Here are our tips for keeping expenses down without giving up a great honeymoon around the world.
Saving without giving up
Are you struggling with the expenses of a wedding and does the item 'honeymoon' scare you? Fear not, we have come up with the perfect Top 10 for you, ten destinations around the world that will help you stick to your budget. Saving money without compromising on the experiences you dream of as newlyweds, whether cultural or gastronomic, is possible. Here's how.
Morocco
Arabian atmospheres, fragrant spices and affordable prices. Morocco is hard to beat in the convenience/romanticism ratio. Marrakesh, Fez and Essaouira offer throwback medinas full of character and cheap cafés. Try not to lose your sense of direction within the labyrinthine souks: there are countless bargains to be had, from carpets to classic babouches. Renovated riads (traditional courtyard houses) offer accommodation full of charm, and while some may be expensive, many fall within a perfectly reasonable price range to enjoy palace-like settings on a small budget.
India
One of the historically favourite destinations for travellers on a budget. India has become more expensive but is still very affordable. For example, Palace on Wheels trains can be expensive but even budget-conscious newlyweds can afford India Rail's first class: the overnight Delhi - Udaipur route costs around USD 20 in second class and only USD 10 more in first class cabins.
At the market in Vietnam © hadynah / Getty Images
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Vietnam
In Vietnam, you can get by with EUR 10 a day and still treat yourself to meals like royalty in a street food paradise. In Hanoi, make sure you get a taste of the city's signature dishes: classic beef soup(pho), bun cha (barbecued pork with rice noodles) and chow bánf mì (baguette) while you stroll. Even a three-star trip won't bankrupt you and will allow you to stay in quaint guesthouses, take a wonderful cruise to Halong Bay and other memorable experiences, such as a cooking class or a bike ride in Hoi An, while still leaving room for a beach stay on the beautiful Phu Quoc Island.
Portugal
Portugal is liberating. Here you won't have to fret with little anxieties like 'will that coffee be too snobby for us? Can we afford it?' Even in the most fashionable establishments, an espresso generally costs less than 1 euro and beers no more than 2 euro. You will find yourself ordering a second pastel de nata (delicious puff and cream cakes) without a second thought. There are also lovely casas and renovated farmhouses that ooze charm for less than 100 euro a night.
Manta Bay (or Kelingking Beach) Iola in Nusa Penida, Bali. ©Galjan/Shutterstock
Indonesia
Numbers are high and prices are low in Indonesia. Room prices can start at the impressive 350,000 rupiah, which is about 25 euro. Even newlyweds on a smaller budget can have a nabob experience. The obvious choice of Bali guarantees beautiful beaches, boutique hotel stays, the culture of Ubud and fantastic surfing. But there are 17,000 islands in Indonesia! Consider Lombok and the Gili Islands, the culture and volcanoes of Java and the jungle adventures of Sumatra.
Honduras
Honduras is the cheapest choice in Central America. Food is very inexpensive and accommodation is easy to find. It is also one of the most convenient places to learn to dive. Head to the white beaches of Utila to snorkel or relax on the Caribbean Sea: the nearby island of Cayos Cochinos is perfect for a romantic getaway. Then head to the Mayan ruins of Copán and prepare for adventure in Pico Bonito National Park.
Cambodia
Cambodia is a successful marriage of some of the most beautiful sights in the world and particularly wallet-friendly prices. This is where Angkor Wat is located, for which a seven-day entry ticket costs USD 72: an absurdly expensive price compared to anything else in the country, but also absurdly cheap for a week's exploration of the vast area occupied by temples and jungle at this UNESCO site. Cheap beers (1 USD), meals at around 2 USD and a growing offer of low-cost accommodation are the icing on the cake.
Bulgaria
Not exactly a conventional honeymoon choice, but an affordable option in any season. Sofia, the capital, has enough to offer for those who love cityscapes, and even those who love the beach life will be able to lie in the Black Sea sun: soft sand and €2 beers, what more do you need? Winter newlyweds can take advantage of one of Europe's most affordable skiing destinations: Bansko and Borovets have slopes for all levels and many family-run guesthouses, cosy taverns and (thanks to cheap beer) lively après-ski.
South Africa
Safaris are generally not cheap, but in South Africa you can save money by driving yourself along the roads of the Kruger National Park and not necessarily in a 4x4. On the other side of the country, food prices are good and accommodation is plentiful and for all budgets. Hotels among the vineyards of the Western Cape are particularly affordable compared to their equivalents in the more famous rival wine regions. The best deal? The Shosholoza Meyl Sleeper train follows essentially the same scenic route between Johannesburg and Cape Town that the luxurious Blue Train does, but costs one-twelfth the price.
Puerto Rico
Spanish islands tend to be more affordable in the expensive land paradise called the Caribbean. Puerto Rico has affordable pensions and resorts, fantastic sand and more history than most in this area: the capital San Jose is one of the oldest cities in America. For an extra dose of honeymoon magic, take a night-time kayak ride in the glow of the plankton-rich waters in Bioluminiscent Bay. To save even more, go there in May or early December when prices can drop as much as 40% due to the nearby hurricane season (June - November)