Are you on a budget and on the hunt for some cheap honeymoon ideas? Not a problem! There are so many cheap destinations in the world to choose from, and yes, they still will feel very luxurious.
Not every honeymoon couple has to spend thousands jet-setting to the Maldives or Seychelles. Oh no! There are plenty of beautiful and romantic cheap honeymoon destinations across the globe.
Some ways to have a more budget conscious honeymoon may mean opting for a South African safari instead of Kenya which still provides a quintessential African getaway at a more budget-friendly cost. Similarly, if your heart is set on Switzerland but you’re conscious of your budget, consider exploring the nearby charm of the Italian Dolomites, which tend to be a bit more economical. Also, choosing to travel during a destination’s off-season not only secures more affordable accommodations but also offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds.
From Europe to Africa, read on for a few honeymoon destinations on budget ideas.
Cheap Honeymoon Destinations
Cheap Honeymoon Ideas: Italy
Italy is one of my favorite countries of all time to travel to. Cameron and I have traveled together more than a few times on romantic trips and have now visited Italy a whopping 11 times. We have also toured with family before, and I tackled the country on my own doing the solo female backpacker thing. There is nothing not to love about the beautiful country.
There is a stunning Mediterranean coastline, rolling hills with vineyards, world-class cuisine, skiing in the Dolomites, and €1.50 cappuccinos. Italy may sound like it’s going to be an expensive honeymoon, but in reality, you can enjoy an Italian honeymoon at an affordable price.
First, you have the flights, which there are many from North America, making them cheaper. Then there is always a wide range of accommodation options, transport options (train, bus, car rentals), and don’t worry about the food. One can enjoy a fantastic romantic meal with neverending wine for under €50 a person. We explain exactly how much it will cost to travel to Italy here.
So what’s not to love? Some of the most romantic places in the country to honeymoon are Perugia, Florence, the Cinque Terre, and the Amalfi Coast. Though keep in mind if you pick places like Positano peak August, you’ll be looking at some high prices. The more well known the Italian destination the harder it will be to travel there during peak summer on a budget. Book early and travel in the shoulder seasons to places like Sicily and Sardinia. You tend to get more value in Southern Italy too!
After you book your Italian honeymoon, make sure to check out our things to know about Italy.
Average Cost Per Couple
Budget Honeymoon Italy Cost
$150-$200 per day
Mid Range Honeymoon Cost
$250-$400 per day
Luxury Honeymoon Italy Cost
$500+ per day
Cheap Honeymoon Idea: South Africa
Looking for a cheap honeymoon idea? Try South Africa! We spent three months traveling around South Africa. Heck, we even bought a car there!
The country is vast and highly varied from region to region, making it one of the best honeymoon places in Africa. It’s typical on holiday to spend a few magical nights in a safari lodge only to be dining in one of the best wine regions in the world the next day – all at a low price! We have been on safari multiple times at Gondwana Game Reserve along the Garden Route, it’s just a short 4 hour drive from Cape Town and is a Big Five Game Reserve with affordable prices.
Follow up that safari with a drive down the Garden Route to the iconic Cape Town, where you can climb Table Mountain, drive Chapman’s Peak, or hang out with penguins on Boulders Beach. There is just so much to explore in South Africa, and every corner of the country offers something exciting and different. We also love lesser-known destinations like the Drakensberg, Kalahari, and Sunshine Coast.
To make matters better, traveling in South Africa makes for one of the most affordable honeymoon destinations, as South African honeymoon prices are some of the lowest in Africa. I’m not joking; a safari in Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s most affordable places as you can self drive the park and pay less than R500 ($26) a day in park fees. And you can easily enjoy a beach holiday in Cape Town for under $100 a day!
Average Cost Per Couple
Budget Honeymoon South Africa Cost
$100-$150 per day
Mid Range Honeymoon Cost
$250-$500 per day
Luxury Honeymoon South Africa Cost
$1000+ per day
Cheap Honeymoon Ideas: Namibia
If you want to wake up among the world’s tallest and oldest sand dunes, then an inexpensive honeymoon in Namibia will make you and your lover very happy. Namibia is a honeymoon destination country that many know nothing about, and perhaps haven’t even heard of.
We were blown away by the country’s beauty when we traveled there. With it’s rising red sand dunes, and deserted towns, you might actually think you’re on another planet. Namibia is truly a great place to honeymoon and enjoy romantic seclusion in the African desert.
What makes a honeymoon in the desert great is the solitude. Standing alone in the middle of a sea of red sand is humbling and almost deafening, and you really can’t get more romantic or isolated than in Namibia. It’s a massive country with a population of only 2.5 million people.
My favorite part about Namibia is that it’s budget-friendly to travel. You can go on a safari in Etosha National Park for under $10 a day! And even the countries most famous luxury lodge like Wolwedans will only set you back $350 per person per night (a steal when we’re talking about luxury lodges in Africa.)
Average Cost Per Couple
Budget Honeymoon Namibia Cost
$100-$150 per day
Mid Range Honeymoon Cost
$250-$300 per day
Luxury Honeymoon Namibia Cost
$400-1000+ per day
affordable honeymoon destinations: Croatia
Another terrific cheap honeymoon idea is Croatia. Croatia is a big draw for many honeymooners and even backpackers and it’s pretty easy to see why! The country packs a lot of history, beautiful beaches, surreal sunsets, and outdoor activities for a fraction of the cost of other Western European destinations.
We’ve made a few Croatian road trips and can recommend Istria for great food, wine, and scenery, while towns like Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik in Southern Croatia are great for a beach getaway.
Croatia is one of the more budget-friendly beach destinations in Europe. It’s where one can soak up the sun in Split, enjoy a coffee, wander the old town, have a great meal with wine, and stay at a lovely guesthouse for under $60 per person per day! Think I’m joking? A stay at the 5* Monte Mulini Adults Only Hotel in Rovinj has rates as low as $300 per night.
Average Cost Per Couple
Budget Honeymoon Croatia Cost
$100-$150 per day
Mid-Range Honeymoon Cost
$150-$250 per day
Luxury Honeymoon Croatia Cost
$300+ per day
best honeymoon destinations on a budget: Turkey
Look no further for cheap honeymoon destinations than Turkey! Turkey may not be what you usually think of when you plan a honeymoon; however, the country is lovely to travel through, and the Turkish people are among some of the most hospitable. Two highlights for honeymoons are Cappadocia and the coastal town of Bodrum.
Cappadocia is a fairytale town well known for its Chimney house rock formations. Take a romantic sunrise hot air balloon ride and feel like you’re floating through an Alien world. Bodrum is a beautiful seaside town perfect for yachting, ancient history and ruins, and great nightlife.
Bodrum is the hip and happening beachside resort town in Turkey, but the truth is you can stay at a cliffside hotel for under $100 a night. Much of Turkey also has a moderate climate, meaning it’s a great place to travel year round!
Average Cost Per Couple
Budget Honeymoon Turkey Cost
$100 per day
Mid Range Honeymoon Cost
$150-$250 per day
Luxury Honeymoon Turkey Cost
$350+ per day
Cheap Honeymoon Destinations in the U.S.A.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it; the United States has nothing cheap. However, you can consider there are a few affordable destinations to put on your radar. One that comes to the top of my mind is a honeymoon in Northern Michigan. If you don’t mind camping on your honeymoon, a fun escape is to head to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, enjoy the beaches during the day, and camp among the dunes at night.
Seeking something a bit more…warm? There are other fantastic cheap honeymoon destinations in the US. Why not consider hiking in the desert or road-tripping from Key Largo to Key West? Then, of course, there is always Puerto Rico, which feels like a whole new world but technically in the United States!
Average Cost Per Couple
Budget Honeymoon US Cost
$200-300 per day
Mid Range Honeymoon US Cost
$300-500 per day
Luxury Honeymoon USA Cost
$1000 + per day
honeymoon on a budget in Bali
One of the most inexpensive honeymoon destinations in Indonesia. It’s no secret that Bali has been a honeymoon destination for decades. With the rise of social media, just about everyone has seen videos and photos of the gorgeous island. The tiny Indonesian island welcomes foreigners and offers so much to tourists that it’s hard to say no to a cheap honeymoon here. Even if it means traveling forever to Denpasar.
The island is lovely, with lush green forests, clean beaches, and rich culture. It’s easy to escape to find your zen in places like Ubud while still enjoying the coastal vibes and party atmosphere that many go to in Southeast Asia in search of fun.
One of the best parts? Bali is still considered a cheap destination by Western standards to travel through, so it’s a great budget honeymoon destination! Seriously you could be staying in a jungle villa for $50 a night, enjoy delicious healthy smoothie bowls for $4, and have the best Balinese massage of your life for under $10.
Average Cost Per Couple
Budget Honeymoon Bali Cost
$50-100 per day
Mid Range Honeymoon Cost
$100-200 per day
Luxury Honeymoon Bali Costs
$200 + per day
honeymoon on a budget: Costa Rica
Are you an adventurous couple traveling from the US? Costa Rica is the perfect honeymoon destination that won’t break the bank. With cheap and short flights to the country from many places around the US and Canada, it’s no wonder Costa Rica is a tourist hotspot.
This Central American country is rich in flora and fauna, so things like hiking, biking, diving, rafting, and surfing are trendy to do while on a honeymoon. If you want to see slothes, macaws, and toucans, you won’t have to try to hard on the Osa Peninsula, where you can book a luxury jungle eco lodge for less than $300 a night. This is a place where you can enjoy a honeymoon full of jungle treks, waterfall chasing, and lounging on the beach.
Average Cost Per Couple
Budget Honeymoon Costa Rica Cost
$150-200 per day
Mid Range Honeymoon Cost
$250-$350 per day
Luxury Honeymoon Costa Rica Cost
$500+ per day
budget honeymoon ideas: Zanzibar
Zanzibar is easily one of the best honeymoon destinations on a budget. This East African island packs a lot of punch for things to do and experience. It’s safe to say that excitement and relaxation can be had in every corner of Zanzibar. At the same time, you can still easily relax on a beautiful beach and dive into the warm, clear water.
Zanzibar is the honeymoon island experience best combined with an African safari. If you go on a safari in mainland Tanzania or Kenya, I would recommend saving a honeymoon in Zanzibar for last so that you can go home relaxed and refreshed. Zanzibar is also great if you want cultural immersion, as it has a unique vibe I haven’t seen anywhere else in Africa.
It’s one of the best cheap honeymoon destinations you can find with warm blue Indian Ocean water; Zanzibar really can’t be beaten. From backpacker to luxury, there is a price range for every budget.
Average Cost Per Couple
Budget Honeymoon Zanzibar Cost
$100-$150 per day
Mid Range Zanzibar Honeymoon Cost
$300 per day
Luxury Honeymoon Zanzibar Cost
$1000+ per day
cheap places to honeymoon: the Mozambican Coast
Mozambique is genuinely one of the best honeymoon destinations in Africa. We have sung praises about Mozambique in the past. We went into the country uncertain of travel there and left with a strong desire to return immediately. Do you want to swim with whale sharks on your honeymoon? Do you want to sit on a beach without anyone else around? Then head to Mozambique!
Vilanculos, for example, is the gateway to the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago. It is here that some of the last dugongs reside (and you may even get lucky and see one). Bazaruto Island is an isolated white sand island offering incredible views of the bright blue Indian Ocean.
Tofo Beach is where you can swim among whale sharks and not at one of those over touristy animal exploited places that you may have seen in the Philipines or Mexico either. Here, it is truly wild.
Getting there will probably be your most considerable expense. But once you get to where you’re going, you’ll find $1 beers, $4 crab curries, and heavenlike beaches. You can also find affordable beach-chic lodges like Trevessia Beach Resort, one of the most exclusive romantic experiences ever.
Average Cost Per Couple
Budget Honeymoon Mozambique Cost
$150 per day
Mid Range Honeymoon Mozambique Cost
$300-400 per day
Luxury Honeymoon Mozambique Cost
$1000+ per day
cheap honeymoon ideas: Portugal
Portugal is a year-round destination where honeymooners can be found body surfing, parasailing, deep-sea fishing, water skiing, and surfing year-round. It should be considered on any budget honeymoon ideas list, especially if you want a bit of city in Lisbon mixed with some beach time in the Algarve. Like Croatia, it’s an affordable place to travel in Europe and enjoy a proper beach honeymoon.
We spent an entire month in Portugal and found cheap wine, food, accommodation, car rentals, and free, world-class beaches. It’s one of those honeymoon countries that doesn’t require a lot of money to enjoy.
The best part is it’s extremely popular with Europeans and North Americans, so plenty of flights fly in and out of Lisbon at reasonable prices.
Average Cost Per Couple
Budget Honeymoon Portugal Cost
$100-$150 per day
Mid Range Honeymoon Cost
$200-$300 per day
Luxury Honeymoon Portugal Cost
$500+ per day
Affordable Honeymoon Destinations: Greece
Fall in love with the islands of Greece, a long-time favorite of travelers. Greece has well over a hundred inhabited islands to explore, and believe me when I say there is an island in Greece for everybody and every budget.
The historic Greek islands are full of epic beaches, charming seaside towns, delicious food, and rich culture. Speaking of that culture, it’s tough to find a more hospitable or proud bunch than the Greeks.
Aside from Mykonos and Santorini, Greece is an affordable vacation for young travelers. We loved our time on Milos, Paros, and Naxos! Then, of course, there is the largest Greek island, where there are many things to do in Crete. Romance is alive and well in Corfu and Kefalonia, or if you want a very quiet experience we recommend Tinos and Ithaca, where you can hide away from everyone.
Greece is where you can find seaside accommodation for under $100 a night and eat all the olives and tzatziki you want for cheap! See the full breakdown of how much it costs to travel to Greece here.
Average Cost Per Couple
Budget Honeymoon Greece Cost
$150-200 per day
Mid Range Honeymoon Cost
$200-$400 per day
Luxury Honeymoon Greece Cost
$500+ per day
best honeymoon ideas: Thailand
I’m not sure there is a more famous “cheap destination spot” than Thailand. Made famous by numerous travel movies and books, Thailand is a go-to honeymoon spot for those looking to save money.
It’s here they have world-class beaches, delicious Thai food, cheap massages, and sticky mango rice! Haven’t heard of mango sticky rice? Just get to Thailand and eat it all up and you’ll never want to get on your flight home.
In all seriousness, couples can enjoy an affordable honeymoon in Thailand. We even stayed in a huge villa on Koh Samui for under $130 a night! The big budget breaker will be the flight to Bangkok, but its popularity means loads of flight options and varying price points on transport, and it’s very far from any destination in North America or Europe. One thing is certain: Thailand is the cheapest country for a honeymoon.
Average Cost Per Couple
Budget Honeymoon Thailand Cost
$100 per day
Mid Range Honeymoon Thailand Cost
$200-$300 per day
Luxury Honeymoon Thailand Cost
$300+ per day
cheap places to honeymoon: the Philippines
The Philippines is a wonderful country to visit, and it’s super cheap by Western standards! There’s a vibrant culture on its hundreds of islands, with huge cities and beaches comprising the places you should be exploring in this Southeast Asian nation.
Besides the beautiful beaches, the Filipinos are among some of the friendliest people we have ever met. Imagine staying at a stunning private guesthouse on the beach, waking up to a smoothie bowl and coffee for $5, and then enjoying world-class beaches next to amazing people. Honeymoons don’t get much better.
We did that on the beautiful island of Siargao! Or how about scuba diving in a sardine bait ball for under $30 a dive? That’s something you can enjoy in Moalboal! Before you plan your trip, check out the best time to visit the Philippines. Being prone to typhoons and bad weather, you don’t want your honeymoon ruined by the weather and want to ensure you travel during the dry season, which is December to April.
Average Cost Per Couple
Budget Honeymoon Philippines Cost
$50-100 per day
Mid Range Honeymoon Cost
$100-200 per day
Luxury Honeymoon Philippines Cost
$300+ per day
Best Honeymoon Locations: Banff
I must mention at least one more beautiful North American destination on this list, so it may as well be our beautiful backyard, Banff National Park. Most people think of North America as super expensive, and it is. But it is possible to have an affordable honeymoon here if you try. However, you’ll have to work harder to stay on a budget in the Canadian Rockies. However, it’s more than worth it, as we all know that Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world!
People visit Banff National Park for nature, which is free! That means any activities you do during the day in Banff will be free (besides the national park pass). Meals can also be found for under $20 a plate. You can camp around Banff in the summer or stay at mid-range hotels for under $300 in the winter.
The Canadian Rockies are the perfect place to head if you want that wilderness honeymoon you’ve always dreamed of. If Banff has been on your list, we recommend traveling outside of July and August for the best deal (and fewer crowds)!
Average Cost Per Couple
Budget Honeymoon Banff Cost
$200-300 per day
Mid Range Honeymoon Cost
$300-500 per day
Luxury Honeymoon Banff Costs
$1000 + per day
About These Cheap Honeymoon Ideas
A word of warning about all these cheap honeymoon ideas: while all these destinations are budget-friendly while you are there, you of course, have to get there. Airfare can be one of the biggest budget breakers for a honeymoon, especially if you’re flying across the world to Southeast Asia or Southern Africa.
Still, it’s possible to do an international honeymoon cheaply, even with the airfare using these tips.
Plan Ahead
The cheapest airfare is usually found months in advance, so don’t wait until the last minute to book your flights. This will ensure you get the best deals on an international flight.
Be Flexible
My best advice for finding a good deal on airfare is to be flexible with your plans. The more relaxed you are, the cheaper your flights will be. If you can only fly on a Saturday over a holiday, the flights will be more expensive than a red-eye flight mid-week in October.
Travel in the Off Season
Look up when your dream destination’s peak season is and try to travel outside of those months. Shoulder months are some of my favorite times to travel as room rates are lower and there are fewer tourists.
Get a Travel Credit Card
We pride ourselves on our travel hacking skills and frequently optimize our spending into lucrative credit card sign-ups. These sign-ups get us points that can be redeemed for free air travel and free resort stays – yes, free. We traveled around the globe multiple times on free flights and have stayed at some luxurious properties using hotel cards. Read all about why you need a travel credit card here! My favorite right now is the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
The Best Travel Credit Cards For Travel
Where should I go for a short honeymoon?
If you only have a few days for your honeymoon, I highly recommend staying close to your home country. If you fly almost anywhere, you will lose at least one day of your vacation to flying (plus the return flight).
It will not be worth it if you only have four days for your honeymoon and spend two of them flying to Italy and back. You’re better off heading somewhere closer and saving money for a big international trip next year.
How many days should a honeymoon be?
As many days as you have off! If you can swing it, I think the ideal honeymoon is between 7-10 days, enough for you to indulge and immerse in a new place. If you are flying to The Phillippines or Bali, you may want to consider a two-week vacation. These places are far away, and you’ll want as much time as you can!
How much should a honeymoon cost?
According to The Knot, based on an internal study of nearly 12,000 couples, the average honeymoon costs roughly $5000. Of course; this all depends on where you go, the type of hotel you stay at, and the type of activities you experience. Many couples take a short “minimoon” close by for a few days to save on costs. It’s dependent on you and your budget!
With a few exceptions, most destinations on this list can be done for less than $100 per couple. However, to reach that price point, you’ll need to be savvy. Stay at low to mid-tier accommodation, drink less alcohol, cook a few meals in, and cut back on excursions and activities. Of course, this $100 per day does not include flights.
When should you have a honeymoon?
Most newlyweds will kick start their honeymoon shortly after the wedding. In our opinion, this is the best time to take a honeymoon. That way, when you are on your honeymoon, you truly feel like you are on your honeymoon.
Because you tied the knot, you may be more inclined to try an extra activity or book an upgraded room that you may not otherwise do on a regular vacation.
Hopefully, this helped you narrow down some cheap honeymoon destinations to choose from for your special trip! Please let us know and comment if you have any other ideas.
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Find Cheap Flights: Sign up for Going (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights) to get notified when prices get low.
- Book a Rental Car: We use Discover Car to book all our rental cars! You can also read our top tips for renting a car abroad here.
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Allbirds! Check them out on their site!
- Get a Travel Credit Card: We travel worldwide for free because we have leveraged our spending into points. See how you can do the same with our favorite travel credit cards.
