The typical US couple spends three times the amount on a honeymoon than they would on a normal holiday. In many instances, it can be a huge part of the overall wedding costs. But did you know you can honeymoon on a budget?
Some destinations offer all the romance without the price. Read on as we discuss our must-know affordable honeymoon destinations.
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1. Florida
In much of the world, Florida has the reputation of being a family destination. There is no denying this, with its abundance of theme parks and tourist spots. However, it also has a fantastic location between the Gulf of Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean that makes it a great year-round honeymoon choice.
Islamorada and Key Largo have outstanding, white sandy beaches that can rival any in the world. You can take to the Florida Keys Scenic Highway and drive its 106 miles of crystal clear oceans and palm tree-lined coast. It is nicknamed the Sunshine State for a reason.
Lots of money can be saved on a holiday to Florida. Flights come in from all over the world and the US, often at very low cost. You can also save money by staying outside of the key locations, and giving it a wide berth during spring break.
The state also gives you a lot of options. If you want to relax on the beach and swim in clear water, the option is there. If you want to visit its more tourist-driven attractions, they are there as well.
2. Ireland
Ireland offers a totally different type of honeymoon experience. You may not get the guaranteed sunshine and heat. But what you will get is romantic cottages, dramatic landscapes, and true isolation to plan your perfect life together.
Ireland is also less trodden than many other European destinations. Previously, Dublin had a reputation for being one of the most expensive capitals in Europe. However, prices have reduced, making it a viable place to spend a night or two sipping on Guinness next to a cozy, open fire.
There are also many cheap flights out of Western Europe to a number of locations. You can jet into the capital, or fly to one of the more southern towns or cities. This will gives you direct access to its castles, quaint villages, and beautiful coastline.
You will also find a range of accommodation options. Small farmhouse cottages are reasonably priced, as are the homerun bed and breakfasts. In fact, you will always find something to keep you snug and warm.
3. Belize
Belize is a great way to do Central America on a budget. Situated between Honduras and Mexico, it is also much safer than the countries surrounding it. With its access to the Caribbean sea, you get all the benefits of a Caribbean holiday with the Central American perks.
Belize City is a large, sprawling area. For anyone who wants nightlife and shopping, this is a great place to visit. You can use this as a base for kayaking and snorkeling its coastline.
For history lovers, you also have access to some of Central America’s most amazing historical sites. The Mayan temples of Cahal Pech and Xunantunich are easily visitable from anywhere in the country. You can also explore the national jaguar reserve and its beautiful, forested interior.
Accommodation in Belize takes many forms. You can sign up to one of the resorts along the coast, or opt for city apartments. If you really want to splash and blow the budget, you can even rent your own private islands.
4. Portugal
Portugal is another great European destination. In fact, it is a country that is on the up. Before the global pandemic, its economy was booming, and it has bounced back remarkably.
It offers all the same amenities and great tourist spots as Greece and Spain, but with a reduction in costs. For foodies, it has an abundance of delicious seafood meals and its own unique cuisine. For dessert lovers, egg tarts are a must.
You have two choices when visiting the country. This is a relaxed coastal holiday in one of its many resort hotels. They come in a wide range of star ratings and can provide a number of board types.
The second option is to head to the capital Lisbon for a city break. It has old-world charm, castles, and picturesque restaurants overlooking the coast. Lisbon is also a surprisingly budget-friendly city option.
In between all of this is the beautiful countryside, with olive groves and sun-scorched hilltop vistas. With more flights opening up from many American airports, it is also becoming more accessible.
5. Jamaica
Jamaica is a destination that remains one of the hottest spots in the Caribbean. Unlike many of the islands, it remains easy on the wallet. If you want to upscale, it also has many facilities available for this as well.
A lot of the big resorts have actually meant a reduction in the price of independent hotels and complexes. You can now bag a bargain if you book in advance. Some may even offer free nights with your stay.
However, it is not just affordable resorts that should attract you to the Caribbean. The country has lush sandy beaches lined with palm trees. Climb into a beachside villa and snuggle down at bungalow all at the mentioned low price.
Venture into the countryside for its dense jungle and stunning views. You can float down the Negril River on a bamboo raft, or hire a guide to see the Mayfield Falls.
The country is easy to access from Europe or the US. Montego Bay has become one of the cheapest airports in the Caribbean to fly into.
6. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is one of the more popular honeymoon destinations for US citizens than those from other countries, as they do not even need a passport to visit. It combines a beachfront holiday with a city break and the chance to visit the beautiful, unspoiled countryside.
The city of San Juan is packed with restaurants and bars. The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico is a must visit gallery. The backdrop to the city, the Cathedral of San Juan Batista is also an architectural beauty to add to your to-do list.
When you finish in the city, you are only a short drive from the beach, where you can snorkel and kaya until your heart is content. All the accommodation on offer is really affordable, even in the more plush hotels.
If you want to get even more remote, then take a trip to Isla de Culebra. This remote spot is excellent for exploring coral reefs and taking part in scuba diving. If the budget is tight, get a wedding loan with Plenti and spend a few days at ones of its more upmarket hotels.
7. Thailand
Thailand remains one of Southeast Asia’s hottest tourist destinations. Before the global pandemic, prices had started to creep up. However, they have now returned to the low cost that the country became famous for.
With such a vast country, there are so many different places to explore. You can stay on beautiful mainland coastlines, or travel to island retreats. Crazy, busy cities sit just moments away from relaxation on a white sandy beach.
Bangkok is worth at least a three-day visit, just for its unique experience. Its bustling, neon nightlife has to be experienced to be believed. One of the best tips for planning your honeymoon is to visit it first because you will need the rest afterward.
Accommodation in the country also runs the whole range. You can get basic beachside huts for a few dollars, or stay in a sprawling, five-star hotel. Make sure you spend some days visiting its naturally beautiful forests and islands.
8. Vietnam
Even cheaper than Thailand in Southeast Asia is Vietnam. It offers beaches that are beautiful, lush green forests on its interior, but without the influx of tourism you get from its neighbor. It is also steeped in modern history, with huge distinctions between the North and South of the country.
City break in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh gives you bustling city environments to explore. If this gets too much, you can venture out to natural wonders like Ha Long Bay or the old city of Hoi An.
For honeymooners, the Con Dao islands off the coast are probably some of the most romantic places. They have a protected national marine park that is laden with ample amounts of beachfront.
Affordable Honeymoon Destinations
With these affordable honeymoon destinations, you can have a great time on a budget. Decide what you and your partner actually want from a holiday and then plan accordingly. Even the tightest of budgets can produce memories you will treasure forever.
For all your travel guidance and advice, we are here to help. Visit our blog for everything from city breaks to island retreats, and let us get you on the road in the coming year.
