preloadA laughing gay couple walking their bikes on a path surrounded by lush vegetation.

Have you and your other half ever felt like you needed a holiday but couldn’t quite justify spending the money? We’ve all been there. But I’m here to tell you that it is possible to book a cheap holiday for couples without breaking the bank – you just need to be clever about it. Let’s see how it’s done.

Choosing the perfect destination for couples

Two woman sit close together on the stern of a yacht. One points at something out of frame, and her friend looks surprised and delighted. View of Positano, Italy, visible in the background.
senior couple holding hands and stand up paddles on a tropical beach

There are a few things to consider when booking a cheap couples holiday. First, make sure you’re clear on your budget – if you’ve got a bit more cash to spare, you might want to consider a cheap all-inclusive holiday abroad. If you’ve got a little less to work with, there are plenty of cheap UK holidays for couples you could book. 

Next, think about what time of year you want to go. If you’re looking for sun, make sure the destination you’re planning to visit won’t be in its cold or rainy season. If it’s a city break you want, make sure you’re going at a time when the city is likely to be at its best – for example, you don’t want to go to Rome in August, as most shops and restaurants tend to be closed during that month.

Cheap beach retreats for couples

There’s nothing like flying off to somewhere warm and sunny for a bit of romantic R&R. Even better when you can do it on a budget. For more ideas check out these cheap beach holiday tips.

Cheap all-inclusive beach holidays to Spain for couples

A blurred image of a woman with a background of a happy couple enjoying their drinks at a waterfront restaurant.

If a healthy dose of sun, sea and sangria sounds like your kind of holiday, then a wallet-friendly getaway to Spain should be top of your list. When it comes to cheap holidays in Spain that are all-inclusive, there are affordable options everywhere from Mallorca and Benidorm to the Costa del Sol. 

If you’re looking to save pennies, consider going out of peak season – May, September and early October are all great times to visit Spain without having to deal with the crazy crowds (and inflated prices) of the summer season. Taking a mid-week flight can also help keep flight costs down.

Cheap all-inclusive beach holidays to Greece for couples

A couple riding on a scooter traveling on a roadway across a hill with the sea in the background.

There are few destinations more romantic than the Greek islands, with their picture-perfect towns, charming harbours and stunning beaches. And you’ll be pleased to hear, that they’re also a great option for cheap holidays for couples. 

For the best deals, it’s worth checking out the larger, more popular islands, which tend to offer a wider range of affordable accommodation options. My top picks would be Corfu, Crete, Rhodes and Kos, which all have beautiful beaches, great food and plenty of local culture to keep you entertained.

While the smaller Greek islands are charming, many of them don’t offer direct flights, which means they’re unlikely to be part of any all-inclusive packages. I’d recommend sticking with the larger islands instead.”

Cheap all-inclusive beach holidays to Cyprus for couples

A man and a woman diving from a rock cliff into the deep blue sea.

Not far from Greece, Cyprus is a popular spot for couples looking to escape to the sun without breaking the bank. Thanks to its location, just below Turkey and across the water from Lebanon, it enjoys warmer climes than many of its European counterparts, with high temperatures lasting well into October and even early November.

That means it’s a perfect place to book all-inclusive cheap holidays for couples, as you can travel off-season when flights and accommodation are often cheap. It’s also a seriously romantic place to visit, as it’s rumoured that Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, was born on the island.

Budget-friendly city breaks for couples

From exploring world-class museums to marvelling at the spellbinding architecture, these affordable city breaks were made for culture vultures.

Cheap romantic holidays for couples to Paris

A happy couple walks on a platform with a view of the majestic Eifel Tower, captured against the scenic twilight.
A couple walking hand in hand in a narrow cobbled street lined with old buildings.

Paris isn’t known as the City of Love for nothing. If you’re looking for a classic romantic getaway that will sweep your other half off their feet, this is the place.

While the French capital might have a reputation for being one of the more expensive cities to visit, there are plenty of budget-friendly hotels to choose from. Thanks to its relatively compact size, you can walk almost everywhere, which saves on buying Metro tickets or jumping in pricey taxis.

There are also plenty of museums and galleries you can enjoy for free, including Petit Palais and Musée Carnavalet. Paris is a great place to ring in the New Year too, thanks to the lively street parties held on the Champ de Mars and the Champs-Élysées.

I love the fact that Paris has plenty of free delights to enjoy – a stroll along the Seine, a walk through the pretty Jardin de Luxembourg or admiring the Eiffel Tower from below doesn’t cost anything”

Cheap holidays for couples to Rome

Couple looking at each other laughing in front of ancient roman ruin

A visit to the Eternal City is always a good idea, particularly if you’re looking for a romantic getaway. The Italians know a few things about Amore, which is why this is one of the most romantic cities to visit with your other half. There’s no shortage of things to do in Rome, and many of them are free, from climbing the Spanish Steps and admiring the Trevi Fountain (ok, you might need a coin or two to chuck in if you’re keen on making a wish) to wandering around the shaded paths of the Villa Borghese Gardens. Book a wallet-friendly hotel and you’ll be good to go.

Cheap holidays for couples to Vienna

A man and woman on a terrace, looking over the city at a church spire.
A delightful couple pedals together on a bicycle, enjoying a shared adventure and the beauty of their surroundings.

If it’s old-world romance you’re after, Vienna is a must-visit destination. Known for being one of the most majestic cities on the planet, with jaw-droppingly gorgeous architecture at every turn, it’s the perfect spot for a dreamy couples’ break. The cost of living is lower too, with restaurant Prices in Vienna coming in around 23% lower than in London

What’s more, considering it’s only just over a two-hour flight from the UK and flights leave regularly, it’s a great spot for cheap holidays for couples. Culture buffs will love exploring the Museums Quarter, home to an array of museums, galleries and trendy cafes, while you can’t leave the city without stopping for a Sachertorte, Vienna’s signature cake.

Cheap nature adventures for couples

If to you, a romantic getaway means getting up close and personal with the local flora and fauna, these are the destinations to book.

Cheap holidays in Egypt for couples

A lady tourist scuba diving along a coral reef on the blue crystalline sea.

For as long as I can remember, Egypt has been my go-to place if I’m looking for some winter sun on a budget. It’s also a great spot for a romantic getaway, thanks to the mix of ancient cultural wonders with nature-filled adventures. My favourite place to visit in Egypt is Sharm el-Sheikh where you can dive in the Red Sea.

During diving trips here, you can expect to spot everything from barracuda to coral reefs teeming with clownfish. This area is also home to a wide array of all-inclusive resorts, making it a great place to bag a bargain. Add in the fact that Egypt enjoys year-round sunshine and warm weather, and you’re onto a winner.

Cheap holidays in Wales for couples

The front of a castle atop a rocky coastal ridge behind a bridge over the river.
A rocky summit with a tree overlooks a calm lake at the base of massive mountains.

Looking to get back to the wilds of nature without getting on a plane? Then you’ll want to book a romantic getaway to Wales, known for its rugged coastline and windswept national parks. When it comes to cheap holidays in the UK for couples, Wales is one of the best places to come.

Enjoying the great outdoors here is completely free, whether you fancy a hike in Snowdonia National Park or would rather explore the majestic Brecon Beacons Mountains. For nightlife, head to Cardiff, which is full of lively, and cheap, bars and clubs; no wonder it’s known for being one of the best places for cheap holidays for student couples.

Cheap holidays in the Lake District for couples

Two individuals ascending a stone staircase between two grass valleys with a lake in the distance.

As far as nature holidays in the UK go, a trip to the rolling countryside of the Lake District is right near the top of the list. Hardly surprising when you consider that the lakes here are some of the most beautiful in the world. That’s also why it’s a great spot to consider when you’re looking for cheap holidays in England for couples.

There’s no shortage of places to visit in the Lake District, particularly if you love being in the great outdoors. Top of our list would be Tarn Hows, with its beautiful 19th-century lake, and Ullswater, home to one of the most magical lakes in the region. Book into a charming bed and breakfast and be prepared to fall in love with the scenery.

There are plenty of cheap holiday destinations to choose from, as long as you know where to look. From brilliant all-inclusive holidays abroad to cheap holidays for couples in the UK, there’s something to suit every budget and taste. Above all, planning on a shoestring doesn’t mean you need to forgo the romance. So, what are you waiting for?

About the author

Luciana BelliniBorn and raised in London, Luciana splits her time between the British capital and Los Angeles and has always been a city girl at heart, devoted to exploring the coolest new hangouts across the UK and California. Working as a travel and lifestyle journalist for the last 15 years, she loves nothing better than uncovering hidden gems both at home and abroad.

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