Well, we’re here to help. You don’t need to skimp on the honeymoon just to have the wedding day you’ve always dreamed of. There are plenty of affordable destinations and resorts throughout the world that offer a honeymoon experience that can be just as magical and memorable as the ceremony itself. Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to go without either. There is a myriad of possibilities out there and even if the honeymoon destination you really want is just out of reach financially, you’re likely to still find some exciting substitute ideas where you budget will go further than you even imagined.
It’s a big, wide world and finding affordable cities for newlyweds can be a time-consuming struggle for even the most dedicated couple. So we took it upon ourselves to track down the twenty best honeymoon destinations for couples working on a budget. All of these ideas are affordable, luxurious, and each one provides the perfect romantic backdrop for celebrating your vows. Check out the destinations on our list and see if one or more of them fit the bill.
1. Portugal
Perhaps you had your heart set on Spain but it’s just a bit out of your price range. Nao faz mal!, that means “no problem” in Portuguese as this neighboring country offers a lot more bang for your buck. You’ll find a lot of beautiful old-world charm in the architecture of Lisbon, wind your way through the streets of the Alfama district, then head south to the Algarve. There you’ll find hundreds of gorgeous beaches and resort towns for a romantic getaway that you’ll never forget.
Whether you decide you want five-star luxury in Lisbon or a villa in Praia de Dona Ana overlooking the water, your lodging costs for one week will be far less expensive than a few days in Spain. Renting a car is also very cheap and you’ll eat at some of the best restaurants in the country for prices that are shockingly low.
Booking in Portugal: http://www.booking.com/country/pt.en-gb.html
2. South Africa
You and your significant other probably have conflicting ideas for the honeymoon. She wants to hit the beaches, embrace the nightlife, and explore gorgeous vineyards with wine tastings to boot. He’s always wanted to go on safari at least once in his life. Well, both of you are in luck as South Africa offers all of these things and so much more!
Cape Town has all of the modern amenities you’re looking for with top flight accommodations and when you want something a little more quaint you don’t need to venture far from the city into the Constantia Valley to tour some of the country’s most beautiful vineyards. Venture out a little further and you’ll find the Cape Point Nature Reserve for swimming and hiking or travel out a few hours from the city center to the Fairy Glen reserve to see indigenous wildlife.
Booking in South Africa: http://www.south-african-hotels.com/
3. Ireland
Long considered one of the most expensive destinations in Europe, the country has seen a resurgence in hotels and resorts that have been more inviting to couples who are working with a budget. The capital of Dublin is particularly affordable right now, but if you really want a truly unique honeymoon head towards the west coast instead to take in the historic castles, quiet little fishing villages, and lush green scenery that gives the Emerald Isle its name.
You’ll likely want to forgo the larger hotels and find a secluded bed and breakfast to celebrate your union together. You won’t have to look far to track down rates of around $60-80 a night either and you can save even more money by flying into Shannon Airport. It’s frequently cheaper to fly there instead of Dublin and is the first choice of tourists seeking airfare at lower prices.
Booking in Ireland: http://www.irelandhotels.com/
4. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is among the most affordable destinations in the Caribbean, offering a combination of laid back island life and sizzling nightlife with plenty of swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing in between. The capital city of San Juan is where you’ll find shops, art galleries and historic sites like La Santa Catedral de San Juan Bautista and the Castillo de San Felipe del Morro.
If you’re more inclined for basking in the sun, you can take a ferry to any number of beaches along Vieques Island or if you’re interested in enjoying the tastes of the region, hit up the Bacardi Rum Factory offering tours and tasting on a routine schedule.
Booking in Puerto Rico: http://www.hotels.com/de1636931/hotels-puerto-rico-island-puerto-rico/
5. Jamaica
While this can also be one of the least expensive destinations in the Caribbean, you’ll have to look past the typical tourist resorts like Couples or Grand Bahia Principe to find the best deals for staying in Jamaica. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find affordable, all-inclusive resort style accommodations, either. The island is teeming with them, all geared towards couples who want a romantic getaway.
Airfare to Jamaica from the United States is also the cheapest its been in years with many of the major carriers flying into Montego Bay regularly at prices that will make the island a sure-fire bargain for any honeymoon budget. Once you’re there, you’ll enjoy all the amenities of resort living or head off the property for hiking, snorkeling, sunbathing, or tour the Blue Mountains to visit the many coffee plantations in the region.
Booking in Jamaica: http://www.visitjamaica.com/where-to-stay/hotel-deals-in-jamaica
6. Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico comprises a collection of destinations that present some of the most widely disparate yet equally enticing reasons to plan your honeymoon in the region. You can choose from Cancun, Cozumel, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen all situated along the Riviera Maya and each one offering a wide array of attractions and accommodation options from the large all-inclusive resorts to the eclectic boutique hotels for a more private stay in Mexico.
Cancun and Playa del Carmen have the most nightlife, shopping, and beachfront excitement while Tulum and Cozumel keep things a bit more laid back and isolated from the throngs of tourists. Airfare is pretty inexpensive for most of the year but the off-season between July and November is when you can find the best deals to travel.
Booking in Yucatan Peninsula: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/yucatan-peninsula/hotels
7. Thailand
If Southeast Asia is more to you and your significant other’s liking, then look no further than Thailand. The country has it all: serene beaches, bustling cities, and you’re never too far from a jungle safari. All of these and more are within a short distance from one another no matter where you decide to stay, be it Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Koh Samui.
The great thing about the country is the recent influx of new hotel properties from one to the other, which has driven down prices across the board. Airfare is relatively inexpensive as well both coming in from the U.S. and jetting from one city to the next.
Booking in Thailand: http://www.agoda.com/country/thailand.html
8. Turkey
It might not be the first location to come to mind for every honeymooning couple’s list of dream destinations, but Turkey has a lot to offer without breaking your budget. The country is situated on the Aegean, Black, and Mediterranean Seas so that means plenty of beachside resorts and fun in the sun.
Combine that with unusual little villages, ancient archeological sites, and the modern sophistication of Istanbul and you can have a honeymoon with a diverse list of things to do on the schedule. Hotel rates in the Istanbul Province can average about $85 a night for five-star hospitality.
Booking in Turkey: http://www.hotelsinturkey.net/
9. Brazil
Another great beachside honeymoon destination, Brazil has gained a reputation for being on the pricey side, but that’s only true if you don’t know where to look to find some of the best deals. The country is also known for its partying atmosphere, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, and its diverse people and communities. There are tons of hotels along the water but if you want to save a few extra bucks you can find great properties only a few blocks inland. This way you’re still near the water without having to pay for the privilege.
The country has also seen a steady rise in the number of all-inclusive resorts that have opened up for travelers. So if you want to soak up the sun in the day then dance the night away, Brazil is your spot. But that’s not all – take an excursion into the Amazon rainforest to see sights you can’t see anywhere else in the world.
Booking in Brazil: http://www.agoda.com/country/brazil.html
10. Australia
Bondi Beach, Melbourne City Center, Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef, these are just a few of the wonderful places to check out in Australia. The only thing more welcoming than all of the lovely attractions are the people. The continent is seeing an uptick in the number of honeymoons happening there because it has such an eclectic collection of things to do.
You can interact with wildlife from seeing koalas along Great Ocean Road to cage diving with sharks along the southern coast. Accommodations range from large hotels to quaint B&B’s to fit any restricted budget and airfare to the country and within varies based upon your destination. Their winter is during the hot summer months of summer in the U.S. so you can save some money heading down there at that time, but don’t worry, it’s still nice and balmy during the winter months. You won’t need a sweater or down comforter when you go.
Booking in Australia: http://www.hotelscombined.com/Place/Australia.htm
11. Montreal, Quebec
So your budget won’t let you make it to France, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a European honeymoon that brings all of the romance of a trip to the French countryside. This Canadian city is a bustling cultural hub offering music and arts festivals and gorgeous scenic locations like Le Parc du Mont-Royal, Notre Dame Basilica, and Place Jacques-Cartier. If that’s not enough, you also have your choice of art museums, gambling casinos, and some of the best French restaurants in North America.
Jean-Talon is a gourmand’s dream, an open-air market with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to fresh-caught seafood. Be sure you go anytime between May and October to enjoy the warmer climates as it can get pretty chilly otherwise. Unless, of course, you’d prefer to snuggle up together in front of a fire.
Booking in Montreal: http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/Accommodations
12. Sri Lanka
India may not be the most affordable place to reach as plane tickets to the country can get a little pricey, but if you can swing the airfare you can enjoy Sri Lanka for incredibly low rates. Newlyweds on a budget should consider this destination because, while a large chunk of the budget will be spent on booking flights, just about everything else you’ll do once you arrive is going to be dirt cheap.
You can even look up honeymoon packages to save a little money on the whole trip, as these offer some of the best discounts for lodging and seeing all of the best attractions the country has to offer…and it has plenty for newly married couples to experience for the very first time. Four and five star hotels are available in Colombo for under $100 a night.
Booking in Sri Lanka: http://www.agoda.com/country/sri-lanka.html
13. The Balkans
Much like Turkey, the Balkans may not be at the top of (or even included on) most lists of great honeymoon ideas, but you’d be remiss not to look into Macedonia, Albania, and Slovenia to spend your post-nuptials getaway. The region became a hot tourist attraction about five years ago and it has only gained in popularity for anyone looking to enjoy a European honeymoon without the staggeringly high prices that come with such an endeavor.
Seaside resorts, ancient ruins, lush greens, national parks with hiking tours and white-water rafting excursions and eclectic and interesting cuisine all await your arrival in the Balkans. Each country has its own unique trademark with something new and different for visitors to enjoy. Pick two or three to visit while you’re there to soak up all of the flavors of the region.
Booking in The Balkans: http://balkandom.com/hotels-in-the-balkan-region.php
14. Hawaii
One of the most popular honeymoon destinations of all time, Hawaii can get somewhat costly depending upon which island you decide to visit. But your best bet for the lowest prices on hotels and all of the various attractions among the islands are Honolulu and Oahu.
Both have a wealth of hotel properties where you can find some great deals. Airfare to both islands is often cheaper as well, so booking your way in through either one can also help you stretch your budget a little further than normal. But for a beachfront honeymoon that feels exotic while still keeping you in the country, Hawaii can’t be beat. There’s a wide array of resorts to be found or go with a secluded hideaway bungalow for a little more privacy.
Booking in Hawaii: http://www.hotelscombined.com/Place/Hawaii.htm
15. Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Hawaii isn’t the only state in the U.S. that has some amazing honeymoon ideas. Maybe your budget is really tight and you’re going to have to stay domestic, you still have a wealth of options available to you. The first of them is spending some time in Rocky Mountain National Park.
This area is a scenic wonderland that offers accommodations ranging from mountainside cabins to resort properties and small bed and breakfast options. You’ll have miles of hiking trails at your disposal, river-rafting trips are available, even gorgeous riverfront areas to enjoy a romantic picnic. If winter is more your thing, some of the best skiing in the world can be done in the Rockies with Aspen, Snowmass, and Alta offering trails for all skill levels.
Booking in Colorado: http://rockymountainnationalpark.com/stay
16. Napa Valley, California
For the couple who are wine connoisseurs, Napa Valley is about the best place you can visit short of flying all the way to Bordeaux in France. Napa has over 400 wineries to choose from, almost all of them offering tours, tastings, even picnic areas to enjoy a romantic lunch overlooking the lush hillsides of the region.
Accommodations range from the quaint to the all-inclusive and there are loads of other things to do while you’re there, from dining at French Laundry to traveling through the heart of wine country on a vintage train. If the train isn’t your thing, try taking a hot air balloon up over the lush countryside where you can see everything the region has to offer from up above.
Booking in Napa Valley: http://www.napavalley.com/lodging/
17. The Florida Keys
You don’t have to stay on the West Coast to enjoy a beautiful warm day with the love of your life. Head east towards the Keys where you’ll find rest and relaxation, with some excitement if and when you want. Driving there couldn’t be easier, you may need to rent a car, but once you’re on the road it’s only a two hour drive to breathtaking ocean views and palm trees.
The weather is always warm and sunny and you can snorkel, go parasailing, even swim with dolphins if you prefer. The vibe is laid back and casual so you can set your own pace while you’re there.
Booking in the Florida Keys: http://www.floridakeys.com/floridakeysaccommodations.htm
18. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
It’s hard to beat Cape Cod for total tranquility. Bed and breakfasts abound offering all the comfort and charm of New England. There you can relax and unwind from all those months of planning the ceremony and the reception and devote all of your time to each other. Walk along sandy beaches, take a boat ride, enjoy the freshest seafood for lunch and dinner, or do nothing at all but sit in the Jacuzzi. It’s entirely up to you and it’s all available in Cape Cod. You won’t soon forget the amazing views along the Peninsula at sunset.
Booking in Cape Cod: http://www.capecodchamber.org/stay/hotels-motels-and-resorts
19. Lake Tahoe
The Nevada side or the California side, take your pick. Lake Tahoe has something for everyone year round, whether it’s skiing and snowboarding in the winter or exploring the parks alongside the massive lake in the summer. There’s plenty of indoor fun to be had as well with casinos and exceptional dining.
Book all-inclusive or spend the night in one of the many bed and breakfasts or mountainside cabins that are available year round. Enjoy the beach, take a horseback ride, go river rafting or hiking through the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s all here and best of all, it’s affordable on any budget.
Booking in Lake Tahoe: http://www.tahoeguide.com/hotels
20. Niagara Falls, New York
They don’t call Niagara Falls The Honeymoon Capital of the World for nothing. Tour the Falls themselves or choose one of the other many exciting activities you can find in the area. There’s plenty of nightlife, fine dining, and spectacular outdoor vistas through which to wander and take in the splendor of upstate New York. Best of all, the city’s mayor issues every honeymooning couple a special honeymoon certificate which also comes with a free pass for the bride to enjoy many local attractions and businesses for free. It doesn’t get much more affordable than free!
Booking in Niagara Falls: http://www.infoniagara.com/history/honeymoon_city.aspx
Our Final Thoughts
When it comes to finding cheap wedding ideas, you have to get a little creative. These twenty destinations are all wonderful places to celebrate your nuptials and each one is affordable for almost any budget. You have options both here and abroad and all of them offer a variety of attractions and accommodation options that will make every newlywed couple feel like they’re starting their new lives together in style.
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