Your honeymoon marks the beginning of a lifetime of adventure together—where every moment is designed to reflect both romance and smart budgeting. By planning thoughtfully, you can experience unforgettable trips to far-flung destinations, from scenic road trips through Portugal and Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, to explorations through the secluded coves of western Puerto Rico or the majestic mountains of Jackson Hole, Wyoming—without breaking the bank.
No matter what your nuptials looked like—an intimate backyard ceremony, a big bash destination wedding, or even an elopement—the honeymoon that comes after should be a relaxing time to decompress and revel in the company of your new (and perhaps also, adventurous) spouse. To help guide you, we spoke to three of our travel specialists for suggestions: Alli Allen and Marina Artemova of Travel Edge, as well as Claire B. Soares, Founder of Caviar in the Air. Here are 13 affordable honeymoon destinations worth considering for your romantic getaway.
FAQ
What should you consider when planning an affordable honeymoon?
When planning your honeymoon, Artemova has five key tips to make your trip unique, memorable, and budget-friendly: travel off-peak, set priorities, book early, consider all-inclusive resorts, and use local expertise. Start with the destinations below—and for this once-in-a-lifetime trip, a travel agent might be worth splurging on. Be sure to contact them at least eight months in advance so they can reserve availability to help accommodate all your hopes and dreams.
What is a reasonable honeymoon budget?
According to the popular honeymoon registry site Honeyfund, more traditional recommendations have advised couples to allocate around 12-15% of their wedding budget to the honeymoon. However, recent trends have found that many couples are now dedicating a larger portion of their budget to the honeymoon rather than the wedding itself. Honeyfund’s 2024 survey indicated that the most common honeymoon budget is around $5,000. For a more affordable honeymoon, Soares suggests planning trips during a destination’s shoulder season when crowds are smaller and prices tend to be more budget-friendly.
Soares recommends budgeting around $7,000 per person at minimum for a seven-night stay—and if you’re looking to stay in a more high-end place or during high season, budget around $10,000 per person. “This gives [travelers] a nice budget for a nice hotel, spa, a few activities, and free time to explore,” she says.
When should you start planning your honeymoon?
Though it can feel a bit overwhelming, it’s best to start planning your honeymoon trip around the same time as planning for your nuptials—especially if you’re both unsure of an exact destination. According to seasoned wedding publication Brides, couples should begin planning around eight to 12 months in advance for ample time to select their destination, book travel, and reserve hotel or resort accommodations.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Cartagena at duskPaul Garcia
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena may be known as Colombia’s heroic city, but its valor is only matched by its romance. Stroll hand in hand through the old historic center for glimpses of colorful architecture, balconies overflowing with bougainvillea, and streets lined with restaurants and bars serving both Colombian classics and trendy yet affordable fine dining. This city is full of high energy day and night, but day trip respites can be planned to the idyllic, beautiful beaches of the Rosario Islands. Only accessible by boat, the white sand and Caribbean waters feel a world away from the city.
Stay here: Take one step inside the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena and you’ll understand why it’s one of the most popular hotels in the city. The lush gardens of the main patio offer a relaxing place to grab breakfast; the massive pool is much-needed in the Cartagena heat; the spa offers world-class treatments; and the entire property stays true to the charm of its centuries-old architecture, while still meeting all the needs of a modern traveler.
Hot air balloons at sunrise flying over Cappadocia, Goreme, TurkeyGetty
Cappadocia, Turkey
Between the unique rock formations known as fairy chimneys and the more than 100 hot air balloons that fly nearly every day at sunrise, Cappadocia is a truly magical place. Hot air balloon rides are the priciest activity in the area (expect around $200 minimum per person) but worth the splurge to get a bird’s-eye view of the otherworldly landscape. If that’s out of your budget, head to a rooftop and take in the beauty of sunrise from the ground with the colorful balloons sprinkled throughout the sky.
Stay here: There’s no shortage of hotels offering the traditional cave experience in Cappadocia. Sultan Cave Suites is one of the most sought-after properties for its stellar rooftop and cozy cave dwellings with fireplaces and sweeping views of the region, while Lunar Cappadocia Hotel also offers well-appointed guest rooms, but at a lower price point.
Budapest, Hungary
To access the rich history and impressive architecture of Europe without the hefty price tag, make your way to the capital cities of the East, where prices tend to be easier on the wallet. Budapest is a favorite amongst couples, with the Danube River lending itself to long, romantic strolls and numerous thermal baths providing an oasis for unwinding and pampering. Széchenyi Bath comes highly recommended as one of Europe’s largest natural hot spring complexes.
Stay here: Get a feel for the city’s more modern side by staying at the sleek Crowne Plaza Budapest, one of the city’s gorgeous hotels, where you’ll find spacious guest rooms—each with a bathtub. Several major attractions are just minutes away on public transit and for a bit of retail therapy, the property is next door to Westend, one of the city’s biggest shopping malls.
A sweeping view of coral reef inside Akumal Bay in Quintana Roo, MexicoGetty
Quintana Roo, Mexico
“While the Riviera Maya has certainly become pricey, you can use the Cancun airport as a jumping-off point for some of the lesser-known destinations such as Bacalar and Isla Holbox—great options for honeymooners seeking more secluded and romantic properties at a more affordable price point,” Henley Vazquez, co-founder of Fora travel agency, previously told Traveler for an earlier version of this article.
