The summer holiday is coming fast, and that familiar itch to travel is starting to kick in. For couples, it’s the perfect season to escape, reconnect, and explore somewhere totally new. But let’s face it-romantic getaways can get pricey. The good news? They don’t have to be.
There are places in the world where stunning beaches, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences don’t come with a sky-high price tag. If you’re looking to stretch your budget without sacrificing romance, here are three of the cheapest summer destinations for couples where you can live like a local, eat like royalty, and make memories that last a lifetime.
3 Cheapest Summer Destinations For Couples
🌴 1. Bali, Indonesia – Affordable Luxury With Island Soul
Bali is one of those magical places that seems too good to be true – but it isn’t. From jungle swings and waterfall hikes to beachside massages and candlelit dinners, it’s everything you imagine in a romantic escape. The best part? It’s incredibly budget-friendly, especially when you live and eat like the locals do.
You can book a private villa with a plunge pool for less than a budget hotel in Europe. A local warung will serve you a fresh, spicy meal for under $4. And you can explore the whole island on a rented scooter for just $5 a day.
Want to go full local? Wake up early and grab breakfast at the market in Ubud. Try bubur ayam (chicken rice porridge), sip strong Balinese coffee, and watch the village come to life. Later, you can head to the beach at Jimbaran for a seafood barbecue with your toes in the sand.
Why it’s perfect for couples: Think spa days, sunset temples, and floating breakfasts-all without the guilt of overspending.
🌊 2. Albania’s Riviera Coast – The Mediterranean’s Best-Kept Secret
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Greece or Italy but couldn’t swing the cost, Albania might just be your dream come true. The Riviera coastline is dotted with charming seaside towns, dramatic cliffs, and beaches with crystal-clear water – all for a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere in the Mediterranean.
Couples can find a cozy, sea-view guesthouse for $30 a night. A seafood platter and a bottle of local wine at a family-run taverna might set you back $15 total. And the beaches? Free, beautiful, and blissfully quiet.
In places like Ksamil or Himarë, you’ll see locals gathering to play cards by the sea, eat grilled lamb, and watch the sun melt into the water. There’s no rush, no crowds – just the slow, sweet rhythm of coastal life.
For a real local experience, skip the fancy tours and catch a public minibus (called a furgon) between villages. It’s cheap, charmingly chaotic, and a glimpse into everyday Albanian life.
Why it’s perfect for couples: It’s romantic, peaceful, and off the radar – a place where time slows down, and so do you.
🌋 3. Nicaragua – Wild, Warm, and Wonderfully Underrated
Nicaragua is a country full of surprises. It’s got volcanoes you can hike, lakes you can swim in, colorful colonial cities, and beaches that go on for miles. And yet, it remains one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Central America.
A private eco-lodge by a lake or in the jungle? Around $25-$40 per night. A hearty meal of rice, beans, grilled meat, and plantains? Just a few dollars. Local buses, ferries, and scooters are cheap and reliable – and they’ll take you everywhere from volcano craters to surf towns.
One of the most romantic places in Nicaragua is Ometepe Island – two volcanoes rising out of a lake, covered in jungle and dotted with little family-run cabins and cafés. Rent a scooter, explore the island together, and stop wherever the road feels right.
Eat fresh fish by the water, take a dip in the natural spring at Ojo de Agua, or toast the sunset from a hammock with a bottle of local rum.
Why it’s perfect for couples: If you like nature, adventure, and skipping the tourist trail, Nicaragua is intimate, raw, and full of connection.
💡 How to Travel Like a Local (and Fall in Love With the Culture)
No matter where you go, there are a few simple ways to make your trip richer, more meaningful, and way more affordable:
- Skip the resorts and stay at locally owned guesthouses or homestays. You’ll save money and support the community.
- Eat where the locals eat – small restaurants, market stalls, street vendors. It’s tastier and far more authentic than tourist spots.
- Use local transport – Not only is it cheaper, but it’s also the best way to see real life in motion.
- Be curious, not demanding – Learn a few words in the local language. Smile, ask questions. Travel isn’t just about places – it’s about people.
- Don’t over-schedule. Some of the best travel moments happen when you leave space for the unexpected.
💑 Traveling As A Couple …
Traveling as a couple doesn’t have to mean five-star resorts or all-inclusive cruises. Some of the most romantic, eye-opening, and joy-filled adventures happen when you strip things down to the basics – local food, simple stays, and shared experiences.
Bali, Albania, and Nicaragua are proof that you can travel far, live well, and fall in love all over again – with each other and with the world – without blowing your budget.
So this summer, don’t just book a vacation. Choose an experience that’s full of flavor, culture, and connection. Choose one of the cheapest summer destinations for couples, and discover what happens when you live and eat like a local.
💡 Pro tip for couples: Want to travel longer while spending less? Check out Worldpackers – a platform where you can volunteer in exchange for free accommodation and meals in Bali, Albania, Nicaragua, and more. It’s a smart way to live like a local, meet amazing people, and stretch your budget.
If you are interested more in road trip tips, here is an interesting article about road trips essentials, that might get you well prepared.
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