Eight of the Best Budget Friendly Honeymoon Destinations

After the ring, the big day itself, and all the events surrounding it, oftentimes there’s not much left in the coffers for a dream honeymoon. However, there’s no need to run away and pout! There are plenty of destinations out there that’ll check all the right boxes when it comes to a romantic getaway for a newlywed couple without breaking the bank.


Halfway around the world

Palawan, Philippines  
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Courtesy Teun Janssen, Flickr

​Ranked as one of the top islands in the world, Palawan is a not-so-secret hidden paradise where the blue water mixes perfectly with the emerald green mountains as they reach toward the sky.

One of the things you can (and should) do while visiting is kayak the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the Seven Wonders of Nature in the world. In general, Asia is a pretty cheap place to visit. And though Palawan is slightly more expensive than the surrounding areas, it’s still extremely affordable. The seven five-star hotels there begin at $137 a night.

Ireland

Courtesy Murt Phillips, Flickr

Probably didn’t expect to see this on the list, but Ireland is surprisingly conducive to honeymooners. Imagine snuggling up by the fireplace at a local pub sipping on some Irish Whiskey or Guiness. How romantic is that?! Ireland is what you make it. If you want a relaxing honeymoon with your new spouse, this is it. If you want some adventure, this is also a great place to go.

You will often find great deals on flights to Ireland. The cheapest time to go is during the winter where you’ll find plenty of places to stay on the cheap (it's probably not surprising to hear that winter is their off season). But you can’t go wrong by going there during the summer either. And with a large variety of bed and breakfast-type options at your disposal, there will be plenty of great lodging choices that won’t empty the bank account out.


The Caribbean

Tulum, Mexico

Courtesy Juliet Alliban, Flickr

Located about 90 minutes south of Cancun, Tulum is known for its Mayan ruins (which should definitely be on the itinerary to check out). But you’d be fooling yourself if you thought that’s the only reason to visit. Tulum is full of stunning beaches, shoreside activities, and much more that won’t flatten out your billfold (too much).

There are over 20 five-star hotels in Tulum with rooms that begin at roughly $150 a night.   

Jamaica

Courtesy Anthony, Flickr

When you think of the Caribbean, Jamaica is probably one of the first islands you think about (or not... psh, whatever). Well, there’s a reason for that: it’s been one of the most popular destinations in that part of the world for decades.

It offers a little something for everyone - from hiking to snorkeling or lounging on the beach. Not to mention the fact that it’s only a two hour flight from Florida.

If you’re into the all-inclusive stuff, you’ve got plenty of options here. And data actually shows that the all-inclusive hotels - like Sandals or Couples - have driven down the price of other hotels on the island.


The Americas

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Courtesy Wally Gobetz, Flickr

Think Europe but with a Latin American flair. That’s what you get when visiting Buenos Aires. Some even call it the “Paris of South America.” There is great shopping, great food, and great company.

But the best part? It’ll save you a butt-ton (yes, butt-ton) of money by going here instead of Europe. A big reason why (at least right now) is that the exchange rate leans heavily in favor of the U.S. dollar. Meaning, once you land, you’re saving money. You can stay in luxury hotels for $400 a night or  find bed and breakfasts for under $100.

Québec City, Canada

Courtesy Flickr

Located just northwest of Maine along the St. Lawrence River, Québec City isn’t thought of by many as a romantic getaway, but it certainly should be. The old French colony still has the feel of France but without the long transatlantic flight.

The city has plenty of boutique hotels that are perfect for cuddling up during cold, dark winter nights.


The States

Lake Tahoe

Courtesy Jeroen Elferrich, Flickr

It’s a place that’s not only beautiful but also breathtaking, incredible, and any other adjective that you can think of that describes how pleasing Lake Tahoe is to your senses. Found nestled on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a place where you can either relax on the beach, hike a rugged trail, or pop on a couple skies and glide down the mountainside.

There are plenty of hotels to choose from, and though many push the $300 a night barrier, it’s still worth it considering the amount you’d save on the flights.

Florida Keys

The Keys, specifically Key West, are very unique. Key West is about as tropical a location as you can get without technically leaving the continental United States. There are great hotels on the island, plenty of bars to frequent, and plenty of activities to partake in, including snorkeling or scuba diving in the warm waters, taking in the beautiful sunsets with a cocktail in your hand, and much more.

Getting around Key West is fun to do on mopeds or bikes. You can also walk around the downtown area. If you’d like to learn a bit of history, you can take book a tour of the Dry Tortugas National Park.

There are about 20 four to five star hotels in Key West with decent rooms starting at roughly $180 a night. And, again, considering how much you’d save on flights, you may be able to splurge a little on the hotel!


Bottom line

A honeymoon is something we all deserve after getting hitched. But for many it is something that will be hard to pay for after an expensive wedding. That doesn’t mean, however, that you won’t be able to celebrate with your new spouse. I just went through eight places that won't send you spiraling into a debt tornado and would make for an absolutely amazing honeymoon.

And if you’ve been taking advantage of credit card points and miles you’ll be able to make your honeymoon even cheaper. 

There are more places I could add to the list, but this is a start. Where do you suggest going on a budget friendly honeymoon?


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