Top 9 Affordable Honeymoon Destinations for 2024

Weddings can be quite costly. After all the festivities, you may not want to spend excessively on your honeymoon.

Your first getaway as newlyweds doesn’t have to be pricey. Here are nine excellent budget-friendly honeymoon spots.

1. Riviera Maya, Mexico

For a relaxing escape into Latin America's charm, the Riviera Maya is unmatched. This stunning coastline between the bustling resort town of Cancún and the serene beaches of Tulum is the perfect setting to celebrate your marriage.

Explore Mexico’s premier diving on the island haven of Cozumel. With the strongest reef in the northern hemisphere, it offers numerous swim-throughs and coral ledges. Or relax on one of the countless sandy beaches like Playa Morelos. For the adventurous, venture into the lush interior and dive into enchanting cenotes—natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear blue-green waters.

While prices are higher than in other regions of Mexico, they remain affordable by North American and European standards. Midrange beachfront options can cost under US$150 per night for two.

Travel tip: To make your journey easier, think about renting a car when exploring the Riviera Maya. Aim to visit between December and May for the best chance of dry weather.

2. Southwest India

India offers countless romantic experiences that are very budget-friendly. Both the southwestern states of Kerala and Goa provide a unique level of uncomplicated relaxation.

These two tranquil regions are ideal for enjoying warm sandy beaches (Goa boasts the finest in India, with a more relaxed approach to beach attire) and wellness retreats (Kerala is the heart of Ayurveda, with double rooms in top retreats available for US$160 per night or less).

Alternatively, embark on a romantic journey through the enchanting Kerala Backwaters, a network of tropical waterways. Enjoy a stay on a houseboat for as low as US$115 per night.

Travel tip: The best weather in both states is from December to March, offering a more comfortable and less humid experience.

3. Havana, Cuba

Forget the typical Caribbean experience. For a honeymoon filled with surprises, opt for Cuba. No other island in the region offers such rich culture or spontaneous romantic activities.

Begin your adventure with iconic Cuban cocktails like mojitos and daiquiris on rooftop terraces. Dance to the island's sultry sounds of jazz, rumba, salsa, and Buena Vista Social Club. Then, stroll along Havana's malecón (seaside promenade) and explore the stunning old town of La Habana Vieja.

For some beach relaxation, visit Varadero, a heavenly sandy peninsula filled with romantic hotels that meet every expectation.

Travel tip: Visit Cuba between November and April, after hurricane season, for the least rain and the most enjoyable weather. Consider staying in casas particulares (locally-run bed and breakfasts) that often provide more luxury at a lower price than hotels.

4. Budapest, Hungary

Unwind in the only capital city in the world blessed with natural thermal healing waters. Numerous ornate bathhouses in Budapest harness the soothing warmth from 118 springs. Enjoying a soak is sure to ignite romance—especially with private baths for two available for under US$50.

Take a leisurely walk to the fairytale-like Buda Castle or ascend to the turreted Fisherman’s Bastion on Castle Hill. The breathtaking views over the mighty Danube River come at no cost. After sunset, find a cozy nook in one of the candlelit ruin bars scattered throughout the Seventh District for a drink. Housed in abandoned buildings, these bars provide affordable beverages, eclectic music, and a peek into Budapest's artistic scene.

Travel tip: June is a great month to visit, featuring warm weather and fewer crowds compared to July and August. The Danube Carnival, a vibrant showcase of local folklore, also takes place in June, offering romantics a chance to learn the traditional couples’ dance, Csárdás.

5. Crete, Greece

If you’re in search of European sun and sea, Crete offers a hotter experience than Santorini, Greece’s popular honeymoon destination, featuring warmer weather, stunning beaches, and generally lower prices. Visit Hania in the west for its beautiful Venetian harbor and breathtaking nearby beaches, some with pink sand. You can also find charming double rooms in this picturesque Cretan town for under US$100.

Embark on a hike through Samaria Gorge, the longest in Europe, and head east to uncover the impressive ruins of Knossos, linked to the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur. Then, choose from an array of stunning beaches, where exploring the soft sands is absolutely free.

Travel tip: Visiting Crete in the early or late holiday seasons (April–May and September–October) allows you to enjoy the island without the crowds.

6. Marrakesh, Morocco

Charming and stylish, Marrakesh is one of Morocco's most enchanting cities. Often considered Africa's top budget honeymoon destination, this former Capital of Culture is perfect for newlyweds seeking romance.

Take your partner for a stroll through one of the most enchanting gardens in the world, the cactus-filled Jardin Majorelle. Designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle, this one-hectare garden features a striking cobalt-blue villa that introduced the vibrant Majorelle blue to the world.

For a unique and unforgettable shopping experience, explore the winding paths of a souk like Souk Semarrine, or browse upscale boutiques. Enjoy added savings by staying in a riad (a traditional Moroccan mansion with a central courtyard), where prices start at just over US$150 per night.

Travel tip: The best times to visit Marrakesh are during spring and autumn to escape the intense heat of summer.

7. Luang Prabang, Laos

Nestled in the lush foothills where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers converge, Luang Prabang is an ideal budget destination for newlyweds in Northern Laos.

Legend has it that Buddha took a rest here during his travels and smiled, and you and your partner will likely feel the same joy when you discover that you can enjoy your stay for under US$25 per person per day in simple accommodations.

Experience charming Indochinese villas, the UNESCO-listed architecture of intricately designed Buddhist temples, and spiritually uplifting walks to sacred sites, where you'll encounter lines of monks. Don't miss the breathtaking turquoise waterfalls at Kuang Si, located just southwest of the town, all while soaking in a profound sense of tranquility.

Travel tip: Arriving in Laos after the wet season, around October or November, allows you to witness the vibrant greenery shining beautifully after the rains.

8. Northwest Highlands, Scotland

Ditch the usual tourist traps like Edinburgh and Loch Ness, and head north to one of Europe's most remote and sparsely populated regions. With minimal settlements in the Northwest Highlands, there are fewer distractions that might tempt you to spend your honeymoon budget.

Instead, adventurous couples can embark on breathtaking, free hikes and save even more by staying overnight in a bothy, charming wilderness shelters that offer guests a complimentary stay for one or two nights.

Combine your hikes with a visit to a romantic castle, like the causeway-connected Eilean Donan, a fortress so breathtaking it looks as if it’s straight from a shortbread tin. Alternatively, snuggle up in a secluded Highland hotel nestled within a sprawling estate of rocky moors, mountains, and rugged shores.

Planning tip: Your honeymoon here will revolve around outdoor activities, so it's useful to note that May and September typically offer drier and sunnier weather compared to the peak tourist months of July and August.

9. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Few places evoke romance quite like Buenos Aires. With its intoxicating tango as its heart and soul, this self-proclaimed Paris of South America offers just as much charm as its French counterpart—at a fraction of the cost.

Stroll through the colonial streets of artistic San Telmo, filled with antique shops and spontaneous dance shows. Enjoy the sweet ritual of merienda (afternoon tea) with your partner at a chic café. Wrap up your evenings with a glass of fruity, quintessentially Argentine Malbec, celebrating your new journey together. Designed for leisurely exploration, this alluring capital fuses passion with beauty and art with architecture, much of it available at no cost.

Planning tip: Visit during spring (September to November) to enjoy pleasant weather before it heats up and locals head to the coast. Consider pairing your vacation with a cozy trip to one of the estancias (countryside ranches) just outside the city.