If you live in the New York City or northern New Jersey areas, consider taking a trip upstate to Ithaca, New York. High in the mountains, Ithaca is a destination ideal for couples and romantics. Walk across the bridges near Cornell; kissing on the suspension bridge promises a strong and romantic marriage. If you visit in the fall, witness the colorful leaves and enjoy the sound of the waterfalls for free as you walk the city or campuses. In the winter, make a day of skiing at nearby slopes; bring your own skis to cut costs. In the summer, go on wine tours together to sip and toast to local wines. The downtown Commons area offers cafes, restaurants, theatres and street festivals that are light on your wallet, especially compared to Manhattan prices. Stay in a bed and breakfast near Ithaca College or Cornell, or choose to stay in a more high-profile hotel downtown, but still at a lower price than most New York locales.
Nestled in the deep south, Savannah, Georgia is an ideal romantic getaway for a couple looking to save on money. Walking the city itself is full of adventure and beauty, from the cobblestone streets and cemeteries to trees draped in Spanish moss. Consider going on an inexpensive Ghost Tour through a civil war cemetery to kindle a sense of history. If you go in the fall or spring, tour the City Market in the center of historic Savannah. Located on the original site of the market used by farmers and traders in 1915, you two can stroll the street together enjoying and tasting seasonal fruits, vegetables and other southern treats. Inexpensive cafes, bed and breakfasts, restaurants and local pubs abound. Stay in an inexpensive hotel just outside the downtown area to save a bit of cash, or choose to stay at one of the intimate bed and breakfasts, many of which offer 10% discounts for AAA or AARP members.
If you have some frequent flier miles to spend, but do not want to pay much for lodging or dining out, consider a trip a bit further to Jamaica. Surrounded by crystal blue waters and white sand beaches, a weekend getaway to Port Antonio, Jamaica is an ideal romantic mini-vacation. Hotel accommodation costs, as of 2010, start at less than $130 per night. Enjoy fresh coffee, just-picked fruit, seafood and local beer in nearby restaurants and bars.
