Top Honeymoon Destinations: Where Do People Often Go?

If you ask ten couples where they spent their honeymoon, you’ll probably hear names like the Maldives, Paris, or Bali thrown around. There’s a reason these spots keep showing up on everyone’s Instagram. White sand beaches, tropical cocktails, and cozy resorts make them easy winners for romance and relaxation, especially after the whirlwind of a wedding.

But not everyone has a five-star resort budget, and honestly, not everyone wants to spend their first week of married life surrounded by other honeymooners. Some couples chase adventure in Iceland or New Zealand. Others just want a quiet cabin in the woods, with nobody around but the local wildlife (or, in my case, my dog Luna always thinks she’s invited anywhere quiet and scenic!).

It helps to figure out your vibe before you book anything. Are you dreaming about long walks on the beach, or does the idea of hiking a volcano get your heart racing? Maybe you want street food in Thailand, or hot chocolate in a Swiss chalet. The most popular places aren’t always the right fit—and sometimes, less famous locations offer more privacy and better prices.

• Classic International Favorites
• Hidden Gems on the Rise
• Budget-Friendly Alternatives
• How to Pick Your Perfect Destination

Classic International Favorites

When it comes to picking a honeymoon destination, some places just never go out of style. These spots are top choices for a reason—they guarantee gorgeous scenery, top-notch service, and enough things to do (or not do) to make the trip feel special. Here's a closer look at why these international favorites keep showing up year after year.

• Maldives: Picture those iconic overwater bungalows and crystal-clear water you see on travel ads. With more than 150 resorts on 1,000+ islands, this place is built for couples looking to relax in total privacy. Most resorts throw in bonuses for honeymooners—think free dinners, room upgrades, and even underwater dining. Quick tip: The high season runs from November to April, with the best weather but the highest prices.
• Bali, Indonesia: It’s not just a beach party—Bali mixes beach clubs with rainforests, temples, and rice fields. Many couples book private villas with their own pool, and massage services that come right to your room. Ubud is perfect if you want a jungle vibe, while Seminyak and Uluwatu are more about the waves and nightlife.
• Paris, France: There’s no way to talk honeymoons without mentioning Paris. The city draws couples for its café culture, old streets, and views of the Eiffel Tower. It might sound cheesy, but popular activities really do include river cruises and late-night strolls along the Seine. And yes, the pastries live up to the hype.
• Hawaii, USA: If you want classic but not too far from home (at least for Americans), Hawaii has beaches, volcanoes, and more. Maui and Kauai are the quieter, more romantic islands, while Oahu has more nightlife and activities.
• Santorini, Greece: Those blue-domed churches and sunset views are even better in real life. Santorini is a small island, but every corner is picture-worthy. The island is packed from May through September, so going in April or October gets you the scenery without the crowds.

If you like numbers, here’s how these places measure up in popularity, according to surveys collected by Statista in 2024:

Even though these places sit at the top, they book up fast—especially for prime dates. If one of these is on your dream list, try booking at least 8-12 months ahead. Also, look for deals that include breakfast or spa credits—they can make a big difference in your spending (and your stress levels).

Hidden Gems on the Rise

If you’re tired of hearing about the same old places, you’re not alone. Lately, more couples are skipping the usual crowds for fresh, off-the-radar honeymoons that keep things easy, relaxed, and unique. These spots aren’t overflowing with honeymooners, but they’re starting to get noticed for all the right reasons.

Take Slovenia—yes, the country tucked between Italy and Croatia. Ljubljana, the capital, is small and walkable, and you can head up to Lake Bled for views that look straight out of a fairy tale. In 2024, Slovenia saw a 17% jump in honeymoon bookings, especially among couples looking for hiking, biking, and affordable spa resorts.

Another one gaining steam: Zanzibar. This Tanzanian island isn’t just beautiful—it’s also easier to reach now, thanks to new direct flights from Europe. Couples rave about the spice farms, white sand beaches, and locally run boutique hotels that cost way less than big resorts in the Maldives.

If you want somewhere closer to home (well, if you’re in the US!) but still different, Puerto Escondido in Mexico is winning hearts. It has gorgeous Pacific beaches, great food, a laid-back vibe, and it’s not as crowded as Tulum or Cabo. Lots of newlyweds say it feels more authentic, and there are surf schools if you want to try something new together.

Here’s a quick table with travel times and estimated budget ranges for each of these emerging honeymoon destinations:

If you care about stretching your cash and avoiding crowds, it pays to look beyond the obvious. Before you book, always check the weather and read reviews from other travelers. Smaller boutique hotels might have limited spots, so try to reserve well in advance if you’re set on a hidden gem spot.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

Not everyone wants to max out their credit card on their honeymoon, and you don’t have to. Plenty of couples are finding amazing experiences that don’t come with a huge price tag. The trick is thinking outside the typical tourist hotspots and being open to different adventures.

Southeast Asia is a favorite for couples looking to stretch their budget. Places like Vietnam and Thailand offer white sand beaches, delicious food, and friendly stays for a fraction of what you’d spend in the Caribbean or Europe. You can snag a nice hotel room, good meals, and activities like island hopping, all without splurging. Street markets in Ho Chi Minh City or Thai night bazaars are perfect for trying new foods and picking up souvenirs, all while staying budget-conscious.

Another smart option is going local. If you’re in the US, look at national parks like Yosemite or Zion. You can camp under the stars, hike epic trails, or rent a cozy cabin. These parks tend to be less expensive during shoulder season (the time right before or after peak periods), and you avoid the crowds too.

Europe isn’t always expensive if you know where to go. Portugal, especially in cities like Lisbon or Porto, is much more affordable than Paris or Rome, but still has beaches, vibrant nightlife, and great food. Eastern European spots, like Budapest or Prague, offer beautiful architecture, romantic river cruises, and cafés without the Western Europe price tag.

If you’re watching your wallet, here are a few tips:

• Travel during the shoulder season for lower costs and smaller crowds.
• Look for vacation rentals or local guesthouses instead of luxury hotels.
• Use fare alerts to grab flight deals and be flexible with your dates.
• Mix free activities (like hiking or walking tours) with a few special splurges, like a nice dinner or guided excursion.

The key is to focus on what matters most to you both. You don’t need a fancy resort to have an amazing trip. There are honeymoon destinations for every budget—you just have to dig a little deeper and keep an open mind.

How to Pick Your Perfect Destination

Nailing down your honeymoon plan isn’t just about posting cool pics (though, who doesn’t love a good sunset selfie?). It’s more about what makes the two of you genuinely happy. Before you get excited by dreamy photos, start with these practical steps:

• Budget first: Seriously, don’t ignore this. A 2024 survey by Honeyfund found the average couple spends $4,800 on a honeymoon, but there’s no shame in going lower or higher. Set your comfort zone, so you avoid starting married life stressed about money.
• Consider the season: For example, the Maldives’ prime weather is January through April, while Greece is gorgeous (but crowded) in the summer. Off-season travel often means fewer people and better deals.
• Travel length matters: Got only a few days off? Pick somewhere closer to avoid wasting half your time in airports. Jet lag isn’t romantic.
• Match your vibe: Love city action? Paris and Tokyo top the charts for couples who want food, sights, and culture. Prefer adventure? Think of Costa Rica or South Africa for safaris and ziplining. Want pure relaxation? All-inclusive Caribbean resorts usually do the trick.
• Think about comfort zones: Are you both okay with long flights? Do you need English-friendly places, or are you happy winging it?

If you want the real deal on what’s popular, here’s a quick look at where most couples go based on a recent 2024 travel agency report:

Still stuck? You can always talk it out as a couple with a basic list. Here are a few quick questions to ask yourselves:

• What’s our comfort level on spending for our honeymoon destinations?
• Do we want lots of activities, or just time to chill?
• How far are we willing to travel?
• Is privacy important, or do we like the lively buzz of a popular spot?

At the end of the day, pick somewhere that reflects both your personalities, not just what’s trending. Make it your own. And don’t forget travel insurance—it’s boring but totally worth it if you run into flight delays or lost luggage.