5 Places to Honeymoon on a Budget

BY: KATELYN MCCARTHY

So you’ve (finally) got your entire wedding planned out. The venue is booked, the dress is perfect, and you & your guests are ready to celebrate! Now all that’s left are your honeymoon plans.

You already spent a hefty price on your wedding, so you’re trying to cut costs wherever possible. You want to go somewhere exciting, but maybe not a 10 day galavanting trip through Europe. Enter, “5 Places to Honeymoon on a Budget.”

1. PORTLAND,OREGON

You may know Portland as the hipster, quirky town portrayed on the popular TV show Portlandia (and it definitely is). But PDX also boasts amazing cuisine, 117 breweries in its metro area, and tons of wineries not far out of the city!

You should definitely check out 10 Barrel Brewing Co., one of the best places I stopped on my recent trip to Portland. They have a large rooftop patio along with elevated pub food to snack on while you try a flight of local brew.

Another classic pit stop is Powells Books—the world’s largest independent bookstore. It takes up an entire city block, and you could spend hours in here hunting down a new read.

It could also be super fun to drive out to the Oregon coast. Especially during the summertime, you can take in gorgeous views as you feel the light breeze from the sea… ahhhhh.

2. CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Ahhh, Charleston. This quaint east coast locale is great for exploring the beach, taking carriage rides, and strolling down the cobblestone streets of the historic old town.

The famous King Street is the place you’ll definitely want to hit up if you’re a serious shopper. If you’re into history, visit Battery Park/White Point Gardens to peek at all the huge oak trees and then the boats in Charleston Harbor. Then take a ride over to Fort Sumter via boat to see where some of the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

If you’re visiting around May or June, look out for the Piccolo Spoleto Music Festival— a huge 17-day event that takes over Charleston. “Performing, literary, and visual arts” have been celebrated each year since 1979, with plenty of live music and several different literary events as well. Definitely something to look into if you’re down for a local, community event!

3. AUSTIN

As a native Texan, Austin holds a special place in my heart. Southern food, Tex Mex, and breakfast tacos abound! If you’re visiting in March, be sure to check out SXSW for awesome live music. And come October, Austin City Limits is the place to be, boasting huge headliners in years past like Paul McCartney, Childish Gambino, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Check out Chuy’s for Tex Mex, Franklin Barbecue for smoked meats, and Amy’s Ice Cream for a delicious treat! Also, HOPE Outdoor Gallery is another popular spot to check out—it’s a large. It makes for nice views and great photos of the city/Colorado River!

4) SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

What’s not to love about Puerto Rico?? Beaches, shopping, nightlife and more!

Check out the historic streets of Old San Juan. The colonial architecture is beauuutiful, with pastel-covered streets filled with plenty of shops, restaurants and hotels! My top recommendation for food would definitely be El Jibarito—a delicious lunch place for the best local food. Be sure to get the chicken empanadas and mofongo (mashed plantains)!

And if you were worried about visiting the island after Hurricane Maria, don’t worry, the city of San Juan is totally fine to visit, and Puerto Rican tourist leaders have emphasized that they need your tourism to support their economy. So what are you waiting for??

And since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, you don’t even need to bring your passport along Boom.

#ThisIsHowWeDoItDownInPuertoRico

5. MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

Mexico City has become more and more of a hot spot on travelers’ maps in recent years. Perhaps it is the cuisine, perhaps the colorful culture, but regardless, definitely look into honeymooning in this beautiful city. Situated at a high altitude smack dab in the middle of the country, La Ciudad de México is quickly becoming a metropolitan oasis!

Be sure to stop by the Templo Mayor Museum to learn more about the Aztec civilization, and Chapultepec Park for a castle, more museums, and the zoo! Restaurant Nicos for typical Mexican fare, and and El Cardenal for breakfast.

If you’re hoping to escape the States and go international for your honeymoon, this is the place for you—as plane tickets are muuuch cheaper than crossing the pond to Europe!

Well, there you have it! Happy Honeymooning!