Labor of Love: Finding the Perfect (Affordable) Honeymoon Destination
By Michelle McKenzie
Couples spend countless hours planning their ideal weddings, but the vacation following these nuptials is a fantasy waiting to be fulfilled. The top picks for dream honeymoons are Fiji, Hawaii, French Polynesia, Europe, and Thailand. Tropical getaways tend to take precedence over other types of romantic vacations, but every couple has a unique take on how they want to spend the first days as a married couple. And, though these destinations are the most desirable, many couples are unable to make their way to any of them because of high costs for airfare, luxury resorts, excursions, and fine dining. Luckily, there are ways to enjoy all of them, even if you’re on a limited budget.
It is apparent why the Fiji Islands are chosen as number one by couples. With over 300 islands, beautiful clear-blue water, white sandy beaches, and friendly locals, Fiji is a paradise for newlyweds. The ultimate vacation in Fiji would be at a private island resort. Here, you will spend the day with only a dozen other people, a truly luxurious way to vacation. Starting at around $1,000 per night, these island retreats aren’t easy on the checkbook and, for many couples, aren’t economically feasible. Yet there are still ways for couples to experience the private island honeymoon without these enormous costs. The two main islands of Fiji offer a number of affordable resorts and many excursions that will take you to a private island for the day. This is a great option that costs only around $70 per person, including food.
The Hawaiian Islands are the destination most visited by U.S. honeymooners. The islands have considerable beauty and variety, and generally year-round good weather. Hawaii is fairly close to the West Coast, has a wide range of hotel types, and is affordable to most couples. For those who want to splurge, some of the best hotels in the world are located on these islands, situated in front of some of the most beautiful beaches. If frugality is of the essence, couples can choose a moderately priced hotel and visit one of the many public beaches.
Are you picturing a bungalow over clear, tropical waters? French Polynesia is another dream destination that has achieved a reputation for having over-the-water bungalows. Tahiti and its surrounding islands, especially Moorea and Bora Bora, evoke a vision of true paradise. For couples that want the Tahitian experience but don’t have $700+ per night to spend on a room perched above the water, lodging on solid land is much cheaper and is still a fantastic way to see the islands.
Europe has a variety of activities to please any couple. Whether the two of you are adventurous types who would find it interesting to backpack through several countries, romantics who imagine staying in castles, or sun seekers who want to relax on the Mediterranean and enjoy the outdoor dining on the water, Europe is a fantastic location for many couples. Airfare to Europe can definitely be a large expense, however. Looking for reasonable bed-and-breakfasts or small hotels can save you lots of money.
Thailand is an exotic country with beautiful beaches and amazing sites to visit. For couples that have not experienced Asian culture, this is a perfect place to start. Thailand is a romantic and unique destination for honeymooners, and it is cheap, cheap, cheap! Once you get there, everything—including accommodations, food, and souvenirs—is a bargain.
Choosing the perfect destination for your honeymoon can be a difficult task, with tons of selections and personal preferences. The use of an agent who specializes in honeymoons is highly recommended. A travel specialist can make sure that your reservation is just as you would like, right up to arrival time. Agents can also get some of the best deals or discounts on honeymoon packages because they work closely with many of the top honeymoon resorts. Whichever destination you choose, have an incredible honeymoon!
For more information on top honeymoon destinations and tips, check out the Honeymooner’s Review Guide at HoneymoonersReviewGuide.com or call (866) 804-3737.