Ever swooned over Instagram posts of couples toasting in Santorini or soaking in Maldivian sunsets, only to have your credit card whimper in fear? The most popular honeymoon spots in the world are dreamy, but they often come with dream-crushing price tags. But here’s a travel industry secret that’s exploded on social media: Destination dupes, perfect for the best honeymoons on a budget.
Destination dupes are travel destinations that are less crowded and more affordable than more famous locales. With billions of views on TikTok and searches doubling each year, destination dupes are changing how couples plan inexpensive honeymoons. These alternatives deliver experiences just like iconic locations without the tourist mobs and the costs. So if you’re considering romantic destinations on a budget, read on for our take on where to go.
Why Choose a Honeymoon Destination Dupe?
Popular honeymoon destinations earn their reputation for good reason — they’re renowned for their beauty and history. But they come with tradeoffs like:
- Sky-high prices.
Why do famous destinations often charge premium rates? Because they can. You’re paying for the name, not for a better experience.
- Overwhelming crowds.
Nothing kills romance faster than brushing through a thicket of selfie sticks at every viewpoint or competing for beach space jostling with tourists.
- Cookie-cutter experiences.
Popular spots often feel formulaic, with vendors offering practically identical “romantic packages” to thousands of couples each year.
Destination dupes solve these problems while delivering unexpected advantages:
- More authentic interactions.
Less-touristed destinations tend to preserve local culture and hospitality that feels genuine.
- Bragging rights.
It feels like everyone on Instagram has seen a sunset in Santorini. But your friends probably haven’t laid eyes on the equally stunning views from Paros.
- Budget flexibility.
You can redirect the money that you save on accommodations and activities toward splurges like a private sunset dinner or an extended stay at a boutique hotel.
If you’re still deciding on your perfect honeymoon spot, check out our guide to choosing the right honeymoon destination for tips on balancing budgets, preferences, and travel logistics.
Best Budget-Friendly Destination Dupes
Santorini, Greece → Paros, Greece
Santorini’s white-washed buildings set against the backdrop of the Aegean make it a honeymoon icon — and its prices reflect its status. A short ferry ride away, Paros offers the same Cycladic wonder, making it one of the best cheap honeymoons in Europe.
Why Paros Delivers
- Picture-perfect white buildings with blue domes
- Equally spectacular sunsets (without the crowds elbowing for viewing spots)
- Pristine beaches with crystal waters and charming, unhurried fishing villages
- Greek tavernas serving up fresh seafood at local — not touristy — prices
Paros is just as beautiful as Santorini, but much cheaper. Travelers typically spend half as much as they would in Santorini while reveling in similar whitewashed architecture, service that feels more personable, plus easy access to scenic spots and outlooks, all to yourself.
Maldives → Gili Islands, Indonesia
The Maldives may be the international standard for anyone looking for overwater bungalows and turquoise lagoons, but it’s a well-kept secret that Indonesia’s Gili Islands deliver a comparable tropical paradise ambience at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for inexpensive honeymoons with luxury appeal.
Why The Gili Islands Deliver
- Overwater bungalows with see-through floor panels for a fraction of Maldivian prices
- Car-free islands, pristine beaches, spectacular snorkeling just beyond the shore
- Vibrant coral reefs, sea turtle encounters, and fresh-caught dining under the stars
Spend mornings snorkeling amid bright tropical sea life, afternoons lounging in hammocks, and evenings enjoying beachfront fire shows. All without the sticker shock.
Maui, Hawaii → Kauai, Hawaii
Hawaii tops many honeymoon wish lists, but Maui’s popularity comes with premium pricing. The “Garden Isle” of Kauai offers equally dramatic scenery, fewer crowds, and more authentic Hawaiian experiences, ranking it among the best honeymoons on a budget in the US.
Why Kauai Delivers
- The dramatic natural beauty of the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon
- Secluded beaches where you’re likely to find more turtles than tourists
- Lush, green landscapes that gave Kauai its “Garden Isle” nickname
- A less commercialized atmosphere with better deals on accommodations
While Maui excels at luxury resorts, Kauai rewards couples who seek adventures and breathtaking scenery — all while saving enough to extend your stay.
Paris, France → Quebec City, Canada
Paris has a reputation for romance, but Quebec City offers similar French-influenced European charm, centuries-old architecture, and a dreamy and timeless ambience — without the transatlantic flight for North Americans seeking romantic destinations on a budget.
Why Quebec City Delivers
- Cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and unbelievably delicious French cuisine
- Stunning château-style hotels at half the price of equivalent Parisian accommodations
- Cultural richness without the mass of Parisian crowds or the tourist markups
Quebec City’s walled Old Town feels like it’s been transported from Europe just for you. Stroll its narrow lanes, marvel at the stone buildings, and share pastries at a corner café.
Bora Bora → Belize
Bora Bora is often thought of as the ultimate luxury honeymoon, but Belize delivers comparable overwater accommodations, stunning blue waters, and tropical beauty, all at lower prices. It’s one of the best cheap honeymoons out there — with the added bonus of access to ancient ruins and rainforest adventures.
Why Belize Delivers
- Overwater bungalows and private island experiences at cheaper rates
- The world’s second-largest barrier reef, offering spectacular diving and snorkeling
- Caribbean relaxation with jungle adventures and opportunities to explore Mayan ruins
Belize is a refreshing twist on the tropical paradise formula. Snorkel with sharks in the morning, explore ruined temples in the afternoon, and retreat to your open-air cabana at sunset — a diverse set of experiences beyond what most traditional honeymoon destinations offer.
How to Make Your Budget Honeymoon Feel Luxurious
Choosing a destination dupe already lets your honeymoon budget work harder for you, but these strategies elevate inexpensive honeymoons even more:
Book off-peak travel dates.
Visiting during the off-season generally means fewer tourists, weather that may still feel breezy and balmy, and much lower prices. Book with Celebration.com Travel and get started today.
Splurge strategically.
Choose a few experiences that mean the most to you. Selective splurges become more affordable when you’re not paying premium destination prices.
Use a honeymoon registry.
Let friends and family contribute to bucket list honeymoon experiences instead of giving you traditional wedding gifts.
Your Dream Honeymoon Without Breaking the Bank
The honeymoon moments you’ll remember come from shared adventures, not premium prices. The beauty of destination dupes is that they deliver dream experiences without financial strain. Start your marriage making memories rather than managing debt. Ready for one of the best honeymoons on a budget? Create your registry at Celebration.com today.