Wedding & Money: How to plan your honeymoon with a budget of Rs 1 lakh

Travel surge during wedding season.

Your wedding vows have been exchanged, and now it's time to embark on the ultimate romantic escape – your honeymoon.

But what if you're on a tight budget? With skyrocketing travel costs and luxurious resorts, it's challenging to strike a balance between romance and reality.

Besides, many pragmatic young couples these days prefer to spend minimally on their honeymoon and set their sights on bigger and longer financial goals. Nevertheless, a honeymoon is an occasion to celebrate the coming together of the couple and here’s how you can make the most of a budget.

Trending locations for newly-weds

Couples getting hitched over the next 3-4 months are already scouting out the sweet spots.

According to Jasmeet Singh, Chief Commercial Officer, Holidays & Experiences at MakeMyTrip, popular domestic destinations include Kerala, Goa, Kashmir, Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Northeast India, while internationally, couples are showing interest in a blend of established and emerging favourites like Thailand, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Bhutan, Nepal, and Malaysia.

“Young couples are increasingly seeking adventure-filled honeymoons, driving demand for premium and budget-friendly packages,” says Singh. To meet this demand, MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, Cleartrip and other tour operators provide customised solutions for aspirational couples who are willing to invest in unique experiences.

Couples planning a honeymoon with a budget of Rs 1 lakh have numerous options, both within India and abroad, notes Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip. Popular domestic destinations include Goa and Munnar, offering a blend of relaxation and adventure, while international options like Bali and Vietnam provide unique cultural and scenic experiences.

According to Pittie, international destinations like Bali and Vietnam offer affordable yet exotic experiences, encompassing flights, accommodation, dining, and sightseeing, all within budget.

Budget Honeymoon Packages

Unlock savings with off-season honeymoon deals

According to Tavleen Bhatia, Chief Marketing Officer at Cleartrip, booking an off-season package can lead to a savings of 10-15 percent on international romantic getaways.

For destinations like Thailand and Bali, the off-season typically spans August to November, while domestic spots like Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh see discounts in the range of 15-20 percent from November to January. During these periods, travellers can enjoy discounted rates on flights, accommodations, and adventure activities.

Also read | How to plan your wedding on a budget: 5 handy tips for smart spending

Hidden costs to watch out for

When selecting a honeymoon package, it's essential to be aware of potential hidden costs. Pittie says, “Certain expenses like hotel taxes, service fees, and airport charges may not be explicitly included in the initial pricing. Additionally, upgrading to luxury rooms can incur extra costs.”

Many hotels provide an array of romantic honeymoon amenities, including candle-lit dinners, elegantly decorated rooms, complimentary cakes, exclusive photoshoots, and special meals accompanied by fine wines and spirits. However, these luxurious extras typically come at an additional cost, which vary depending on the property.

Activities, excursions and meals that aren’t part of the package can also add up to the costs.

Also read | Knot on a cruise: 45% of Indian couples ready to stretch budgets by up to 50% for destination weddings

Customise your honeymoon package 

You can customise your honeymoon package within a budget of Rs 1 lakh by making a few smart choices. Pittie suggests, in Goa, Kerala, or any other place, instead of luxury resorts, prefer to book boutique hotels or homestays, and choose local dining options to save on food costs.

In Bali, explore free attractions like beaches and temples.

Prefer booking flight tickets in advance to secure early discounts and reduce the number of activities, advises Bhatia.

Such adjustments ensure a memorable experience without compromising on the quality of the trip, while keeping it affordable and within budget.

Also read | Can wedding planners help contain costs?

Essential checks before booking your honeymoon package

Before finalising a honeymoon package, Pittie advises verifying several crucial factors. Firstly, customers should scrutinise the cancellation policy to ensure flexibility in case of unforeseen changes. Additionally, reading reviews from previous travellers help you get valuable, unbiased feedback on the package's quality.

To secure the best value, you must compare multiple honeymoon packages from several tour operators, checking inclusions and pricing. It is crucial to understand payment terms transparently, including potential hidden fees. “Additionally, verify that the selected package encompasses essential components, such as travel insurance, visa requirements, and accommodations that align with your preferences and budget,” Pittie adds.

Also read | Wedding loans: Are Gen Zs, millennials risking their financial future in pursuit of social media ‘likes’?

Tips for newly-wed couples travelling abroad

According to Bhatia, a hassle-free international travel experience necessitates careful preparation. Key essentials include utilising pre-paid forex cards for transactions, carrying local currency for emergencies, acquiring preloaded e-SIM or local SIM cards for internet, maintaining easy access to passports and immigration documents, and embracing local culture through regional dining and exploring deals on various platforms.

Instead of forex cards, you could also use tour credit cards and accumulate reward points. Credit cards charge forex mark-up costs, but they also give you reward points on spends.

“To manage costs effectively, set a daily spending limit," advises Pittie. This ensures splurges are balanced with financial responsibility.