Your first-ever getaway as newlyweds doesn’t have to break the bank. Choosing the right destination and planning carefully and diligently makes an affordable luxury honeymoon within your reach. Read on to learn how to make your most-awaited holiday remarkable yet inexpensive.
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What Is The Average Price Of An Affordable Luxury Honeymoon?
The price of a week-long honeymoon that’s affordable and luxurious hovers around $3,000 to $5,000. This includes airfare, lodging, transportation, food, and activities.
Choose your destination wisely. A luxury honeymoon in the Caribbean can cost about $5,500; $7,000 in Greece; $10,000 in the Maldives, and even $20,000 in some European destinations.
What Drives Up the Price of Honeymoon?
Your honeymoon expenses can go upward depending on several factors.
- Accommodations. Staying at luxury accommodations like luxury hotels and beachfront resorts instead of rentals, mid-range hotels, and budget-friendly glamping sites will increase costs. If you’re booking accommodations in the center of a city, the price will also be premium.
- Flights. Booking flights early on is generally cheaper. Occasionally, you may also find discounts and deals when your travel date is nearer.
- Eating out. For your dining spots and shopping galore, world-class restaurants, cafes, and malls are also pricier than street vendors and local eateries. A good rule of thumb is to go where the locals go. Also, staying in a room with a kitchenette can help save money.
- Excursions and activities. Scuba diving, parasailing, cliff jumping, and wineries tours are typically expensive. The same is true with romantic dinners on a sunset cruise and a day trip to a nearby destination (unless it’s already included in your honeymoon package).
- On-ground transportation. Public transportation is usually cheaper than hiring private vehicles, though the latter will give you more flexibility (e.g., you can go on a road trip).
What Activities Can You Do On An Affordable Luxury Honeymoon?
Even if you want a cheap honeymoon, it doesn’t mean you must sacrifice the wealth of experience you want to enjoy. One of the best activities you can do with your new spouse is take advantage of free walking tours. This will let you stroll around an area while learning more about its history and key tourist attractions.
You and your loved one can also go on a scenic picnic date in a park or nature reserve. If your honeymoon destination has beautiful beaches, you should hit the waters, soak up the sun, and do some people-watching.
If there are churches and old structures to visit for free, those are great ways to spend a few hours without spending money. You can also research free days in establishments like museums and plan your visit accordingly. After sundown, you can savor a honeymoon spot’s nightlife by visiting bars and night markets.
While opting for things that go easy on the wallet is important, it’s still good to splurge on at least one excursion or activity. For instance, if you and your partner are into water sports, save your budget for snorkeling, kayaking, and the like. If you prefer on-land adventures, you can hike around a national park, explore waterfalls, or try zip lining.
7 Best Destinations For An Affordable Luxury Honeymoon
Miami, Florida
While many honeymooners on a budget skip this vibrant and exciting city on the East Coast, you can enjoy a guilt-free getaway with careful planning. North Miami Beach, a separate municipality 12 miles north of the city, boasts an array of boutique hotels and inexpensive restaurants and shops. Staying somewhere off Ocean Drive will also help you get fantastic deals.
Once in this destination, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable beach honeymoon. Save money for a road trip to the Florida Keys, a Coral Cay archipelago, and see why it’s well worth the drive and the money.
When to visit: March to May
Where to stay: North Miami Beach or off Ocean Drive
Honolulu, Hawaii
Sandy beaches and turquoise waters await you and your loved one if you fly to Hawaii for your post-wedding vacation. Though many may think it’s an expensive holiday, some areas in the Aloha State offer affordable luxury.
Case in point: Honolulu. Waikiki, specifically, will put you near stunning beaches while enjoying a cosmopolitan atmosphere. You will also find various boutique hotels that cater to smaller budgets.
When to visit: Early April to May or September to early October
Where to stay: Waikiki
Mexico City, Mexico
Cancun, Tulum, and other Mexican cities near the Caribbean Sea may sound expensive to honeymooners, but some areas in Mexico are friendly to the budget-conscious. Mexico City is a bustling city with many inexpensive neighborhoods interspersed throughout its 577 square mile geography.
Popular attractions include Aztec and Mayan ruins, museums like the Frida Kahlo Museum and Soumaya Museum, Palacio Nacional, and Chapultepec Park.
When to visit: September to November
Where to stay: Condesa or Centro Historico
Costa Rica
Want to sojourn into Central America? The small country of Costa Rica is the place to be if you want to save money while marveling at unparalleled natural beauty. It offers the perfect blend of luxury and sustainability without breaking the bank.
In one of the best honeymoon destinations in this part of the world, you’ll enjoy lush mountains, unique wildlife, and relaxing hot springs. You can lounge by the beach (like Playa Jaco and Playa Conchal) or try adventure sports in rain and cloud forests.
When to visit: November
Where to stay: Escazu, La Fortuna, or Jaco
Lisbon, Portugal
For an economical European honeymoon, Lisbon is one of the best places to stay. A romantic city through and through, it offers stunning architecture, the scenic Tagus River, beautiful beaches, and iconic landmarks such as the Belem Tower and Pena Palace.
Lisbon is full of history, stunning views, and friendly locals. Enjoy exploring this city on foot to take in all it offers. A trip to Porto is also advisable if you’re willing to stretch your budget further.
When to visit: January to mid-March
Where to stay: Baixa
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is an exotic and cheap honeymoon spot US couples can visit in Southeast Asia. From breathtaking beaches and islands (Phuket is one of the most beautiful areas in the country) to the gorgeous Chao Phraya River, several places provide a romantic atmosphere for honeymooners.
Visit ancient temples, explore attractions like The Grand Palace, and experience the warm hospitality of Thai people by indulging in their delicious cuisine.
When to visit: late November to early December
Where to stay: Khao San
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a top destination on the bucket list for honeymooners who want to explore Asia. This Indonesian island has a thriving culture, a relaxing vibe, lush fields, tranquil temples, picturesque beaches, and excellent trails for a memorable adventure.
A sunrise trek at Mount Agung (or Mount Batur) will give you postcard-worthy views, while visiting the rural side will bring you closer to authentic Balinese cuisine.
When to visit: April to October
Where to stay: Uluwatu
How To Plan An Affordable Luxurious Honeymoon Itinerary
A perfect honeymoon is subjective. If your idea of such a vacation entails indulging yourself in budget-friendly activities while experiencing a certain level of luxury, you have two options on how to plan it: Go the DIY route or hire a travel agent.
Plan It Yourself
If you wish to arrange your romantic getaway independently, the biggest perk is that you’ll have complete control over the itinerary. It will be tailored to your tastes, and if you’re really resourceful, you can find incredible deals on flights, accommodations, and tours or excursions.
The biggest downside, on the other hand, is that DIY honeymoon planning is resource-consuming. Instead of simply packing your travel essentials, you must allot time, energy, and effort to research and book. If you’re unfamiliar with your destination, you might even miss out on insider deals and tips that a typical travel agent can access.
Hire A Travel Agent or Honeymoon Planner
This option is most suitable for you if you want to save yourself from the hassle and stress of booking and making reservations. You must research a reputable agent and select deals that suit your preferences. Some agencies also offer customized itineraries for a unique honeymoon experience.
While this choice has a higher upfront cost, you can access deals and their industry knowledge and expertise. Additionally, they often have 24/7 support should an emergency arise.
Are All-Inclusive Resorts Budget-Friendly?
Many couples who want to achieve an affordable luxury honeymoon choose to stay in all-inclusive accommodations. Some are budget-friendly, and others are exorbitantly priced.
An all-inclusive resort will typically cover your transportation, food, and drinks. Lodging options include standard rooms and suites, overwater bungalows (if you’re staying somewhere near the beach), and secluded villas. Depending on your preference and budget, they also offer access to decadent amenities and tours. In several cases, honeymooners look for such lodging that’s adults-only to enhance the atmosphere’s exclusivity.
Offering excellent bang for your buck, they offer discounted package prices for specific travel dates. This is one of the most hassle-free ways of having a romantic getaway.
However, they are more expensive upfront. If you don’t research well, you may end up paying hidden fees or encounter restrictions. If you want to enjoy a budget-friendly luxury honeymoon, carefully go through the package details and compare overall expenses before hitting that “Book now” button.