Top Eleven Jet-Set Honeymoons That Won’t Break The Bank!

I’m convinced that most honeymooners choose an all-inclusive getaway to celebrate their marital bliss because they just don’t know what else is out there or they think a non-all-inclusive will be super-expensive. All-inclusive getaways like Sandals and Club Med are nice, but let’s be honest, they’re very cheesy, often boring after a day or two and also can be very expensive.

Just for a comparison I searched multiple all-inclusive packages with airfare and found that the total vacation package for two people in a basic room was between $4,500 – $7,850! I couldn’t believe it! Instead of blowing your cash on mediocre all-you-can-eat buffets or watered down cocktails, check out my picks and my tips for planning a fabulous international honeymoon, one you will truly enjoy and for the same price!

#1: Surf, Sun & Sand ~ San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

7 NIGHTS FOR A TOTAL COST: $3,449 – $4,149

HOTEL: Cabo Surf Hotel $275 per night x 7 nights = $1,925

AIR: Mexicana Airlines & US Air $412 person = $824

EXTRA: Plan to spend $100-200 per day in food, drinks & activities $700-1400

#2: Eco-Friendly Option ~ Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

5 NIGHTS FOR A TOTAL COST: $4,140 – $4,390

The  package includes:

• Deluxe ocean view bungalow.
• 3 extraordinary meals daily.
• Puerto Jimenez/Lapa Rios round trip hotel transfers.
• Two guided tours into the Lapa Rios reserve.
  (All Taxes & Service Included)

HOTEL: Lapa Rios $650 per night x 5 nights = $3,250

AIR: Continental & US Air $320 person = $640

EXTRA: Plan to spend $50-100 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $250-500

#3: South America Sexy ~ Rio de Janeiro & Bahia, Brazil

7 NIGHTS FOR A TOTAL COST: $4,250

See our Rio video & guidebook here.

* 2 NIGHTS IN RIO DE JANIERO

HOTEL: Rio Internacional $200 per night x 2 nights = $400 * includes breakfast

AIR: Continental & US Air $675 person = $1,350

EXTRA: Plan to spend $100 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $200

* 5 NIGHTS IN BAHIA

HOTEL: Nannai $300 per night x 5 nights = $1,500  * includes breakfast & dinner

AIR: (from Rio to Recife roundtrip) TAM $150 person = $300

EXTRA: Plan to spend $100 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $500

#4: Unique Old World ~ Marrakech & Essaouira

7 NIGHTS FOR A TOTAL COST: $4,576 – $5,076

* 3 NIGHTS IN ESSAOUIRA

HOTEL: Riad O Marine $260 per night x 3 nights = $780

AIR: (US to Marrakech) Delta, Air France, Royal Air Maroc $900 person = $1,800

EXTRA: Plan to spend $100 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $300

* 4 NIGHTS IN MARRAKECH

See our Marrakech video & guidebook here.

HOTEL: Riad Priviledge $324 per night x 4 nights = $1,296

EXTRA: Plan to spend $100-200 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $400-$800

#5: Let Loose on the Greek Islands ~ Mykonos & Santorini

7 NIGHTS FOR A TOTAL COST: $4,795 – $5,495

* 2 NIGHTS IN SANTORINI

See our Santorini video & guidebook here.

HOTEL: Katikies $460 per night x 2 nights = $920

EXTRA: Plan to spend $100-200 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $200-$400

* 5 NIGHTS IN MYKONOS

See our Santorini video & guidebook here.

HOTEL: Semeli Hotel $235 per night x 5 nights = $1,175

AIR: Delta, Lufthansa, British Airlines, Aegean & Olympic Air $1,000 person = $2,000

EXTRA: Plan to spend $100-200 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $500-1,000

#6: Woodland Wonderland ~ Vancouver, British Columbia

7 NIGHTS FOR A TOTAL COST: $4,795 – $5,495

HOTEL: Wickaninnish Inn $320 per night x 7 nights = $2,240

AIR: Cathay Pacific, United, West Jet $475 person = $950

EXTRA: Plan to spend $100-200 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $500-1,000

#7: Romance Italian Style~ The Amalfi Coast & Capri

7 NIGHTS FOR A TOTAL COST: $5,190 – $5,890

* 2 NIGHTS IN POSITANO

HOTEL: Le Sirenuse $400 per night x 2 nights = $800

AIR: Delta, Alitalia $775 person = $1,550

EXTRA: Plan to spend $100-200 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $200-$400

* 4 NIGHTS IN CAPRI

HOTEL: Capri Palace $425 per night x 4 nights = $1,700

EXTRA: Plan to spend $100-200 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $500-$1,000

* 1 NIGHTS IN NAPLES

HOTEL: Grand Hotel Vesuvio $290 per night x 1 nights = $290

EXTRA: Plan to spend $150 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $150

#8: Cutting Edge Chic ~ Istanbul & Bodrum, Turkey

7 NIGHTS FOR A TOTAL COST: $4,049

* 2 NIGHTS IN ISTANBUL

HOTEL: Sumahan on the Water $350 per night x 2 nights = $700

AIR: Delta $662 person = $1,324

EXTRA: Plan to spend $150 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $300

* 5 NIGHTS IN BODRUM

HOTEL: Marmara Bodrum $195 per night x 5 nights = $975

EXTRA: Plan to spend $150 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $750

#9: Under the Tuscan Sun ~ Florence, Italy

7 NIGHTS FOR A TOTAL COST: $3,585 – $4,085

HOTEL: Lungarno Suites $195 per night x 7 nights = $1,365

AIR: Delta, Alitalia $860 person = $1,720

EXTRA: Plan to spend $100-200 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $500-$1,000

#10 Spanish City & Country ~ Buenos Aires & Bariloche, Argentina

7 NIGHTS FOR A TOTAL COST: $3,450

* 3 NIGHTS IN BARILOCHE

HOTEL: Design Suite Bariloche $200 per night x 2 nights = $600

AIR: Delta & LAN $750 person = $1,550

EXTRA: Plan to spend $100 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $300

* 4 NIGHTS IN BUENOS AIRES

See our Buenos Aires video & guidebook here.

HOTEL: Home Hotel $150 per night x 4 nights = $600

EXTRA: Plan to spend $100 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $400

#11: South Africa Sunshine ~ Cape Town, South Africa

7 NIGHTS FOR A TOTAL COST: $4,960 – $5,460

HOTEL: 12 Apostles Hotel $350 per night x 7 nights = $2,450

AIR: Delta $1,005 person = $2,010

EXTRA: Plan to spend $100-200 per day in additional food, drinks & activities $500-$1,000

Guest Blog by Nomadic Matt: Jet Setting in Bangkok

It’s a pleasure to introduce my followers to my guest blogger and fellow travel-lover known as Nomadic Matt. I admire Matt for his decision to not follow the typical “9 to 5″ work week. In 2006, Matt began traveling the world. Since, he’s learned that he loves Thailand, pretends to speak Dutch and that maggots taste like French fries! Today Matt is bridging the gap between his nomad ways and our jet set desires with his spin on Bangkok.

When most people think of Bangkok, they think of cheap clothes, cheap food, dirty streets, and the girlie bars. Bangkok is the stop over city of the east- a low cost destination for a few days while you head to some other international hotspot like Hong Kong, Maldives, Sydney, Tokyo, or Shanghai. It’s not the place for the jetsetter. That’s how people like to think of it and locals will never do anything to change that opinion.  Why? Because Bangkok is a trendy, fashionable, and jet setter city.  We like keeping that our secret. From high end malls to restaurants to clubs, Bangkok is not the destination most people think of. The city has many “jetsetters” who live and work throughout the city and demand only the best of everything.  Since Bangkok is the hub of Southeast Asia, it makes it easy for us to get all the comforts we need.
For the shopper jetsetter, there is Siam Paragon and Emporium, two of the most expensive malls in the region. Here you can buy Armani, Monte Blanc, Gucchi, and even a Ferrari. Yes, Siam Paragon has a dealership right in the mall.  All the designer shops have stores in the city and anything you buy in Italy you will find here.  Bangkok is awash in internationals. Ex-pats from around the world, models, and DJs called the city of Angels home. We are drawn here for different reasons but we never lose our taste for the finer things in life. We shop here for the best and get it. Thailand is one of the biggest clothing manufactures in the world. Why not shop at the source?
For the food jetsetter, Bangkok is a culinary dream. There is food from all over the world here. From world class sushi to French cuisine to Italian to elaborate Asian dishes, Bangkok will delight your stomach.  Thai food is mouthwatering, not least for its spicy flavors. Whether you buy it on the street or sit in a restaurant, you’ll always find something good. But for those looking for fine international food, you’ll have to look a bit further and pay a lot more. From international Koi with its model’s night to Senor Picos to Lemoncello and uber scale Indus, you will find whatever international food you desire. Bangkok, as an foodie will tell you, is a gastronomes dream.
And finally, for those who love the night life, Bangkok is not all go-go bars and backpacker joints. There is a thriving nightlife here and many of the world’s most famous DJs play here. International superstars Tiesto, Paul Van Dyke, Paul Oakenfold as play here. Kimball Collins, famed American DJ, is not a resident DJ here.  Bed Supperclub is where you’ll find Bangkok’s models and upperclass locals and ex-pats. Amid white beds and dual dance rooms, the beautiful people of Bangkok mingle and socialize. After hours clubs like Parkbridge and the new P35 keep the party going until the morning.  Bangkok is not all go-go bars and backpacker joints- it’s a place to be seen among its trendy clubs.
Next time you are in Bangkok, don’t let the rough exterior fool you. The city is alive and well with high end luxury. Its Paris with an Asian edge. You just have to look a little deeper to find it.

By Nomadic Matt

You can catch more of Matt’s travel tips, photos and videos on his blog here.