7 Affordable Honeymoon Destinations in the U.S. That Will Surprise You

Where to stay: While Key West isn’t often associated with being budget friendly, a few hacks can make it an excellent affordable honeymooning destination. Avoid the bed and breakfasts in Old town, and instead opt for a houseboat rental. 

Savings tips: You can also save money by using the drink coupons many establishments offer and by renting a bike to get around town vs. bringing your car. Finally, check out the Key West Vacation Pass and get hundreds of dollars in savings on meals, activities, and entertainment.

Activities: Key West has no shortage of fun and romantic activities. Book a sunset sail with a coupon from your Vacation Pass or take a leisurely kayak tour through the mangroves. If you enjoy snorkeling or diving, the reef of Key West offers an excellent opportunity to see an array of sea life. 

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons: 6 Reasons Why Travel Insurance Should Be Invited

Where to stay: Stowe is a beautiful town in Vermont that offers many choices for romantic bed and breakfasts and inns. The Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa also offers travelers package deals that are very affordable for what you get. 

Savings Tips: Make sure you book your hotel in a central location and then opt to walk or bike to restaurants. Choose outdoor activities that are less costly, such as hiking or snowshoeing. 

Activities: In the summer you can hike to Bingham Falls and Moss Glen Falls. If you like beer, Stowe offers The Alchemist Brewery, Idletyme Brewing Company, and Stowe Cider. During the winter, Stowe offers excellent skiing. Save money on a ski pass by purchasing online ahead of time.

Also read: The Best Ski Resorts and Destinations in the U.S.

Where to stay: Oceanfront properties in the Outer Banks are the most expensive, so you can save money by opting for something on the beach or on the sound. Avoiding times like the Fourth of July and Memorial Day weekend will also get you a better deal. 

Savings Tips: Be flexible in your travel dates and look for package deals, which can get you a good price on accommodations and activities. In addition, choosing a vacation rental with a kitchen can help you save money by cooking some meals at home. 

Activities: Visit the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge which offers 154,000 acres of wetland habitats with ducks, alligators, black bears, and red wolves. Explore on your own or join the free Pea Island bird walk tour. If you enjoy water sports, join a stand up paddle board or kayak tour of the marshland or Alligator River. For a romantic sunset, go to Jockey’s Ridge State Park and sit high on a sand dune for a great view.

Also read: Top U.S. Beaches for Your Next Vacation

Where to stay: Sonoma, in the heart of California’s wine country, can offer a more affordable alternative to Napa Valley. For a central location right on Sonoma’s main plaza, opt for the historic Sonoma Hotel.

Savings Tips: Wine tasting can get pricey when some charge a fee of up to $30. Often, you can get a free tasting by checking in on Yelp. In addition, pack your lunch instead of eating out. A picnic on a vineyard can be the perfect romantic honeymoon activity.

Activities: While Sonoma is most often associated with wine, there are many more activities. Start with a visit to Sonoma Plaza. This historic destination was a Mexican military station and a Spanish mission village and now offers shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms. For an outdoor adventure, visit Sonoma Coast State Park. Finally, if you like oysters, the one hour drive out of Sonoma to Tomales Bay is worth it. Bring a bottle of wine, a picnic, and your oyster shucker.

Also read: 7 Great Destinations for Your Next California Vacation

Where to stay: The Giacomo on the New York side of the falls offers package deals. You can also find affordable cabins and homes that are just minutes to the falls. 

Savings Tips: Drive your car to Niagara so you have transportation while you are visiting.

Activities: Purchase tickets to access attractions such as Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara Adventure Theater, and the Scenic Trolley. Bring your passport, and go enjoy the falls for a day on the Ontario side. Finally, indulge in a farm-to-table dining experience at AG Inspired Cuisine or Weinkeller.

Also read: Why Domestic Travelers Should Consider Travel Protection

Where to stay: Lake Tahoe offers resorts of all sizes and price ranges, making it a great destination for an affordable honeymoon. For the outdoorsy couple, camping is a great option. Alternatively, you could book a lakefront vacation rental. 

Savings Tips: Lake Tahoe is a favorite for many weekend travelers, so you can often find deals during the week on lodging and food. Traveling in spring and fall can also be more affordable, since Lake Tahoe’s high seasons are summer and winter.

Activities: Lake Tahoe is an outdoorsy couple’s dream. Visit Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park for one of the nicest natural areas on the lake. Then, take a hike to Emerald Bay overlook for a great photo op. Stand up paddle boarding is also popular, and you can rent boards for $30 for two hours. 

Also read: Best Places to Propose for Adventurers, Foodies, History Buffs and More

Where to stay: The San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington are not generally considered one of the cheap honeymoon destinations in the U.S., but there are ways to see these amazing islands without breaking the bank. The San Juans get sun 250 days out of the year, meaning it is still a pleasant destination in its off season. You can often find deals before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. In addition, the San Juans offer excellent camping, which is your cheapest option. 

Savings Tips: Leave the car at home, since passenger-only ferry rates to the islands are cheaper. In addition, most of the islands’ renowned farm to table dining destinations offer excellent happy hour specials. 

Activities: In Friday Harbor you can tour art galleries followed by happy hour at Cask and Schooner. Visit American Camp for outstanding views of Mount Baker, as well as good hiking trails. Then take a sunset kayak tour or join a bike tour of the island.

Why not turn your anniversary gift into a vacation? We have some ideas for where to go!

Non-refundable travel plans - A honeymoon is often a trip of a lifetime and insuring travel plans could be a wise decision when booking non-refundable reservations or activities. Should the newlyweds get sick and have to cancel last minute or if their flight is delayed because of bad weather and they can’t leave on time, a travel protection plan can help them recover their prepaid trip costs. Coverage is included for cancellations and interruptions for a variety of covered reasons.

Essential clothing and gear - No one wants to find themselves stranded in the Outer Banks without their bathing suit or at a Lake Tahoe ski resort without their ski gear. Travel insurance and assistance services plans include coverages for lost, stolen, damaged and delayed baggage. If your bags are delayed more than the amount of time specified in the plan you purchased, you can buy necessary clothing and other items needed and the travel protection plan can provide reimbursement up to the benefit limit. Our Preferred and Premium Plans even include Sporting Equipment coverages.

Get an instant travel insurance quote now or read more about the Top 5 Reasons to Get Travel Insurance.