The Ultimate Honeymoon Planning Guide for Beginners

It's a well-known fact: if you've got an engagement ring, you're probably dreaming of the perfect honeymoon.

While this isn't a direct quote from 'Pride and Prejudice,' it's definitely true. One of the most common questions we get at TPG is how to use points and miles to craft a dream honeymoon.

Weddings and honeymoons can be expensive. In 2021, the average wedding in the U.S. cost $28,000, according to The Knot. Factor in a $6,000 engagement ring and a honeymoon that costs an average of $4,466, according to Brides.com, and it’s no wonder many couples are searching for ways to make their honeymoon more affordable.

The good news? You don't need to break the bank or stress yourself out to plan a memorable honeymoon. With TPG's expert advice, you can easily create the honeymoon you've always dreamed of—whether you're freshly engaged, recently married, or planning a long-awaited trip. We're here to guide you every step of the way.

New to TPG? Check out our Beginner's Guide here.

Get to know the fundamentals of points and miles.

We are gathered here today to help you say goodbye to your debit card.

If you’re just starting with points and miles, it can definitely feel like a lot to take in. What’s the difference between points and miles? How much are they really worth? How do transfers work? Do you have to travel to earn them? Is cash back not enough?

These are all common questions (and don’t worry, you're not the only one wondering). Before you jump into the details, it’s key to grasp the basics. No need to be an expert, but let’s walk through the essential things you should know first.

Already familiar with credit card rewards, points, and miles? Skip ahead to the next section: Selecting your destination.

What exactly are points and miles?

Points and miles are a form of currency that you can redeem to reduce travel costs. For example, you can accumulate points with Hilton and use them to book free hotel nights.

There are several ways to earn points and miles (explained further in our beginner's guide), but the main methods include:

• Credit cards: When you sign up for a credit card, you typically receive a bonus in the form of points or miles after reaching a specific spending threshold within a designated time frame. Plus, you'll earn additional points or miles every time you use the card for everyday purchases.
• Shopping portals: Many airlines and credit card providers have online shopping portals. By making purchases through these portals, you can earn extra points and miles on top of the rewards from using your credit card.
• Traveling (flights and hotels): If you're a member of an airline or hotel loyalty program, you'll rack up points and miles when you fly or stay with that brand or its affiliates.

That’s right — you don’t need to travel constantly to accumulate enough points and miles for a nearly free trip. In fact, your day-to-day purchases will probably earn you more points and miles than flying ever will.

Are points and miles different from cash back?

Yes. Cash back is always calculated as a percentage of your spending, where 1% equals 1 cent for every dollar spent. It's simple and reliable, with no need to maximize value, and your rewards can be used for any purchase.

On the other hand, points and miles can be far more valuable since their worth isn’t fixed, offering you more flexibility and potential for greater rewards.

For example, imagine you have one credit card offering 3% cash back on dining and another that gives 3x Chase Ultimate Rewards points for the same. On a $100 dinner, the cash-back card will earn you $3, while the points card will earn you 300 Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

That $3 in cash back will always be worth exactly $3, but the 300 Chase points could be worth as much as $6 depending on how you redeem them.

How can I use points and miles for my honeymoon?

With some research and thoughtful planning, you can use your points and miles to cover flights and hotel stays, just as you would with cash. While you may still need to pay taxes and fees on some award bookings, you can save a significant amount — and enjoy upgrades to your travel experience along the way.

Think: Overwater bungalows, business class flights, or trips to destinations you'd never have imagined. Points and miles can open the door to an entirely new way of traveling, and what better occasion to start your journey than an unforgettable honeymoon.

Want to learn more about points and miles? Explore our beginner's guide and subscribe to our daily newsletter for more tips and insights.

Now that you're familiar with the basics, it's time to start planning — beginning with your destination.

Pick your destination

The ideal honeymoon destination often depends on the time of year you’re planning to travel. After all, you wouldn’t want to visit Thailand during the rainy season, right? No matter where you're dreaming of going, make sure to do your research beforehand.

Also, think about your budget. While points and miles can cover much of your travel costs, you’ll still need to account for expenses like food, drinks, spa treatments, and other activities. Keep in mind that some destinations will naturally be more expensive than others, so plan accordingly.

We’ve put together a list of some of our top honeymoon destinations, along with tips on how to reach and stay at these places using points and miles to help you get started.

The Maldives

We get it: The Maldives is on everyone's list. And with views like these, who could resist?

Due to its remote setting and collection of lavish overwater bungalows and villas, the Maldives is often seen as a once-in-a-lifetime destination. This is where points and miles can make a huge difference.

With luxury resorts like The St. Regis, Park Hyatt, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, and Conrad Maldives, the options for luxury points redemptions here are among the best you'll find. Plus, new properties like Hilton Maldives Amingiri are also opening in this sought-after paradise.

Just be aware that hotel and resort transfer fees from Male International Airport (MLE) can add up fast, so plan ahead. It’s a bit of a journey to get there, but once you arrive, you may never want to leave.

The Maldives experiences a monsoon season, so it’s important to research the best times of year to visit—unless you’re okay with spending cozy, rainy days inside your overwater villa.

Hawaii

No matter where you choose to go in Hawaii, you're in for a real treat. It's the perfect honeymoon spot. Just because it’s a popular destination doesn’t mean it’s not incredible. Hawaii never disappoints. You could explore Honolulu for a bit before heading to the North Shore of Oahu, or go straight to the scenic beaches of Maui or the dramatic cliffs of Kauai. There’s something here for every kind of honeymooner.

If you’ve been smartly earning points, why not treat yourself to a stay at Andaz Maui or Grand Wailea? And when it comes to flights, we've got you covered. Here are the best ways to get to Hawaii using points and miles.

Greece

If you’re after a honeymoon that has it all — stunning sunsets over the ocean, romantic walks through historic streets, picnics in vineyards, and more — Greece is your perfect destination.

Santorini offers a lavish honeymoon experience (and it’s one of the most sought-after destinations), but you can also escape to quieter, more underrated spots like Paros for a more intimate getaway without the large crowds.

Wondering how to book your Greek getaway using points and miles? We’ve got the answers with our guide on the best ways to travel to Europe. Recently opened hotels — including a peaceful, lava-themed Hyatt — are adding even more options for booking your stay with points.

France

With its exquisite cuisine, breathtaking hotels, and countless romantic landmarks, a honeymoon in France is an easy choice. Plus, now that France has lifted its testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers (though you’ll still need a vaccine pass), it’s simpler than ever to plan your trip.

France offers something for every kind of honeymooner. Paris, with its rich history and culture, is always a classic choice. Nice and Cannes are perfect for those dreaming of a French Riviera escape, each offering its own unique atmosphere. If you’d rather spend your days skiing and nights by a cozy fire, the French Alps are the place to be in winter.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to book a honeymoon to France using points and miles. With new Hyatt luxury hotels (including one on a French vineyard) and our list of the best hotels in France that you can book on points, you’ll find the perfect option for your dream trip.

Plan with cards and spending

Once you’ve chosen your destination, it’s time to figure out how many points and miles you'll need for your honeymoon and start strategizing to hit those redemption goals.

One potential silver lining to the expensive wedding planning process is the opportunity to open a new credit card and take advantage of sign-up bonuses. The right bonus could get you most of the way to your honeymoon goal, and many cards come with travel perks and insurance benefits to enhance your trip and offer peace of mind when booking.

Choosing the right card for you

Today, we’ll discuss three types of travel credit cards: transferable points cards, cobranded airline cards, and cobranded hotel cards.

Transferable points cards (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card) earn rewards across a broad spectrum of purchases, which can then be transferred to travel partners. While many of the top transferable points cards also allow you to redeem for fixed-value, transferring your points to partners can maximize the value. Cobranded airline and hotel cards earn rewards specific to a brand's loyalty program (think: Marriott Bonvoy Points or Delta SkyMiles).

But not all cards are created equal. It’s important to choose the right one for you by considering where you’ll be spending the most and how you want to redeem your rewards.

The great news is that with two of you, you can each apply for at least one credit card. Whether you both focus on the same program or have different goals, you can split the wedding expenses and, most likely without much hassle, meet the minimum spending requirements for both cards. The outcome? Two welcome bonuses and double the earning potential.

The key is to first decide on your destination, then apply for credit cards that offer points you can use for your trip. Here are some of our top card recommendations, along with links to our guides that can help you dive deeper into your options.

Best sign-up bonus available: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Annual fee: $395 (see rates and fees)

Sign-up bonus: Receive 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.

Why it's a great pick: The current sign-up bonus on the Capital One Venture X is unbeatable, especially since wedding expenses will likely make meeting the spending requirement easy. Beyond the bonus, the Venture X stands out as one of the top travel cards available right now.

Earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on everything else. Wedding costs often don't align with standard bonus categories, so the 2 miles per dollar on everyday purchases is a huge benefit. Plus, the card offers incredible perks, including 10,000 bonus miles each year on your anniversary, a $300 annual credit for Capital One Travel bookings, lounge access, and much more.

You can redeem your miles for travel purchases at a value of 1 cent per mile as statement credits for up to 90 days after each transaction (perfect for booking flights or hotels before your rewards post), or transfer them to partner programs.

Explore the full Capital One Venture X card review

Versatile rewards points: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Annual fee: $95

Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. This is worth $750 when booking travel through the Chase portal, or up to $1,200 when transferring points to partners, based on TPG's latest valuations.

Why it's a fantastic pick: If the $395 annual fee on some cards feels too steep, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers an excellent alternative with a significantly lower fee of $95. It boasts one of the best sign-up bonuses in its class and Chase Ultimate Rewards is among the most valuable reward currencies, whether you're a beginner or seasoned traveler. You'll earn points on a variety of travel and dining purchases, and those points can be redeemed through the Chase portal at 1.25 cents each or transferred to a wide range of hotel and airline partners (including United and Hyatt).

Read the full Chase Sapphire Preferred card review

Exclusive benefits: The Platinum Card® from American Express

(Photo by Isabelle Raphael / Dinogo)

Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees)

Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 within the first six months of card membership.

Why it's an excellent choice: Similar to Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards are one of the most valuable currencies you can earn, with the ability to transfer your points to a top-tier list of partners like Hilton, Marriott, and Delta. What really sets this card apart is its remarkable travel benefits: enjoy elite status with Marriott and Hilton, exclusive lounge access, various annual statement credits, and a range of additional perks. This card not only helps you earn points for your honeymoon, but it also elevates your experience with luxury benefits that can significantly enhance your trip.

Check out our review of the Amex Platinum card

The bottom line

Now, the exciting part: booking the honeymoon of your dreams!

After you've accumulated the points and miles you need, it's time to book your trip. You'll go through the process of transferring points, working with partners, and finalizing your travel arrangements. Need some guidance on the details? Take a look at our guide on how to book your first award flight using airline miles and how to transfer points from American Express, Chase, Capital One, and Citi.

We won't sugarcoat it — planning your honeymoon might not always be smooth sailing. But with these strategies, it'll certainly be simpler than tackling your guest list. As for the rest of your wedding planning? Well, you're on your own for that part.