One of my favorite things to do as a travel advisor is to help couples plan their honeymoons. These trips are so fun, because it’s often times one of the first big vacations that a couple plans together. It’s almost as rewarding for me as it is for my clients!
Having planned more than 700 honeymoons (edited 4.10.19 now 2300) since becoming a travel advisor in 2006, I know a thing or two about what my clients want. Most of my customers say the reason they hire me is because they need help coordinating all of the honeymoon puzzle pieces (location, budget, amenities, activities, etc).
Money is one of the biggest puzzle pieces to glue down when planning a honeymoon. If you’re like many couples, you might not know how much you can afford to spend or how much to really budget for. I’m going to give you the factors to consider when setting a budget as well as a broad idea of some price points. Don’t hold me (or any other travel professional) to this pricing! This is just meant to give you an idea of cost of your honeymoon.
Factors To Consider When Planning Your Honeymoon:
Time of Year
The general rule of thumb is if school is in session, prices are lower. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, including special events and annual occurrences in nature. (For example, cherry blossoms in D.C., migration in Africa, etc.). Also, trips to the warmer locales in January-March tend to be on the pricier side.
Air City You’re Flying To/From
Major airports offer more service to and from other airports. Smaller airports usually equate to higher prices. So, decide if you can fly from a nearby, larger airport as opposed to your local, smaller one to save some money.
All Inclusive Resort vs. Not
Resorts and hotels that offer packages that include meals, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, and non-motorized water sports are called all-inclusive. Resorts that are not all inclusive, on the other hand, do not have those inclusions or offer a modified plan that may include some combination of what’s listed above.
Cruising?
Your stateroom on a cruise can make or break a budget. The least expensive way to cruise is in a cabin with no windows. (These cabins are called inside or interior cabins). From there, you move on to ocean views (small or large picture windows, depending on the ship) and balcony/verandah cabins, where a door leads you to your own balcony to enjoy breakfast, cocktails before dinner, reading, and relaxing!
Type of Accommodations
Travel professionals tend not to plan trips with accommodations below three stars simply because they don’t want to take the fall for arrangements that aren’t up to par. Also, what we consider 3 stars, or moderate, in the U.S. is not necessarily the same in other parts of the world. Most American’s thoroughly dislike a European moderate hotel. I remind my clients there isn’t always an option to build new, so rooms in Europe are smaller overall.
Other Things to Consider
Destination; length of trip; the exchange rate; and type of touring (private vs. group).
Remember: your trip is personal. It’s yours; not your Facebook friends’, not your parents’, and not your cousins’. This is where my value really shines – ensuring the trip is the best fit for you.
Expected Costs
Below I’ve included some general expected costs of popular honeymoon destinations. Of course, there are always more economical vacation packages, but remember: travel is definitely a matter of getting what you pay for! These are the starting budgets, just to give you an idea of what to save & expect depending on the type of experience you’d like to have. These budgets factor in round trip economy airfare from DC and are total for two people. For the more ‘exotic’ locales know that these trips are longer in length. Please don’t hop to Africa for a Safari for 7 days–that length time won’t do it justice!
Mexico: $4,000 – ideal* $5500+
Caribbean: $5000 – ideal $7500+
Hawaii: $5500 – ideal $9,000+
Caribbean Cruise: $3,000 – ideal $5,000+
Customized itinerary throughout Europe: $7,000 – ideal $10,000+
European Cruise: $5,000 – ideal $8000+
Tahiti: $9000 – ideal $11,000+
Australia/New Zealand: $10,000 – ideal $13,000+
South America: $6,500 – ideal $8,500+
Africa + the Seychelles: $12,000 – ideal $15,000+
Maldives: $10,000+
*The itinerary I can put together in the ideal price range will be above average with 4 star or higher properties + experiences!
I hope you’ve found this blog to be helpful in planning your honeymoon budget.
Please let me know if I can help! Reach out today and we can start planning the honeymoon (or vacation) you’ve been dreaming of!
