If you were able to include your honeymoon in your overall wedding budget, well done! If not, don’t worry – there’s plenty of romantic and affordable options when it comes to celebrating your newly married status. Traveling abroad isn’t as expensive as you may think! Whether your idea of a fun getaway is sightseeing in Europe, lounging around on a tropical beach or relaxing in a cozy B&B, there’s plenty of budget-friendly options that will fit your needs. These 10 countries are affordable, exotic, romantic and fun, offering plenty of rich history, culture and excitement for every style of traveler.
1. Mexico
Mexico has an endless number of gorgeous white sandy beaches and with its tropical climate, it makes it easy to plan a honeymoon for any time of year. Popular Mexico honeymoon cities include Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Tulum and Puerta Vallarta, all of which have a variety of resorts and accommodations to fit any budget. Choose an all-inclusive resort to take care of food and drink for your stay, or find a cheaper boutique hotel to fit your budget. You can find great deals on flights from the US especially if you book in advance, and depending on your location the flight times are generally short. Try the local fare in town and you’ll find that your dollar will go far. If snorkeling, ziplining through jungles and relaxing on the beach with a cocktail sounds like your idea of a great honeymoon, then Mexico is an excellent option for you.
Photo Credit: World Property Journal
2. Croatia
Interested in soaking up the sun in the gorgeous Mediterranean? Croatia is one of the best options for travelers, boasting unbelievable beaches and beautiful medieval architecture. Indulge in truffles and world-famous olive oil, go boating in the morning and sightseeing in the afternoon and enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenic views Europe has to offer. Flights from the US may be a bit pricier, but as far as beach honeymoons in Europe go, Croatia is a country where your dollar will receive a lot of value for food, activities and accommodations.
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3. Ireland
Cozy bed and breakfasts, lush countryside landscapes, historic castles and charming villages make Ireland an amazing honeymoon destination. Start your trip in the capital city of Dublin, where you’ll find plenty of rich history and beautiful parks. Rent a car and drive along the stunning countryside that is just as green as they say it is and stop off at popular attractions like the Cliffs of Moher and the River Shannon. Enjoy delicious Irish food and a pint of Guinness at a local pub and spend the night at an affordable B&B that will give you a taste of true Irish culture. You can find great deals on airfare from the US, especially if you’re flying from the east coast so plan in advance to have a budget-friendly and romantic honeymoon in Ireland!
Photo Credit: Tenon Tours
4. Thailand
Southeast Asia is known for being wallet-friendly for travelers, and Thailand is one of the region’s most popular destinations. If a tropical beach honeymoon is what you’re looking for, the Thai islands host plenty of picture-perfect beaches with the clearest water you’ve ever seen. Or, spend some time in Bangkok viewing the unbelievable temples and eating delicious street food. Trekking and spending time with exotic animals like elephants and tigers can be done in northern Thailand as well. Although the airfare to Thailand may be steep, everything else is incredibly affordable once you arrive – especially accommodations and food.
Photo Credit: Alliance Abroad
5. Jamaica
The Caribbean is a popular place for honeymooners, and Jamaica is one of the most affordable destinations in the area. Pristine beaches, palm tree-lined mountains, waterfalls and plenty of all-inclusive resorts make it easy to want to honeymoon in Jamaica. Water sports and activities during the day and live reggae music at night make it easy to unwind and relax on this beautiful island. If all-inclusive resorts aren’t for you, there are plenty of boutique hotels at very affordable rates. Flights from the US can also be very inexpensive, and east coasters will enjoy the short plane ride. If you want a relaxing and cheap tropical honeymoon, Jamaica might just be the place for you.
Photo Credit: Things to do in Jamaica
6. Portugal
Portugal is one of the most affordable countries to visit in Western Europe, but that doesn’t mean it has any less culture or history to absorb! Seaside fishing villages, ancient castles, river cruises, wine country and olive groves are what you’ll find in this charming country. The local cuisine is rich with seafood, fresh olive oil and world-renowned wines, and the accommodations range from beach retreats to lovely B&Bs. Don’t miss touring the gorgeous vineyards of Douro Valley! When compared to the rest of the Euro zone, Portugal is one of the most wallet-friendly when it comes to travel costs, activities and dining.
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7. Turkey
Ancient ruins, beachfront resorts, postcard-worthy villages and amazing food – if you’re interested in any of the above, then Turkey is a fantastic affordable honeymoon destination for you. Go sightseeing in Istanbul and be sure not to miss the palaces and mosques that are beautifully ornate and rich with culture. Do some shopping and sample local fare in the Grand Bazaar too! Airfare may be on the more expensive side due to the distance from the US, but in general hotel accommodations can be inexpensive to make up for it. If you are planning to stay in Istanbul, a trip to the coast is certainly worthwhile to take in the breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean, Black and Aegean Seas.
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8. Nicaragua
Seeking an adventurous and thrilling honeymoon? Nicaragua is the best budget-friendly destination for any adventurer. Rainforests, lakes, beaches, volcanoes and mountains provide plenty of outdoor activity opportunities, such as volcano boarding, ziplining and hiking. There’s plenty of wildlife to make you feel as though you are totally removed from your life at home – the perfect escape for a couple of newlyweds. Central America in general is a fairly inexpensive place to travel to, so if you’re a thrill-seeker looking to honeymoon on a budget, Nicaragua is a fantastic choice.
Photo Credit: Welcome to Nicaragua
9. Belize
Another great option for adventurers on their honeymoons is Belize. Pristine beaches, lush jungles and fascinating Mayan ruins will keep your itinerary full of activities. One of the world’s most popular locations for scuba diving, you can get your certification and explore the famous Great Blue Hole. Spend the day exploring ancient ruins and trekking through the jungle, then enjoy delicious ceviche on the beach during a beautiful sunset. Although not quite as cheap as Nicaragua, travel and accommodations in Belize are great for honeymooners on a budget.
Photo Credit: Huffington Post
10. Canada
Although Canada may not be on the top of everyone’s travel list, you can still get an amazing experience by honeymooning in Montreal, Vancouver and Whistler. Montreal, with its heavy French influence, will give you a taste of a European vacation while keeping the airfare and travel time relatively low. Vancouver has beautiful nature and Whistler is the perfect location for an affordable international ski honeymoon. If you want a change of scenery but don’t want to break the bank, consider visiting a part of Canada to celebrate your wedding.
Photo Credit: Wallpaper Stock
All of these countries are rich in culture, adventure and romance and can easily be done on a budget. Do your homework and spend some time to research different travel options to find the best deals, and book in advance to save! Remember to check each country’s visa and passport requirements before booking your trip and make sure you are up to date for all immunizations and health concerns. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime when you book your honeymoon in one of these wonderful international destinations!