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Best Road Trips For Couples In The US For All Budget Types

UPDATED April 1, 2022
Elise Mahoney

Home - Romantic Destinations

Best Road Trips For Couples In The US For All Budget Types

We have reached an era where there are many options for travel: by flight, by boat, and road trips! There may be an ongoing debate in your head about the best way of travel, but one thing is for sure: road trips are an excellent way for couples to bond. It allows you more flexibility and adventure without hurting your budget too much. This article will show you the best road trips for couples in the US suitable for all budget types.

Preparing for a Couples Road Trip

We daresay road trips are less stressful than flights. This is because they allow more flexibility and are less hectic for couples. But in spite of the ease of travel, there are still a few things you can do to make your road trip more comfortable.

1. Ensure Your Car Is In Top Condition

Long road trips can take a toll on vehicles. Your priority should be to condition your car for a road trip. Remember to change the oil and filter, check the tires, and pack a survival kit in the car. It is also wise to note hospitals, medical facilities, and other important places. Your familiarity with your route should be top notch. This way, you keep yourself and your partner safe.

2. Allot Funds For An Emergency

Being on the road also has its challenges. Make sure you leave some for emergency use because anything can happen while on the road. In line with this, you should keep a survival kit and a first aid kit at all times in the car, so you’re ready for anything.

3. Get To Know Your Route

There are many road trips perfect for you and your partner. If there’s a specific route you have in mind, make sure you plot your stops ahead of time. This way, you can save time and save on gas at the same time.

>> Use a sturdy car phone mount for safer navigation and hands free calls.

4. Choose Safe and Secure Camping Grounds

Should you decide to camp during the road trip, make sure there’s security around. It’s fun to be adventurous, but it’s better to be safe. There are authorized areas for camping that require a limited fee. You can also opt for more luxurious lodgings in different stops and enjoy a little exclusivity with your partner.

5. Enjoy the Journey

The best thing about road trips is the prolonged time you’ll be spending on the road. Unlike flights where your attention is solely focused on the destination, the bonding happens on the journey.

6. Allow A Little Flexibility

The best thing about road trips is the flexibility for your travel. After deciding on a route, look at some of the stops you want to experience with your partner and keep your options open.

The Best Cheap Deals: Affordable US Road Trip Routes

You don’t have to spend too much when enjoying the best road trips for couples. There are some destinations not too far, with a lot of exciting things to offer.

Pros

  • You can spend more on experience instead of distance and gas
  • Since these routes are shorter, they don’t take too long to prepare for
  • These are common routes with many known stops along the way

Cons

  • It can be crowded since these are well-known weekend getaways
  • They are not too far
  • These are not too unique

Virginia To North Carolina – Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway

The distance from Virginia to North Carolina is 253 km, which takes around 3 hours by car. It starts from the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This scenic route is a favorite among many locals.

Budget: $500 (1 day)

Suggested Camping Grounds: Crabtree Falls Campground

Highlights:

  • America’s longest linear park
  • Linville Gorge – Grand Canyon of the East
  • Grayson Highlands State Park
  • The famous Appalachian Trail (Mcafee Knob and Dragon’s Tooth)

Important Details:

There are many opportunities to make happy memories in this route. Take your partner on a hike and admire the natural beauty of Blue Ridge Parkway with photos, spots, and waterfalls or stop by for a historical Asheville tour. Don’t forget to check out these restaurants on your way there.

Washington’s Olympic Peninsula

Washington’s Olympic Peninsula

This 531km stretch road trip is filled with scenic views and trails while offering a relaxing lake life. That’s why it’s one of the best road trips for couples. It can be done in at least 3 days or longer, depending on the stops you plan to take. This road trip starts on highway 101 then follows a 101 North loop along Hood Canal.

Budget: $1,000.00 (3-5 days)

Suggested Camping Grounds: Glen Ayr Resort, GilGal Oasis RV Park

Highlights:

  • Wine bars and art galleries at Port Townsend – the most sophisticated area West of Seattle
  • Whale watching tour in Seattle
  • Bird watching in Dungeness Spit – Long and natural sand spit
  • Sol Duc Hot Springs

Important Details:

Give your partner Southern France vibes and bring her to the Lavender farms of Sequim, and head straight off into Hurricane Ridge in Port Angeles. Get a feel of what it’s like to be at the ends of the earth through this place. Meet the Makah Indian tribe and camp, hike, and fish like a natural with your partner in Neah bay.

Route 66

Route 66

This long road trip, also known as the “mother road,” spans at least 3862 km and takes a whole month to complete. Unlike other cheaper routes, this long road trip can be broken down into shorter distances but is a favorite among adventurers.

Budget: $ 3,300.00 for 2 weeks but can be shortened to a few days.

Suggested Camping Grounds: Onondaga Cave State Park, Missouri, Red Rock Canyon State Park, Oklahoma

Highlights:

  • Painted Desert of Indian Wells, Arizona
  • Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum
  • Petrified Forest of Holbrook Arizona – the world’s largest collection of petrified wood
  • Beaches of Santa Monica

Important Details:

Mix and match the adventure with nature hikes here, urban immersion there, and a sprinkling of beach visits. Take an audio tour and drive around Interstate 55 to visit the famous Gateway Arch. Visit the biggest petrified forest and make memories. Take a bike ride to Santa Monica and Venice beach as you stretch your legs from the long drive. There are still so many things to do in route 66. Check out some amazing deals here!

The Best Value Deals: Mid-Range US Road Trip Routes

If you have some time and money to spare, these road trips are the best ones for you. They are longer and more extensive than budget road trips, which means it needs more preparation since you’ll be spending longer time away. Set a budget of at least $8,000.00 for these trips so you can indulge in more meaningful experiences.

Pros

  • These road trips are filled with fun stops and activities
  • They are less crowded
  • It is eventful and perfect for couples seeking to bond deeper

Cons

  • It is pricier than the first 3 road trip routes
  • They can be grueling since the routes are longer
  • These routes require more preparation

Southern Road Trip (Charleston to Nashville)

Charleston, South Carolina, USA

The South is known for its delicious food and distinct culture. This road trip is full of historic stops and food trips—the stuff a foodie’s dreams are made of. And instead of seeking camping grounds, you can stop by one of their many iconic hotels to enhance the experience. This trip takes 8 days with at least 2 stops per day.

Highlights:

  • Food trips at Charleston’s restaurants
  • Food tours at the French Quarter Inn
  • Adventure tours at Lake Jocassee
  • The Great Smoky Mountains
  • Country music tours at Nashville

Important Details:

Kick start the adventure with a food tour in Charleston by grabbing a bite in Gabrielle and Melfi’s and enjoy $100 Hotel credit in the iconic Hotel Bennett Charleston. You’ll need the energy for the activities ahead. If you and your partner love food as much as you adore each other, check out the French Quarter Inn for food tours. Take a break from all the eating as you take historical tours around Charleston’s old South and a romantic sunset boat cruise on the harbor.

Highway 1 Overlooked Gems Route

Highway 1

One of the best road trips for couples is the route that runs from Los Angeles to Big Sur. It is filled with coastal sceneries, exciting historical stops, and natural forests that are definitely worth your while. This will take at least 10 days with at least 2-3 stops per day. Some people attempt to complete the entire highway 1, overlooking some of the best spots. But this time, you’re taking time to experience them all.

Highlights:

  • Los Angeles and everything Hollywood
  • Los Padres National Forest
  • 100-year bloom in Montecito
  • Sunbathing in Santa Barbara
  • The views of Pfeiffer Canyon

Important Details:

This is one of the most scenic routes to take. It is a road trip favored by many people for sunny weather and burst of color. Before you leave for your trip, check out some Los Angeles spots to excite you for the adventure ahead. You can try out the LA food tour and take in all the best downtown LA has to offer. Surprise your partner by bringing them to the 100-year bloom at Montecito. Don’t miss a quick sunbathing session by kayak and finish off with a tour at Big Sur, with some relaxation options in one of their gorgeous resorts.

National Parks Pilgrimage

Zion National Park Road

If you’re a fan of national parks, this road trip is the one for you. This 10-day route focuses on everything parks from Zion National Park in Utah to Bryce Canyon and even the famous Yellowstone National Park. These are national park visits ticked off your bucket list in one big swoop.

Highlights:

  • Fun in Las Vegas
  • Valley of Fire State Park
  • Zion National Park
  • Amira Resort
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Important Details:

This is a route of national parks keeping you off the grid. Energize yourself by experiencing some excitement in Las Vegas with night tours and club crawls. Check camping sites for Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Monument Valley as you set your feet to the trail and immerse yourself in desert wonder. You can also keep it private with custom trips to Zion accompanied by a pro photographer. Park the wheels and treat yourselves to some of the best cabins in Yellowstone National Park for some much-needed exclusivity.

The Best Deluxe Deals: High-End US Road Trip Routes

Finally, luxury. Even the best road trips for couples, no matter how rugged the path, deserve some semblance of luxury. It’s a good thing we have the routes ready for you. The planned budget for these trips should be at least $10,000. Skip the camping spots and spoil yourselves with some of the best lodgings these routes have to offer. These luxury getaways serve the finer things in life in a neat little bow for you to cherish forever.

Pros

  • Since it is focused on high-end experiences, it is not too crowded
  • You have more time to enjoy activities
  • The lodgings in these areas are unique and one of a kind

Cons

  • It is pricey
  • Some couples may find some areas too remote
  • Some areas should be visited at a specific time of the year

New Orleans To The Cajun Country

New Orleans

This road trip route is extraordinarily diverse, with food, culture, and history. The starting point is at New Orleans, down to the heart of Cajun country. This takes at least 1 week with a relaxing 1-2 stops per day—just enough for luxurious relaxation.

Highlights:

  • A luxurious stay at Maison de la Luz, New Orleans
  • A visit to the plantations
  • Atchafalaya basin
  • Lafayette and the Cajun culture

Important Details:

Before you start your road trip, spend a relaxing night at the Maison de la Luz and energize yourself for the week. Join the French Quarter’s walking food tour and indulge your senses in the best food New Orleans has to offer. Go around the South’s beautiful scenic plantations like Oak Alley and experience a bygone era. Enjoy some ice cream and coffee during your tour and surprise your partner with a picnic on the grounds.

Hana Highway Maui

Hana Highway Maui

Take the adventure off the country in this beautiful highway route to Hana. This 103km stretch is loved for the journey rather than the destination. This drive will show you some of Maui’s glorious beaches, snorkel coves, and impressive surf waves.

Highlights:

  • Water sports like paddleboarding, scuba diving, and jet boating
  • A visit to the Ka’anapali beach
  • Snorkeling at the Makena beach
  • Maui brewing company
  • Whale watching at Lahaina

Important Details:

Make the most of your visit to Hana by visiting the Kaumahina State Park along with falls, cliffs, and natural sights. This all-in-one luxury package includes a 4-course luncheon and a full breakfast perfect for romantic getaways. Take it a step further in a glam camping package with a guided tour of Hana’s hidden gems. You can also take your partner on a waterfall and ocean tour via horseback and create the perfect romantic atmosphere.

Santa Fe to Taos

Santa Fe to Taos Road

This historical route is filled with culture, religion, and architecture, making it difficult for you to take your eyes off the scenery. This 2.5hr drive can be done the whole year round is a perfect way to immerse yourself in new experiences.

Highlights:

  • Resort life at Santa Fe
  • Historic villages of Penasco
  • Carson National Forest
  • Winery tours at Taos

Important Details:

Energize for your trip at the 4 diamond resort La Posada de Santa Fe. This Casita-style lodging has a heated pool and tub within 6 acres of Santa Fe. Book here and get a special offer. After recuperating, take a historical tour in Chimayo and visit the Plaza del Cerro, Southwest’s remaining fortified plaza. Take your partner on a hike at Santa Cruz Lake Recreation Area and visit the woodcarvers of Cordova. Wrap up the travel with a winery tour in Taos!

To Wrap It Up

It’s refreshing to know that there are different road trips for all budget types. All you need is a little planning and an adventurous spirit to make it happen. The joy in romantic getaways should be in the journey as well as the destination, and that’s what makes the best road trips for couples an excellent way to keep that fire burning.

What’s Next? 

We’re sure these road trips are getting you excited. Check the best rates on packages here and get special discounts!

Filed Under: Romantic Destinations

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