5 More Affordable Honeymoon Destinations You Need on Your Radar

You’ve spent months (or longer!) planning the big day: picking out flowers, setting the menu, chipping away at that seating chart – a never-ending list of wedding to-do’s – and finally you’ve made it to the altar and can kick back and look forward to what comes next… the honeymoon! Your first trip as a married couple should be everything you’ve ever dreamed of, but what if everything you’ve ever dreamed of won’t fit with the budget? There’s no doubt that a wedding is going to leave you feeling a little light in the pocket, but should you really have to compromise on your honeymoon? No way! And we’ll prove it. Read on for our take on alternative destinations that will cost less than the pricier first picks you may already have in mind!

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Got Italy on the brain?

We don’t blame you. The food, the architecture, the accent! There’s few things about Italy that don’t scream “romantic honeymoon” but this European destination won’t come cheap. From flights to hotel, food and everything in between, you’re looking at a very big drop in the newly-joint marital bucket!

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Instead, check out Croatia

From stunning cathedrals, waterfalls tucked within lush national parks, palace tours and of course, the epic wine tours in Istria, Croatia will give you everything you want in a romantic trip for two abroad, minus the high prices.

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Got Bhutan on the brain?

What could be more exotic than a honeymoon in Bhutan? This Buddhist kingdom, situated on the eastern edge of the Himalayas’ offers dramatic views from towering cliffs and valleys, monasteries and fortresses to be explored and some of the most unique trekking excursions in the world. But all of it comes at a price – not to mention a hefty tourist tariff, charged daily at US $250.

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Instead, check out Nepal

This central Himalayan country in south Asia offers similar landscapes as Bhutan for less, meaning you can still go on that temple tour and trek the scenic mountain-side for a fraction of what you would pay in Bhutan!

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Got Batswana on the brain?

The lush animal habitats and sanctuaries are one of the major draws for tourists heading to beautiful Botswana. Unique features like fossilized river valleys set the stage for the abundance of wildlife to be seen. A truly raw setting, you’ll be paying a premium to tour these less-than-tourist-friendly routes.

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Instead, check out Namibia

Better roads make for easier touring, which translates to cheaper excursions and lower travel costs for tourists looking for an experience similar to the wildlife and natural setting of Botswana.

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Got the Galápagos Islands on the brain?

You might be tempted to tack a stop at the islands onto your Ecuadorian-honeymoon, but everything from the costly flight in from either Quito or Guayaquil to things like pricey permits for entry to parks is likely to put a major dent in your budget.

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Instead, check out Mainland Ecuador

Stick to the mainland and you’ll save big time on this one. Enjoy views of the snow-capped peaks in the capital, Quito, the second largest city in Ecuador and a centralized starting point to so many nearby sights and excursions including volcano-trekking, forest-lodging or simply soaking up your time together in a luxurious spa-setting.

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Got the Maldives on the brain?

Who doesn’t want to visit paradise, with the crystal-clear waters and 5-star resorts with private huts? This truly is the dream destination for most couples looking to spend their honeymoon in perfect, luxurious bliss. But with this paradise comes a price tag that sits well outside most honeymoon budgets…

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Instead, check out the Andaman Islands

Located in the Bay of Bengal, there are approximately 300 islands that make up the Andaman Islands, known for their white sandy beaches, palm tree-lined shores and tropical rainforests, surrounded by coral reefs which allow for an abundance of marine life – all for a fraction of the cost of travelling to the popular Maldives. Can you say budget-friendly paradise?