The Northeast metropolitan area, also referred to as the Boston-Washington corridor, has the world's largest economy and a population larger than that of California and neighboring states. Therefore, East Coast vacations can be expensive due to high demand and standards. However, budget-conscious travelers can find opportunities thanks to excellent public transportation and a compact area to explore. The key is to be smart about choosing accommodations and choosing cost-effective activities. Although it is possible to visit any city without spending a lot, the truth is that it may not be as fun.
Washington, D.C. weekend
Washington.org says, “D.C. is the capital of free museums and interactive exhibits, from leading cultural museums to art galleries and more.” We agree, which is why it's the East Coast's premier budget destination. Combine the free stuff with paid tours and an outstanding international dining scene catering to foreign dignitaries, and you can have all kinds of fun without the bankroll.
Visiting the capital on a budget begins when you arrive. Reagan National is much closer to the tourist areas than Dallas, so keep that in mind if you're traveling by plane. Union Station is right in the heart of it all, with excellent train connectivity to Megalopolis. Once you arrive, you will likely use the metro, but be careful of price increases during rush hour. Choose your hotel wisely for your desired trip.
Catskills Vacations
The Catskill Mountains are located in southeastern New York State, about a two-hour drive from New York City. The area is known for its wildlife, hiking trails in the Catskill Forest Preserve, and ski resorts, including Hunter Mountain and Belleair Mountain. Sites like Kaaterskill Falls and Sunset Rock inspired 19th-century landscape painters, and restaurants serving farm-to-table cuisine abound. Here you'll find New York sensibilities and comforts in a rustic setting.
It's not just proximity to the city that makes the Catskills a popular budget destination. You'll find absolutely gorgeous boutique hotels and a thriving culinary scene at a fraction of the city's prices. There are also plenty of things to do, including outdoor activities and touring the Hudson River School Arts Trail. Many are cheap or free, and all are less than you would pay in the city.
Romantic Poconos Vacations
The Poconos is a mountainous region in northeastern Pennsylvania, about two hours east of New York City. It is a historic honeymoon destination brimming with scenic beauty and fun-filled activities all year round.
Luxurious yet affordable accommodations make the Pocono Mountains the perfect place for a romantic getaway. What started with heart-shaped bathtubs has evolved into world-class luxury spas incorporating the scenography of the region's breathtaking natural surroundings. From quaint bed and breakfasts to adults-only resorts, couples can find the perfect place in the Poconos.
Niagara Falls Vacations
There was a time before air travel when Niagara Falls was the honeymoon capital of the world. Today, budget travelers can find all that romance without the cost of an airline ticket. You can (and should) bring your passport and cross into Canada to make this budget international vacation a reality.
Niagara Falls is full of fun things surrounding the falls, like boat tours, zip lines, and even walking behind the falls. Niagara-on-the-Lake is located in the heart of wine country for a tasting tour by car (or bike). Romantic hotels abound, especially on the Canadian side. Niagara Falls may no longer be a world-class honeymoon location, but it is a great East Coast trip.
Great Smoky Mountains Vacations
Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited park in the system by a wide margin. About 13 million people visit it every year, which is almost equal to the number of the next three parks combined (Grand Canyon, Zion, Rocky Mountain). People come for the hikes, waterfalls, biking, romantic vacations, and even theme parks — anything for more mountains and less big cities.
The trick to a great vacation in the Great Smoky is planning. The Parkway in Gatlinburg is a wonderful melting pot of Southern feel and East Coast style, with a lot more people than you'd expect on a mountain vacation. Consider a cabin in Sevierville, a day of hiking, and dining along the Transhumanist Art Loop along the Parkway. Family life is not always compatible with romance.
Maine Coastal Trail 1 Road Trip
The Maine Route 1 road trip heads to the East Coast, and the California Route 1 road trip heads to the West Coast. The “Lobster Trail” is filled with lighthouses, fishing villages, stunning views, and of course a crustacean or two. It's located just two hours north of Boston, but you could spend a week or more exploring all the area has to offer and eating your fill of lobster.
Our strategy for a budget coastal road trip on Maine Route 1 is to plan your overnight stops well. Leave enough room in your budget to enjoy yourself, but consider taking in the extraordinary sights or a spa day to work out the kinks along the way. Also visit the Boston Freedom Trail at one end of your trip. There are only a few paid stops, and walking alone will introduce you to two hundred years of Boston's history.
Vermont Road Trip 100
The Vermont 100 Road Trip is an iconic ride in the Northeast. It's a 200-mile drive along the Green Mountains and takes 4 hours and 340 minutes of driving, but many people spend an entire week exploring all the nooks and crannies.
You'll find tours of all descriptions, including ski resorts offering summer operations, hiking and agritourism. Don't rush your way. Relax, find romantic places to stay, and let the beauty of the landscape soothe your soul. And also rest assured that this extraordinary trip did not require air travel.
More cheap vacations for couples:
There are many reasons why couples go on cheap vacations. Maybe you're on a tight budget and trying to retire early or want to balance trip expenses between luxury stays and exciting adventures. Most importantly, you shouldn't sacrifice your fun just because you're looking for low-budget vacation ideas.
56 cheap vacations for couples to swoon over
Hello! We are Jane and Ed Coleman also known as Coleman Concierge. In short, we are a 10th generation couple from Huntsville sharing our stories of amazing adventures through transformative and experiential activity-based travel.
