You’ve made one of the most critical decisions in life—marrying your best friend. Now, it’s time to choose the perfect honeymoon destination to send you off into married life. It sounds simple, but you'll likely need guidance once you start thinking about the details.
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How Do You Pick a Honeymoon Destination?
The best way to choose your honeymoon destination is by considering what works best for you as a couple.
The perfect honeymoon destination is subjective. It depends on several factors, including the newlyweds’ interests, budget, and travel preferences. So it’s essential for you as a couple to identify what appeals to you.
Do you crave an action-packed adventure in a magnificent destination with numerous attractions? Or do you prefer beach-lounging at an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean? Some newlyweds are happy wine tasting in Napa, while others are looking for a bustling city. Honeymoon destinations are not one-size-fits-all.
What are the Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations?
Maui, Hawaii, is the most popular honeymoon destination in the US. Also known as “The Valley Isle,” Maui has everything you’d wish for in your dream honeymoon, from gorgeous white-sand beaches to luxurious resorts and vibrant nightlife.
However, other popular honeymoon destinations locally and abroad also offer idyllic settings for a perfect honeymoon, from magnificent beaches with turquoise waters to national parks, lush rainforests, and beautiful waterfalls.
Some of the best honeymoon destinations include the following:
- Bali, Indonesia
- Bora bora, French Polynesia
- Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Paris, France
- Fiji
- Maldives, South Asia
- Harbour Islands, Bahamas
- Napa Valley, California
- Santorini, Greece
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Aruba
What Is a Realistic Honeymoon Budget?
Between $3,000 and $5,000 (per couple) is a realistic honeymoon budget.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t work with a narrower budget if you prefer a simple honeymoon. Alternatively, you’ll need a more generous budget if you fancy world-class treatment during your post-wedding vacation.
How much you plan to spend on your post-wedding getaway is subject to your:
- Available funds
- Choice of honeymoon destination
- Personal style and preferences
According to Statista, couples in the United States who traveled to their honeymoon destination by plane in 2021 spent $4,800 on average. However, those who opted for a road trip to their getaway in the same year paid $2,200.
Most newlyweds foot the honeymoon bills themselves, while others receive contributions from their loved ones and wedding guests. It’s a trend nowadays for couples to set up honeymoon funds or registries to finance their post-wedding getaways.
How to Save Money When Planning a Honeymoon
Going all out on your honeymoon can drain your pockets, especially after spending a fortune during wedding planning. Consider scaling down your honeymoon goals to a more affordable package and still have a memorable experience.
Here are practical ways to save money on your honeymoon:
- Consider going for a mini-moon. Don’t give in to the pressure of going on a costly honeymoon. You can postpone it and have an affordable mini-moon instead. A mini-moon doesn’t take away the essence of a romantic getaway. It’s simply a micro-honeymoon, lasting about three to four days.
- Plan early. Starting your honeymoon planning about a year before your wedding allows ample time to research extensively and compare honeymoon options. It also helps you identify cheaper travel and accommodation. You might be lucky to get discounts, freebies, or great deals, especially when you let people know you’re planning a honeymoon.
- Be flexible with your transport options. Whether traveling to a local spot or a faraway honeymoon destination, weigh several options until you find a cost-effective one. For instance, you don’t have to fly to a neighboring state when you can drive and enjoy the scenery. If driving isn’t an option, you can usually find cheaper air tickets when you book a weekday flight well in advance.
- Travel during off-peak or shoulder seasons. Most destinations have fewer tourist crowds during off-peak and shoulder seasons, making holidays cheaper. Ensure you’re familiar with the seasons in your preferred destination to get the best deals.
- Get creative with your accommodation plans. You’ll find several accommodation options in your typical honeymoon destination. And their price tags usually match the services and amenities offered. Explore various options and then get creative to find the perfect balance. Don’t forget to consider more affordable options like budget hotels, Airbnb, or camping sites.
- Consider all-inclusive options. Making daily plans for activities might give rise to unexpected expenses. Therefore, consider an all-inclusive option where all your travel, accommodation, and excursion logistics are catered for within a fixed budget.
- Cut back on excursions and daily activities. Honeymooning is all about couples enjoying quality time away from everyone else. It doesn’t need to be action-packed or adventurous. Opt for a more laid-back honeymoon experience by limiting excursions or daily activities to save money.
- Set up a honeymoon registry. Let your family, friends, and other wedding guests chip in for your honeymoon. It’s become a regular trend for couples to have honeymoon funds, mainly via online platforms. This helps newlyweds save their money (or savings) and still enjoy their dream honeymoon.
10 Things to Consider When Choosing a Honeymoon Destination
Climate
How’s the weather in your preferred honeymoon destination? Does the place enjoy sunshine all year round, or are there unbearable seasons?
The weather during a specific season will help you choose the ideal location, as it determines the following:
- Type of activities and excursions
- Variety of clothes and necessities to pack
- Trip costs, especially considering a weather-related disaster could occur
Some holiday destinations, mainly in the Caribbean, have terrible rainy seasons with storms and hurricanes. Therefore, it would be unwise to visit them during such times. Others, like in the Middle East, have scorching temperatures during the dry season.
Budget
How much are you ready or able to spend for your honeymoon? Each honeymoon destination has a specific price tag; drafting a budget will help narrow your options.
Local destinations are ideal for budget-conscious couples (although some can still be expensive). Some faraway destinations in countries with weaker currencies could be more cost-effective. On the other hand, you can go for an exotic, luxurious getaway in your preferred location if your budget allows it.
Trip Length
Your trip duration will help you narrow your list of honeymoon destinations. It also determines your mode of transport. For instance, if you only plan to visit a location for one week, a 24-hour flight/drive might not be worth it.
Accessibility
How accessible is the destination? Is it a remote island in the Caribbean or a romantic European city? Do you need to take a boat to get there, or is it only a few miles from the airport?
You should also consider the transportation modes available once you’ve arrived. Some destinations only have tuk-tuks or motos, which isn’t ideal for everyone.
Safety
Safety is paramount when picking the perfect honeymoon destination. Does your preferred location have a high crime rate? Are there safe neighborhoods you can stay in?
This should be one of the most enjoyable trips in your life, and your primary focus should be enjoyment, relaxation, adventure, and making memories. It’s crucial to choose a safe honeymoon destination. While no location is crime-proof, it helps to practice caution and know how to keep safe during your trip.
Tourist Season
When do you plan to travel? Does it coincide with the location’s high season or low season? Finding a place to stay or entering attractions and excursions during a high tourist season is more challenging. Also, it will cost you more as the demand for these services is higher.
Atmosphere
The kind of atmosphere you envision in your dream destination will influence the type of location to choose. Do you fancy party nightlife in a vibrant city or prefer a romantic, relaxed getaway?
Accommodations and Amenities
Accommodations and amenities vary across different honeymoon destinations. You should determine what amenities are non-negotiable before you start searching. Is there a pool, picturesque views, a spa, or a sauna? Does the hotel or resort provide honeymoon-specific treatments?
Food Preferences
Are you a vegetarian or vegan? Do you have any food allergies? People with seafood allergies might find a coastal or island destination less appealing. A person who dislikes spicy Indian dishes probably wouldn’t enjoy a honeymoon in India.
Level of Activity
What activities and excursions are on your honeymoon bucket list? Do you want a place with numerous daily activities like hiking, biking, and city strolling? Do you prefer a sleepy town with beautiful mountain views?
It’s essential to consider if your fitness level would be an issue in such a location. For instance, some walkable cities are full of unavoidable hills, which wouldn’t be ideal for someone with bad knees or breathing problems.