Plan a Romantic Weekend Away on a Budget


I recently wrote about great low cost date ideas, but sometimes it is nice to get away. I am a sucker for a trip to the mountains, and it is always best to have someone to share it with.

Find the Right Location

Location is one of the keys to both a good time and price. Where I live, there is no shortage of weekend destinations. From Vail to Aspen, large ski resorts are waiting to take your money. However, if you venture off the beaten path, you might find something wonderful for a much lower price.

I have taken weekend vacations to both Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction, for example. I had a great time exploring the hot springs and Colorado wine country respectively. Every place in the world has a hidden gem nearby.

For close to home vacation ideas, check out sites like TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet. For discounts, try AAA or AARP if you are a member.

Find the Right Time

Going to a mountain getaway in the winter for a weekend costs a fortune, but spring and fall hotel rates are affordable and reasonable. You could also go mid-week for some big savings.

Jump on any travel website or hotel website and play around with the dates to find good deals. You could also look to sites like Groupon for travel deals.

Find the Right Activities

It might be cheap to stay in Vegas, but it costs a lot once you get there. Any city can be the same. Plan ahead and find discounts and activities that are both fun and reasonably priced. Hiking, climbing, wine tasting, walks, and museums are all generally cheap or free activities in my neck of the woods.

When you are out on the road, again look to Lonely Planet or AAA (if you are a member) for ideas. You might even be able to squeeze out a AAA discount.

Plan Personal Time Together

This is key to a romantic weekend away. One snowy weekend in the mountains we brought along snacks, drinks, and hardly left the room. You can bring games or couples activities along with you.

Your Ideas

Whatever you do, make sure to plan early and plan in fun activities. Budget where you can, but don’t be afraid to spend a few dollars to create a memory. When you travel near home, how do you make you money go the distance? Please share your ideas and thoughts in the comments.

Image by Alun K. Wu

12 thoughts on “Plan a Romantic Weekend Away on a Budget”

  1. Our anniversary is typically the weekend after Labor Day, and one of our favorite spots is a very touristy spot a few hours away.  We’ve gotten some great deals because the prices drop right after the holiday!

  2. Economically Humble

    I have an ING savings account for exactly this purpose… combined with some savvy travel searches and we usually have a great ski trip.

  3. Julie @ Freedom 48

    I love weekend getaways! Recently I took advantage of a Groupon that offered a deal for a local resort. A vacation in your city can be just as fun as going out of town – and you save on gas!

  4. Nell @ Housewife Empire

    It’s so hard to find time to get away with the hubby. I’ve been trying to plan a trip, and when we finally go, we’ll definitely have to find ways to make it a cheap one!

    1. Cheap isn’t the only important thing. Make sure you find value. I would rather spend a few bucks more and really enjoy it.

  5. Dannielle @ Odd Cents

    Nice. I always wanted to try a weekend staycation here in Barbados. I’d love to spend a weekend on the East Coast and spend the time painting. It’s an easy bus ride and I bet I could find a nice reasonable place.

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