5 Vacations That Cost Less Than a Second Honeymoon
Romantic getaways don’t have to cost a fortune. Instead, celebrate at one of these affordable honeymoon destinations made for rekindling your love.
Fall head over heels—again—at these great getaways for couples. Photo Credit: visitsavannah.com
Maybe you’d been considering going on a second honeymoon—until you discovered that you’d need to take out a second mortgage to do it. But no matter your duo’s travel style, there’s an adventure-filled vacation out there for you—and it doesn’t have to cost as much as your first. One idea: Skip the expensive overseas travel in favor of something closer to home. Here are five budget-friendly honeymoon destinations for every kind of traveler.
For the History-Loving Couple: Take in the Scenery in Savannah, Georgia
Many of this historic city’s buildings date back to the early 1700s, and they make the perfect backdrop to a romantic walking tour. Download one of several themed walking-tour maps to see this Spanish moss-draped city at your own pace. Don’t miss Forsyth Park, with its iconic fountain; River Street for shopping and nightlife; and Bonaventure Cemetery for its beauty and graceful old oaks. Make sure your itinerary leaves room for a day to visit nearby Tybee Island, where you can relax on the beach and explore the Tybee Island Light Station, the state’s oldest and tallest lighthouse.
For Couples Who Plan: Tour Portland, Oregon by Sea, Land and Air
Scope out the scenic Willamette Valley from Portland Rose Balloons’ sky-high vantage point. Photo Credit: @marleygracee11
If you had your honeymoon itinerary planned out before you booked your wedding venue, this getaway ensures you’ll see it all. Start with a romantic Pacific Coast boat tour. Pro tip: Visit during whale migration season (March through November), and you might even see a few 40-ton gray whales off the port bow. You can take an all-day excursion with EcoTours of Oregon ($109 per person).
A hot air balloon ride is a bucket-list experience, and Portland Rose Balloons can give you a birds-eye view of Willamette Valley—depending on the wind, you could fly over Lake Oswego or across the vineyards. Packages start at $199 per person, including a continental breakfast with champagne.
To explore the city by foot, take a self-guided, 2.6-mile tour of the 15 decorative and interactive fountains in downtown Portland. This leisurely stroll will get you and your love off of the beaten path. But you’ll also be in a prime location to enjoy some of the city’s best restaurants and eclectic shops, like Flutter, at your own pace.
Seeking adventure? Ride the rapids in Fort Collins, Colorado
Adrenaline-seeking couples in search of inexpensive honeymoons can start with whitewater rafting on the Cache La Poudre River, the only designated National Wild and Scenic River in Colorado. Choose a full- or half-day ride through Class III rapids with Rocky Mountain Adventures; tickets start at $60. Once you’re back on dry land, soak in the scenery with a romantic dessert tour from Colorado Carriage and Wagon ($37 per couple). You’ll get a half-hour tour of historic downtown Fort Collins followed by chocolate fondue at The Melting Pot. Then walk to Old Town Square for live music and a local brew from New Belgium Brewing or Odell Brewing Company.
A Foodie Couple’s Dream: Wine and Dine in San Antonio, Texas
Feeling festive? The San Antonio River Walk features dozens of events, like art shows and river races. Photo Credit: visitsanantonio.com
An oasis in the heart of Texas, the San Antonio River Walk is your spot for romantic scenery in the city. The walk’s 15 waterfront miles—which you can walk, bike or cruise along—offers plenty of ways to enjoy dining, live entertainment and shopping.
For a quieter escape, spend time exploring the Texas Hill Country around San Antonio on a Cottonwood Wine Tours wine, food or beer tour. Each tour (starting at $35 per person) offers a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking, distilling or brewing process, so no matter which you choose, you’ll feel like an expert the next time you order a drink. For dinner, settle in for a romantic meal at Fig Tree Restaurant, located in a historic home built in 1847. Ask for a table on the terrace so you can enjoy your meal with views of the riverfront.
Culture-Seekers? Find Shows and Sunsets in Traverse City, Michigan
Snuggle up on the Manitou in Traverse City as the sun goes down over Lake Michigan. Photo Credit: Traverse Tall Ship Co.
If your honeymoon centered around a concert or festival, head to this under-the-radar city, where you’ll find a surprising amount of unique cultural experiences. Start with a live performance at the City Opera House. Built in 1892 and now fully restored, the venue is one of only seven Victorian opera houses left in Michigan. You can also catch a flick at the historic State Theatre, which has been named the best movie theater in the world by the Motion Picture Association of America.
Cap off your trip with a movie-worthy sunset over Lake Michigan. There are plenty of prime locations, like Empire Beach that offer romantic views. Or take your sunset over the water aboard the Manitou, a sailing schooner. Two-hour evening tours start at $48 per person.
Ready to travel? Find hotels in Savannah, Portland, Fort Collins, San Antonio, Traverse City.
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