Transportation: Fly into McCarran International Airport ($250-350 round-trip per person from most U.S. cities). Take the airport shuttle to your hotel ($15 per person).

Accommodation: Check into The LINQ Hotel ($90-120/night) or Flamingo Las Vegas ($85-115/night), both offering central Strip locations at affordable prices.

Activities: Spend the afternoon exploring the Strip’s free attractions, including the Bellagio Fountains, Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, and the Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo. Take a sunset ride on the High Roller observation wheel ($35 per person with happy hour package including drinks).

Food & Drink: Enjoy lunch at a casual spot like Shake Shack ($30 for two). For dinner, try Ellis Island Casino’s restaurant, known for quality steaks at reasonable prices ($60 for two including drinks).

Romance Booster: End your night with a stroll through the Bellagio Fountains show, which runs every 30 minutes in the evening. The dancing waters set to music create a magical atmosphere that doesn’t cost a penny.

Budget Tip: Sign up for players’ cards at casinos even if you don’t plan to gamble much—they often come with food discounts and free attractions.

Transportation: Take the Deuce bus downtown ($8 per person for a 24-hour pass).

Activities: Explore the Downtown Container Park (free), visit the Mob Museum ($30 per person with online discount) or the Neon Museum ($20 per person for daytime admission). Experience the Fremont Street Experience light show in the evening (free).

Food & Drink: Breakfast at your hotel ($30 for two). Lunch at Carson Kitchen, a local favorite with reasonable prices ($40 for two). Dinner at Pizza Rock, known for award-winning pizzas at affordable prices ($45 for two with drinks).

Romance Booster: Share a cocktail at the Commonwealth’s rooftop bar, which offers beautiful views of downtown Las Vegas and a more intimate atmosphere than the busy Strip ($30 for two drinks).

Budget Tip: Look for happy hour specials downtown, which are typically more generous than those on the Strip. Many bars offer half-price drinks and appetizers between 4-7 PM.

Transportation: Rent a car for the day ($60) or join a guided tour to Red Rock Canyon ($60 per person including transportation).

Activities: Spend the morning hiking at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area ($15 per vehicle entrance fee). Return to the Strip for afternoon pool time at your hotel.

Food & Drink: Pack a picnic breakfast and lunch for your Red Rock adventure ($25 for supplies). For dinner, experience one luxury meal at a renowned restaurant like Bardot Brasserie at Aria ($150 for two, your splurge meal of the trip).

Romance Booster: Book an evening helicopter tour over the Strip ($90 per person with online discount). The lights of Las Vegas from above create an unforgettable romantic experience.

Budget Tip: Visit Red Rock early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat, allowing you to enjoy the pool at your hotel during the afternoon when others are paying for expensive day clubs.

Activities: Visit the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets for discount shopping on designer brands (free to browse). If time permits, explore the Arts District, known for its galleries, vintage shops, and local character.

Food & Drink: Breakfast at Eat. ($35 for two), a downtown favorite with homestyle cooking. Grab a quick lunch before heading to the airport ($30 for two).

Transportation: Airport shuttle back to McCarran ($15 per person).

Budget Tip: Many hotels offer late checkout for a small fee, giving you extra time to enjoy the pool or casino before an afternoon or evening flight.

Transportation: Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport ($350-450 round-trip per person from most U.S. cities). Take a shared airport shuttle to your hotel ($10 per person).

Accommodation: Check into Hotel Posada de Roger ($70-90/night) or Hotel Catedral Vallarta ($80-100/night), both charming, affordable options in the Romantic Zone.

Activities: Spend the afternoon exploring the Malecon boardwalk with its ocean views, public art, and street performers (free). Watch the sunset from Los Muertos Pier (free).

Food & Drink: Enjoy lunch at a local taco stand ($15 for two). For dinner, try La Palapa for beachfront dining with your toes in the sand ($60 for two including drinks).

Romance Booster: After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the beach under the stars. Many restaurants set up tables directly on the sand in the evening, creating a magical atmosphere.

Budget Tip: Exchange money at banks or official exchange offices rather than at the airport or hotel for better rates.

Transportation: Walk or take local buses ($0.50 per person per ride).

Activities: Spend the morning relaxing at Los Muertos Beach (free, or $10 for chair rentals). In the afternoon, explore the cobblestone streets of Old Town and visit the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe (free).

Food & Drink: Breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café ($20 for two). Lunch at one of the beach clubs like Ritmos ($30 for two). Dinner at Café des Artistes for your splurge meal ($100 for two with drinks).

Romance Booster: Visit the Rio Cuale Island in the afternoon, a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city with art galleries, craft shops, and riverside restaurants. The hanging bridges and lush vegetation create a romantic atmosphere for couples.

Budget Tip: Many beach clubs waive the minimum consumption fee if you arrive before 11 AM, allowing you to enjoy premium beach access for just the cost of your food and drinks.

Transportation: Join a tour that includes transportation ($60-80 per person).

Activities: Take a day trip to the Marietas Islands for snorkeling and wildlife viewing, or explore the nearby Vallarta Botanical Gardens ($20 per person entrance fee plus transportation).

Food & Drink: Breakfast at your hotel ($20 for two). Lunch typically included in day tours. Dinner at Barcelona Tapas with stunning bay views ($50 for two including drinks).

Romance Booster: Book a sunset sailing trip around Banderas Bay ($70 per person including drinks and light appetizers). The combination of ocean breezes, golden light, and the backdrop of mountains meeting the sea creates an unforgettable romantic experience.

Budget Tip: Look for tour packages that combine multiple activities for better value. Many tour operators offer discounts for booking online in advance.

Activities: Visit the local markets like Mercado Municipal or the Saturday Farmers Market at Lazaro Cardenas Park for souvenirs and local crafts. If time permits, take a cooking class to learn authentic Mexican recipes ($50 per person).

Food & Drink: Breakfast at Fredy’s Tucan, a local favorite ($25 for two). Grab a quick lunch before heading to the airport ($20 for two).

Transportation: Shared shuttle back to the airport ($10 per person).

Budget Tip: Shop for souvenirs at local markets rather than tourist shops for better prices and more authentic items. Don’t be afraid to politely negotiate prices at markets.

Transportation: Fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport ($300-400 round-trip per person from most U.S. cities). Take the Airport Express shuttle to your hotel ($24 per person round-trip).

Accommodation: Check into Hotel St. Pierre ($120-150/night) or Lamothe House Hotel ($110-140/night), both historic properties with character and good locations.

Activities: Spend the afternoon exploring the French Quarter, including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the French Market (free). Take a free walking tour of the Quarter (tip-based, suggest $10-15 per person).

Food & Drink: Lunch at Napoleon House for their famous muffuletta sandwich ($30 for two). Dinner at Muriel’s Jackson Square ($70 for two including drinks).

Romance Booster: End your evening with a stroll along the Moonwalk riverfront park, where you can watch the steamboats on the Mississippi River and enjoy street musicians against the backdrop of the illuminated city.

Budget Tip: Many restaurants offer excellent happy hour specials, particularly in the French Quarter. Look for 2-for-1 drink specials and discounted appetizers between 4-6 PM.

Transportation: Take the historic St. Charles Streetcar ($3 per person for a day pass).

Activities: Explore the Garden District with its beautiful mansions and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (free self-guided tour or $20 per person for guided tour). Visit Magazine Street for boutique shopping and local art galleries (free to browse).

Food & Drink: Breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café ($25 for two). Lunch at Commander’s Palace for their famous 25¢ martini lunch special ($80 for two). Evening beignets and café au lait at Café du Monde ($15 for two).

Romance Booster: Spend the evening on Frenchmen Street, where you can enjoy live jazz at venues like The Spotted Cat or d.b.a. (cover charges vary from free to $10 per person). The intimate atmosphere and soulful music create the perfect setting for couples.

Budget Tip: Commander’s Palace offers an incredible value with their 25¢ martini lunch (limit 3 per person with entree purchase). This allows you to experience one of New Orleans’ most famous restaurants at a fraction of dinner prices.

Transportation: Streetcar and walking ($3 per person for a day pass).

Activities: Visit the National WWII Museum ($29 per person) or the New Orleans Museum of Art ($15 per person). Explore City Park with its ancient oak trees, sculpture garden, and botanical gardens (free, except for botanical garden which is $8 per person).

Food & Drink: Breakfast at Surrey’s Café ($30 for two). Lunch at Parkway Bakery & Tavern for authentic po’boys ($30 for two). Dinner splurge at Brennan’s with their famous Bananas Foster dessert ($120 for two including drinks).

Romance Booster: Take a sunset jazz cruise on the Steamboat Natchez ($70 per person including dinner, or $40 for cruise only). Dancing to live jazz on the Mississippi River as the sun sets over New Orleans creates an unforgettable romantic memory.

Budget Tip: Many museums offer discounted or free admission on certain days of the week. Check their websites in advance to plan your visit accordingly.

Activities: Take a cooking class to learn how to make New Orleans classics like gumbo and jambalaya ($40-60 per person). If time permits, visit the historic Tremé neighborhood, one of America’s oldest African American neighborhoods.

Food & Drink: Breakfast at Elizabeth’s Restaurant, known for their praline bacon ($35 for two). Grab a quick lunch before heading to the airport ($30 for two).

Transportation: Airport Express shuttle back to the airport (included in round-trip fare).

Budget Tip: Purchase local spices and mixes from markets rather than tourist shops to recreate New Orleans cuisine at home for a fraction of the cost.

Transportation: Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport ($400-500 round-trip per person from most U.S. cities). Take a taxi to your hotel ($30 one way).

Accommodation: Check into Hotel Grano de Oro ($130-150/night) or Hotel Presidente ($90-120/night), both offering comfortable accommodations in good locations.

Activities: Explore downtown San José, including the National Theater, Central Market, and Pre-Columbian Gold Museum ($15 per person for museum entrance).

Food & Drink: Lunch at Mercado Central, sampling local sodas (small family restaurants) for authentic Costa Rican cuisine ($20 for two). Dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant like Restaurante Silvestre ($60 for two including drinks).

Romance Booster: Visit the National Theater in the evening if there’s a performance scheduled. The beautiful neoclassical building with its lavish interior provides a sophisticated setting for a romantic night out.

Budget Tip: Exchange some money at the airport for immediate needs, but use ATMs in the city for better rates. Many places accept U.S. dollars, but you’ll get better deals using the local currency (colones).

Transportation: Join a guided tour to Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens ($100 per person including transportation, entrance fees, and lunch).

Activities: Explore Poás Volcano National Park with its impressive crater and cloud forest. Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens to see stunning waterfalls, hummingbird gardens, and wildlife exhibits.

Food & Drink: Breakfast at your hotel (often included). Lunch included in tour. Dinner at a local restaurant like Restaurante Nuestra Tierra ($50 for two including drinks).

Romance Booster: Many tours include a stop at Doka Coffee Estate, where you can sample some of the world’s best coffee while enjoying panoramic views of the Central Valley. The lush surroundings and aromatic coffee create a sensory experience perfect for couples.

Budget Tip: Book tours through your hotel or reputable online platforms in advance for better rates. Group tours are significantly less expensive than private options while still providing excellent experiences.

Transportation: Join a guided day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park ($120 per person including transportation, entrance fees, and lunch).

Activities: Explore one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful national parks with its pristine beaches, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy time for swimming and relaxation at the park’s beaches.

Food & Drink: Breakfast at your hotel. Lunch included in tour. Splurge dinner at Restaurante Grano de Oro ($100 for two including drinks).

Romance Booster: Manuel Antonio’s beaches are among the most beautiful in Costa Rica, with white sand, turquoise waters, and jungle backdrop. Find a quiet spot away from the main beach areas for a romantic afternoon together surrounded by nature.

Budget Tip: Bring your own snacks, water, and beach supplies to avoid paying premium prices within the national park. Many tours allow time for shopping, but prices near tourist attractions are typically higher.

Activities: Visit the Artisan Market for souvenirs (free to browse). If time permits, take a coffee tour at a nearby plantation ($30 per person) or visit the Jade Museum ($15 per person).

Food & Drink: Breakfast at your hotel. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local soda ($25 for two).

Transportation: Taxi back to the airport ($30).

Budget Tip: Costa Rican coffee and chocolate make excellent, affordable souvenirs that are easy to transport. Purchase directly from producers when possible for the best quality and prices.

Transportation: Fly into Lisbon Airport ($600-700 round-trip per person from East Coast U.S. cities). Take the metro to your hotel ($2 per person).

Accommodation: Check into Hotel Lisboa Tejo ($90-120/night) or Vincci Liberdade ($100-130/night), both offering good value in central locations.

Activities: Explore the historic Alfama district with its narrow streets and Fado music heritage (free). Visit São Jorge Castle for panoramic views ($10 per person).

Food & Drink: Lunch at a local tasca (small restaurant) like Zé dos Cornos ($30 for two). Dinner and Fado performance at Tasca do Chico ($60 for two including drinks).

Romance Booster: Visit the Miradouro de Santa Luzia at sunset, a beautiful terrace viewpoint with stunning views over Alfama and the Tagus River. The combination of panoramic vistas, azulejo tiles, and bougainvillea creates a perfect romantic setting.

Budget Tip: Purchase a 24-hour public transportation pass (€6.60 per person) for unlimited use of metro, buses, trams, and funiculars. This is more economical than individual tickets if you plan to use public transport multiple times in a day.

Transportation: Take tram 15E to Belém ($2 per person each way).

Activities: Visit the Jerónimos Monastery (€10 per person), Belém Tower (€6 per person), and Monument to the Discoveries (free to view, €5 to enter). Explore the Berardo Collection Museum of modern art (free).

Food & Drink: Breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café ($20 for two). Try the famous pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém ($10 for two including coffee). Dinner at Time Out Market, where you can sample dishes from top Lisbon chefs at reasonable prices ($50 for two including drinks).

Romance Booster: Take a sunset stroll along the waterfront in Belém, with views of the 25 de Abril Bridge (reminiscent of San Francisco’s Golden Gate) and the Cristo Rei statue across the river. The maritime atmosphere and golden light create a peaceful, romantic setting.

Budget Tip: Consider purchasing a Lisboa Card if you plan to visit multiple museums and attractions. The 24-hour card (€20) includes free public transportation and free or discounted entry to major attractions.

Transportation: Take the train to Sintra ($5 per person round-trip) and use the local bus circuit to visit palaces ($5 per person for a day pass).

Activities: Explore the fairytale Pena Palace (€14 per person) and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira with its initiation well and underground tunnels (€10 per person).

Food & Drink: Breakfast at your hotel. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in Sintra’s parks ($15 for supplies). Splurge dinner back in Lisbon at Cervejaria Ramiro, famous for its seafood ($100 for two including drinks).

Romance Booster: Sintra’s misty forests and romantic palaces have inspired poets and lovers for centuries. Take time to wander through the gardens of Pena Palace, where you’ll find hidden nooks and scenic viewpoints perfect for romantic moments.

Budget Tip: Start your Sintra day early to avoid crowds and make the most of your time. Consider visiting just two major attractions in depth rather than rushing through several, as each palace and garden deserves time to appreciate fully.

Activities: Visit the Ribeira Market and take a food tour or cooking class to learn about Portuguese cuisine ($40-60 per person). If time permits, explore the trendy LX Factory, a revitalized industrial area with shops, cafés, and street art (free to browse).

Food & Drink: Breakfast at a traditional café like Confeitaria Nacional ($15 for two). Light lunch before heading to the airport ($30 for two).

Transportation: Metro back to the airport ($2 per person).

Budget Tip: Portuguese wine, particularly Vinho Verde and Port, offers excellent value and makes a great souvenir. Many shops offer vacuum-sealed bottles for easy transport in checked luggage.

• Travel mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) for lower flight and hotel rates
• Choose early or late spring to avoid spring break crowds and peak pricing
• Book flights 2-3 months in advance for optimal pricing
• Look for hotels with flexible cancellation policies so you can rebook if prices drop

Transportation Savings

• Use flight comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to track prices
• Consider nearby alternative airports that might offer cheaper flights
• Use public transportation at your destination instead of taxis or rental cars
• Book shared airport shuttles instead of private transfers

Accommodation Hacks

• Stay slightly outside the main tourist areas for better rates
• Use hotel loyalty programs or credit card points to offset costs
• Consider boutique hotels or B&Bs, which often offer better value than chain hotels
• Look for accommodations that include breakfast to save on meal costs

Food & Activities

• Research free attractions and self-guided walking tours
• Eat where locals eat rather than at tourist restaurants
• Have your splurge meal at lunch instead of dinner (often the same menu at lower prices)
• Purchase city passes if you plan to visit multiple attractions