Romantic Vacations That Won't Kill your Budget By - Allison Boyer
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The end of the summer is quickly approaching, so if you and your
sweetheart haven't gone on vacation yet, time is running out. Yes,
vacations are expensive. Yes, they take a lot of planning. Three
words: Suck it up. Trust me, it will be worth it in the end when you
only take a break for some summer lovin' to watch scantily-clad women
do the hula and drinking pina coladas from coconuts. And hey, you next
trip doesn't have to totally trash your bank account. Check out these
top five tips for romantic vacations on a budget.

Go to an all-inclusive resort. The prices of these places may at first
have you gasping for air, but remember-they include all of your food,
drinks, and activities. Most of the time, it's much, much cheaper to
head to an all-inclusive, and the added bonus is that you can get it
on without worrying about money the whole time.

Wait until September. If there's no rush, wait the extra month and
you'll find cheaper rates and less-crowded destinations if you save
the vacation for the fall. Aruba will still be sunny and warm, so what
does it really matter? You can use the charts at online sites like
Travelocity to see when you can expect the cheapest dates.

Just say no to direct flights. Sure, two or three layovers can be a
pain in the behind, but you'll save a bundle of money. Besides, that
means you can secure you membership in the mile-high club two or three
times as well.

Stop nickel-and-diming yourself. A dollar here at the airport food
court and there at the gift shop may not seem like much at the time,
but over the course of an entire vacation, those dollars really add
up. Instead, save your money for really romantic gestures. Order
breakfast in bed. Go on a moonlight carriage or boat ride. Have a
picnic dinner on the beach. Crack open a bottle of bubbly. If you're
going to spend money, do it on the important things.

Splurge on a classy room for a long weekend instead of a dumpy room
for a week. Go somewhere within a few hours of your home, turn off the
cell phones, and buy something slinky and sexy for your wife or
girlfriend to wear. Spend the weekend getting to know one another and
forget completely the seven days of tourist traps.