So enjoy every minute spent together and create unforgettable memories. We wish you a pleasant trip and a happy vacation!