10 Honeymoon Destinations for Every Budget (From Shoestring to Splurge)

Most couples spend more time planning their wedding than their honeymoon. Then, two weeks before the big day, they realize they have no idea where to go — or how much it will actually cost. Sound familiar?

The good news: honeymoon destinations for every budget exist, and some of the most romantic trips in the world won’t empty your savings account. Whether you have $1,500 or $15,000 to spend, this guide covers ten real places worth considering — with honest notes on what they cost, what to expect, and what most travel blogs forget to mention.

Budget Tier 1: Under $2,000 Total (Flights + Hotel + Food)

1. Bali, Indonesia

Bali has become a go-to honeymoon spot for a reason. Private villa rentals with pools can cost as little as $60–$90 per night. Street food is delicious and safe if you stick to busy warungs (local food stalls). A couple can spend 7–10 days here comfortably for around $1,500–$2,000, including international flights from South or Southeast Asia.

What most guides miss: Bali has a wet season (October to March) that brings daily downpours. If you’re going on a budget and need cheap flights, you may land in monsoon season. That’s fine — rain in Bali usually lasts 1–2 hours in the afternoon — but pack accordingly.

Avoid: Kuta beach if you want romance. Go to Ubud (rice terraces, spa culture) or Seminyak (upscale but affordable).

2. Tbilisi, Georgia (the Country)

This one surprises people. Georgia — the country in the Caucasus — is one of the most underrated honeymoon destinations in the world right now. The wine is excellent, the food is hearty and cheap, and the old city of Tbilisi looks like a fairy tale. Hotels are affordable ($40–$80/night for boutique properties), and the local cuisine — think cheese-filled bread and slow-cooked lamb — costs almost nothing.

Budget estimate: 7 nights, flights from Europe, all meals: around $1,200–$1,600.

What most guides miss: Georgia has incredible mountain regions (Kazbegi, Svaneti) that are perfect for adventurous couples. These areas are cheap to reach by shared taxi and breathtakingly beautiful.

3. Portugal (Alentejo Region)

Lisbon gets all the attention, but the Alentejo wine region is quieter, cheaper, and far more romantic. Stone villages, cork forests, private wine estates, and unhurried afternoons. You can rent a small cottage or stay at a rural guesthouse (called a quinta) for $70–$120/night. Wine at dinner costs $5–$8 a bottle.

Budget estimate: 7 nights in Alentejo + 2 nights Lisbon: $2,000–$2,500 depending on where you fly from.

Budget Tier 2: $3,000–$6,000 Total

4. Japan (Kyoto + One Night in a Ryokan)

Japan feels expensive but is surprisingly manageable if you plan well. A ryokan (traditional inn with private hot spring bath, kaiseki dinner, and tatami rooms) costs $200–$400 per night — but you only need one or two nights to make the honeymoon feel special. The rest of the trip can be done on a reasonable budget using the train system.

Budget estimate: 10 days, flights from North America or Europe, mix of budget hotels and 2 ryokan nights: $4,000–$5,500 per couple.

What most guides miss: Book ryokans 3–4 months in advance. The best ones in Hakone and Kyoto fill up fast, especially during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage (November).

5. Croatia (Dubrovnik + Islands)

Croatia combines Old World charm with clear blue water and island-hopping. Dubrovnik is stunning but crowded in peak summer. The smarter move: spend 2 nights in Dubrovnik, then take a ferry to Hvar or Korčula islands, which are quieter and cheaper.

Budget estimate: 8–10 days with flights from Europe: $3,000–$4,500. From North America, add $1,000–$1,500 for flights.

Mistake to avoid: Don’t go in July or August if you dislike crowds. May, June, and September offer the same weather with far fewer tourists and lower prices.

6. Morocco (Marrakech + Desert)

Morocco is one of the most visually dramatic honeymoon destinations in the world. A riad (traditional guesthouse built around an interior courtyard) in Marrakech’s medina costs $80–$150/night and feels like a palace. A two-night Sahara Desert camp experience — sleeping in a luxury tent under the stars — costs around $300–$500 per person including transport.

Budget estimate: 7–10 days: $3,000–$4,500 per couple.

What most guides miss: The desert camp quality varies wildly. Look specifically for “glamping” or “luxury camp” options and read recent reviews — budget camps can be disappointing.

Budget Tier 3: $7,000–$12,000 Total

7. Maldives (Overwater Bungalow)

Yes, the Maldives is expensive. But it’s also genuinely one of the most beautiful places on earth. Overwater bungalows give you direct access to the ocean from your room, and the coral reefs here are among the most intact in the world.

The real secret: not all Maldives resorts charge the same. Mid-range guesthouses on local islands cost $150–$250/night. You won’t have a private pool, but you’ll have the same turquoise water.

Budget estimate (mid-range): 7 nights + flights: $5,000–$7,000. Luxury resort (overwater bungalow): $9,000–$14,000+.

8. New Zealand (South Island Road Trip)

For couples who like adventure over beaches, New Zealand’s South Island is hard to beat. Fjords, glaciers, mountains, and wine regions — all within a two-week road trip. Renting a campervan cuts accommodation costs dramatically. The scenery is world-class.

Budget estimate: 12–14 days with flights from Australia or Asia: $5,000–$8,000. From North America or Europe, add $1,500–$2,500 for flights.

What most guides miss: New Zealand weather is unpredictable even in summer. Always book flexible accommodations if you’re road-tripping.

Budget Tier 4: $12,000+ (No Compromise)

9. Seychelles

The Seychelles islands offer something the Maldives doesn’t: granite boulders, jungle-covered hills, and beaches that feel completely wild. It’s more expensive than the Maldives for equivalent luxury, but the variety of landscapes is unmatched.

Budget estimate: 8–10 nights at a luxury property: $12,000–$18,000+ per couple including flights.

Tip: Praslin and La Digue islands are quieter and less developed than Mahé. That’s where the best beaches are.

10. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Positano is one of the most photographed villages in the world for a reason. Cliffside hotels, fresh seafood, private boat trips, and limoncello on a sunset terrace. This is a destination where you’re paying for the atmosphere, and the atmosphere delivers.

Budget estimate: 7–9 nights: $8,000–$15,000 depending on the hotel tier and season.

Mistake to avoid: Don’t visit in August. The roads are gridlocked, the beaches are packed, and prices peak. Go in May, early June, or September for a much better experience at lower cost.

A Few Things No One Tells You Before Booking

1. Factor in the “hidden third cost.” Most couples think about flights and hotels. They forget about daily spending — meals, taxis, excursions, tips, and souvenirs. In Bali, this might be $50/day. In the Maldives, it could be $300/day. Always budget a daily spend on top of your booked costs.

2. Travel insurance is not optional. A missed connection, illness, or flight cancellation on your honeymoon is devastating. Good travel insurance costs $150–$300 per couple and can save thousands.

3. Off-peak beats peak almost every time. Going one month earlier or later than peak season often saves 20–40% on hotels and flights. And you’ll get a better experience with fewer crowds.

Conclusion

The best honeymoon isn’t the most expensive one. It’s the one that fits how you and your partner actually travel. A couple who loves street food and adventure will be bored in an overwater bungalow. A couple who wants total relaxation won’t enjoy a packed road trip schedule. Know yourselves first, then pick the destination.

Whatever your budget, the ten places above all offer something genuinely special. Start with what you can spend comfortably — not what you feel pressured to spend — and you’ll come home with memories that last.

Key Takeaways

• Budget doesn’t determine romance. Bali, Georgia, and Portugal offer world-class honeymoon experiences for under $2,500.
• Off-peak timing can cut costs by 20–40% and improve your experience significantly.
• Always budget daily spending separately from flights and hotels — this is where most couples underestimate costs.
• Know your travel style before picking a destination. Adventure couples and beach lovers need very different trips.
• Travel insurance is essential — don’t skip it on one of the most important trips of your life.