By Andrew Collins

People often tell me they haven't gone on a vacation in the past six months or year -- sometimes longer -- because they can't afford to travel. This is especially true of singles, who anticipate higher costs without a partner to share expenses. True enough, there are a number of cities out there with prohibitively high hotel rates. But there are also quite a few lively and enchanting gay-popular destinations that can be enjoyed on a relatively tight budget, especially if you visit during slower times of the year. Here's a rundown of 10 terrific destinations for budget-minded gay travelers -- five are ideally suited for couples and five are great choices if you're unattached.

FOR YOU AND THE HUBBY

Provincetown, Massachusetts
Although Provincetown is a great place to meet singles during the busy and pricey summer high season, the rest of the year is perfect for couples seeking romance. And because prices fall off significantly after Labor Day and even more dramatically in winter, it's a destination that can work for almost any budget. After the summer crowds have subsided, Provincetown is a quiet and low-keyed retreat. Its remote location, seemingly at the end of the earth, imbues this scenic beach town with an air of seclusion. It can be awfully romantic here in the fall, or even winter, when you're cozied up in a quiet inn. Even the most luxurious guesthouses often drop their off-season rates to well below $100 nightly.

Russian River, California
Gay residents of the Bay Area have long favored this snug, woodsy river-resort area in western Sonoma County, midway between the fabled Wine Country and the rugged Pacific Coast. Accommodations tend to be rustic, which fits with the region's verdant setting, and restaurants favor simpler and less expensive fare than what you'll find in the swankier eastern reaches of Sonoma County, where most of the area's wineries are located. If you and your honey love wine-tasting, hiking, and canoeing together, the Russian River is ideal.

Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Salt Spring Island is a stunning, hilly little gem off the east coast of Vancouver Island, within an afternoon's combined ferry/car trip from the cities of Vancouver, Victoria, and Seattle. There has long been a strong lesbian, and to a somewhat lesser degree, gay male presence, on this island of artist studios, great beaches, and picturesque mountain-biking and kayaking. Several B&Bs here are either gay-owned or quite queer-friendly, and it's very easy to find a room for under $100.

North-Central New Mexico
North-Central New Mexico makes for the perfect weeklong romantic adventure. You can divide your time among a tiny, alluring village (Taos), a midsize city with some fun places to dance and eat out (Albuquerque), and a hybrid of the two (Santa Fe). It takes about 60 minutes to drive between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and 90 minutes between Santa Fe and Taos. Santa Fe is the priciest of the three communities, so you might want to base your overnight operations primarily in Albuquerque and Taos, which each have myriad accommodations under $100 nightly, from gay-friendly B&Bs to funky retro-hip motels. Even in Santa Fe, however, you can find some appealing places to stay that won't cost you an arm and a leg. There are also scenic campgrounds set around the area and, wherever you awaken, it'll be to views of the region's spectacular Sangre de Cristo and Sandia mountains.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas
A curious hilltop village in the heart of Arkansas' Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is a favorite getaway of both conservative Christians and gay people. How these two seemingly at-odds factions vacation together so peacefully is anybody's guess, but they do. It helps that most of the queer folk tend to stay in the historic, renovated, and downright bargain-priced Victorian inns closer to the center of town, while religious groups favor the properties on the main roads leading in and out of the village. The downtown has blossomed in recent years with a growing number of antiques shops and galleries, and the restaurant scene is sophisticated while still providing great value. Despite the many gay-owned businesses here, this isn't a nightlife mecca. Eureka Springs is definitely BYOB -- bring your own bedmate.

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