11 of the best honeymoon destinations for any budget
Weddings are springing back to life this year, which means honeymoons are too. As countries lift COVID-19 restrictions, newly married couples can begin to think big once again when it comes to this very special romantic holiday of a lifetime.
From far-flung getaways to trips closer to home, whether you're on a tight budget or splurging on luxury, we've included some truly epic destinations for couples on this list.
Check out these 11 honeymoon destinations for a romantic holiday for two.
Dominican Republic
For travelers who want an affordable, all-inclusive, adults-only tropical beach honeymoon in the Caribbean, Punta Cana is the place to go for lounging on the white sands while sipping tropical drinks. Use points to stay at the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana (nightly rates start at 21,000 Hyatt points), set along the tranquil Playa Juanillo, far from the debauchery of the busy Bavaro beach and resorts.
Culture enthusiasts should also spend some time in Santo Domingo, where they can wander the colonial streets and take bachata dance lessons.
Mexico
From Cancun's resorts to Mexico City's culinary scene and San Miguel de Allende's colorful culture, Mexico offers anything and everything to honeymooners.
For a true tropical escape, head to the hidden island of Holbox, reachable by a short airplane ride or bus-ferry combo from the Riviera Maya. The island is car-free, so grab a bike and cycle around, visiting quiet beaches and stopping at blissed-out beach bars.
Learn all about Mexico's most famed drink with a visit to Tequila, an easy day trip from the city of Guadalajara. And if the boho-chic Tulum is your pick, consider resorts like the recently opened Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya (nightly rates start at 90,000 Hilton points).
Argentina
There's nothing more romantic than learning how to dance the tango in Buenos Aires — except maybe wine tasting around Argentina's Mendoza wine region, where one of the best ways to hop from winery to winery is by bike.
Adventurous honeymooners can enjoy the majestic Iguazu Falls, one of the largest waterfall systems in the world. For a romantic, wine-infused accommodation experience, stay at Mendoza's Cavas Wine Lodge, where nightly rates start at $756 per night. This boutique Relais & Chateaux property is located on a 55-acre vineyard at the base of the Andes, and rooms come with outdoor, wood-burning fireplaces and private plunge pools.
And in the country's far-flung Patagonia region, travelers can also see Perito Moreno, one of the most impressive glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park.
Greece
One of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world, Greece offers the typical luxury honeymoon experience in spots like Santorini, where couples can bask in colorful sunsets and romantic dinners on the beach.
But honeymooners may encounter fewer tourists and have a more intimate retreat on islands like Paros, which features thousands of acres of vineyards and is known for its gastronomic scene. Several renowned chefs have opened restaurants there, and Paros has a distinct Cycladic spin to its food, using methods like sun-drying fish and infusing food with locally grown spices and herbs. Stay at Summer Senses, where nightly rates start at $190 and some of the suites come with private pools and stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
The Maldives
This bucket list holiday is one of the most exotic trips honeymooners can take. It's best for travelers willing to splurge (with both points and cash) for the ultimate luxury.
Take a seaplane to your resort and stay in an overwater villa, making it easy to dive directly into the ocean whenever you feel compelled to do so.
With properties like the St. Regis Vommuli, the Westin Miriandhoo Resort, the JW Marriott Maldives and the W Maldives, among others, travelers with a stash of Bonvoy points definitely have an advantage here. At the W Maldives, for example, the base rooms designated for award travelers are ocean-facing overwater villas with nightly rates from 70,000 to 100,000 points.
Sri Lanka
For such a small country, there's a remarkable amount of things to do on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka.
Honeymooners can hike Adam's Peak, explore the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura and surf the beaches of Arugam Bay or Weligama all in the same trip. From exploring tea plantations to seeing elephants roam wild at Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks, there's no shortage of life-changing (and affordable) experiences to have in this country.
After all, one of the best parts of a trip to Sri Lanka is that budget travelers can enjoy luxury lodging and experiences at shockingly affordable rates. For example, nightly rates at the Shangri-La Hambantota in the boho beach town of Trincomalee start around $136.
The Azores
Want to honeymoon off the beaten track? Head to the Azores, the Portuguese archipelago that sits in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Besides the gorgeous sunsets and impressive natural wonders such as Sete Cidades Lake, various volcanic peaks and craters and many thermal hot springs, the island's understated beauty and tranquillity envelop visitors from start to finish.
For intimate accommodations surrounded by verdant natural wonders, Furnas Boutique Hotel on the island of Sao Miguel is located within easy reach of the most famous thermal pools on the islands. The hotel also features a massive spa that uses the island's powerful thermic waters in some of its installations and treatments. Nightly rates start at $190.
Hawaii
If you choose a honeymoon to Hawaii, your most complicated decision will be deciding which island to visit.
The remoteness of Kauai makes the island an ideal spot for a more secluded Hawaiian adventure. Here, honeymooners can embark on adventures like admiring the Na Pali Coast via helicopter ride.
In contrast, Maui has it all: romantic, luxury resorts and plenty of activities from relaxing beach days to adventurous water sports.
And Lanai is where couples can really get away from it all, but in the lap of luxury at one of two Four Seasons properties: the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, where nightly rates start at $2,033, or the adults-only Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort where honeymooners can focus on wellness and relaxation with nightly rates starting at $881.
Utah
Outdoorsy types can enjoy either a ski-inspired winter honeymoon or a desert-inspired summer honeymoon in this western state. There are five national parks here, including Arches National Park, with its iconic rock formations. You'll also be close to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, so there's plenty of wide-open space to get away from it all.
For a luxury hideaway that caters to your every whim, the Amangiri offers suites, villas and even tented pavilions with private pools for true desert seclusion; nightly rates start at $2,710. Travelers on a budget can still enjoy desert sunsets and rewarding honeymoon hikes while glamping at Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase, a safari-inspired retreat where tents are perched on a canyon rim plateau, for $447 per night.
Tanzania
Travelers who want to combine a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience with white sands and azure waters should visit Tanzania. The best time to take your honeymoon is in July and August when the wildebeest migration occurs in the Serengeti and Zanzibar is in dry season.
Couples should stay at the Mwiba River Lodge ($1,287 per night for two) which boasts eight private suites set upon boulders overlooking the wild expanse of the Serengeti, complete with some of the most beautiful freestanding bathtubs in Africa. After your safari, head over to Zanzibar to relax on the beach -- and make sure to visit Jozani Forest Park to view the endemic red colobus monkeys that live there.
Malaysia
Neighboring countries like Thailand and Indonesia often get all the honeymoon fame, but Malaysia is just as incredible for an epic couples adventure. From the crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches of Langkawi or Tioman Island to the street art of Penang to the jungles of Borneo, there's something for any perfect pair to enjoy in this Southeast Asian paradise.
Adventure travelers on a budget should ride the jungle train through the country, enjoying the verdant views of Malaysian flora, fauna and village life. Midrange travelers can experience luxury hotels in the country without breaking the bank, as properties like the Four Seasons Langkawi start at less than $271 per night.
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.