5 Affordable Valentine's Travel Destinations

Still looking for a great getaway for your Valentine? Travel is a great experience, and many times experiences are better than things. Candy and flowers last only so long, but memories last forever. If you can swing a trip in February with your sweetheart, I guarantee it'll be more exciting than one fancy dinner. 

Not sure where to go on a budget? Well, here are 5 destinations for you:

Chicago 

Bring your big coat and layers, because it will be cold, but you can easily escape the rough weather by heading inside and exploring places like the Chicago Cultural Center, with it's gorgeous Tiffany Dome, Harold Washington Library Center, and walk hand-in-hand through Garfield Park Conservatory. If you are brave enough to go outside, walk the Magnificent Mile, take photos in front of the Bean, see some outdoor art, and enjoy Lurie Garden in Millennium Park. All of these things are free, so you can spend money on dining out. Check out Eater's list of best heated patios in the city. I also love this list of covered patios and rooftop eateries.

San Francisco

Soak up a bit of sun in the Bay Area. While it'll still be foggy, which can trap the cold air, you can get some warm moments in the city. Mardi Gras will be happening on the 13th, which means free parades, live music, and a masquerade ball with (free) dinner! You can also check out the Cable Car Museum, take a tour of the dome in the City Hall building, hit up the Ferry Building for its year-round farmers market, and see a 360-degree view of the city at de Young's Harmon Observation Tower. All the money you saved can take you to the beautiful gardens of Golden Gate Park: the Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Choose one or all.

Denver 

You don't have to ski to enjoy Denver. There are tons of great museums, including the awesome interactive Convergence Station by Meow Wolf. If you're looking for freebies, you can tour the Denver Mint, hit up First Friday, a shuttled tour of art galleries, take a Hammond's Candy Factory tour, or head outside and wander the sculpture-laden City Park, where you can also get a wonderful view of the city. Book a table at one of Denver's best heated outdoor patios, like the cool af tents at Michelin-starred Wolf's Tailor. It'll cost you a pretty penny, but you just saved on all your sightseeing! For a cheaper option, book a private gazebo at Bar Dough.

Cancun

Believe me, I know how right now it's really enticing to just get totally away and sunbathe for a few days. If that's more your speed, then you can take an easy flight to Cancun, where you can sit on the beach or you can indulge in some free things like a self-guided mural tour downtown, see some awesome live music at Parque Las Palapas, or view cool birds and iguanas at Kabah Urban Park. If you want to take your love out to a romantic dinner after your day, here are some suggestions from OpenTable.

Kissimmee/Orlando

Skip the theme parks and you can not only find pretty good deals on accommodations, but there is a long list of free things you can do, including the Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve, Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum and Kissimmee Lakefront Park. If you need a bit of magic, book dinner in one of the many restaurants at Disney Springs, or choose from some of these date night restaurants.

If your idea of a romantic getaway is a good road trip, here are some of the best scenic drives in the US, according to BudgetTravel. Pack a bag, throw some food and drinks in a cooler, gas up, and go.

If you missed my post on champagne and prosecco travel, go check that out. 

Tell me in the comments where your best romantic destination, attraction, or restaurant.