Travelsavers Canada advisors and travel experts are sharing affordable and less-visited destination options for couples seeking a budget-friendly escape.
As typically frequented locales may experience high traffic during peak romance season, destination dupes offer less mainstream alternatives for travellers. As Valentine's Day, wedding season, and summer honeymoons draw near, TRAVELSAVERS advisors and experts curated a list of fresh ideas to inspire couples as they plan their travels.
Dupes for the perfect proposal:
"While Paris is known as the 'City of Love,; it often comes with a hefty price tag. With small town-charm and quaint villages to explore, Montreal offers a timeless backdrop for those seeking the perfect alternative to Paris. With beautiful architecture and cobblestone roads, Montreal feels like stepping into a European portal, offering beautiful scenery for a proposal trip," said Tracey Sinclair, Owner of Ultimate Destination Weddings
"For those yearning to travel to the Amalfi Coast in Italy, Portugal offers a
gorgeous alternative. With all-inclusive beach resorts and charming city locations to explore, Portugal is a great destination for couples looking for the best of both worlds on their romantic escape. It also sees less tourist traffic, offering a more intimate travel experience," said Shalene A. Dudley, Lead Travel Concierge at Latitude Concierge Travels.
Dupes for a destination wedding:
"While St. Lucia is a highly sought-after wedding destination with its volcanic beaches, cliffs and waterfalls, the Samaná Peninsula in the Dominican Republic is an equally beautiful, more affordable option. Set in a lush natural environment of rainforests and coconut plantations, the Samaná Peninsula boasts stunning beaches and iconic waterfalls. Often described as the jewel of the Caribbean, it's a prime spot for an unforgettable destination wedding," said John Zeus Tokatlidis, Director of Marketing & Communications at Total Advantage Travel & Tours.
"Dreaming of Hawaii for your destination wedding? Why not consider Costa Rica? Costa Rica features a beautiful mountain landscape and stunning beaches with both white sand and darker sand options — a perfect backdrop for a wedding. Couples and their wedding party can stay at one of the many all-inclusive resorts or even rent a private villa on the hillside overlooking the beach," said Tracey Sinclair, Owner of Ultimate Destination Weddings.
Dupes for a magical honeymoon:
"Got your eye on Tahiti or the Maldives? Jamaica is a beautiful alternative. Similar to the more expensive Maldives, Jamaica offers water bungalows and a similar laid-back vibe for those looking to relax and enjoy the sun. Further, Jamaica offers various tours for adventure-driven couples, from trekking through Dunn's River Falls to sailing to Floyd's Pelican Bar, a bar in the middle of the ocean," said Preety Jaswal, Director & Founder, Preety Weddings & Travel
"While Santorini gets a lot of attention as a honeymoon destination, Milos Island captures the same romantic essence without the higher prices and tourist crowds. Milos boasts pristine natural beauty with some of the best beaches in Greece, charming towns and excellent travel activities. In fact, the ancient capital, Plaka, high on a hill with a 13th-century Venetian fort, makes for a breathtaking sunset view that can rival Santorini's," said John Zeus Tokatlidis, Director of Marketing & Communications, Total Advantage Travel & Tours.
For more information on how to plan the perfect romance trip, get in touch with an advisor today.