Planning the perfect honeymoon is never easy, but doing so while maintaining a tiny budget is infinitely harder. Fortunately, there are many affordable honeymoon destinations that offer the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and romance.
Stay in a bungalow in Thailand, or go sightseeing in Portugal. Dine on a remote Greek island or see ancient ruins in Mexico. Zipline in the Costa Rican jungle or snorkel in Belize. All these activities and more make for a perfect honeymoon backdrop without breaking the bank. With a little something for everyone, these are the best honeymoon destinations for newlyweds on a budget.
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1. Mexico
Mexico has it all. Delicious food, ancient ruins, palm-fringed beaches, breathtaking sunsets and the best margaritas, of course. And all at a reasonable price. Mexico is particularly perfect for couples looking to book a luxurious yet affordable beach resort. These all-inclusive resorts can be found in the Riviera Maya, a stretch of coastline along the Yucatán Peninsula that starts in Cancun and ends in Tulum.
While Cancun is famous for its vibrant nightlife and bustling downtown areas, Tulum is known for its cenotes (sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water), jungles and bohemian vibe. Couples can also stay in Playa del Carmen, with its white-sand beaches and ample dining opportunities, or in Puerto Morelos, known for its snorkeling reefs and rich culture.
The Riviera Maya is also home to many ancient Mayan ruins. Couples can take a road trip and visit historical sites such as the famous Chichen Itza, Coba or the Tulum Archeological Zone. These archaeological wonders offer a glimpse into the rich history of the Mayan civilization.
2. Thailand
Home to lush jungles, towering cliffs and beautiful beaches, Thailand is a penny-pinching honeymooner’s dream. Couples can plan a beach honeymoon in Phuket, an island known for its beautiful sunsets, luxury spas and vibrant nightlife. In Bangkok, couples can visit the Grand Palace, taste delicious street food and shop at local markets. And in Chiang Mai, couples can visit historic temples, shop for Thai crafts or visit an elephant sanctuary.
Thailand is also known for its traditional Thai massages, a must-try for any honeymooners looking to unwind and relax. Active couples can enjoy a variety of water sports, like scuba diving, snorkeling and surfing.
Resorts in Thailand come in all shaped and sizes. Couples can opt to stay in romantic overnight bungalows (think Bora Bora but at a fraction of the cost), luxurious adults-only resorts or boutique hotels tucked in the jungle.
3. Greece
Surprise your new spouse to a romantic dinner on a stunning Greek island. With its whitewashed buildings, crisp blue seas and delicious Mediterranean food, Greece is one of the world’s most romantic destinations. And if planned correctly, a trip to this European country can be very economical.
While parts of Greece can be expensive, there are plenty of budget-friendly options for honeymooners, including Crete, Naxos and Thessaloniki. Crete is the country’s largest island, known for its stunning beaches, rugged landscapes, and diverse culture. Naxos is a small island with unspoiled beaches, traditional villages and lush green landscapes. Thessaloniki, located on the mainland, provides a more urban experience, with a bustling food and nightlife scene.
Those willing to splurge can also visit Santorini or Mykonos, the most iconic, but unfortunately also the most expensive, Greek islands. If you’re interested in Ancient Greek history, plan a couple days in Athens to see sites including the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
4. Indonesia
Affordable luxury meets beautiful outdoor landscapes in Indonesia. Here, couples will find wild rainforests, coral reefs, white sand beaches and turquoise waters, creating the perfect backdrop for a budget honeymoon.
Some top honeymoon destinations include Bali and Lombok. In Bali, couples can visit iconic temples, relax on the beach or explore the Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary while staying in luxurious beachside resorts. Lombok, a quieter alternative to Bali, is known for its captivating waterfalls, surf spots and its towering volcano, Mount Rinjani. From Lombok, couples can also take a tour of the Gili Islands, known for their snorkeling and diving opportunities.
If seeing Komodo dragons is on your bucket list, visit the Komodo National Park, located in the Indonesian archipelago. Those seeking an urban getaway can visit Jakarta, the country’s bustling capital city.
5. Costa Rica
Ready for an adventurous jungle getaway with surfing and ziplining? What about a tropical honeymoon experience with sunset dinners and beachside cocktails? Costa Rica has both, and a whole lot more.
This Central American country is known for its wildlife-rich rainforests towering volcanoes, powerful waterfalls, palm tree-lined beaches and year-round warm temperatures. On the country’s pacific side, couples can relax in beautiful Santa Teresa, a surf town known for its beautiful sunsets, or visit Manuel Antonio, which features a beachfront national park home to sloths, monkeys and frogs. Puerto Viejo is a must-see on the country’s Caribbean side. This small town has a laid back, where visitors rent bikes, enjoy delicious Caribbean food, while experiencing the town’s vibrant Rastafarian culture.
Throughout Costa Rica there are zip lining, hiking and surfing opportunities for adventurous couples. There are also various cloud forests, like Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, with misty forests, hanging bridges and beautiful viewpoints.
6. Portugal
Dreaming of a honeymoon in Europe? Portugal is the place to be. The country is famous for its beautiful blue-tiled buildings, dreamy Atlantic coastline, flaky custard tarts, year-round sun and Port wine.
The country’s capital, Lisbon, is a mixing pot of colonial history, amazing architecture and beautiful ocean views. While you’re there, be sure to see the remains of Castelo de São Jorge, the highest point of the city and Alfama, one of Europe’s oldest neighborhoods. Sintra, known for its vibrant yellow castle and whimsical structures, makes for a great day trip from Lisbon.
After visiting Lisbon, travel north along the coast to Porto, known for its port wine. Check out the city’s beautiful cathedrals and churches, or visit a winery and try some local port wine. If you have time to travel south to the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, venture to the picturesque town of Lagos and take a boat tour of the Ponta da Piedade caves. The iconic Benagil Cave is also an Algarve must-see.
7. Belize
Belize is a small country in Central America, bordered by Mexico and Guatemala. It is known for its rich jungles, stunning coral reefs, underground caves and the Great Blue Hole, an underwater sinkhole. The country is also made up of lots of different islands. Honeymooners can visit the island of the Caye Caulker, known for its relaxed vibes.
Back on the mainland, visitors can stay in San Ignacio and visit ancient Mayan ruins, go ziplining or horseback ride through the jungle. Also on the mainland, Hopkins is a charming fishing village with great snorkeling and diving opportunities. Those looking to stay in a luxurious beach resort can stay in Placencia.
Honeymooners will surely spend some time in Belize City, home to the country’s only international airport. Here, visitors can explore the old town and learn about the country’s history at the Museum of Belize. Couples willing to splurge can take a helicopter tour to see the Great Blue Hole from above.
8. Croatia
If your dream honeymoon involves glittery coastlines, turquoise waters and historic architecture, Croatia is the place to go. The country is home to idyllic islands, tasty seafood and breathtaking sunsets. Fortunately, the country is also quite affordable.
Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Hvar are all amazing places to spend a honeymoon. In Dubrovnik, couples can explore the Old Town (where some of Game of Thrones was filmed), walk along the ancient city walls and enjoy rooftop bars. In Split, wander through Diocletian’s Palace, experience the lively Riva promenade and take a ferry to nearby islands.
One of Zadar’s top attractions is the Sea Organ, an art installation which plays music made by the waves. Check out this magical attraction, as well as the Sun Salutation, an installation that creates a stunning display at sunset. Hvar is an island known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful coastlines and charming downtown. When no relaxing on the beach, couples can explore the cozy restaurants and shops in Hvar Town.
9. Florida
You don’t need to leave the U.S. to have a tropical and romantic honeymoon. Florida is home to a number of stunning yet cheap honeymoon destinations. Start your journey in the vibrant city of Miami, where you can explore the iconic South Beach, indulge in delicious cuisine, and soak up the nightlife. Take a romantic stroll along the Miami Beach Boardwalk or enjoy a sunset cruise along Biscayne Bay.
For a more secluded honeymoon, head to Key Largo, an island in the Florida Keys. The island is known for its world-class fishing, and is a great place to go scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking. There are beautiful beaches, nature trails and there’s even an underwater hotel.
Those seeking a nature-filled escape can explore the Everglades National Park on Florida’s southern tip and Disney-lovers can always visit the magical
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10. Puerto Rico
Fun fact: Piña coladas were invented in Puerto Rico. But the Caribbean island is known for a lot more than just the tropical cocktail. Puerto Rico is known for its salsa music, delicious cuisine, white sand beaches and rich colonial history.
Explore the vibrant streets of Old San Juan, filled with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings and centuries-old fortresses. While in San Juan, be sure to check out the Castillo de San Cristóbal, a Spanish fort that dates back to 1783.
Couples looking to venture out of San Juan can chase waterfalls at the beautiful El Yunque National Forest or relax at Flamenco Beach. Foodies will love sampling Puerto Rico’s local dishes, influenced by Spanish, African and indigenous cuisine. Some must-try dishes include mofones, tostones and arroz con gandules.
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