Romantic (and Affordable!) Trips You Need to Take With Your SO

Yes, every couple should go to Paris, climb atop the Eiffel Tower, drink some Champagne, maybe throw a lock on that bridge — but there are plenty of other mood-igniting destinations out there. In time for Valentine's Day, we've rounded up some of our favorite unexpected travel spots that range in affordability.

01
Savannah, GA
Flickr user m01229

Savannah, GA

The setting for literary favorite Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this charming city is juxtaposed by an intriguing darkness. (Did we mention it's one of the most haunted cities in America?) Savannah's various pre-Civil War momuments and homes make it an architectural dream, but don't leave without treating yourself to some Southern cooking.

02
Capri, Italy
Flickr user sneakerdog

Capri, Italy

The Italian island about an hour away from Naples is known for its colorful homes, quaint streets, and surrounding (and impressive!) rock formations. Its enchanting Blue Grotto, however, is a must see.

03
Salzburg, Austria
Flickr user shadowgate

Salzburg, Austria

This old Austrian town is known for being the birtplace of Mozart, as well as the setting for The Sound of Music. Remember the shots of Maria running through those stunning gardens? Those were filmed at the Mirabell Gardens, pictured here.

04
Key West, FL
Flickr user eschipul

Key West, FL

Picture New Orleans in a tropical setting and with way more hippies. That's Key West. The southernmost city in the continental United States is an ideal destination for Hemingway-lovers, key lime pie fans, and margarita enthusiasts alike.

05
Kyoto, Japan
Flickr user kimtetsu

Kyoto, Japan

As one of the most preserved cities in Japan, Kyoto is rife with palaces, Shinto shrines, and Buddhist temples, as well as world-renowned botanical gardens. It's also recommended that you visit sometime between late March and mid-April, during cherry blossom season.

06
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Flickr user proimos

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The second-largest metropolitan city in South America, Buenos Aires has no shortage of historical landmarks, shopping districts, and architecture that reflects the city's European influence. It's also the birthplace of the tango so, yeah, pretty romantic.

07
Bali, Indonesia
Flickr user mteviloj

Bali, Indonesia

Featuring a monkey forest, an active volcano, and a safari park, this Indonesian province has become an increasingly popular destination in the last decade thanks in part to the success of Eat, Pray, Love — though hotels in Bali are still surprisingly affordable.

08
Edinburgh, Scotland
Flickr user raphaelchekroun

Edinburgh, Scotland

Complete with a castle that looks straight out of Macbeth, Edinburgh was once invaluable to the development of the British monarchy. Though the city certainly does not lack in historical attractions, it's also become of a bourgeoning hub for undiscovered artistic and musical talent as of late.

09
Lisse, Netherlands
Flickr user felix63

Lisse, Netherlands

Known as the Garden of Europe, the Keukenhof garden in Lisse is an otherworldly Dutch destination. It is open to the public from mid-March to mid-May, at which point visitors are invited to gape at the utterly insane number of tulips.

10
Santorini, Greece
Flickr user snowfish2014

Santorini, Greece

The Aegean island's famous blue and white architecture is utterly breathtaking. Santorini's flourishing wine industry also makes it the perfect place to sit down, have a glass of the local Assyrtiko white wine, and take in those views.

11
Marrakesh, Morocco
Flickr user valdiney

Marrakesh, Morocco

The major Moroccan city is known for its outdoor markets, elaborate palaces, and various art museums that focus on historic Islamic art. Marrakesh also has a pretty prominent tea culture, so make sure to try its sweet and minty take on green tea, a local favorite.

12
Beacon, NY
Flickr user seanaes

Beacon, NY

This small town is the surprising home to popular contemporary art museum Dia:Beacon. The surrounding mountains are also a sight to see — particularly in the Fall, once the leaves have begun changing.

13
Grindavík, Iceland
Flickr user chrisschoenbohm

Grindavík, Iceland

This fishing town less than an hour's drive from Iceland's capital, Reykjavík, is home to the famous Blue Lagoon, an incredible geothermal spa. Modern hotels and restaurants surrounding the lagoon make weekend stays both relaxing and convenient.