Whether you’re planning the ultimate destination wedding or you’re just in dire need of an impromptu couple’s trip, a getaway may be the perfect way to fan the romantic flame in your relationship. But once you start shopping around and spotting the price tags, you might worry that a great getaway isn’t feasible.
Fortunately, your dreamy tropical getaway may be within reach, even if you work with a reasonably tight budget. You might be pleasantly surprised by the places you can reach without busting your budget!
1. Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico
Huatulco looks like heaven on earth, with over 30 lush tropical beaches in its nine Pacific-facing bays. At Huatulco National Park, you will find some of Mexico’s most secluded and scenic beaches. For a daytime date, head into the mountains at the majestic Copalitilla Waterfalls. With abundant, affordable hotels and vacation rentals, you can enjoy the ultimate romantic trip without draining your bank account.
2. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
El Nido has gradually gained a reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful islands, and it’s easy to see why. Feast your eyes on its towering limestone mountains and tranquil turquoise waters. But even if you opt to splurge on private boat tours, scuba diving excursions, and romantic beachfront dinner dates, you can still have and do it all without spending it all.
3. Puerto Rico, USA
Puerto Rico may not be the cheapest Caribbean territory, but it is convenient for many mainland U.S. travelers to reach. Luckily, it’s surprisingly easy to save money on a Puerto Rican getaway. Some of Puerto Rico’s most romantic places—such as the rainforests of El Yunque National Forest, the neighborhoods of Old San Juan, and the picturesque mountain village of Cayey—cost little to enjoy and to share with your special someone.
4. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar may be right off Tanzania’s mainland coast, and a short boat ride from Dar es Salaam. Yet, this archipelago’s dazzling white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, historic Stone Town, and delectable local culinary scene make this island destination feel like a great escape from the ordinary. It’s also easy to score great deals here, with plenty of affordable hotels on the east side of the main island and unique free activities throughout the region.
5. Vanua Levu, Fiji
About 40 miles north of Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu may still have a larger population of palm trees than people. Here, it’s still possible to find secluded beaches, quiet jungles, and authentic local villages. Though Vanua Levu does have a few resorts, it’s also possible to find hotels, inns, and vacation rentals at bargain-basement rates.
6. Mirissa, Sri Lanka
For a tropical beach vacation that checks all the boxes without exhausting your checkbook, Mirissa on Sri Lanka’s south coast may be the place you’ve been looking for. Even though this beach town is trending on Instagram and TikTok for its picture-perfect beaches for surfing, hiking, and simple sunset viewing, it still offers incredible bargains that prove that true love doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
7. Barbados
This Caribbean island nation may be most famous for its hometown music legend and beauty mogul Rihanna, but Barbados shines bright like a diamond with its natural beauty. A romantic escape here can be surprisingly affordable by opting for smaller lodges and locals-oriented restaurants over name-brand resorts and other touristy establishments.
8. Lombok, Indonesia
Bali may be Indonesia’s most famous island destination, but one of the country’s finest–and less crowded–hidden gems is just to the east. The island of Lombok offers everything from dramatically scenic volcanic mountains to jungles with serene waterfalls and pearly white secluded beaches.
9. Manabí, Ecuador
Manabí may be far from Ecuador’s best-known destination, but it may have been the country’s best-kept secret. In recent years, this coastal province has embarked on a mission of sustainable development to open the region up to more travelers while preserving local indigenous communities and culture.
You can see and feel that authenticity all over, and you’ll likely be surprised by how little a vacation to this coastal paradise costs.
10. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
When a city has a neighborhood called Zona Romántica, you know it’s an excellent place for a hot and steamy couple’s trip. Indeed, Puerto Vallarta (PV) has spectacular landscapes and colorful urban villages, making it an ideal romantic getaway.
Furthermore, since PV also has ample boutique hotels and all-inclusive resorts, you don’t have to spend a fortune to make your special someone feel like a million bucks here.
11. Phuket, Thailand
Over the years, this island on Thailand’s Indian Ocean coast has become famous for its dramatically gorgeous beaches, unique culture with Chinese and Portuguese influences, iconic roughly 147-foot tall Big Buddha statue, and exciting nightlife options. Despite all this notoriety, Phuket still offers immense value to budget-minded travelers, and you may be surprised by how much you can do with your partner for so little.
12. Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
Not only is Bonaire the least developed of the Dutch Caribbean ABC Islands, it’s also typically the cheapest. Spots like 1000 Steps Beach and Washington Slagbaai National Park (particularly where the flamingos gather at Goto Meer) make for perfect romantic rendezvous moments. Additionally, the island’s many cheap lodging options let you and your partner explore the island’s romantic charm on a shoestring budget.
13. Placencia, Belize
Even as this island off Belize’s mainland coast grows in popularity, it’s somehow managed to preserve its historic fishing village and maintain a unique charm that’s often hard to find elsewhere on this side of the Caribbean.
From ancient Mayan ruins to wildlife-watching excursions, there’s plenty for you and your special someone to do. At the same time, Placencia still offers some of the Western Caribbean’s best bargains on lodging, dining, and more.
14. Mauritius
Mauritius may not be as well-known as other archipelagos in the Indian Ocean, such as the Maldives, but it is a cheaper way to experience this tropical region. From lively markets and tasty street food in Port-Louis to the waterfall-adorned forest, quaint coffee farms of Chamarel, and tranquil white sand beaches all around, Mauritius has much to offer for less than you expect.
15. Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
Santa Marta seems to have a charming urban core, an abundance of beautiful beaches, and easy access to the magnificent natural splendor of Tayrona National Naturhasonce. There, you’ll notice Santa Marta’s bumper crop of affordable lodging options and delectable cheap eats, and you’ll realize that Santa Marta lets you go big on your romantic vacation with a surprisingly small budget.
16. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
This Caribbean mainstay may be perpetually popular, but it’s famous for good reason. Not only does Punta Cana have a wide variety of all-inclusive resorts, but these all-inclusive let you live large while keeping costs in check thanks to food, drinks, and entertainment already factoring into your room rate. With the money you save, you can treat your better half to a couple’s massage at the spa or an exhilarating excursion through the rainforest.
The Perfect Romantic Getaway May Be Priceless, but It Doesn’t Have to Be Pricey
It’s easy to assume that the ideal dreamy tropical getaway must be far outside your budget. Especially when you primarily look at the most consistently popular destinations, it’s natural to conclude that everything is too expensive.
However, there are many more beautiful tropical destinations throughout the world for you to explore and enjoy without breaking the bank. With this in mind, you should book that dreamy tropical getaway to let your special someone know that love really has found a way to make your dreams come true.