Best Honeymoon Destinations 2026: The Complete Planning Guide

Last Updated on July 17, 2026 by Joy Editors

This is the complete guide to planning your honeymoon in 2026: where to go, when to book, how to budget, and how to pay for it. Whether you want a beach resort, a European city, or an adventure trip on the other side of the world, this pillar guide connects you to every destination guide and planning resource on this site.

Quick answer: The top honeymoon destinations for 2026 are the Maldives (beach luxury), Italy’s Amalfi Coast (romance and culture), Bali (budget-friendly luxury), Japan (unique experiences), Hawaii (domestic classic), and Mexico (all-inclusive value). The average honeymoon costs $6,500 in 2026, with couples spending about 26% of their total wedding budget on the trip.

How to Choose Your Honeymoon Destination

Before picking a destination, answer four questions:

What is your travel style? Beach relaxation, city exploration, adventure, or cultural immersion?
What is your budget? Including flights, hotel, food, and activities.
What time of year is your wedding? Seasons affect weather, pricing, and availability.
How long do you have? Long-haul destinations (Maldives, Bali, Japan) need at least 10 days to be worth the travel time. Domestic or Caribbean destinations work well for a 5 to 7 day trip.

If both partners have different travel styles, look for destinations that combine elements: Costa Rica pairs adventure and beaches, Japan pairs culture and city energy, and California pairs wine country and coastline.

Honeymoon Budgeting: What to Expect and How to Save

The average US honeymoon costs $6,500 in 2026. Here is how that breaks down by destination type:

Destination Type	Typical Budget (1 Week, 2 People)	Main Cost Driver
Budget-friendly (Mexico, Bali, Portugal)	$2,500 to $5,000	Flights (short-haul or low cost of living)
Mid-range (Hawaii, Greece, Costa Rica)	$4,000 to $8,000	Hotels and dining
Luxury (Maldives, Bora Bora, Amalfi Coast)	$7,000 to $15,000+	Resort pricing
Domestic USA (Napa, Charleston, Sedona)	$2,000 to $6,000	No passport or international flights

Ways to save:

Travel in shoulder season: May, June, September, and October offer better prices at most European and tropical destinations, plus smaller crowds.
Book all-inclusive: Bundling meals, drinks, and activities saves 20 to 25% compared to paying separately, especially in Mexico and the Caribbean.
Set up a honeymoon fund: Instead of physical gifts, ask guests to contribute toward your trip. More on this in the honeymoon fund section.
Book flights and hotels early: Popular resorts in the Maldives, Bora Bora, and Santorini fill up 12 months in advance for peak season dates.
Combine a mini-moon with a later trip: Take a short domestic trip right after the wedding, then plan the big honeymoon for a few months later when off-peak pricing kicks in.

Beach Honeymoons

Beach honeymoons are the most popular category, accounting for over 40% of all honeymoon trips. These destinations deliver sun, sand, and total relaxation.

1. The Maldives

The Maldives delivers the most complete beach honeymoon experience: overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, and total privacy. The one-island, one-resort setup means once you arrive, there is nowhere else to be.

Best season: December through April (calm seas, clear skies)
Budget: $5,000 to $15,000+ for a week
Best for: Couples who want total seclusion and luxury

Read the full guide: Maldives Honeymoon Guide: Everything You Need to Know

2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Overwater bungalows above a turquoise lagoon with views of Mount Otemanu. Bora Bora is more accessible than the Maldives for US couples on the West Coast, with direct flights from Los Angeles.

Best season: May through October (dry season)
Budget: $6,000 to $12,000 for a week
Best for: Couples who want the overwater bungalow experience with easier travel from the US

Read the full guide: How to Create the Perfect Bora Bora Honeymoon Itinerary | Tahiti and Bora Bora Honeymoon Guide

3. Hawaii, USA

Hawaii is the most popular honeymoon destination for US couples. No passport required, direct flights from most major cities, and dramatic variety across islands. Maui for romance, Kauai for nature, Oahu for a mix of beach and city, and the Big Island for volcanoes and adventure.

Best season: April through June or September through November (fewer crowds, lower prices)
Budget: $3,000 to $7,000 for a week
Best for: Couples who want a tropical honeymoon without the complexity of international travel

Read the full guides: The 15 Best Honeymoon Resorts in Hawaii | 15 Dreamy Honeymoon in Maui Ideas

4. Turks and Caicos

Grace Bay Beach consistently ranks among the world’s best beaches. Turks and Caicos is quieter than the Caribbean’s busier islands, with excellent snorkeling and a laid-back pace.

Best season: December through April
Budget: $4,000 to $9,000 for a week
Best for: Couples who want world-class beaches without the party atmosphere

Read the full guide: The Ultimate Honeymoon Guide to Turks and Caicos

5. Mexico (Riviera Maya / Los Cabos)

Mexico offers the best all-inclusive value in the Caribbean region. Riviera Maya has calm Caribbean waters and jungle cenotes. Los Cabos has dramatic Pacific scenery and luxury resorts.

Best season: November through April
Budget: $2,500 to $6,000 for a week all-inclusive
Best for: Couples who want a tropical honeymoon at the best price-to-quality ratio

Read the full guide: How to Plan Your Dream Honeymoon in Mexico

More Beach and Island Destinations

We have detailed guides for more beach honeymoon destinations:

Romantic European Honeymoons

Europe remains the top choice for couples who want culture, food, and romance over beach time. These destinations pair centuries of history with world-class dining and walkable cities.

6. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi are built into cliffs above the Mediterranean. Days revolve around food, wine, and slow walks through ancient towns. The Amalfi Coast is expensive and crowded in peak summer: consider late May or September for better prices and smaller crowds.

Best season: May to June, September to October
Budget: $5,000 to $10,000 for a week
Best for: Couples who want the classic Mediterranean romance experience

Read the full guide: The Perfect Italy Honeymoon: A Month-By-Month Planning Guide

7. Santorini and Mykonos, Greece

Santorini’s caldera views and white-washed buildings are iconic. Mykonos offers a livelier scene. Many couples do both in one trip via a short ferry ride.

Best season: May to June or September to October (avoid August crowds)
Budget: $4,000 to $9,000 for a week
Best for: Couples who want iconic scenery with great food and island-hopping

Read the full guide: Your Guide to Planning the Perfect Honeymoon in Greece

8. Paris and the French Countryside

Paris remains one of the world’s great romantic cities. Pair it with Provence, the Loire Valley, or Burgundy for a more complete France experience.

Best season: April through June or September through October
Budget: $4,000 to $8,000 for a week
Best for: Couples who want art, architecture, food, and wine in one trip

9. Tuscany, Italy

Vineyards, hilltop towns, and world-class food. Florence as a base with day trips to Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti wine country. Slower and more intimate than the Amalfi Coast.

Best season: May to June, September to October
Budget: $4,000 to $8,000 for a week
Best for: Couples who prefer wine country and countryside over coastal towns

10. Portugal (Lisbon and the Algarve)

Portugal is one of Europe’s best value destinations. Lisbon has incredible food, architecture, and nightlife. The Algarve coast has dramatic cliffs and beautiful beaches.

Best season: May through October
Budget: $3,000 to $6,000 for a week
Best for: Couples who want a European honeymoon at a lower price point

11. Spain

Barcelona, San Sebastian, Mallorca, and Andalusia each offer a distinctly different honeymoon. Spain has the food, beaches, architecture, and nightlife to fill two weeks without repeating a vibe.

Best season: May to June, September to October
Budget: $3,500 to $7,000 for a week
Best for: Couples who want variety: beaches plus cities plus food culture

Read the full guide: How to Plan Your Dream Spain Honeymoon

12. Iceland

Volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, waterfalls, and the Northern Lights. Iceland is unlike anywhere else and works as a honeymoon for adventurous couples who also appreciate luxury lodges.

Best season: June to August (midnight sun, warmest weather) or September to March (Northern Lights)
Budget: $4,000 to $8,000 for a week
Best for: Couples who want dramatic landscapes and natural wonders over beaches

Read the full guide: The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Honeymoon in Iceland

Related guides: 15 Winter Honeymoon Destinations You Will Love

Adventure and Unique Honeymoons

For couples who would rather hike a volcano than sit by a pool, these destinations deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

13. Japan

Japan is not the obvious honeymoon choice, but it is one of the most memorable. Kyoto’s temples and bamboo groves, Tokyo’s energy, Hakone’s hot springs with Mount Fuji views. Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is peak romance but also peak crowds.

Best season: March to May, October to November
Budget: $4,000 to $8,000 for 10 days
Best for: Couples who want cultural immersion with exceptional food

Read the full guide: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Honeymoon in Japan

14. Bali, Indonesia

Bali offers luxury at a fraction of the cost of other tropical destinations. Private villas with infinity pools, rice terrace walks, temple visits, and excellent spa culture. Ubud for culture and nature, Seminyak for beach and nightlife.

Best season: April through October (dry season)
Budget: $2,500 to $5,000 for 10 days
Best for: Couples who want luxury on a budget with spiritual and cultural depth

Read the full guide: The Ultimate Bali Honeymoon Guide

15. Costa Rica

For adventure-seeking couples: zip-lining, volcano hikes, wildlife, and beautiful Pacific beaches. Costa Rica packs a lot into a small country, and the infrastructure for tourism is excellent.

Best season: December through April (dry season)
Budget: $3,000 to $6,000 for a week
Best for: Couples who want to combine adventure activities with beach relaxation

Read the full guide: 15 Most Romantic Costa Rica Honeymoon Spots

16. New Zealand

Dramatic landscapes, excellent wine, and outdoor adventures. South Island for fjords, glaciers, and mountains. North Island for geothermal wonders and Maori culture. Plan at least 10 days to do it justice.

Best season: December through March (Southern Hemisphere summer)
Budget: $5,000 to $9,000 for 10 days
Best for: Active couples who want world-class scenery and wine

Read the full guide: How to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon in New Zealand

17. Australia

Combine the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Harbor, the Outback, and world-class wine regions in one trip. Australia requires at least two weeks to cover meaningfully, but rewarding for couples willing to invest the travel time.

Best season: September through November or March through May
Budget: $5,000 to $10,000 for two weeks
Best for: Couples who want a true multi-week adventure across diverse landscapes

Read the full guide: Your Dream Honeymoon in Australia

Related guides: 10 Honeymoon Destinations for Adventure Lovers

Best Honeymoons in the USA

Domestic honeymoons save on passport hassles and international flights. These US destinations deliver romance without leaving the country.

18. California

California offers several distinct honeymoons in one state: Napa Valley for vineyard lunches and spa days, Big Sur for dramatic coastline drives, and Southern California for beach towns and desert escapes. Many couples combine two or three regions in a single road trip.

Best season: September through November (Napa harvest), year-round (Southern California)
Budget: $3,000 to $7,000 for a week
Best for: Couples who want wine, coastline, and variety without leaving the US

Read the full guides: Your Guide to Planning a Romantic Honeymoon in California | The Ultimate Big Sur Honeymoon | The Ultimate Lake Tahoe Honeymoon Guide

19. Charleston, South Carolina

Historic architecture, excellent food, and nearby beaches. Charleston is one of the most romantic cities in the US, with a walkable downtown, carriage rides, and some of the best restaurants in the South.

Best season: March through May, September through November
Budget: $2,000 to $4,000 for a week
Best for: Couples who love food, history, and Southern charm

20. Sedona, Arizona

Red rock landscapes, spa resorts, and stargazing. Sedona is ideal for couples who want natural beauty, quiet mornings, and resort luxury without a long flight.

Best season: March through May, September through November
Budget: $2,000 to $4,000 for a week
Best for: Nature-loving couples who prefer landscapes over beaches

More US Honeymoon Destinations

We have guides for additional US honeymoon spots:

Budget-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations

A memorable honeymoon does not require a $10,000 budget. These destinations deliver genuine luxury and romance at a fraction of the cost of top-tier resorts.

Destination	Budget (1 Week, 2 People)	Why It Works
Mexico (all-inclusive)	$2,500 to $4,000	Short flight, great weather, all costs bundled
Bali	$2,500 to $4,000	Luxury villas at low prices, incredible food
Portugal	$3,000 to $5,000	Europe’s best value, beautiful coastline
Dominican Republic	$2,000 to $3,500	Affordable all-inclusive resorts, direct flights
Costa Rica	$3,000 to $5,000	Adventure plus beach, good infrastructure
Domestic USA (Charleston, Sedona, Colorado)	$2,000 to $4,000	No passport, no long flight, still romantic

Destination Comparison Table

Use this table to compare destinations side by side by budget, best season, trip length, and travel style.

Destination	Best Season	Budget (1 Week)	Min. Trip Length	Style	Passport Needed
Maldives	Dec to Apr	$5,000 to $15,000+	7 days	Beach / Luxury	Yes
Bora Bora	May to Oct	$6,000 to $12,000	7 days	Beach / Luxury	Yes
Hawaii	Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov	$3,000 to $7,000	5 days	Beach / Adventure	No
Turks and Caicos	Dec to Apr	$4,000 to $9,000	5 days	Beach / Relaxation	Yes
Mexico	Nov to Apr	$2,500 to $6,000	5 days	Beach / All-Inclusive	Yes
Amalfi Coast, Italy	May to Jun, Sep to Oct	$5,000 to $10,000	7 days	Romance / Culture	Yes
Santorini, Greece	May to Jun, Sep to Oct	$4,000 to $9,000	5 days	Romance / Culture	Yes
Paris, France	Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct	$4,000 to $8,000	5 days	Romance / City	Yes
Tuscany, Italy	May to Jun, Sep to Oct	$4,000 to $8,000	7 days	Wine / Countryside	Yes
Portugal	May to Oct	$3,000 to $6,000	7 days	Culture / Beach / Value	Yes
Spain	May to Jun, Sep to Oct	$3,500 to $7,000	7 days	Culture / Beach / Food	Yes
Iceland	Jun to Aug (summer), Sep to Mar (lights)	$4,000 to $8,000	7 days	Adventure / Nature	Yes
Japan	Mar to May, Oct to Nov	$4,000 to $8,000	10 days	Culture / Food	Yes
Bali	Apr to Oct	$2,500 to $5,000	10 days	Culture / Beach / Value	Yes
Costa Rica	Dec to Apr	$3,000 to $6,000	7 days	Adventure / Beach	Yes
New Zealand	Dec to Mar	$5,000 to $9,000	10 days	Adventure / Wine	Yes
Australia	Sep to Nov, Mar to May	$5,000 to $10,000	14 days	Adventure / Beach / City	Yes
California	Sep to Nov (Napa), year-round (SoCal)	$3,000 to $7,000	5 days	Wine / Coast / Road Trip	No
Charleston, SC	Mar to May, Sep to Nov	$2,000 to $4,000	4 days	Food / History	No
Sedona, AZ	Mar to May, Sep to Nov	$2,000 to $4,000	4 days	Nature / Spa	No

When to Go: Honeymoon Season Guide

The right time to travel depends on your destination. This season-by-season breakdown shows where to go each month.

Month	Best Destinations	Why
January	Maldives, Mexico, Thailand, Caribbean	Peak dry season in the tropics. Post-holiday deals at some resorts.
February	Maldives, Hawaii, Turks and Caicos	Valentine’s month. Book early, as honeymoon resorts fill quickly.
March	Japan (cherry blossoms), Costa Rica, Caribbean	Spring break in the tropics. Cherry blossom season begins in Japan.
April	Japan, Greece (shoulder), Paris, Bali	Shoulder season in Europe. Dry season holding in Southeast Asia.
May	Amalfi Coast, Santorini, Portugal, Bali	Best month for Mediterranean: warm but not crowded. Bali dry season starts.
June	Iceland (midnight sun), Italy, Greece, Hawaii	Peak season opens across Europe. Iceland’s longest days.
July	Bora Bora, Iceland, Mediterranean, California	Dry season in French Polynesia. Peak summer everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere.
August	Bora Bora, Bali, Japan (culture festivals)	Avoid Mediterranean crowds. Good for Pacific and Southeast Asia.
September	Italy, Greece, Napa Valley, Spain	The sweet spot: European crowds thin out, harvest season in wine country.
October	Japan (fall foliage), Tuscany, New England, Australia (spring)	Autumn colors in Japan and Italy. Spring blooms in the Southern Hemisphere.
November	Thailand, Mexico, Caribbean, New Zealand (spring)	Tropical dry seasons begin. Off-peak pricing at many resorts.
December	Maldives, Caribbean, New Zealand, Australia	Festive-season travel. Peak pricing but peak weather in most tropical spots.

Plan Your Honeymoon Step by Step

A step-by-step timeline for honeymoon planning, from engagement to departure:

12 Months Before the Wedding

Discuss travel styles and must-haves with your partner
Set an initial budget range
Research destinations that match your style and season

9 to 10 Months Before

Narrow to 2 to 3 destination finalists
Set up a honeymoon fund on your registry so guests can start contributing early
Start monitoring flight prices for your target dates

6 to 8 Months Before

Book flights: this is the sweet spot for international airfare pricing
Reserve hotels or resorts: popular honeymoon properties (especially in the Maldives, Bora Bora, and Santorini) fill up 9 to 12 months out for peak dates
Check passport expiration: many countries require 6+ months of validity from your travel date

3 to 4 Months Before

Book excursions, restaurant reservations, and spa treatments
Purchase travel insurance
Start building a packing list (see the complete honeymoon packing checklist)

1 Month Before

Confirm all reservations
Download offline maps and translation apps
Notify your bank and credit card company of travel dates
Check in for your flight as early as allowed

Day After the Wedding

Build in a buffer day before travel. Wedding exhaustion is real, and you will want a day to decompress before flying or driving

Setting Up Your Honeymoon Fund

A honeymoon fund lets guests contribute money toward your trip instead of buying physical gifts. It is one of the most popular registry options for couples who already have a home set up, and it helps offset honeymoon costs significantly.

How a Honeymoon Fund Works

Create specific fund items: Instead of a generic “honeymoon fund,” create individual items that guests can choose from: “sunset sailing in Santorini,” “dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris,” “overwater bungalow upgrade in Bora Bora,” or “spa day in Bali.”
Set a goal amount for each item: This gives guests a tangible sense of what their contribution buys. A “$200 wine tour in Tuscany” feels more meaningful than “$200 toward general travel.”
Share it on your wedding website: Add the fund directly to your registry page so it appears alongside any other registry items.

Tips for a Successful Honeymoon Fund

Be specific with item names: “Romantic dinner in Positano” outperforms “food expenses” every time. Guests want to feel like they are giving an experience, not paying a bill.
Include a range of price points: $25 items (a bottle of local wine) through $500 items (a hotel night upgrade) so every guest finds something in their budget.
Add photos: A photo of your destination hotel or activity makes the fund item feel real.
Send thank-you notes that reference the specific contribution: “Thank you for the snorkeling trip in Turks and Caicos” is more personal than a generic thank-you.

Learn more: How do I contribute to a honeymoon or cash fund? (Help Center)

This pillar page connects to dozens of detailed destination and planning guides. Here is the full content cluster, organized by topic.

Destination Guides by Region

Caribbean and Islands:

Europe:

Asia and Pacific:

Americas:

USA:

Planning and Budgeting

Honeymoon Fund and Registry

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to honeymoon in 2026?

The Maldives, Bali, and Italy’s Amalfi Coast are the top three picks for 2026. The Maldives leads for beach luxury, the Amalfi Coast for European romance, and Bali for the best value-to-luxury ratio. Hawaii remains the number one domestic destination.

How much should you budget for a honeymoon?

The average US honeymoon costs $6,500 in 2026. Budget destinations (Mexico, Bali, Portugal) start at $2,500 for a week. Luxury destinations (Maldives, Bora Bora) range from $7,000 to $15,000+. Setting up a honeymoon fund on your registry can offset 30 to 50% of the cost.

Is $5,000 a lot for a honeymoon?

$5,000 is a solid mid-range honeymoon budget. It comfortably covers a week in Hawaii, Greece, Portugal, Costa Rica, or Mexico. It means choosing smartly for higher-cost destinations like the Maldives or Bora Bora: traveling in shoulder season, selecting mid-tier resorts, or shortening the trip to 5 nights.

What is the number one honeymoon destination?

The Maldives consistently ranks as the number one international honeymoon destination for its overwater bungalows, privacy, and turquoise waters. For US couples, Hawaii is the most popular domestic choice because of its combination of tropical scenery, beach quality, and no-passport convenience.

How far in advance should you book a honeymoon?

Book 6 to 9 months before your travel date. Popular resorts in the Maldives, Bora Bora, and Santorini often fill up 12 months out for peak-season dates. Flights are typically cheapest 3 to 6 months before departure for international trips. Start monitoring prices early and book when you find a good deal.

What is the best honeymoon destination on a budget?

Mexico (Riviera Maya, all-inclusive), Bali, and Portugal offer the best luxury-to-cost ratio. Mexico starts at $2,500 for a week all-inclusive with a short flight from most US cities. Bali delivers private villas with infinity pools for $2,500 to $4,000 for 10 days. Portugal offers European culture and coastline for $3,000 to $5,000.

What is a honeymoon fund and how do I set one up?

A honeymoon fund lets wedding guests contribute money toward your trip instead of buying physical gifts. You create specific items on your wedding registry such as “dinner in Positano” or “snorkeling tour in the Maldives,” and guests contribute to those items. It is especially popular with couples who already have a home set up and do not need traditional housewares.

Can I combine a mini-moon with a later honeymoon?

Yes, and many couples do. A mini-moon is a short 2 to 4 day trip right after the wedding (often domestic or nearby), with a bigger honeymoon planned for a few months later. This works well if your wedding falls during peak season pricing or if you want more time to plan and save.