You’ve just wrapped up the glorious saga that is wedding planning and deserve--yes, deserve--a glorious honeymoon. Too bad you basically drained your bank account getting 250 of your closest friends together. No sweat. We’ve rounded up seven places that will knock your socks off without breaking the bank.
7 Honeymoons That Feel Expensive But Actually Aren't
The joys of Paris for the price of Montreal
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Published Oct 9, 2015
Instead Of Paris, Go To Montreal
The historic Vieux Montreal district, a onetime French colony, is bustling with European charm and architecture that dates back as far as the 17th century. Cobblestone streets, swanky boutiques and even its own Notre-Dame Basilica make it a total doppelgänger for the City of Light. Go September through May to score a Sweet Deal, a promo that can save you 50 percent off a second night’s stay at select hotels throughout the city.
Hotel Saint Paul (from $133/night)
Instead Of Miami, Go To Playa Del Carmen
Miami may be cheap to get to… but once you’re there, it’s mighty pricey. The Riviera Maya, on the other hand, is a great alternative for honeymooners who like sipping beachside piña coladas and dancing the night away. Stay at least a week--between trips to Tulum and snorkeling expeditions, you’re going to need some time to decompress--and go in November to get the best rates and weather.
Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort (from $235/night)
Instead Of The British Virgin Islands, Go To U.s. Virgin Island, St. Thomas
You can’t go wrong with the beautiful Caribbean. St. Thomas, much like its British sibling, boasts aquamarine waters and mountainous vistas--but at a fraction of the cost, especially when you book your honeymoon during shoulder seasons (aka fall and spring).
Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Resort (from $159/night)
Instead Of Havana, Go To San Juan, Puerto Rico
Beyoncé may have sent romantic sparks through Cuba’s capital, but we stand by the Old World vibes of Old San Juan. Take in the charming kaleidoscopic colonial architecture by day (hand-holding, optional) and soak up the sunset along the El Paseo del Morro promenade by night (hand-holding, a must). For a full Old San Juan experience, book a room at Hotel El Convento, a restored 360-year-old convent with authentic Spanish decor and amazing tapas.
Hotel El Convento (from $180/night)
Janis Miglavs
Instead Of Napa, Go To Willamette Valley, Oregon
Don’t let the rainy season, typically from October through June, keep you away; strolling through the misty vineyards will make you feel like you’re in a Jane Austen novel. Use quirky Portland as your home base, then take daily tours to the wineries in the area.
Hotel Vintage (from $175/night.)
Instead Of Oahu, Go To Los Cabos
While you’re not going to get lei’d in Cabo (at least not with an orchid garland), the Baja peninsula is an excellent alternative to Hawaii for beach and adventure lovers. Learning to stand-up paddleboard in the Sea of Cortez is pretty awesome. Or maybe, braving a Hydro FlyBoard is what you need to wipe out all that wedding planning stress. Honeymooning in August through September will get you the steepest discounts.
Hotel Bahia (from $120/night)
Byrnes Beth
Instead Of New York...sorry, There's Only One New York
The beauty of the Big Apple is that it caters to every budget year-round, and you don’t have to shack up at the Plaza to have a good time. We love the Philippe Starck-styled Hudson, just a few blocks from Central Park, which is also--lest you forget--a totally free place to get your hand-holding and canoodling on.
Hudson (from $219/night)
