Not everyone can afford the glitzy wedding and the honeymoon in Barbados, but what travel and honeymoon options are open to the less expensive side of your first holiday together? Whilst most blog posts concentrate on the sun, sand and cocktails of classic honeymoon destinations like Mauritius and Hawaii we are going back to basics today – looking at some of the most affordable honeymoons that you may want to consider before going to the travel agent.
The Quaint Cottage Honeymoon
One of the biggest gripes people have after their honeymoon is that they just didn’t have enough time with their new husband or wife. Sure there was the ‘alone’ time but you tend to meet people in the day that can latch themselves on to you and your partner – not ideal. What better way to avoid everyone than to shack up in a lovely rural cottage in the middle of nowhere.
Not only are you afforded probably the most private honeymoon possible it is also one of the cheapest ways to take your honeymoon if budget is an issue. You tend to get period cottages, set in beautiful countryside and there are now companies that are catering specifically for the honeymooning couples.
Where are the best places to look?
- For unrivalled beauty and tranquillity you need to be looking in the UK – Wales and Scotland
- For open space, weather and the quietest of honeymoon then France is the top choice
The Wine Lovers Retreat
France is one of the easiest to reach of all the European countries, is cheap for food and I certainly cheap when it comes to accommodation. It is important not to confuse cheap with low quality as France offers some of the finest honeymoon destinations in the world. For the newly married couple who love a glass of wine then trips round the French vineyards are an absolute must. Accommodation can come in hotels – but it is recommended that you stop with one of the hundreds of independent bed and breakfast that are scattered across the country. The last French B and B that I stopped in was a converted Manor House run by one old chap and we ate breakfast in a gigantic wine barrel that he had built a table and chairs into.
Travelling form vineyard to vineyard is not only relaxing but beautiful as well – a true romantic honeymoon in all senses of the word. It is recommended that you check out which vineyards are likely to be open before you book as a lot are independently owned and you have to book in advance.
Where to look for romantic vineyard honeymoons in France:
- Bordeaux
- Loire
- Corsica
- Provence
- Savoy
- Champagne
When it comes to planning a honeymoon on a budget you have to be incredibly organised, plan well in advance and apply some creative thinking. Money doesn’t have to be an issue of you don’t want it to be and romance isn’t just synonymous with beaches, sand and your own private butler.
Wayne Barker writes for The Portfolio of Fine Diamonds on a range of wedding and romance based topics. Portfolio have a magnificent selection of some of the world’s finest diamond jewellery and rings. Images by supervillain
