Couple's trip ideas: 15 amazing destinations and budget tips

Traveling together is a great way to increase the connection between you and your partner while enjoying unique moments as a couple. If you're planning such an experience but don't know where to go, this is the article for yoy. We'll share several couple’s trip ideas, from exciting adventures to peaceful relaxation spots.

And the best part is you can explore many of the world’s best couples' travel destinations on a budget. Before we delve into the wonders of each destination, we’ll start by showing you how to make this a cheap and fun trip by getting free accommodation.

Cheap trips for couples: volunteering

Have you heard of work exchange or voluntourism programs? This is a type of collaborative travel experience where you exchange a few hours of work for free accommodation and other benefits, depending on the host. 

Besides saving a lot of money on accommodation, you’ll experience a different routine, learn new things, make friends, and delve deeper into local culture. It’s a truly transformative experience.

At the Worldpackers platform you’ll find work exchange opportunities with different types of hosts all around the world. There are guest houses, farmstays, NGOs, hotels, permaculture projects, ecovillages, holistic centers, hostels, glamping sites and much more. 

You can stay in these places for a few days, weeks, or months without paying a dime while performing different kinds of tasks that the hosts might need, as agreed beforehand. You can check out all the positions for free on the website, and if you find something you like, you only need to pay a small fee to apply for as many trips as you want during one year.

If you want to travel with your partner, Worldpackers offers the option of couples/friends plans, that turn out cheaper than two individual plans. The profiles are connected and the two of you can search for vacancies, ask questions, and live this experience together. Just go to this page and opt for the Plans for couples/friends.

Read our blog articles for more information on how Worldpackers works.

More budget tips for couple’s vacations

Planning in advance is essential to find cheaper plane tickets and good value accommodation. Additionally, searching for flights on price comparison sites such as Skyscanner is a good strategy to save money. If your dates are flexible, even better.

Traveling during low season is another great way to save money while traveling. Prices for accommodation and airline tickets are usually cheaper during those periods, and you’ll also avoid the crowds.

When you go to eat, look for traditional restaurants, getting recommendations from locals. Choosing restaurants outside the tourist circuit helps you save money and have more authentic gastronomical experiences.

Another tip is to visit a market and buy local produce. You can either cook, if you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen (which is often the case when volunteering), or go for a picnic somewhere nice. Grab a local wine or beer and celebrate your love with authentic local flavors.

You might also like to read:

• Planning a budget-friendly trip around the world: your ultimate guide
• The top 23 cheap travel destinations you need to visit now
• How to travel for cheap? 8 ways to see the world with less money

15 amazing couple's trip ideas

1. Mendoza, Argentina

Feel like exploring South America? Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains, Mendoza, in Argentina, is an incredible travel destination for couples. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries, which offer unforgettable wine tasting experiences at very good prices.

This region is also famous for its scenic beauty and the adventure activities it offers, such as trekking in the Aconcagua Provincial Park. Mendoza's hot and dry climate offers the opportunity to enjoy a unique natural environment and diverse outdoor activities.

Furthermore, there are many bars and restaurants in the city for those who want to try typical Argentine food.

Do you want to know the region in depth? See all work exchange programs in Mendoza.

2. Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre is a coastal region in Liguria, in northern Italy. It is known for its five small villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso) connected by picturesque trails, with colorful buildings and narrow streets.

They sit on a cliff of limestone sediments which offer impressive views of the coast. No wonder the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Cinque Terre, you can enjoy beaches and the delicious flavors of traditional Ligurian cuisine. 

Each village has its own charms and attractions. You can also enjoy the characteristic trail alongside the sea, which connects the five villages.

Check out all the volunteer opportunities in La Spezia, the closest destination to Cinque Terre, and read about the 20 best destinations to visit in Italy.

3. Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena de Indias is an incredibly charming city and a very popular tourist destination for couples. Located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, it is bathed by blue waters and has a unique colonial charm.

A visit to the city means exploring its historic charms, strolling through its impressive city gates, enjoying colonial architecture, and admiring its beautiful beaches.

Walking through the streets of Cartagena is a unique experience, where you can also enjoy its many restaurants and cafes with delicious Colombian cuisine.

Check out the volunteering positions available in Cartagena and read our ultimate guide to backpacking Colombia.

4. Lisbon, Portugal

The capital of Portugal is one of the most charming big cities in the world. It has stunning views of the Tagus River, lively neighborhoods, historical monuments, and delicious cuisine.

Lisbon is the perfect choice for traveling as a couple: the city has a romantic energy, a rich cultural life, and some of the best castles and historical monuments in Europe. The lights and beauty of its streets create a unique setting for walks at night.

Furthermore, the climate in Lisbon is good almost all year round, making it ideal for enjoying the beaches of the Atlantic Sea nearby.

Check out all the opportunities for volunteering in Lisbon.

You might also like to read:

• 10 unmissable typical dishes to eat like a local in Portugal
• Portugal travel itinerary beyond Lisbon and Porto
• TOP 15 Best places to visit in Portugal

5. Ilha Grande, Brazil

Ilha Grande is an island in the State of Rio de Janeiro that belongs to the city of Angra dos Reis. It’s one of the most beautiful destinations in Brazil.

There are no cars or streets in Ilha Grande; just trails. In some places on the island there is no electricity, only generators until a certain time of night. It is the ideal destination for couples looking for calm places to connect with nature.

As it is close to the capital of Rio de Janeiro, it is usually full during Brazilian holidays and Summer (from December to March), but in the rest of the year the number of tourists decreases significantly.

How about volunteering to reduce your costs and live like a local in a Brazilian paradise? Look at the work exchange opportunities in Ilha Grande and take a look at our guide to backpacking Brazil.

6. Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is one of the most romantic places to visit in the world. The region is known for its unique scenery of rock formations, holes, tectonic valleys, and caves. The valleys are gently carved by winds and erosion and the Byzantine churches and chapels are amazing.

You can choose to visit several sites in the region, such as the Myrtle Valley, the Derinkuyu Valley with prehistoric caves, the churches of Göreme, and also go on the famous hot air balloons that make up for an astounding scenery. Also, don't forget to visit the city of Ürgüp.

Do you want to know the country's culture in more depth? See all volunteer positions in Turkey.

7. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

What about some couple’s trip ideas in Central America? The Nicoya Peninsula is an exciting travel destination in Costa Rica, full of beautiful landscapes, tranquil beaches, and many cultural and historical attractions.

The peninsula is home to several privileged holiday destinations, such as Malpaís, Santa Teresa and the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve.

Malpaís is recognized for its beaches, tropical jungle, and crystal-clear waters. Santa Teresa is another paradise, especially known for its tides, which offer a variety of water activities.

The Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve is the right destination for those looking to be immersed in nature and to enjoy picturesque sunsets. It is ideal for photographic safaris and offers a wide variety of wildlife, birds, and endemic plants.

What about doing a work exchange in Costa Rica and enjoying this beautiful country to the fullest?

Keep reading:

• Best beaches in Costa Rica for a tropical beach vacation
• The best time to visit Costa Rica: planning your trip wisely

8. Bocas del Toro, Panama

Bocas del Toro is an archipelago in Panama made up of three beautiful islands: Isla Colón (the main and most touristic), Bastimentos (one of the largest islands in Panama) and Carenero (the smallest).

Its wide beaches with greenish waters make this region the ideal place for those looking for couple’s trip ideas on a paradisiac setting.

In addition to sunbathing and diving, Bocas del Toro has a rich cultural heritage and many activities such as boat trips and excursions to enjoy its natural beauty. At night, bars and clubs offer fun programs to enjoy as a couple. It is a perfect destination to enjoy unforgettable days on the Caribbean.

9. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Forgive me for including Italy twice in this list of couple's trip ideas. It's not my fault this country is so beautiful and such a perfect destination for a romantic getaway!

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful coasts in the Mediterranean and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stretches across 50 kilometers of breathtaking landscapes, from Punta Campanella in the bay of Salerno to the town of Vietri sul Mare in the north.

There are several cities along the Amalfi Coast, each with their diversity of monuments, churches, beaches and historical fountains. Some of the most visited are Amalfi, Minori, Maiori, Tramonti, Furore, Positano, Praiano, Ravello, Scala and Conca dei Marini.

Naples is the starting point for a road trip along the Amalfi Coast. Take a look at the volunteering opportunities there.

10. Santorini, Greece

No wonder Santorini is one of the most famous islands in Greece: it's the perfect place for those in search of couple’s trip ideas. With its idyllic white houses, pools with crystal-clear sea water and blue skies, it's easy to see why Santorini is known as the “Island of Love”.

There are lots of things to do here, especially for couples, like romantic coastal walks and wine tastings. Furthermore, you will be able to explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, as well as wonderful volcanic sand beaches.

Want to spend more time exploring the amazing Greek islands for free? Do a work exchange there!

11. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a fantastic choice for couples seeking a blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. You and your partner can start your day with a romantic stroll through Golden Gate Park, explore the historic Alcatraz Island, and take a cable car ride through the city's steep streets.

Riding a bike along the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and visiting its diverse neighborhoods are also great ways to enjoy the city. For a cozy evening, opt for a candlelit dinner at a seafood restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf, followed by a moonlit walk along the Embarcadero.

You'll get lots of tips off the beaten path for your couple's trip if you choose to do a volunteer program in San Francisco.

12. Maui, Hawaii

What about a couple’s trip to Hawaii? Maui, often referred to as the "Valley Isle," offers couples the ultimate tropical escape. With its lush rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, and stunning beaches, it's a dream destination for those who love nature.

Share a sunrise atop Haleakalā Crater, explore the scenic Road to Hana hand in hand, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Molokini Crater. In the evening, you can enjoy a traditional Hawaiian luau and a beachfront stroll.

Go volunteering in Maui and live like a local!

13. Quebec, Canada

Quebec City, a charming slice of Europe nestled in North America, is a perfect destination for couples who appreciate history and culture and don’t want to go too far. While you’re there, you should wander the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec and explore the iconic Château Frontenac.

If you’re going on a couple’s trip to Canada in winter, embrace the magic of Quebec's Winter Carnival. Regardless of the season, Quebec City's French-inspired ambiance and delicious cuisine promise an enchanting experience for couples. 

14. Phuket, Thailand

For those seeking a tropical escape with a touch of adventure, Phuket is the perfect choice. This Thai island boasts stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and many water activities.

Spend your days lounging on the pristine sands of Patong Beach, exploring hidden coves on a kayak, and embarking on a romantic sunset cruise. Don't forget to visit the Big Buddha and try authentic Thai food at the local markets. 

Thailand will amaze you! If you're planning a couple's trip to Southeast Asia, read this:

• 10 best places to visit in Thailand
• The best Asian countries to visit on a budget

15. New Zealand

New Zealand is another incredible destination for those who love adventure and spectacular natural landscapes. This small nation has something for everyone, from mountain adventures and forest walks to tranquil white sand beaches.

One of the best options to explore everything the country has to offer is through a road trip in a motor home. That's definitely one of my favorite couple's trip ideas!

Take advantage of the good condition of the roads, respectful drivers, short distances, and the possibility of making all the photo stops you want.

In the North Island, you'll find the tourism hub of Auckland, as well as beautiful views of the Waikato region and Tongariro National Park.

On the other hand, in the South Island there are s alpine fields and the fjords of Milford Sound, as well as iconic places such as Christchurch and Queenstown, the wine region of Blenheim and the historic city of Dunedin.

How about volunteering to reduce your costs there and live like a local? Check out all the work exchange opportunities in New Zealand.

Keep reading:

• 12 underrated countries to visit for unique adventures
• Unforgettable travel experiences: exploring global wonders
• Unique birthday trip ideas for an unforgettable celebration

I hope you liked our list of couple’s trip ideas! Follow Worldpackers on social media to keep up to date with the latest news and discover more unmissable destinations: we are on Instagram and Tiktok.