Cheap last-minute weekend getaways for couples
People often assume that it’s best to make travel plans as far as possible in advance. And while this may be true in some instances, sometimes procrastinators can end up snagging some pretty cheap last-minute deals. Before you assume that your affordable vacation will have to be within driving distance, check for promotions on airline tickets from your closest airport to one of the country’s many hubs. You may be pleasantly surprised at how far your dollar will take you. So keep in mind: while the early bird may indeed get the worm, sometimes the late bird gets it at a lower price.
Los Angeles, California, weekend getaways
Depending on your home base, Los Angeles can be a surprisingly affordable destination for a weekend getaway. Whether your tastes tend toward an industrial city loft with a communal rooftop pool or a cozy cottage on the outskirts of town, LA surely has something to suit your cheap romantic getaway plans. And there’s plenty of free stuff to do in the area as well: snap a pic in front of the storied Hollywood sign, search for your favorite celebrities on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, or take in the myriad sights and sounds of the buzzy Venice Beach Boardwalk. And when you and your honey are ready for a rest, retire to your vacation rental and pop open your favorite beverage as the sun sets on the stars.
Vacation rentals in Miami, Florida
Another popular weekend getaway destination, Miami often has fantastic airfare deals from many locations—both in winter and in the off season. Choose a weekend rental near South Pointe Park Pier (at the tip of fashionable South Beach) and spend your mornings casting your line for Spanish mackerel and snapper. Later, engage in some serious people-watching at the famed Miami Beach, stroll down Ocean Drive and take in the Art Deco architecture, and taste authentic Cuban cuisine in the city’s Little Havana district. Whether you want to be in the heart of the city or a stone’s throw from the beach, you’ll find a wide selection of vacation rentals for your couples getaway.
Chattanooga, Tennessee, vacation rentals
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the major airline hub of Atlanta lies the uber-charming town of Chattanooga, Tennessee—a fantastic choice for a last minute couples getaway. Use your weekend vacation rental as a base for exploring this dynamic area: pack a picnic lunch in your condo’s modern kitchen and enjoy a relaxing day at waterfront Coolidge Park, complete with a historic carousel and a majestic fountain. You can feast your eyes on panoramic views of 7 states from the lookout at Rock City Gardens, marvel at underground waterfall Ruby Falls, and treat your sweetie to a romantic riverboat dinner cruise on the Tennessee River. However, you choose to spend your time, there’s no doubt about it: booking a vacation rental in Chattanooga places you in a prime spot for enjoying both the wonders of nature and the charms of the city.
Couples getaways in San Antonio, Texas
This hopping weekend getaway spot seemingly has it all: a rich history and culture, amazing galleries and museums, and countless shops and cafes. Stay in the bustling downtown and be close to the action or rent a cottage farther out for a more secluded last-minute getaway. You can’t go to San Antonio without checking out the 18th-century Alamo museum. And when you’re finished there, grab a bite at one of the many eateries along the 15-mile-long River Walk, the United States’ largest urban ecosystem. At the end of the day, return to your rental condo, sip a drink, and remember the Alamo.
Chicago, Illinois, weekend getaways
The Windy City has long been a popular weekend destination, and it may in fact be the ideal location for your last-minute couples getaway. Stay in the Loop (literally) to be within walking distance of many of Chicago’s most popular attractions, such as Millennium Park, the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago, and Alder Planetarium. Go a little farther afield and discover the city’s numerous public art exhibits, plus neighborhood farmers markets, boutique shopping, and shows. Head back to your rental apartment to relax for a while, then hit the city’s lively club scene. All this adds up to a cheap romantic getaway to remember.