While many newlyweds want to kick back on a beach with a beer or umbrella drink for a week, others definitely want a trip that is more memorable and includes some action outside of the honeymoon suite, too. You don’t have to go to Hawaii or the Caribbean to find a little romance.
If you aren’t a traditional couple or are just looking for a honeymoon that is unique and budget-friendly, but still romantic, there are a variety of destinations that will fit those needs.
New Orleans
New Orleans has got something for every couple: voodoo, vampires, food, gators and jazz. With the awesome Cajun accents you might even feel like you’re in a foreign country. There is adventure of some kind and fun around every corner. For less than you might think, you can take a city walking tour to learn about vampires, the history of The Big Easy and more. New Orleans is also known for its swamps, and you can take a tour of those as well on an airboat. Gorge yourself on beignets and then visit the rum distillery or head over to Mardi Gras World to check out some of the amazing floats and parts of the famous parade.
Iceland
For an environmental twist on romance, Reykjavik is an affordable getaway that includes alternative energy. Lots of couples enjoy going to a relaxing spa together. The capital city is full of geothermal vents that create steam and are used to heat swimming pools, homes and even cook meals in restaurants.
A major draw is the large hot springs that are perfect for relaxation and easing joint pain. If you spend long days sightseeing, these can really help with achy feet and backs. Reykjavik also boasts beautiful landscapes, an active volcano, a thriving city center with plenty of seafood restaurants and belief in elves – you can see the tiny doors where they are reported to live. In the evenings, take in the breathtaking Northern Lights while you snuggle with your new spouse.
Ecuador
The best way to save money on your honeymoon is to choose a truly affordable destination. If you want to engross yourself in history, meet some of the friendliest people anywhere and eat fabulous (and cheap) food, Quito is for you.
Stay in five-star hotels for the price of a two-star anywhere else, take cabs from one end of the city to the other for mere dollars and get your passport stamped at the Middle of the World. Shopping in Quito is amazingly inexpensive, even for fine jewelry and beautifully handmade goods. Just a few hours away will find you at the beach, the rainforest or on top of a volcano.
Peru
Just like Ecuador, you can save a lot of money here. Aside from the historical aspect of the country, it’s one of the best places to go if you are a lover of hiking and ancient ruins. Machu Picchu draws tourists from around the world to experience the trek to the top and the spectacular view. Learn about the Inca and how the site was kept a secret from the Spanish conquest. Depending on how hard-core you are you can hike the whole way or only part of it.
Dublin
Almost everyone claims to have some Irish heritage and I don’t think you’ll meet anyone who doesn’t desire to visit the Emerald Isle, with its rolling hills, oceans teeming with easily viewable sea life, castles and, probably most important, Guinness. Dublin is where couples go to make friends out of strangers, listen to lively music and educate themselves on the Celtic traditions. The city is very walkable, which means you can save money on a rental car and public transportation, but it is easy to take day trips to other parts of Ireland if you want to sightsee at the Giant’s Causeway or the Cliffs of Moher.
Dublin is a beautiful city with so many things to offer, some of them even for free. Check them out.
Las Vegas
Live large for a few days in Sin City and do a bunch of free things and a few expensive things and still go home with some money in your bank account. Las Vegas has a lot to offer those who aren’t eloping or trying to “win it all back”. Here’s just a short list of freebies you can find there: The Sirens of TI pirate battle at the Treasure Island, the conservatory and botanical gardens of Bellagio, the Hawaiian Marketplace, Fremont Street Experience and a stroll through the streets of Paris or New York.
Los Angeles
Sure, you could just plan a trip to Disneyland and be done with it, but there is so much more to do in the Los Angeles area. Experience old school glamour with a behind-the-scenes tour of movie studios or a bus tour of Hollywood hotspots and celebrity homes. Take a stroll down the Walk of Fame and see how many names you recognize. Compare your feet against those famous footprints in front of Mann’s Chinese Theater. As much as L.A. is known for its opulence, it can be fairly inexpensive when you take advantage of the many free and cheap things there are to do around the city. Rent a car and spend the day at Venice Beach – where you can meander along the canals – or window shop on Rodeo Drive in hopes of seeing a famous face or two. You’ll leave wishing you had more time to spend just enjoying the feel of the city.
For the Cinephile Couple
If you and your sweetheart love TV and films, then you might want to go on a honeymoon where the destination is featured in some of your favorite big and small screen moments. Just a few of those may include:
- London – One of the most popular film locations is Portobello Road Market. With hundreds of stalls, you can find almost anything you want there, from produce to antiques, along with the memory of Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts in the movie Notting Hill. And if you’re a fan of the Harry Potter Films, you can now visit the sets at Leavesden Studios, just a few minutes outside of the capital. By the way, London is one of the most expensive travel destinations. Want to be pound-wise on your London Vacation? Check out here.
- Las Vegas – Take yourself on a tour of Vegas hot spots where movies like What Happens in Vegas, The Hangover, Oceans Eleven, Casino and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and TV shows including Las Vegas and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation were shot.
- New York – It seems like every other movie you see is filmed in New York, from When Harry Met Sally to Sex and the City and Date Night.
- The Pacific Northwest – The Northwest is getting some love from films and TV as well. We’ve had films like Sleepless in Seattle, Mr. Holland’s Opus, Burn After Reading, The Ring and Swordfish and shows including Leverage and Portlandia. Why not go check out what else Portland, Seattle and everything in between has to offer?
Another idea for taking the honeymoon you’ve always wanted is to register for parts of your trip. This is especially useful for couples who already live together or already have everything they need to start their life together. Weddings are expensive and you may not find the idea of getting a new set of towels or a blender all that thrilling. Your guests will understand.
Choose your destination and create your perfect itinerary, then start breaking down the parts of that trip into easy-to-gift portions. This might be one night at your hotel or dinner at a swanky restaurant or even a massage at the spa. Just make sure there are things in a variety of price ranges for your guests to choose from. Your friends and family will have fun seeing what you have planned and get excited to be a part of your honeymoon, without being a part of your honeymoon. They “purchase” from your list and then the cash is deposited into your account for you to add those components as you have enough money to do so. If you are depending solely on guest contributions, then you may end up with only partial money for some stuff and have to kick in some of your own money or be a little creative.
You only hope to get married once, so make your honeymoon memorable and reflect who you are. No matter what you like to do, there is a destination for you. Don’t feel like you have to go to Honolulu just because everyone expects you to. If you want to go because you love scuba diving or tropical plants, then you can build a trip around those interests. You can be unique and also stick within your budget. Your reward for planning the perfect wedding and honeymoon will be enjoying things you love doing… together.
Check also these 3 little known awesome places to go for your honeymoon and share your ideas with us.
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