cheap vacations for couples
Cheap Vacations for Couples
If you are stopping yourself from taking a vacation just because it is not fitting in the budget, think again. Here are some affordable destinations and ideas which don't cost too much and provide maximum fun for everyone.
Couple Vacations That Won't Kill Your Budget
Choose Your Season!
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Yellowstone National Park
Divided between three states in America, this park (and a World Heritage Site) is one of the most famed vacation spots globally. The highlights of this park are its mountain ranges (and hence the trails), waterfalls & cascades (more than 45) and plateaus (some of them, lava-formed). Must-see sites include Eagle Peak, Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone Falls, Silver Cord Cascade, etc. 2 million people are said to visit this park yearly, since the 60's. The entrance fees vary between $12 to $ 25, depending on age and mode of transport, and account for a week's visit. What you need to remember, is that a lot of people visit the park in July, making it the busiest month here.
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Lisbon
The wealthiest region in Europe, this season is your chance of visiting this global city and capital of Portugal for a little less money. 3 years back, it was the 7th most-visited city in South of Europe. Must-see sites include the two World Heritage Sites of Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, Alcântara docks, Praça do Comércio, Rua Augusta Arch, Chiado Square, Pavilhão Atlântico, Castle of São Jorge and the Lisbon Zoo that hosts more than 2000 animals. One of the oldest cities globally, it indeed has a lot of cultural possessions to offer. August is the warmest month, with temperatures reaching 34° C.
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Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand
Known as the most popular destinations in South East Asia and together cater to millions of tourists. Singapore alone has said to attract tourists double the size of its population. Must-see sites include:-
Singapore: Sentosa Island, Universal Studios, Marina Bay Sands, Night Safari, Underwater World Aquarium, Jurong Bird Park and VivoCity.
Malaysia: The Petronas Twin Towers, Teluk Cempedak, Perhentian Besar, Mulu Caves and George Town.
Thailand: Phanom Rung, Phuket, Pattaya, Ko Samui, and The Thung Salaeng Luang National Park.
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Bulgaria
Known for the most inexpensive resorts in Europe, this place is your chance of visiting few of Europe's secluded beaches, away from all the tourist crowds. Must-see sites include The city of Veliko Tarnovo, The National Historical Museum in capital city of Sofia, the Balkan Mountains, the Rhodope Mountains (The Marvelous Bridges are a part of these), the Trigrad Gorge, the Ustra ruins, and the Bachkovo Monastery, which is one of Europe's oldest and largest Eastern Orthodox monasteries. It is bordered by Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey and the Black Sea (from North to East).
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Central America
Central America consists of seven countries - El Salvador, Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama and Honduras. With a population of more than 500 million, Central America is home to some breath-taking beaches and rare species of flora and fauna. The most dominant language is Spanish and tourists can also visit more than 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Must-see sites include El Chorreron and Coatepeque Caldera (El Salvador), San Pedro Beach (Belize), Poás Volcano Crater (Costa Rica), Tikal Ruins (Guatemala), Corn Island (Nicaragua), Mayan Stelae and Roatán (Honduras), and Panamá Viejo (Panama).
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Safari in Kenya
Main attractions include the Masai Mara National Reserve, Aberdare National Park and the Samburu National Reserve (has 365 bird species). First let me tell you that you will be missing the annual Wildebeest Migration from Tanzania to the Masai Mara that happens between July to September. Traveling then, is expensive. However you still get to see wildlife as it is. This includes Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Black Rhino, Buffalo, Zebra, Giraffe, Elephant, Hartebeest. You can see the Crocodiles and Hippos too! Also found are Somali Ostrich, Oryx, Grevy's Zebra, Gerenuk and Hyenas among many others!
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Dubai
The most tolerant and popular emirate of all the seven emirates of the UAE, Dubai is the cultural and economic hub of the Middle East. An ideal destination for couples, try to book a helicopter for a beautiful aerial view of this country. Must-see sites include Al Fahidi Fort (part of the famous Dubai Museum), Wild Wadi Water Theme Park, Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates, Dubai International Film Festival (2012 Date:- 9-16th December), Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah (part of The Universe), Floating Bridge (among other bridges that cross Dubai Creek), The Dubai Fountain and the Jumeirah Lake Towers. Also, DO NOT miss the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dune bashing.
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Philippines
An archipelago consisting of 7107 islands, this is an ideal destination for couples seeking adventure or relaxation, together. Some of the Must-see sites include the Manila Ocean Park, Banaue Rice Terraces, Chocolate Hills, Mount Apo, Mount Santo Tomas, Taal (also the lake) and Mayon Volcano, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Star City, Enchanted Kingdom, Taoist Temple Cebu, Zoological and Botanical Garden (Manila) and Fort Santiago. Among the beaches, the best are El Nido (Palawan), Palaui Island (Cagayan Valley), Caramoan (Camarines Sur), Samal, (Davao) and Boracay.
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Death Valley
Not many couples would desire to be in the driest place in North America (and the hottest globally) for a vacation. However, if you want to celebrate your vacation at an extraordinary spot by not spending much, Death Valley is the perfect choice. The park is filled with rare and exotic species of animals and plants. The park is filled with ranches which provide accommodation for couples who prefer an adventurous night experience. Must-see sites include Artist's Palette, Charcoal Kilns, Badwater Basin, Mosaic Canyon, Red Cathedral, Zabriskie Point, Devil's Golf Course and the Ubehebe Crater.
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Ireland
The republic of Ireland, which constitutes 1/5th of the island of Ireland, is a paradise on earth. Since this season is comparatively cheaper for planning a trip, I would advise you to make most of it. Few of the main cities in this country are Dublin, Cork, and Galway. Other than the attractions in these, you must visit Carrantuohill, the highest peak in the country, which is great for hiking. Standing tall at 1038 meters, it is located in County Kerry. However, once in the country, you cannot leave without visiting the Cliffs of Moher. They are a natural wonder like none other, located in the County of Clare.
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New Zealand
The high number of attractions found on both islands of New Zealand makes it a dream destination for couples. The island is famous for its beautiful white sandy beaches, thermal geysers, glaciers and snow clad mountains. Must-see sites include Stirling Falls, Milford Sound, Mitre Peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook (highest mountain in NZ), Totaranui and the entire Abel Tasman National Park, Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the entire Tongariro National Park. Apart from these, cities such as Queenstown, Wellington, Rotorua and Christchurch. The Waitomo Caves and Bay of Islands are also highly visited.
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Argentina
Argentina, is the 4th most visited nation in the Americas, and the most-visited in South America. Buenos Aires is said to be the most desirable city globally, second only to Florence. In this city alone, you can visit the San Telmo, Montserrat, Plaza de Mayo La Casa Rosada, Banco de la Nación Argentina and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Also famous are The Perito Moreno Glacier in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and Cerro Catedral in Nahuel Huapi National Park. Enotourism, commonly called wine tourism is famous in the Mendoza province. Don't forget to see the Lácar Lake, Neuquén River and Punta Tombo for the largest colony of Magellan Penguins in Patagonia.
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North India
States recognized as only in North Zone include Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir. Here, we'll talk about the later two. Kashmir is divided into three regions: Jammu, the Kashmir valley and Ladakh, all of them beautiful in their own way. Must-see places include:-
Kashmir: The Valley, Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Jammu, Dal Lake and Leh in Ladakh.
Himachal Pradesh: Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Kasauli, McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala and the Kalka-Shimla Railway.
Some areas in Kashmir require a special permit, for non-Indians. Dharamshala is the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile.
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Turkey
An amazing balanced combination of nature and architecture, Turkey is a preferred choice for couples who want a break from their regular routine. This Eurasian country is home to magnificent landmarks, beautiful white sand beaches, amazing restaurants and museums filled with artifacts which display the richness of Turkey's history. Must-see sites include the Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia, Ararat, bordered by 8 countries, Dead Sea) Beach, beaches in the Turkish Riviera, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge and the Hot water springs in Hierapolis (World Heritage Site). The country has more than 280 archaeological sites.
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Italy and Spain
Two of the most famous countries, a vacation to these cities is a dream come true for most couples. Traveling in this season, would reduce the price of your dream a little bit. For those who didn't know, you can take a ferry from one country to another. Even better, isn't it? Must-see sites include:-
Italy: Historic Centers of Florence and Rome (World Heritage Sites), Piazza del Duomo (Milan), Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Fontana della Barcaccia and Piazza del Campidoglio (Rome), Syracuse and Segesta (Sicily). Also, a couple vacation isn't complete without Venice and its Lagoons (World Heritage Site).
Spain: Beaches of Sardinero, Campoamor (little secluded), Platja de la Nova Icària (crowded) and Valencia, Alhambra (Granada), Plaça Reial (Barcelona), Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Picos de Europa National Park, Pamplona and of course Alcalá Street, Plaza Mayor and Gran Vía (Madrid).
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LA
What do you think you can get in the 2nd most populated city in America? Everything.. well, almost! There are so many avenues for recreation that you wouldn't be able to cover them all. Must-see sites include Disneyland, Getty Center, Hollywood Bowl, Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Park, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood Wax Museum, Olvera Street, Knott's Berry Farm, Venice Boardwalk (something definitely different!), Universal Studios (entry around $70), Venice Canals and of course, Manhattan Beach.
Vacations are meant to be enjoyed right from the time you start planning for them. These 16 destinations promise fun, recreation and relaxation, all at the same time. Plan a great trip, create some amazing memories, and have fun with your loved one!
Summer (June, July, and August)
Winter (December, January, and February)
Autumn (September, October, and November)
Spring (March, April, and May)