A honeymoon is a trip-of-a-lifetime that most couples dream of for months or years. Are you wanting a memorable trip to start the adventure of married life, but think you can’t afford it?
Below are 15 honeymoon destinations where you can find affordable honeymoon packages under $5k.
Jamaica
This Caribbean island is served by many major U.S. carriers offering low-cost options from cities like Miami or New York. Most international flights land in Kingston or Montego Bay.
For an affordable honeymoon package, check out Ocho Rios or Negril, which has a multitude of postcard-perfect white-sand beaches that scream “I’m on my honeymoon!”.
In Negril, you can hang out on the popular 7 Mile Beach and enjoy activities like parasailing, snorkeling, and some cliff-jumping at Rick’s Cafe if you’re craving an adrenaline rush. You’ll also want to head to Ocho Rios to see the multi-tiered Dunn’s River Falls.
For an affordable honeymoon package under $5k in Jamaica, look at Sandals Ochi or Sandals Negril, where you can stay for around $4200 for a week-long all-inclusive honeymoon.
Cancun/Tulum
Most Americans’ perceptions of Cancun are tied to spring break and mega-clubs suitable for those looking to party every night of their trip. But spending a week in Cancun and Tulum will give you a honeymoon filled with visiting one of the 7 wonders of the world, lots of beachcombing time, and eating incredible street food. In Cancun, you can snorkel or scuba dive at the underwater museum.
Be sure to take a day trip to see the Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza, or head to a cenote (natural limestone sinkhole). In Tulum, visit the famed beach of with its Mayan ruins jutting out over the sea, and take in the incredible nightlife.
For an affordable honeymoon under $5000, Secrets The Vine Cancun is around $3800 for 7 nights.
Costa Rica
With stunning beaches and lush wildlife, Costa Rica is an ideal affordable honeymoon location for nature lovers. You can go snorkeling, hike to see capuchin monkeys, or lay out on the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio. If you want to learn surfing check out Dominical or Tamarindo. Want to zip-line through cloud forests? You can find that in Monteverde.
There are so many resorts to choose from for the perfect affordable honeymoon package. For a luxurious all-inclusive resort, check out Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica, with week-long stays starting at around $4200.
Amelia Island
Amelia Island is an appealing, tranquil beach town in Florida located about 30 miles from Jacksonville. If offers more than 40 miles of beachfront to choose from.
For enjoying the beach, Peter’s Point is perfect for sunbathing and swimming, Fernandina Beach is a popular spot with restaurants and food shacks, and Seaside Beach has a long boardwalk perfect for a stroll at golden hour.
For an affordable honeymoon, stay at the Omni Amelia Island Resort where $3900 will get you an ocean view and breakfast daily.
Charleston, South Carolina
This charming historic city is chock full of culture and beautiful architecture. You can take a tour of historic plantations such as McLeod or Magnolia, wander around the colorful and vibrant Rainbow Row, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride. You can also spend some time relaxing on the Lowcountry beaches nearby or take day trips.
Charleston is also a great destination for food-loving couples; be sure to check out the bluegrass brunch at High Cotton, Lewis BBQ, and classic Southern cooking at Bertha’s restaurant.
Charleston is full of cozy hotels and bed and breakfasts perfect for an affordable honeymoon. A romantic stay at the Harbourview Inn will be around $3800 for a week.
Croatia
With cities teeming with history and over 1,000 miles of coastline, Croatia makes an excellent honeymoon destination for couples who want a mix of relaxation and cultural exploration. The Dalmatian coast has some of the best beaches in the country and is well-connected by public ferries.
Wander the city walls of Dubrovnik, being sure to check out the Franciscan monastery and St. Blaise’s church. Stay at the stylish City Hotel Dubrovnik for its sleek contemporary rooms and atmosphere for around $100 per night.
In Split, you can check out Dicoletian’s Palace, Jupiter’s Temple, or Mestrovic Gallery. Split also makes a convenient base to explore either Plitvice’s National Park or Kraka National Park, both of which have a series of lakes interconnected by gorgeous waterfalls.
For a European getaway, Croatia is very affordable, making it possible to stay under a $5,000 budget for a week’s stay.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is one of the most affordable islands in the Caribbean. Being close to the U.S. makes flights affordable, and accommodations are available in several price points.
You’ll find miles of white-sand beaches with crystal clear waters, making it an ideal honeymoon destination for those who love some serious R&R. You can split up your beachcombing excursions with a visit to El Yunque National Forest where you can hike or go ziplining. For picturesque streets with cobbled lanes, you can take a leisurely stroll around Old San Juan.
A room at the La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort starts at around $2000 for a week of accommodations.
Cabo San Lucas
A honeymoon in Cabo San Lucas is a perfect affordable getaway, especially from the West Coast and the southwestern United States.
Pick a different beach per day, with Lover’s Beach, Playa del Amor, and El Medano Beach being the most popular. You can also join a sunset group cruise for a reasonable rate. After a hard day of sunbathing, check out one of the many luxury spas in town, and retire to your 5-star hotel with an ocean view like the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort, which starts at around $3200 for seven nights.
Portugal
With its popularity taking off among American tourists over the past few years, direct flights to Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, can be found from select cities for $400 roundtrip per person.
While in Lisbon, be sure to take a walking tour of the city’s historical sites, including the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, and Castelo St. George. After exploring Lisbon for a couple of days, you can’t miss a day trip to Sintra.
For a week-long honeymoon, you have time to visit Lisbon with either Porto or the Algarve as a second stop. The Algarve is known for its stunning beaches including Praia de Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo, Praia da Marinha, Praia da Falesia, and Praia da Rocha. Porto is known for its culture and the nearby Douro Valley.
Accommodations around Portugal are still affordable. You can find a 4-star hotel in Lisbon or Porto for under $200 a night.
Thailand
Thailand receives over 30 million tourists every year, and it’s no surprise that everyone loves the land of smiles. Round-trip tickets from the U.S. can be found for $700-$800 per person if booked in advance from cities like Los Angeles.
You’ll land in Bangkok, where you can visit the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun), Grand Palace, and Temple of the Golden Buddha. From there, head to the colonial charmer of Chiang Mai where you can take a day trip to bathe elephants or hike in Doi Innon national park. And of course, be sure to spend some time on the famed Thai islands: check out Koh Lipe or Koh Kood for less touristy alternatives.
The To the Sea Resort in Koh Krood offers an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and is highly reviewed by couples, all for the steal of a price of $75 a night.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
North Carolina has a small chain of barrier islands known collectively as the Outer Banks. If you honeymoon here, you can visit the Wright Brothers’ national memorial and the North Carolina Aquarium.
You can also visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where you can ride a bike down the paved path or hunt for seashells at low tide. The White Doe Inn is a luxurious, traditional B&B perfect for sleeping in (it is your honeymoon, after all) for $220-$240 in the shoulder season (spring or fall).
Paris
Surprised this city made the list? Paris is a perennial favorite for honeymooners and for good reason. You can find cheap flights from the U.S. for under $500 round trip. Hotel deals can be found in fun neighborhoods like the Marais or the lively and historic St. Germain neighborhood for $100-$125 a night outside of the summer high season (we like the traditional Hotel St. Severin, with double rooms under $100 in the fall).
In between leisurely sipping wine at 3-hour lunches, you can take in artistic masterpieces at the Musee d’Orsay, Louvre, or Rodin Museum. (Pro Tip: A Paris Museum Pass for 3 to 7 days covers many of the must-sees in the city, including the Louvre Museum).
Austin, Texas
This is an ideal location for couples that crave a more laid-back destination for their honeymoon. Austin has a remarkable combination of outdoor pursuits, amazing food, and slightly weird attractions. To get your outdoor fix, rent a kayak/SUP on Ladybird Lake or explore the many trails of the Greenbelt. (You can also make a day trip to Krause Springs, Hamilton Pool, or Jacob’s Blue Hole).
Wander down South Congress, stopping in at vintage boutiques and grabbing brunch at South Congress Café (carrot cake french toast for the win). To get your fill of classic Texas experiences, try some of the best BBQ in the country at Franklin’s (be prepared to wait) and try country line dancing at Midnight Rodeo or White Horse. Stay at the modern, stylish Hotel Van Zandt, with a rooftop pool and great views over the city, for under $150 a night.
Belize
The tiny Central American country of Belize has plenty of attractions to keep honeymooners busy for their entire trip. For avid divers and adventure seekers, the bucket-list site of the Blue Hole is just off the coast. If snorkeling is more your speed, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Glover’s Reef Atoll, and Lighthouse Reef Atoll provide strong visibility with low currents.
You can also visit a multitude of Mayan ruins, including the sites of Xunantunich, Altun Ha, and Cahal Pech. For sunning on immaculate beaches, check out the Placencia peninsula or Ambergris Cay.
A 7-night all-inclusive stay at St. George’s Caye Resort starts at $3500.
Take a Virgin Voyages Honeymoon Cruise
One way to have a carefree, luxurious yet affordable honeymoon is on a Virgin Voyages Cruise. Departing regularly from Miami, these cruises take most of the pain points out of booking a cruise. Tips are included, and there are no upcharges for specialty restaurants.
Once you find the itinerary that works for you, all you have to do is choose your cabin and you know the price of the cruise. From there your only expense will be excursions and alcoholic drinks on board. A 5-night Virgin Voyages cruise will be around $3000 per cabin after taxes and fees.
He is an expert travel advisor and enthusiast. He has traveled extensively in the USA, Central America, South America, and Europe. He has visited every Sandals Resort and is one of a select few Diamond Elite members of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club.
Dan graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Later he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on people and culture.