 | DIY Local Travel: $500-$1,500+ |
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 | Airfare and Hotel Package: $1,000-$5,500+ |
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 | All-Inclusive Resort: $2,000-$8,000+ |
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| Typical costs: | - An extensive review of wedding-industry sources found estimates for the average cost of a typical honeymoon vary from $3,400 -$5,100 for a trip of six to eight days. However, those prices are reported by the companies catering to newlyweds and generally do not include low-cost trips by couples using frequent flyer miles, driving their own vehicle or staying in a vacation home or timeshare unit owned by a family member or friend. And the "average" price may be increased by couples who take longer and more expensive honeymoon trips. Anecdotally, couples report spending $1,500 -$15,000 or more, depending on the length of the trip, the distance from the departure point to the destination, and the type of accommodations.
- Directly booking flights and lodging at a hotel or bed and breakfast for a week can cost $1,000 -$2,500 with red-eye flights and standard accommodations, or $2,500 -$5,500 or more for peak travel times and dates, a suite in a five-star hotel and/or luxury meals and excursions. For example, at TheKnot.com, a Wisconsin bride reports spending $3,000 for flights, transfers, excursions and a week at a five-star resort in the Riveria Maya district of Mexico.
- A week at an all-inclusive resort typically costs $2,000 -$3,500 for a basic room in the off season or shoulder season (between peak demand and true off-season, when the climate may be less desirable). Upgrading to a suite or villa during peak season can bring total costs to $4,000 -$8,000 or more. For example, the online calculator for Sandals estimates costs for a week in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in August 2012 at $3,000 for a seaside room or $7,000 for a beachfront suite. Airfare for two can add $500 -$2,500 or more to the total cost. Some couples choose package deals with airfare and an all-inclusive resort so they don't have to budget for incidentals.
- A four- to seven-day cruise to Mexico or the Caribbean can cost $600 -$1,500 for two people in a tiny inside cabin on a large ship or $2,000 -$10,000 or more for a luxury suite with a balcony view on a smaller ship. When evaluating prices, remember that many cruise lines have an automatic extra charge for tips. Watch for cruise deals on Cruise Compete, Cruise Direct, Expedia or Travelocity.
- A honeymoon can cost $500 -$1,500 if the couple is willing to travel locally and possibly camp, stay in hostels or rent a modest cabin or home. VacationRentals.com lists affordable honeymoon locations in the United States.
Additional costs: | - Always compare the cost of a hotel's "honeymoon package" to the cost of buying or booking each item separately. The package may include needed extras, like breakfast or a rental car, or potentially unwanted perks, like a bed covered with rose petals. The package can cost more than buying needed items separately.
Discounts: | - If the wedding ceremony and/or reception is held in a hotel that is part of a chain, ask if they offer incentives for booking a honeymoon package with an affiliated hotel or resort.
- Some couples create a honeymoon registry so guests can choose to pay for part or all of the honeymoon instead of more traditional gifts. A honeymoon registry can be set up with a specific destination resort or at sites like TheBigDay.com or HoneymoonWishes.com for a small fee (typically a percentage of the money given or possibly free if the trip is booked through the site).
- Save money by using frequent flyer miles or traveling at non-peak times. TheKnot.com lists budget honeymoon ideas.
- Watch for online or last-minute deals at Expedia, Travelocity or similar travel sites.
Shopping for a honeymoon: | |
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Article updated August 2011 |
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