George Boyle
Honeymoons can be expensive, with the average cost in 2023 being $5,700, and a 2024 survey indicating a typical budget of around $5,000. However, there are ways to have a memorable honeymoon without breaking the bank. Planning is key, and with a little research, you can find destinations that offer luxurious experiences at a fraction of the cost. From scenic road trips through Portugal and Croatia to secluded coves in Puerto Rico, there are plenty of options for budget-conscious couples seeking unforgettable trips to far-flung destinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average honeymoon cost | $5,000 (Honeyfund's 2024 survey) |
| $5,300 (The Knot's 2024 internal study) | |
| $5,700 (The Knot's 2023 study) | |
| Honeymoon fund | 23% of couples in 2024 |
| Couples paying from savings | 74% in 2024 |
| Most common honeymoon destination | The Caribbean and Mexico (for couples travelling abroad) |
| Hawaii, Florida, and California (for couples staying in the US) | |
| Cheap honeymoon destinations | Savannah, Georgia |
| The Dominican Republic | |
| The Cook Islands | |
| Côn Đảo | |
| Guatemala | |
| Vietnam | |
| St. Martin/St. Maarten | |
| Belize | |
| Andros, Greece | |
| Jamaica |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Budget-friendly honeymoon destinations
Planning a honeymoon can be costly, but there are ways to make it more affordable. Some general tips include travelling off-peak, setting priorities, booking early, and considering all-inclusive resorts. With that in mind, here are some budget-friendly honeymoon destinations to consider:
Croatia
Croatia is a great option for those seeking a Mediterranean honeymoon on a budget. The country offers reasonably priced food and accommodations, which can offset the cost of a potentially expensive flight. Explore romantic islands like Korcula and Lastovo, or relax at a beach club, all without breaking the bank.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of the best and cheapest honeymoon destinations in the world, offering a mix of fun, nightlife, sightseeing, culture, and history. Stroll through the gardens of Szent Park or enjoy tea time at Clark Adam ter. The city is also known for its great shopping malls and world-class restaurants.
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is a budget-friendly destination in the Caribbean, known for its history and amazing food culture. Join the vibrant music carnivals in Trinidad, and explore the awe-striking beaches and the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago.
Guatemala
Flights to Guatemala tend to be affordable, and the low prices in the country make it a great option for a fun and budget-friendly honeymoon. Costs for dining out, activities, and luxury hotels are a fraction of what you'd pay in the US. The country also offers a range of natural and cultural attractions, including volcanoes, ancient ruins like Tikal, and lush rainforests.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Riviera Maya is a calmer and more affordable alternative to nearby Cancun. It offers everything you could want in a tropical honeymoon destination, including white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, colourful coral reefs, and rainforests filled with exotic flora and fauna. The busy pedestrian thoroughfare of Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) offers a variety of shops, clubs, and restaurants to explore.
Honeymoon: Unveiling the True Identity of Lana Del Rey
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$15.99
How to save money on your honeymoon
Honeymoons can be expensive, but there are ways to save money and still have a memorable trip. Here are some tips to help you plan a budget-friendly honeymoon:
Plan ahead
Start planning your honeymoon early, preferably at the same time as you start planning your wedding. This will give you a chance to save up and also allow you to take advantage of early booking discounts.
Travel off-peak
Avoid peak season, when prices tend to be higher. Consider travelling during the "shoulder" season, which is the period between the off-peak and peak seasons. For example, if you're travelling to Europe, the shoulder season is mid-to-late spring and early autumn. Travelling during this time will get you better prices on flights and hotels, and your destination is also less likely to be crowded with tourists.
Choose your travel days wisely
The cheapest days of the week to fly are usually Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. You can also save money by flying at less desirable hours, such as early in the morning or late at night.
Opt for a driving destination
If your honeymoon destination is within driving distance, you can save a lot of money by driving there instead of flying. This could also be an opportunity for a fun road trip.
Choose a less popular destination
More popular and well-known destinations tend to be more expensive. Opting for a less touristy location can help you save money on flights and accommodation. For example, instead of Hawaii, you could consider the island of Côn Đảo off the coast of Vietnam, which offers white-sand beaches and scenic trails.
Use credit card rewards
If you've been using a rewards credit card for your wedding purchases, cash in those rewards to reduce the cost of your honeymoon. You can also use a cashback website or credit card to earn bonus points that you can put towards your trip.
Stay in accommodation with a kitchen
Eating out for every meal can be expensive. Booking a hotel room or Airbnb with a kitchen will allow you to cook some of your own meals, saving you money and also giving you the opportunity to have a romantic dinner in.
Take advantage of honeymoon packages
Some hotels offer honeymoon packages that can save you money, such as a discounted rate for a longer stay.
Research your destination thoroughly
Before booking, do your research to find ways to save money. For example, you might find that taking public transportation is cheaper than renting a car, or you might discover cheaper areas to stay that are still close to the action.
With thoughtful planning, you can have a wonderful and budget-friendly honeymoon to celebrate the start of your married life.
Cyprus: An Idyllic Mediterranean Honeymoon Destination
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The average cost of a honeymoon
The cost of a honeymoon depends on several factors, including the destination, time of year, length of stay, and type of accommodation. According to The Knot, the average cost of a honeymoon in 2023 was $5,700, while in 2024, it decreased slightly to $5,300. In 2022, the average cost was $5,100. Honeyfund's 2024 survey indicated that the most common honeymoon budget is around $5,000, which aligns with The Knot's findings for that year.
For couples who want to travel outside the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe are popular choices. Beach honeymoons remain the most popular option, with 48% of couples opting for a tropical getaway. The Maldives, Mauritius, and Thailand are also sought-after destinations, with costs starting from £5,000, £4,500, and £3,200, respectively.
To save money, consider travelling during the off-peak season or the destination's shoulder season when prices tend to be lower. Planning a trip to a nearby location or a staycation in your hometown can also reduce costs. Additionally, booking early can help secure better deals, and all-inclusive resorts can provide a worry-free experience by including all expenses upfront.
When budgeting for a honeymoon, it's essential to prioritize what is most important to you and your partner. Setting up a honeymoon fund or registry is a popular way to save for and receive gifts towards your trip. Ultimately, the cost of a honeymoon varies depending on your preferences and budget, and there are options available to suit a range of financial situations.
The Complex Science Behind Honeymoon Periods and Their Duration
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$9.99
$17.99 $19.99
All-inclusive honeymoon resorts
If you're looking for an all-inclusive honeymoon resort, there are plenty of options to choose from, offering luxurious experiences at affordable prices.
Sandals Resorts
Sandals Resorts, voted the "Top All-Inclusive Resorts for Honeymoons" by BRIDES magazine, offers 17 exotic locales across the Caribbean, with suites featuring innovative restaurant locations, a dedicated culinary concierge team, and up to 16 restaurants per resort. Their all-inclusive honeymoon packages include unlimited complimentary cocktails, romantic dinners, and nightly entertainment.
Unforgettable Honeymoons
Unforgettable Honeymoons, a leading honeymoon travel company, curates all-inclusive honeymoon packages to fit your budget and travel style. Their handpicked destinations include the Caribbean, Mexico, and Costa Rica. One of their popular choices is the Calabash Cove Resort in St. Lucia, which offers oceanfront cottages with plunge pools on a secluded beach.
TripAdvisor Recommendations
According to TripAdvisor, some of the best all-inclusive honeymoon resorts in the Caribbean include:
- Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa (rated 5/5)
- Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa (rated 4.5/5)
- Royalton Cayo Santa Maria (rated 4.5/5)
These resorts offer great views, private balconies, and, in some cases, swim-up bars.
Other Options
For those seeking a more secluded and luxurious experience, the Ritz Carlton Kapalua Honeymoon Special in Maui offers light dining, all-day snacks, and alcoholic beverages in a natural setting.
Additionally, the Hyatt Zoetry Casa Del Mar in Cabo, Mexico, provides a romantic and intimate experience with infinity pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
With a variety of options available, you can find an all-inclusive honeymoon resort that suits your preferences and budget.
Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands: A Quick Getaway
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Honeymoon funds and budgeting
Honeymoons can be expensive, especially after the cost of a wedding, so it's important to plan and budget carefully. The average cost of a honeymoon in 2023 was $5,700, while the average cost in 2024 was $5,300. However, this figure can vary depending on the location and duration of the trip, with some couples budgeting $2,000 per week, or a minimum of $7,000 per person for a seven-night stay.
To save money, it's recommended to travel off-peak, set priorities, book early, and consider all-inclusive resorts or budget-friendly destinations. It's also a good idea to start planning your honeymoon at the same time as your wedding, to give yourself enough time to save and to take advantage of early booking discounts.
One way to fund your honeymoon is to set up a honeymoon registry or cash fund, which has become an increasingly popular option. This allows your wedding guests to contribute financially to your honeymoon instead of giving physical gifts. Honeyfund is a popular option for this, as it is free for both couples and guests, although there are other similar services available.
Another option is to save up in advance by opening a dedicated savings account and contributing a fixed amount each month. You can also use a savings app or sign up for a travel rewards credit card to earn points on your spending.
Finally, it's important to prioritize and plan your trip according to your budget. Consider what type of experiences you want to have, such as relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, and choose a destination that offers those experiences within your budget.
The Ultimate Guide to Customizing Your Honeymoon on Zola
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The average cost of a honeymoon in 2023 was $5,700. For 2024, the average cost was $5,300. For 2025, the average cost is predicted to be $5,000.
There are several ways to save money on your honeymoon. You could travel off-peak, set priorities, book early, consider all-inclusive resorts, and use local expertise.
There are many destinations that are both luxurious and affordable. Some examples include Vietnam, Savannah, Georgia, the Dominican Republic, and the Cook Islands.
Yes, there are several affordable honeymoon destinations in the US. Some options include Hawaii, Florida, California, and the island of Andros.
