Love on a Budget
In this economy, saving up for a wedding is one thing, but even a honeymoon can feel overwhelming. A lot of people are choosing to elope and skip these traditions for the sake of affordability. But you don’t have to miss out! In fact, here are 20 honeymoon vacation ideas you can comfortably pursue on a budget.
1. Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains are a great option for Americans who want to vacation within their country. You’ll just have to go up to Tennessee, which can vary depending on if you’re flying or driving. Either way, the hotels average around $100 per night, and as long as you mix in some cabin cooking with cheap restaurants, you’ll be having a great time. Plus, most of the activities are free, like taking scenic hikes and checking out wildlife.
2. Punta Cana
A lot of Americans like to make a trip of going to the Dominican Republic, after all, it’s pretty close by. Your biggest costs will be the flight and the hotels, but there are lots of all-inclusive resorts you can choose instead. Lots of these resorts cost $1500 to $2000 for a 5-night stay, but that will incorporate your food, drinks, and entertainment. You’ll still have some money left over for couple massages and snorkeling too.
3. Bali
Indonesia is a vibrant destination for many couples and tourists alike, but the long flight can make it feel complicated. Really, the flight will be your only big expense, as everything from hotels to food to activities is actually very cheap. So, your goal will be securing a flight deal by booking in advance and during the off-season, or maybe by using some airline miles.
4. Cartagena
A lot of people might be intimidated by visiting Colombia, but it’s a very affordable country with a lot to offer. You can do a bit of island hopping and walk around towns with plenty of Caribbean flair. Besides, there are lots of tasty restaurants to relax at, and beaches to visit.
5. Tulum
Most people know Mexico as an affordable and accessible destination, as it’s within North America. You should budget around $600 to $800 for the round-trip flight. Fortunately, the hotels are pretty cheap, with plenty of Airbnbs offering under $100 for a night. That means you could spend six nights in Tulum and still have money left over to try the beachfront restaurants and visit some Mayan ruins.
6. San Juan
Puerto Rico is another country known for its cheap and affordable flights. Once you get to San Juan, everything else is relatively affordable, and there’s lots to do and see. You’ll want to make sure you visit all the beaches and take some time roaming Old San Juan.
7. Panama City
There’s nothing quite like Panama, from its stellar city scene to its seaside beach escapes. The flight can range from $600 to $1000, depending on when you go, but there’s lots to enjoy as far as romantic honeymoons go. There are lots of historic sites and natural attractions, so you can kick your feet up for at least a week.
8. Crete
Greece may seem so unachievable despite being a very popular vacation destination. Well, that doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, if you go in the off-season, the flights are relatively affordable. Then there are the hotels, but you can likely book a six-night stay for another $1000. That still leaves you with $500 for activities and food. You’re in luck, though, as visiting ruins and beaches is quite affordable, and there are lots of cheap tavernas offering authentic and delicious Greek food.
Evangelos Mpikakis on Unsplash
9. Marrakesh
A lot of people long to visit the scenic country of Morocco, and despite being a touristy destination, it’s quite affordable. Flights will put you back about $1000, but most hotels are relatively cheap, with some being as little as $50 a day. You might end up paying a bit more for a fancier stay, though. Either way, you’ll have enough money left aside to experience the hammam spas and take in the culture.
10. New Orleans
New Orleans is another fun choice for Americans who want to vacation within the country. Flights across the states are relatively affordable, leaving you plenty of money for hotels and indulging in iconic Creole cuisine. In fact, you could probably make this trip in as little as $1000 to $1500 if you budget well.
11. Guatemala
Guatemala also has a lot to offer, especially if you’re a fan of lake views and colonial inns. The Antigua and Lake Atitlán area, in particular, makes for a dreamy landscape that’s sure to elevate your honeymoon. You can do everything from visit markets to take hikes up volcanoes.
12. Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a string of tropical islands near Florida, making for a scenic and vibrant island paradise. Your biggest expense will likely be lodging, and that can run up to $700 to $1000. But aside from that, you’ll mostly be lying back and taking in the sun, spending on boating trips and food.
13. Vietnam
Vietnam is all the way over in Asia, which means most North Americans will be paying the most for their flights, usually around $1400 for the round trip. But once that’s settled, the hotels and food are especially cheap. Just one look at Vietnam, though, and it’s clear to see this nation has a lot to offer, from beaches, rivers, and jungles.
14. Hawaii
Hawaii is a very common honeymoon option, after all, it’s a beach island paradise. It can be pricier, but you can get a good deal on flights as long as you book in advance. Your next biggest expense will be the lodging, which can run you $1000 for six nights. But once you’re tucked in, you’ll be able to spend your days on the beaches and your nights stargazing.
15. Maui
If you simply have to have that island adventure and want something more specific in Hawaii, then consider Maui. This region of Hawaii is best known for its natural beauty and culture. If you keep a close eye on flights, you can snag them for as low as $300, but $500 is usually the average. Then it’s a matter of finding an Airbnb and kicking your feet up.
16. Nicaragua
There are plenty of interesting places to visit in Nicaragua as well, specifically Granada, which is known for its beautiful architecture and wildlife. The site has a rich colonial heritage, and it’s easy to get lost in those orange sunsets. Flights are relatively affordable, ranging from as low as $500 to $600, depending on when you decide to go. It’s a bit less touristy as well, meaning you can spend more time relaxing and less time competing with crowds.
17. Cebu
Cebu City is located in the Philippines, and it can be a bit pricey to get there with flights from $1400 to $1500. But once you’re there, you can put your feet up as lodging and activities are very cheap. Some of the most interesting sites include Mt. Busay and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño church.
18. Lima
Nestled by the Pacific Coast, Lima is the capital of Peru and is one of South America’s largest cities. There’s a lot to do here, from enjoying the vibrant art scene to exploring the unique architecture. Tickets are affordable at $600 to $800 for the round trip, leaving you with plenty of money to spend on sightseeing and dining.
19. Palm Springs
One other popular honeymoon destination is Palm Springs. After all, it’s been the setting for plenty of romantic comedies. This city in California is known for its sunny weather and is a great switch-up from usual beach destinations. Plus, you can get a flight in as little as $300, leaving you plenty of money for lodgings and spa days.
20. Thailand
Thailand is another popular destination. With its luscious jungles and affordable beaches, your dollar will stretch far here. Your biggest expense will be the flight, but once you snag a good deal there, you can get very cheap hotels and participate in all sorts of activities.
