7 Romantic Getaways Any Couple Can Afford

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Everybody likes to get away with their significant other, but skipping town for a leisurely weekend of lovey-doveyness is often cost prohibitive ... if you don't know where to look. Luckily, I've done the legwork so you don't have to. Now all you'll need to do is book some dates, pack your bags, and get all heart-eye emoji for each other with these romantic, mini vacays that any couple can afford.

1. Hamilton, Ohio

Your first choice for a romantic getaway probably isn't the great state of Ohio, but there's a case to be made for this often-overlooked destination. I was pleasantly surprised on a recent trip to Columbus (local entrepreneurs basically run the show), and I'm looking forward to visiting Cincinnati to catch a baseball game this summer.

There's a smaller community called Hamilton, however — located right on the Great Miami River in southwestern Ohio, and just 33 miles from Cincinnati — that should absolutely be on your radar. One of the oldest communities in the region, founded in 1791, Hamilton has recently experienced revitalization, turning its downtown area into a thriving center for arts, dining, and recreational activities.

During your stay you'll want to pop into craft brewery Municipal Brew Works, experience the Donut Trail (which basically has you eating your way through Butler County), stroll through the German Village Historic District, and catch a nostalgic meal at Jolly's Drive-In, an 81-year-old institution serving all the junk-food classics. Sounds pretty romantic to me.

2. Glamping Hub

Glamping Hub, which connects explorers and wanderlusters with amazing accommodations at unbelievable rates, is worth a look when planning your wallet-happy, romantic adventure. It's honestly one of the best values I've come across.

For as low as $54 a night, you can snag this cabin near the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, or this yurt rental in Hawaii for $53 a night. You'll only spend $86 to surf and practice your Spanish with a stay in the jungle safari tents in Mexico, and just $84 a night to kick your boots up in these romantic luxury cabins in Texas. There are destinations available on every continent if you want to really get out of Dodge, and some are pet-friendly, so you can bring your fur-baby along.

3. North Conway, New Hampshire

If you and your boo like to hit the slopes, North Conway, NH, is your snowy paradise. The village has won numerous awards for its skiing options, including being named one of top five ski towns in the USA by 10 Best Awards, and a top 25 ski town in the world by National Geographic.

Downtown, you'll find a quaint community with an old-fashioned train station, eclectic shops, and general stores — some complete with penny candy counters. Within Mt. Washington Valley region, and inside North Conway, there are write-home-about restaurants, train and sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, fat biking, and snowshoeing.

With 150 lodging properties from which to choose, you'll easily find a place to stay for $100 to $150 per night, including breakfast for two. (See also: 9 Affordable Winter Getaways for the Family)

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind American city. You feel like you're visiting a foreign place when you go there, without the high cost of international airfare. And one of the best ways to see the Crescent City on a budget is to time your trip right after Mardi Gras, when accommodation prices drop to make up for the mass exodus of revelers. This year, that time period falls on Valentine's Day, so, if you're spontaneous enough, it could work out in your favor. (See also: 14 Ways to Spend Less Money on Valentine's Day)

You'll both love exploring the French Quarter, and you have to make a stop at the famed Café Du Monde for a bag of freshly made beignets and cups of chicory coffee. No romantic trip to 'Nawlins is complete without it.

5. Long Beach, California

There's always something exciting and romantic to do in southern California, and Long Beach is no exception.

Plan your visit to start on a Friday and kick it off with a free visit to The Museum of Art, with lush lawns and ocean views. You'll enjoy the all-in-one-place convenience of The Pike at Rainbow Harbor, which offers bowling, a movie theater, retail stores, plus Ferris wheel and roller coaster rides. Go at night to enjoy the harbor lights.

If you're a water lover, rent a Hydrobike or kayak to cruise through the Naples canals. On Saturday, throw it way back with free roller skate lessons at the Moxie Skate Shop before heading to the Art Theatre to catch a new-release independent movie. For inexpensive accommodations in this beach town, check Airbnb or other vacation rental sites. (See also: 10 Vacation Rental Alternatives to Airbnb)

6. Colorado Springs, Colorado

There are plenty of free or low-cost outdoor adventures to enjoy in Colorado Springs. Recently, my boyfriend and I visited the area and enjoyed a romantic hike to Helen Hunt Falls (named after the writer, not the actress), a 19-mile scenic drive up to Pikes Peak, and a sunrise stroll through Garden of the Gods park, all for a grand total of $20, which was for a toll to the top of the mountain; the other experiences were free. We also stopped at the five-star Broadmoor Resort for wine and pizza in front of a fireplace one afternoon (around $30 total for lunch), and we took an easy hourlong drive up to Denver to visit friends.

If you're from the East Coast and don't get out west much, you'll be blown away by nature's magnificence in and around Colorado Springs. The region's visitors bureau provides plenty of affordable lodging options from hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts, to cabins, cottages, and campgrounds. It all depends on how you prefer to cuddle up at night.

7. Charlottesville, Virginia

Named one of the nine most romantic cities in the south by Huffington Post, and the fourth most romantic city in America by Livability.com, Charlottesville is rich with history dating back to our Founding Fathers. You'll find romance at every turn, whether it's at one of the region's scenic vineyards (there's more than 30 in the area); breaking a sweat hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains; or walking hand-in-hand along the brick-paved, pedestrian-friendly Downtown Mall — lined with cozy cafes, rooftop bars, and a can't-miss chocolate shop. Charlottesville also is home to a number of romantic B&Bs, inns, and boutique hotels that offer great deals on rates and special packages.

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