15 Budget-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations That Feel Luxurious

A honeymoon should be about celebrating your new life together, not starting it with a mountain of debt. The average American couple spends between $4,000 and $6,000 on their honeymoon, but some of the most romantic places in the world cost a fraction of that.

I have visited every destination on this list and can confirm: luxury is a feeling, not a price tag. A private villa overlooking rice terraces in Bali, a candlelit dinner on the beach in Zanzibar, a sunset cruise along the Dalmatian Coast -- these experiences feel every bit as magical as the $15,000 Maldives packages, at a tenth of the price.

Here are 15 destinations where your honeymoon budget stretches further than you thought possible, organized from the most affordable to moderate splurge.

Tier 1: Under $1,500 for a Week (Including Flights from the US)

1. Tulum, Mexico

Estimated cost for one week: $1,000-$1,400 per couple

Tulum has become synonymous with boho-chic romance, and for good reason. The combination of turquoise Caribbean water, ancient Mayan ruins perched on cliffs, and a jungle-meets-beach atmosphere creates an effortlessly romantic setting.

• Accommodation: Boutique hotels on the beach road run $60-$120/night, but staying in Tulum town (a 10-minute bike ride to the beach) drops that to $30-$60/night for charming guesthouses
• Dining: Street tacos and fresh ceviche from $2-$5 per person. A romantic sit-down dinner at a beach restaurant runs $30-$50 for two including drinks
• Activities: Swim in cenotes (natural sinkholes) for $5-$15 entry, explore the ruins for $5, rent bikes for $8/day, and snorkel at the Mesoamerican Reef
• Flights: Round-trip from major US cities to Cancun averages $200-$350 per person

Pro tip: Visit in May or early June for the lowest prices before the peak summer rush. The weather is warm and sunny, and you will have cenotes practically to yourself.

2. Hoi An, Vietnam

Estimated cost for one week: $800-$1,200 per couple

Hoi An is one of the most romantic small towns in Asia. The ancient town is lit by hundreds of silk lanterns every evening, and the Thu Bon River reflects their glow in a scene that feels like it was designed for honeymooners.

• Accommodation: Beautiful riverside boutique hotels from $25-$50/night. Villas with private pools start at $60/night
• Dining: Legendary street food from $1-$3 per meal. Upscale restaurants with river views serve multi-course meals for $15-$25 per couple
• Activities: Cooking classes for $15/person, tailor-made clothing (get matching outfits for $40-$80), bicycle rides through rice paddies, boat rides on the river at sunset for $5
• Flights: Round-trip from the US West Coast to Da Nang (nearest airport) averages $500-$700 per person

Pro tip: Book a lantern-making class together. You will each create a silk lantern to release on the river -- it is one of the most genuinely romantic things I have done while traveling.

3. Antigua, Guatemala

Estimated cost for one week: $900-$1,300 per couple

Cobblestone streets, pastel-colored colonial buildings, three volcanoes as a backdrop, and some of the best coffee in the world. Antigua is deeply romantic without trying to be. The town is compact enough to walk everywhere, and the surrounding highlands offer adventure for couples who want more than just lounging.

• Accommodation: Colonial-style boutique hotels with interior courtyards from $40-$80/night
• Dining: Set lunch menus (almuerzo) for $3-$5 per person. Upscale dining at places like Cafe Sky or El Sereno runs $25-$40 for two
• Activities: Hike Volcan Pacaya ($25/person with guide), coffee plantation tours ($15/person), salsa dance classes ($10/couple), natural hot springs at Fuentes Georginas ($5 entry)
• Flights: Round-trip to Guatemala City from the US averages $250-$400 per person

4. Koh Lanta, Thailand

Estimated cost for one week: $900-$1,400 per couple

Skip the crowded party islands of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui. Koh Lanta is Thailand's best-kept secret for couples: long, uncrowded beaches, spectacular sunsets every single evening, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes you want to extend your trip indefinitely.

• Accommodation: Beachfront bungalows from $30-$60/night. Boutique resorts with infinity pools from $80-$120/night
• Dining: Pad thai and curries from $2-$4 at local restaurants. Beachfront seafood dinners for $15-$25 per couple
• Activities: Snorkeling day trips to Koh Rok ($30/person), Thai cooking classes ($25/person), couples massage on the beach for $25 total, kayaking in mangrove forests for free
• Flights: Round-trip from the US to Krabi (nearest airport) averages $550-$750 per person

Pro tip: Stay on Long Beach (Hat Phra Ae) for the best balance of beautiful sand, good restaurants, and quiet atmosphere.

Tier 2: $1,500-$2,500 for a Week

5. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Estimated cost for one week: $1,500-$2,200 per couple

Zanzibar delivers the overwater-bungalow tropical fantasy at African prices. The island's spice heritage means the food is extraordinary, the beaches are pristine white sand meeting impossibly clear water, and Stone Town's labyrinthine alleys offer genuine cultural depth.

• Accommodation: Boutique guesthouses in Stone Town from $40-$70/night. Beach resorts on the north or east coast from $60-$120/night
• Dining: Forodhani Gardens night market serves fresh seafood for $3-$8 per person. Fine dining at restaurants like The Rock (literally built on a rock in the ocean) runs $40-$60 for two
• Activities: Spice tours for $20/person, swimming at Mnemba Atoll ($45/person for a snorkeling trip), sunset dhow cruises for $25/person, exploring Stone Town's historic sites
• Flights: Round-trip from the US to Zanzibar averages $600-$900 per person

6. Porto, Portugal

Estimated cost for one week: $1,500-$2,200 per couple

Porto is arguably the most romantic city in Western Europe, and it costs half what you would spend in Paris or Rome. The city cascades down steep hills to the Douro River, where port wine cellars line the opposite bank and golden light hits the tiled facades every evening.

• Accommodation: Boutique hotels in the Ribeira district from $70-$120/night. Romantic Airbnbs with river views from $50-$90/night
• Dining: Francesinha sandwiches for $8, fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants for $25-$40 for two. Port wine tastings from $5-$15
• Activities: Free walking tours, Livraria Lello (the bookshop that inspired Harry Potter) for $5, Douro Valley wine cruise day trip ($50-$80/person), Serralves Museum ($10)
• Flights: Round-trip from the US East Coast averages $350-$550 per person

Pro tip: Book a sunset cruise on the Douro River through the valley's terraced vineyards. At around $80 for two including wine tastings, it is one of the best-value romantic experiences in Europe.

7. Bali, Indonesia

Estimated cost for one week: $1,400-$2,500 per couple

Bali remains the gold standard for affordable luxury honeymoons. The island offers an astonishing range of experiences -- from clifftop temples and emerald rice terraces to world-class surf and volcanic hot springs -- all wrapped in a culture of warmth and spirituality.

• Accommodation: Private villas with pools in Ubud from $50-$100/night. Beachfront resorts in Seminyak from $80-$150/night
• Dining: Nasi goreng from $2 at warungs. Romantic fine dining at places like Locavore or Swept Away (over the river) from $40-$70 for two
• Activities: Sunrise trek to Mount Batur ($40/person), Tegallalang Rice Terraces (free), Tirta Empul water temple ($3), couples spa treatments from $30, surfing lessons from $25/person
• Flights: Round-trip from the US West Coast averages $500-$800 per person

8. Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Estimated cost for one week: $1,800-$2,500 per couple

The walled city of Dubrovnik is one of the most visually stunning places on Earth, and the Dalmatian Coast stretching north to Split offers island-hopping opportunities that rival the Greek islands at lower prices.

• Accommodation: Apartments in Dubrovnik's Old Town from $70-$120/night. Boutique hotels in Split or Hvar from $60-$100/night
• Dining: Fresh seafood on the harbor in Split for $25-$35 for two. Konoba (traditional tavern) meals from $20-$30 for two
• Activities: Walk the Dubrovnik city walls ($25/person), kayak around Lokrum Island ($35/person), take a ferry to Hvar ($15/person), wine tasting on Korcula Island, swim in Krka National Park ($8 entry)
• Flights: Round-trip from the US averages $450-$700 per person

9. Cartagena, Colombia

Estimated cost for one week: $1,400-$2,000 per couple

Cartagena's walled Old City is a fantasy of bougainvillea-draped balconies, colonial plazas, and horse-drawn carriages. The Caribbean Sea is right there for beach days, and the Rosario Islands offer a tropical escape within an hour's boat ride.

• Accommodation: Boutique hotels in the Old City from $60-$100/night. Getsemani neighborhood (the hip, artsy area) from $40-$70/night
• Dining: Set lunches for $4-$6, ceviche at La Cevicheria (one of the best restaurants in Colombia) for $12-$18/person, rooftop cocktails at Alquimico for $6-$8
• Activities: Walking tour of the Old City (free), Rosario Islands day trip ($30/person), salsa lessons ($15/couple), Castillo San Felipe fortress ($8/person), sunset from Cafe del Mar (free with drink purchase)
• Flights: Round-trip from the US averages $250-$450 per person

10. Marrakech, Morocco

Estimated cost for one week: $1,500-$2,200 per couple

Marrakech is sensory overload in the best way: the call to prayer echoing over the medina, the scent of orange blossoms and spices, the riot of color in the souks. Staying in a riad (traditional courtyard house) is one of the most romantic accommodation experiences anywhere in the world.

• Accommodation: Gorgeous riads with plunge pools from $50-$120/night. Many include breakfast
• Dining: Tagine from $4-$8 at local restaurants. Fine dining at Nomad or Le Jardin for $30-$50 for two
• Activities: Jardin Majorelle ($8/person), hammam spa experience ($20-$40/person), cooking class ($30/person), day trip to the Atlas Mountains ($40/person), getting lost in the medina (free and inevitable)
• Flights: Round-trip from the US averages $400-$650 per person

Tier 3: $2,500-$3,500 for a Week (The "Splurge on a Budget" Tier)

11. Santorini, Greece (Off-Season)

Estimated cost for one week: $2,000-$3,000 per couple

Yes, you can do Santorini on a budget -- just skip July and August. Visit in late April, May, September, or October, and you will find prices 40-60% lower than peak season, with better weather (no scorching heat) and thinner crowds.

• Accommodation: Cave hotels in Oia from $100-$180/night in shoulder season (vs. $300+ in summer)
• Dining: Gyros from $4, seafood tavernas in Ammoudi Bay from $30-$45 for two
• Activities: Fira-to-Oia hike (free, and arguably the best free activity in all of Greece), wine tasting ($15-$25/person), catamaran sunset cruise ($80-$120/person), Red Beach and Black Beach (free)
• Flights: Round-trip from the US averages $500-$750 per person

12. Sri Lanka

Estimated cost for one week: $1,800-$2,800 per couple

Sri Lanka packs an absurd amount of diversity into a small island: ancient temples, wild elephants, tea plantations, world-class surf, and palm-fringed beaches. It is like visiting five countries in one, making it perfect for couples who want variety in their honeymoon.

• Accommodation: Colonial-era tea plantation bungalows from $60-$100/night. Beach resorts in the south from $50-$90/night
• Dining: Rice and curry from $3 at local spots. Upscale restaurants from $20-$35 for two
• Activities: Sigiriya Rock Fortress ($25/person), train ride through tea country (one of the most scenic in the world, $2-$10), safari in Yala National Park ($40/person), surfing in Mirissa or Weligama ($15 for a lesson)
• Flights: Round-trip from the US averages $600-$900 per person

13. Amalfi Coast, Italy (Strategic Approach)

Estimated cost for one week: $2,200-$3,500 per couple

The Amalfi Coast has a reputation as an expensive honeymoon destination, but strategic planning brings it within reach. The secret: base yourself in Sorrento or Salerno instead of Positano or Amalfi town, and use the excellent (and scenic) SITA bus system or ferries to visit the famous towns as day trips.

• Accommodation: Hotels in Sorrento from $80-$130/night. B&Bs in Salerno from $60-$90/night
• Dining: Pizza in Naples (a short train ride) from $5-$8. Seafood restaurants in smaller towns like Atrani or Cetara for $25-$40 for two
• Activities: Path of the Gods hike from Agerola to Nocelle (free, breathtaking), Pompeii ($16/person), ferry hop between coastal towns ($8-$15), limoncello tasting, sunset from Ravello's Villa Cimbrone garden ($8)
• Flights: Round-trip from the US to Naples averages $400-$650 per person

14. Seychelles (On a Budget -- Yes, Really)

Estimated cost for one week: $2,500-$3,500 per couple

Seychelles has a reputation as a billionaire's playground, but the reality is more nuanced. Mahe and Praslin have guesthouses and self-catering apartments that make this granite-island paradise accessible to budget-conscious honeymooners.

• Accommodation: Self-catering apartments on Mahe from $70-$120/night. Guesthouses on La Digue from $60-$100/night
• Dining: Takeaway Creole meals for $5-$8. Restaurant meals from $20-$35 for two
• Activities: Anse Source d'Argent beach on La Digue (often called the world's most beautiful beach, $7 entry), Vallee de Mai nature reserve on Praslin ($20/person), snorkeling from the beach (free), hiking the Morne Blanc trail (free)
• Flights: Round-trip from the US averages $800-$1,200 per person

15. Maldives (Budget Version)

Estimated cost for one week: $2,500-$3,500 per couple

The Maldives does not have to cost $2,000 per night. Since 2009, the government has allowed guesthouses on local islands, opening up a budget route to paradise. Islands like Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, and Dhigurah offer the same crystal-clear water and marine life as the luxury resorts.

• Accommodation: Guesthouses on local islands from $50-$100/night, many with beach access
• Dining: Local cafes (hotaa) serve meals for $5-$10. Guesthouse meal plans from $20-$30/day per person
• Activities: Snorkeling trips ($25-$40/person), sandbank excursions ($30/person), dolphin cruises ($25/person), diving ($60-$80 per dive), bioluminescent beach viewing (free on certain islands like Vaadhoo)
• Flights: Round-trip from the US averages $700-$1,100 per person

Pro tip: Maafushi is just a 30-minute speedboat from Male airport and has the most developed guesthouse scene. Book a "resort day trip" for $50-$80 per person to experience an overwater villa and all-inclusive dining for one day.

How to Maximize Your Honeymoon Budget

No matter which destination you choose, these strategies will stretch your money further:

Book Smart

• Travel in shoulder season: The weeks just before and after peak season offer nearly identical weather at 30-50% lower prices
• Book flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Statistically the cheapest days to fly on most routes
• Use Google Flights price tracking: Set alerts 3-6 months before your trip to catch price drops
• Consider positioning flights: Sometimes flying from a nearby city saves hundreds

Save on Accommodation

• Book direct: Many boutique hotels offer 10-15% discounts for direct bookings
• Mention it is your honeymoon: You would be surprised how often hotels upgrade you or add complimentary champagne, flowers, or late checkout
• Stay longer in one place: Week-long stays often come with significant discounts compared to nightly rates
• Mix luxury and budget nights: Splurge for 2-3 nights at a special property and spend the rest at a comfortable mid-range option

Cut Dining Costs Without Sacrificing Romance

• Make lunch your big meal: Many upscale restaurants offer lunch menus at 40-60% of dinner prices
• Shop at local markets: Pick up fresh bread, cheese, fruit, and wine for a picnic -- arguably more romantic than any restaurant
• Ask locals, not Google: The best affordable restaurants rarely show up in the top search results. Ask your hotel staff or a friendly local where they eat

Plan Activities Wisely

• Front-load free activities: Hiking, beach days, and exploring on foot cost nothing and are often the most memorable
• Book excursions locally: Booking tours and activities after you arrive is almost always cheaper than pre-booking through international platforms
• Use TripGenie to plan: Our AI travel planner can build a day-by-day itinerary that balances splurge-worthy experiences with free activities, keeping your overall budget on track

The Bottom Line

A memorable honeymoon is about shared experiences, not five-star price tags. Whether you are swimming in a Vietnamese cenote-like cave for $2 or watching the sunset from a Croatian fortress wall, what matters is that you are doing it together at the start of your life as partners.

Pick a destination that excites you both, set a realistic budget, and let the adventure begin. The best honeymoon is the one you can enjoy without financial stress waiting for you when you get home.