Why Choose Budget Islands for Your Honeymoon?
There’s this weird pressure around honeymoons, like you haven’t truly celebrated your marriage unless you’ve spent a small fortune. But the most memorable honeymoons aren’t always the most expensive ones. Budget-friendly destinations often offer more authentic experiences, warmer hospitality, and the freedom to actually enjoy yourselves without constantly checking your bank account.
Many affordable honeymoon islands provide the same natural beauty as their luxury counterparts. The ocean doesn’t know if you’re staying at a $200-per-night guesthouse or a $2,000-per-night resort—it’s just as blue either way. Plus, saving money on accommodation and flights means more budget for experiences: cooking classes, diving excursions, romantic dinners, or extending your trip by a few days.
For couples planning their dream trip, it helps to understand the best time to visit each island since traveling during shoulder seasons can dramatically reduce costs while still delivering great weather.
What Makes an Island “Budget-Friendly”?
Budget-friendly doesn’t mean cheap or low-quality. It means smart value. These islands typically offer:
- Affordable accommodations: Quality hotels, guesthouses, or boutique resorts ranging from $50-$150 per night instead of $500+
- Reasonable flight costs: Direct flights or convenient connections that don’t require three layovers and 30 hours of travel
- Low cost of living: Meals, transportation, and activities that won’t drain your budget daily
- Free or low-cost attractions: Beautiful beaches, hiking trails, cultural sites, and natural wonders accessible without expensive tours
- Favorable exchange rates: Where your dollar (or whatever currency) stretches further
For couples who want hassle-free planning, some of these destinations also offer all-inclusive honeymoon packages that bundle everything at surprisingly affordable rates.
10 Best Budget-Friendly Honeymoon Islands
1. Bali, Indonesia
Bali consistently tops lists for budget luxury, and for good reason. This Indonesian island delivers stunning rice terraces, ancient temples, world-class beaches, and incredible food at prices that feel almost too good to be true. A high-end meal might cost $15 per person. Couples massages? Sometimes as low as $20 total. It’s what people call “budget luxury”—getting five-star experiences at three-star prices.
The island offers something for everyone. Beach lovers head to Seminyak or Canggu, culture seekers explore Ubud’s art galleries and temples, adventure couples surf or hike volcanoes. You can easily find beautiful private-pool villas for $80-$120 per night, particularly if you avoid peak season (July-August and December-January).
Budget Breakdown (7 Days)
- Flights: $600-$900 per person (depending on departure city)
- Accommodation: $560-$840 ($80-$120/night)
- Food: $210-$315 ($30-$45/day for two people)
- Activities & transportation: $200-$400
- Total: $2,340-$3,370 for two people
Money-Saving Tips: Book accommodation in Ubud or Canggu instead of touristy Seminyak. Eat at local warungs (small family restaurants) where meals cost $2-$5. Rent a scooter for about $5/day instead of hiring drivers constantly.
Best Time to Visit: April-June and September-October offer the best balance of weather and prices.
2. Puerto Rico
Here’s something American couples love about Puerto Rico—no passport required, no currency exchange, and relatively affordable flights from most U.S. cities. Yet it delivers complete Caribbean vibes: pristine beaches, bioluminescent bays, El Yunque rainforest, and the colorful streets of Old San Juan.
Puerto Rico offers diverse experiences on one island. You can explore colonial history, hike through tropical forests, lounge on stunning beaches, and experience vibrant nightlife without island-hopping or spending a fortune on inter-island flights. The food scene is fantastic, blending Spanish, African, and indigenous influences.
Budget Breakdown (6 Days)
- Flights: $300-$600 per person from mainland U.S.
- Accommodation: $480-$720 ($80-$120/night)
- Car rental: $200-$300 (essential for exploring)
- Food: $300-$450 ($50-$75/day)
- Activities: $150-$250
- Total: $2,030-$3,220 for two people
Money-Saving Tips: Stay in smaller beach towns like Rincón or Isabela instead of San Juan. Visit the free beaches rather than resort beach clubs. Book a vacation rental with a kitchen to save on some meals.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-April through May offers lower prices and decent weather before hurricane season.
3. Crete, Greece
While Santorini gets all the Instagram attention (and charges accordingly), Crete offers Greece’s largest island with stunning beaches, ancient ruins, charming villages, and incredible food at much more reasonable prices. Perhaps this is Greece’s best-kept secret for budget-conscious honeymooners.
Crete feels authentically Greek. You’ll find family-run tavernas serving fresh seafood and local wine, beaches ranging from pink sand to dramatic gorges, and Minoan archaeological sites that date back thousands of years. The island is large enough that you never feel crowded, even during peak season.
Budget Breakdown (7 Days)
- Flights: $600-$1,000 per person (with connections through Athens)
- Accommodation: $490-$770 ($70-$110/night)
- Car rental: $200-$280
- Food: $280-$420 ($40-$60/day)
- Activities & entrance fees: $100-$200
- Total: $2,470-$3,670 for two people
Money-Saving Tips: Stay in smaller towns like Chania or Rethymno rather than resort areas. Visit during shoulder season (May or September-October) for better deals. Eat at local tavernas away from tourist centers where meals cost half as much.
Best Time to Visit: May, June, and September offer perfect weather with smaller crowds and lower prices.
4. Palawan, Philippines
Palawan consistently wins awards for being one of the world’s most beautiful islands, yet it remains surprisingly affordable. El Nido’s dramatic limestone cliffs rising from turquoise lagoons rival anything you’ll see in Thailand or Indonesia, while Coron offers world-class diving and pristine beaches.
The Philippines offers incredible value once you arrive. Accommodation, food, and activities cost a fraction of what you’d pay in more developed tourist destinations. Island-hopping tours that visit multiple beaches and snorkeling spots typically run $20-$30 per person. Fresh seafood dinners with sunset views? Often under $15 for two people.
Budget Breakdown (7 Days)
- Flights: $700-$1,100 per person (via Manila)
- Accommodation: $350-$595 ($50-$85/night)
- Food: $175-$280 ($25-$40/day)
- Island tours & activities: $150-$250
- Internal flights/ferries: $100-$200
- Total: $2,375-$3,525 for two people
Money-Saving Tips: Stay in El Nido town rather than private island resorts. Join group island-hopping tours instead of private charters. Eat at local restaurants where Filipino meals cost $3-$5.
Best Time to Visit: November through May offers dry weather, with December-February being peak season and slightly pricier.
5. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Vietnam’s largest island, Phu Quoc, offers white sand beaches, lush tropical forests, pearl farms, and some of Southeast Asia’s best seafood. It’s less developed than Thailand’s islands, meaning you get more authentic experiences and better prices. The island has been rapidly developing its tourism infrastructure, so now is actually a great time to visit before prices inevitably rise.
Phu Quoc’s beaches rival the Maldives in beauty—seriously. Long Beach stretches for miles with powdery sand and calm waters perfect for swimming. The island also produces excellent pepper (you’ll see plantations everywhere) and fish sauce, if you’re into culinary exploration. Perhaps the best part? An emerging luxury resort scene means you can sometimes snag deals at high-end properties during off-season.
Budget Breakdown (6 Days)
- Flights: $650-$950 per person (via Ho Chi Minh City)
- Accommodation: $300-$540 ($50-$90/night)
- Food: $150-$240 ($25-$40/day)
- Scooter rental: $30-$50
- Activities: $100-$200
- Total: $2,180-$3,180 for two people
Money-Saving Tips: Visit during shoulder season (April-May or October) for hotel deals. Rent a scooter to explore independently. Eat at night markets and local restaurants where meals cost $2-$4 per person.
Best Time to Visit: November through March offers the best weather, though April-May can still be lovely with fewer crowds.
6. Andaman Islands, India
The Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal offer some of India’s most stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island provide pristine beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling, and a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for honeymooners seeking peace.
What makes the Andamans special is their relative isolation—they feel remote and untouched despite having solid tourism infrastructure. Radhanagar Beach consistently ranks among Asia’s best beaches. The underwater world here is spectacular, with vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and even occasional encounters with dugongs.
Budget Breakdown (6 Days)
- Flights: $400-$700 per person (from major Indian cities or with international connections)
- Accommodation: $240-$480 ($40-$80/night)
- Food: $120-$180 ($20-$30/day)
- Ferry tickets between islands: $40-$80
- Activities: $100-$150
- Total: $1,700-$2,590 for two people
Money-Saving Tips: Book ferries instead of expensive seaplanes between islands. Stay in beach huts or guesthouses rather than resorts. Eat at local restaurants serving fresh seafood at unbeatable prices.
Best Time to Visit: October through May, with December-February being peak season.
7. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar combines African, Arab, and Indian influences into something uniquely romantic. The historic Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with winding alleys and carved doors. The beaches—particularly on the northeast coast—feature powdery white sand and impossibly blue water. And the prices remain refreshingly affordable despite growing popularity.
This archipelago offers more than just beaches. Spice tours reveal why Zanzibar was historically called “Spice Island.” You can visit jozani forest to see rare red colobus monkeys, explore fishing villages, or simply relax at beach bungalows. The sunsets here are something else—every single evening feels like a postcard.
Budget Breakdown (7 Days)
- Flights: $700-$1,100 per person (often via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi)
- Accommodation: $420-$700 ($60-$100/night)
- Food: $175-$280 ($25-$40/day)
- Activities & tours: $150-$250
- Local transportation: $50-$100
- Total: $2,495-$3,530 for two people
Money-Saving Tips: Stay in Paje or Jambiani on the east coast for better value than Nungwi. Book group tours for spice plantations and Prison Island rather than private ones. Eat at local restaurants where Swahili dishes are delicious and cheap.
Best Time to Visit: June through October offers dry weather and reasonable prices, making it perfect for honeymooners.
If you’re intrigued by Zanzibar’s exotic character, explore our comprehensive guide to the best islands for honeymoon which includes more details about this stunning destination.
8. Azores, Portugal
The Azores offer a completely different honeymoon vibe—think volcanic landscapes, hot springs, crater lakes, and dramatic coastlines rather than tropical beaches. This Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean appeals to couples who want adventure mixed with romance. Plus, Portugal’s overall affordability extends to these islands.
São Miguel, the largest island, features stunning lakes like Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Lake of Seven Cities) with its blue and green waters. You can soak in natural thermal pools, go whale watching, hike through lush landscapes, and enjoy Portuguese cuisine and wine. It’s perhaps the most underrated romantic destination in Europe.
Budget Breakdown (6 Days)
- Flights: $500-$900 per person (from East Coast U.S. or Europe)
- Accommodation: $360-$600 ($60-$100/night)
- Car rental: $180-$250
- Food: $240-$360 ($40-$60/day)
- Activities: $100-$200
- Total: $2,380-$3,510 for two people
Money-Saving Tips: Visit during shoulder season (April-May or September-October). Cook some meals if you rent an apartment. Many natural attractions like lakes, viewpoints, and beaches are completely free.
Best Time to Visit: May through October, though shoulder seasons offer the best value.
9. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic delivers Caribbean beauty without Caribbean prices. While Punta Cana has developed into a resort hub, exploring beyond the all-inclusive zone reveals stunning beaches, colonial architecture in Santo Domingo, and opportunities for adventure from zip-lining to kitesurfing.
The DR offers incredible beach diversity. Punta Cana and Bávaro have calm, protected waters perfect for swimming. The Samaná Peninsula features more rugged beauty and whale watching (January-March). Puerto Plata on the north coast has a more authentic, less touristy feel. Whatever beach vibe you’re after, you’ll find it here affordably.
Budget Breakdown (6 Days)
- Flights: $350-$650 per person from U.S.
- Accommodation: $360-$600 ($60-$100/night)
- Food: $240-$360 ($40-$60/day)
- Car rental or transfers: $150-$250
- Activities: $150-$250
- Total: $2,250-$3,360 for two people
Money-Saving Tips: Consider smaller beach towns like Las Terrenas or Cabarete instead of mega-resorts. Eat at local comedors (small restaurants) where meals are delicious and cheap. Many beaches and natural attractions are free to visit.
Best Time to Visit: May-June and November offer good weather before and after peak season pricing.
10. Koh Lipe, Thailand
While Thailand’s more famous islands like Phuket and Koh Samui have gotten pricier and more crowded, Koh Lipe in the far south near the Malaysian border remains relatively affordable and blissfully peaceful. Often called the “Maldives of Thailand,” it features white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and excellent snorkeling right off the beach.
Koh Lipe is small enough to walk around in a day but offers enough variety to keep couples entertained. The island has no cars—just sandy paths connecting beaches and small resorts. Sunset Beach, despite the name, offers stunning sunrise views, while Pattaya Beach has the most restaurants and nightlife (though “nightlife” here means beach bars, not clubs).
Budget Breakdown (6 Days)
- Flights: $650-$1,000 per person (to Bangkok, then connecting to nearby airports)
- Accommodation: $300-$480 ($50-$80/night)
- Food: $180-$270 ($30-$45/day)
- Ferries & transfers: $100-$150
- Snorkeling & activities: $100-$150
- Total: $2,330-$3,350 for two people
Money-Saving Tips: Visit during shoulder season (May or October) when some resorts offer discounts. Eat at small Thai restaurants away from beachfront where meals cost half as much. Snorkel independently instead of booking organized tours.
Best Time to Visit: November through April offers the best weather, though March-April can get quite hot.
Planning Tips for Budget Honeymoons
Book Strategically
Timing matters enormously. Flights and hotels can double in price during peak season versus shoulder season. Monitor flight prices using tools that alert you to deals. Consider flying mid-week rather than weekends. Book accommodations directly with hotels or guesthouses rather than always using booking platforms—sometimes you’ll get better rates or free upgrades.
Embrace Local Experiences
The best budget honeymoon experiences often happen away from tourist zones. Eat where locals eat, use local transportation when possible, and seek out authentic cultural experiences. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also create more meaningful memories than you would at resort restaurants and organized tours.
For couples seeking unique experiences beyond typical beach relaxation, check out our guide to adventure honeymoon islands that balance thrills with romance.
Consider Package Deals Carefully
All-inclusive packages can offer great value, but do the math. Sometimes booking flights, hotels, and activities separately costs less and provides more flexibility. However, for certain destinations, packages genuinely save money while eliminating planning stress.
Splurge Strategically
Budget doesn’t mean no splurging—it means smart splurging. Maybe you stay in mid-range accommodation but splurge on one incredible sunset dinner. Or perhaps you save on meals but book that once-in-a-lifetime diving experience. Decide what matters most to you as a couple and allocate your budget accordingly.
Travel Light
This sounds minor, but avoiding checked bag fees saves $50-$100 per person each way. Plus, traveling light makes moving between locations easier if you’re island hopping or exploring different areas.
Making Budget Work Without Sacrifice
The biggest misconception about budget honeymoons is that you’re settling or compromising your once-in-a-lifetime trip. That’s simply not true. Some of our most treasured travel memories came from budget-friendly destinations where we felt more connected to local culture and less stressed about money.
These ten islands prove that incredible natural beauty, romantic atmosphere, and unforgettable experiences don’t require unlimited budgets. The ocean at a $60-per-night guesthouse is just as blue as the ocean at a $600-per-night resort. The sunsets are equally stunning. And honestly? The memories you create have nothing to do with how much you spent.
Choose an island that speaks to you, plan thoughtfully, travel during favorable seasons, and embrace the adventure. Your honeymoon should celebrate your love and start your marriage on the right foot—not bury you in debt. These budget-friendly islands let you have both romance and financial peace of mind.
After all, the best honeymoon is the one that lets you return home excited about your future together, not anxious about credit card bills. Start your married life with incredible memories and a solid financial foundation. That’s the real luxury.
