Part of our Luxury & Honeymoon Travel series. Start with the pillar guide: How to Plan a Honeymoon.
A honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. It is also easy to overspend on.
The good news is that a clear budget makes everything calmer. This guide shows you what to include, where the money goes and how to spend it well.
Prices change fast and vary by season, so we do not quote exact figures. Get current quotes before you commit.
Start with a number
Decide how much you can spend in total. Not the dream figure. The realistic one.
Then split it into three parts: the trip itself, a buffer and spending money. Everything else follows.
The big costs
Flights. Often the largest single item for long-haul trips. Travel dates make a huge difference. Midweek and off-peak flights can cost less.
Accommodation. The biggest lever you have. A resort, a boutique hotel and a villa all price differently. Read overwater villa vs beach villa if you are choosing between room types.
Transfers. Remote destinations need boats, seaplanes or internal flights. They add up, so check what is included.
The everyday costs
- Food and drink. All-inclusive rates, half board or pay as you go. Remote resorts are often more expensive for meals.
- Activities. Diving, spa treatments, excursions and private dinners.
- Local transport. Taxis, hire cars and trains.
- Tips and service charges. Check what is included.
The extras people forget
- Travel insurance, including cancellation cover
- Visas, entry fees or travel authorisations
- Vaccinations, if needed
- Luggage fees
- Airport parking or transport
- Currency fees and cash
Where you go changes everything
A beach in the Maldives will not cost the same as a city break in Italy. Season changes it again. Peak weeks cost more. Our guide to the best honeymoon destinations by season shows where shoulder-season savings are possible.
Smart ways to spend less
- Travel in the shoulder season. Fewer crowds and lower rates.
- Be flexible on dates. A day or two can change flight prices.
- Compare, then book direct. See how to get the best hotel rate.
- Check what is included. A higher headline price may cover meals and transfers.
- Use wedding gifts. Some couples ask for honeymoon contributions.
- Book early. Good rooms and fares go first.
Where to splurge
You cannot spend big everywhere. Pick the moments you will remember.
- A beautiful room for a few nights.
- One special dinner.
- A private excursion.
- A spa day for two.
Save on the things you will not notice. Splurge on the things you will.
Rachel’s Tip
Build a buffer of at least a tenth of your total. The unexpected will happen, and a buffer turns a problem into a minor detail.
Put it all together
Once your budget is set, use our step-by-step guide to plan a honeymoon. It helps you turn numbers into a trip.
