Romantic Budget - Friendly Locations

There are many places in the continental U.S. that you might not think of as being romantic but that offer a wealth of options when it comes to accommodations, activities, and sights to see. Often you simply need to broaden your horizons as to what you consider romantic while needing to stay on a budget.

Here are some suggestions.

The Grand Canyon.

Have you always assumed that the Grand Canyon was for families and kids? If so, ask yourself what could be more romantic than a helicopter ride over the greatest canyon in the world? Many say that no matter how often you visit the Grand Canyon you never get the same view twice - the rising and setting sun gives you a new palette of colors every time you see even the same area at the same time.

Camping of course is plentiful around the Canyon but there are also many hotels from which to choose that offer anything you could want. If you don't want to drive there or can't afford a plane ticket there are many rail trips in and out of the areas around the Canyon. If you have an RV or a trailer then you have your accommodations already set! Many people visit the Canyon for the opportunity to park their RV and do some hiking or sightseeing during the day.

The Great Smokey Mountains.

The Great Smokey Mountains offer some amazing views and outdoor activities all year. There is no end to the amount of hiking, biking, horseback riding, and photography you can squeeze in during a trip here. If go during the autumn you will probably get some views of fall foliage like nothing you have ever seen.

There is also the Cherokee Reservation in North Carolina which offers some great cultural attractions and shows, as well as a casino for those who love to gamble.

While you can find some great campgrounds in the area there are also many places that offer cabins and other accommodations for whatever your budget may be. You can also take many scenic drives through the mountains and several states in the area, from North Carolina to Tennessee and through Kentucky. Along the way there are many places where you can picnic or hike so that you can truly break up the day with some amazing views and scenery.

And if you want to spend some time in the city, Charlotte, North Carolina, is just a few hours to the east of the mountains where you can take in a football or basketball game or do some shopping as well. Charlotte is a fast growing metropolis, home to many international banking headquarters, so there is very little you could ask for by way of a big city that you won't find in Charlotte.

The beaches of Florida.

Want something tropical and romantic? Can't quite afford the airfare to Hawaii or Fiji or Cancun? If so you're not alone.

The beaches of Florida may provide the tropical setting you're looking for at a much more affordable price. If you live in the southeastern part of the U.S. you can probably drive there for much less money than a plane ticket and of course that means you don't need to rent a car either.

Florida is well aware of the tourist population they attract and so the nightlife in and around the beaches is always bustling. Because of the weather it's also possible to forego a rental car altogether and simply walk or take a scooter around town. And believe it or not there are many places in Florida where you can camp or set up an RV or trailer, saving you even more money.

Chicago.

Museums and big-city attractions aren't reserved for London, Paris, and New York. In Chicago you can tour the Art Institute or the Museum of Science and Industry. There is also the Shedd Aquarium for water lovers, the Field Museum, and countless other galleries.

Many hotels in Chicago are quite expensive but you can also find those that cater to someone on a budget. Staying in the suburbs a short drive away can also be more budget-friendly than staying right in the city. You may need to do a bit of research to find the right spot but Chicago can give you a big-city feel without the same big-city prices of other areas and locations.

Colorado.

Many equate Colorado with skiing and of course if you love to ski then Colorado may be the place for you, but there is no limit to the number of outdoor activities you can participate in during the entire year in this gorgeous area. There are beautiful mountains and untouched landscapes virtually everywhere.

Pike's Peak is an amazing summit reachable by rail or highway. The Garden of the Gods is over 1300 acres of natural sandstone formations and nature trails throughout.

There are also hundreds of lakes and bodies of water where you can find skiing, boating, swimming, and anything else you can imagine. Because many who visit the state are on a limited budget you can easily avoid the pricier cities and find campgrounds and other areas in which to stay for a lot less money than you might imagine.