Budget & Destination Guide

Sometimes the hardest part of honeymoon planning is figuring out where to go – and especially, figuring out a budget once you’ve finally decided on where to go. It’s all one big puzzle, and we’re here to help put the pieces in place for you!

So, we’ve designed this guide to push you in the right direction, or at the very least, to help you make an educated decision about what (and where!) you can afford.

First things first, here’s some background info on this guide. Pricing is not set in stone, and can depend largely on seasonality – most destinations have a low season, shoulder season and peak season. Peak season will be when weather is optimal in a certain destination, though often the sunshine attracts bigger crowds and higher pricing. Shoulder season can be an ideal time to visit a destination as weather is still nice, there won’t be as many tourists and and pricing is much more palatable. During low season, great deals can be had, but weather may not be ideal for traveling during your destinations low season.

Australia

Budget Range: $20,000+

Australia ranks on the higher end as far as budgets go. Hotel rates may be high & travel to/from the US is expensive and can range anywhere from $2500-$3500 for economy roundtrip tickets

How much time do I need for this destination?

We recommend at least 10-14 days for Australia. The reason being is the amount of time it takes to get there and the time difference often takes two full calendar days.

Best time to visit Australia?

  • Peak Season: December – February
  • Shoulder Season: March – May & September – November
  • Low Season: June – August

Australia & New Zealand

Budget Range: $20,000+

Australia & New Zealand are both very expensive destinations. While the US dollar does well against the AUD & NZD, activities & excursions at these destinations can be very expensive. In addition, flights to/from and within the trip can also total close to $2000. *

How much time do I need for this destination?

We recommend at least 14-21 days if you’re combining Australia & New Zealand. There is just so much to do & see that even with 21 days you may not get to see everything. If you have more time, then it’s definitely recommended.

Best time to visit Australia & New Zealand?

  • Peak Season: December – February
  • Shoulder Season: March – May & September – November
  • Low Season: June – August

Caribbean

Budget Range: $10,000+

The budget really depends on how long you want to go & which country you would like to visit. Depending on where you’re flying to/from flights can be quite affordable. If you’re going to an island like St. Lucia, flights can be very pricey around $800-$1000 per person.

How much time do I need for this destination?

This also depends on which country you would like to visit. Destinations like Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, & Bahamas can be done in a weekend. Other countries like St. Lucia we recommend a long weekend or 5-7 days.

Best time to visit the Caribbean?

  • Peak Season: December – February
  • Shoulder Season: March – May & September – November
  • Low Season: June – August

French Polynesia (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora)

Budget Range: $20,000+

French Polynesia is a very, very expensive trip. Overwater bungalows can be anywhere from $1200 – $2000+/night. Food & drink are also very expensive.

How much time do I need for this destination?

We recommend at least 10-14 days for French Polynesia. Depending on your budget on you much you love to veg, 14 days may even be too much. Jet-lag can is also very real so the longer you go the more time you will have to adjust to their time zone.

Best time to visit French Polynesia?

  • Peak Season: June – August
  • Shoulder Season: May & September – October
  • Low Season: January – April; November – December

Greece

Budget Range: $15,000+

How much time do I need for this destination?

We recommend at least 10-14 days for Greece. 10 days is perfect for clients that want to hit the highlights. For clients that really want to see multiple Greek islands, 14 days is recommended.

Best time to visit Greece?

  • Peak Season: Mid-June – Early September
  • Shoulder Season: May & September – October
  • Low Season: The Greek islands close during the winter months so traveling to Greece during this time is not advised.

Hawaii

Budget Range: $15,000

Hawaii is surprisingly very expensive. If you do want to stay at luxury properties, be prepared to shell out for it. *If you plan on using points for your flights, it may be possible to do this trip for $10,000+.

How much time do I need for this destination?

We recommend at least 7-14 days for Hawaii. 7 days is perfect for clients that want to hit the highlights (Kauai & Maui). For clients that really extend their time, adding in Kona is a perfect way to keep the Hawaiian dream going. Clients from the east coast also love to combine Napa with Hawaii.  Wine not, am I right?

Hawaii is pretty great to travel to year-round. The best weather is usually around April – September.

Italy & Greece

Budget Range: $20,000

Seeing two of the most romantic countries in two weeks? Yes, please? This is one of our favorite combos for clients that have not previously traveled to either country and want to maximize the honeymoon.

How much time do I need for this destination?

We recommend no less than 14 days for Italy & Greece. Depending on how much time you want to spend & how much you want to see, you can easily spend three magical weeks spanning these two countries.

Best time to visit Italy & Greece?

  • Peak Season: Mid-June – Early September
  • Shoulder Season: May & September – October
  • Low Season: The Greek islands close during the winter months so traveling to Greece during this time is not advised.

South Africa

Budget Range: $15,000+

Easily one of our favorite trips, South Africa is absolutely perfect in almost every way. Flights on the other hand are very, very expensive and can range anywhere from $2500-$5000. If you’re able to use points/miles for your flights then great value can be had with luxury safari lodges, and gorgeous B&Bs in the Cape Winelands. For clients who want to add a little beach time to their safari experience, we recommend adding on the Seychelles or Mauritius which offers nonstop flights from Johannesburg.

How much time do I need for this destination?

We recommend no less than 10 days for South Africa. If you do want to tack on a beach location like the Seychelles or Mauritius than you should set aside 12-14 days at least.  Jet-lag can is also very real so the longer you go the more time you will have to adjust to their time zone.

Best time to visit South Africa?

  • Peak Season: October – December
  • Shoulder Season: January – May
  • Low Season: June – August

Thailand

Budget Range: $15,000

How much time do I need for this destination?

We recommend 10-14 days for Thailand. Depending on when your flight leaves the U.S. you may lose an entire day or two in transit. Jet-lag can is also very real so the longer you go the more time you will have to adjust to their time zone.

Best time to visit Thailand?

  • Peak Season: November – April
  • Shoulder Season: May – June; October
  • Low Season: July – September

Thailand & Bali

Budget Range: $15,000+

How much time do I need for this destination?

We recommend at least 14 days for Thailand. Depending on when your flight leaves the U.S. you may lose an entire day or two in transit. Jet-lag can is also very real so the longer you go the more time you will have to adjust to their time zone.

Best time to visit Bali?

  • Peak Season: July – August; November – January
  • Shoulder Season: May – June; September
  • Low Season: February – March

Thailand & Maldives

Budget Range: $15,000+

This is one killer-combo. The Maldives is only a 4-hour nonstop flight from Bangkok. While Thailand does offer incredible luxury for incredible pricing, the Maldives, like French Polynesia is very, very expensive. Overwater Bungalows can price on average $1,000+/night and many resorts do charge an arm & a leg for food/drinks.

How much time do I need for this destination?

We recommend at least 14-17 days for Thailand & the Maldives. If you guys want to experience the overwater bungalow, but aren’t huge beach bums, 3 days is more than enough time in the Maldives. Depending on when your flight leaves the U.S. you may lose an entire day or two in transit. Jet-lag can is also very real so the longer you go the more time you will have to adjust to their time zone.

Best time to visit Maldives?

  • Peak Season: December – March
  • Shoulder Season: November – April
  • Low Season: May – October

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