After your big day, a honeymoon is the perfect way to celebrate the occasion, relax and have some quality alone time with your significant other. Honeymoons vary by couple; cost, schedule and personal preference are all factors. More and more Canadian newlyweds are opting for short weekend getaways right after their weddings and taking a bigger trip later.
Bahamas
The Bahamas has been the number one honeymoon destination for Canadian couples since 2010 according to Wedding Bells, a top wedding planning website. With gorgeous beaches, turquoise water and a laid back vibe spread over 700 islands, cays and inlets, what’s not to love about The Bahamas? Another bonus is that it is only a three-hour flight from Toronto.
United States
Another popular honeymoon destination for Canadian couples is the United States. The country has something for everyone. Tropical Hawaii, glitzy Las Vegas and the southern charm of New Orleans are only a few of the options.
Italy
Another perennial favorite of Canadian couples is Italy. This romantic country has it all: wonderful food, beautiful landscape, fashion and history. Beach towns on the western coast, Lake Como in the north and Venice are all wonderful choices.
Canada
There are many outstanding places to honeymoon throughout Canada. Many couples choose to take advantage of destinations that require less travel but can be just as romantic and fun:
- Eastern Coast
There are numerous charming seaside towns on the eastern coast of Canada with beaches, lighthouses, cliffs and spectacular sunsets. Available accommodations include quaint inns and bed-and-breakfasts.
- Banff and Whistler
For couples who prefer an active, outdoor honeymoon experience, Banff and Whistler are two great options. These two resorts have some of the best skiing and boarding anywhere. Sitting in front of a cozy fire or soaking in a hot tub after a day on the slopes are both highly enjoyable activities.
- Quebec City
Quebec City is one of the most romantic cities in the world and has much to offer newlyweds. Its old-world charm, cobblestone streets and castles create the perfect setting for a highly memorable honeymoon. The city is also famous for its wonderful cuisine.
Ways to Save Money
Budget is typically one of the main factors that may influence where you go on your honeymoon. Here are some ways to cut costs:
- Honeymoon Gift Registry
Including a “honeymoon fund” on your wedding gift registry is becoming more and more popular. Friends and family can contribute money toward a trip rather than buying a blender or toaster. This may be ideal for couples who are marrying later in life and already have a number of household necessities.
- Travel in the Off-Season
Prices are often substantially lower when you travel in the off-season. Instead of going skiing, visit the same mountain resorts in the summer and enjoy hiking and biking. The cold months are peak season for many tropical resorts; avoiding these dates can result in big savings.
- The Little Things
Small cost-cutting measures like picking hotels that provide free breakfast and eating lunch out rather than dinner can help lower overall costs. Other suggestions include looking for free activities such as hiking and snorkeling. Sometimes resorts will offer honeymoon packages with free or inexpensive perks, so be sure to ask about these packages before booking your trip.
- Use Your Airline Points
A honeymoon is the perfect occasion to redeem airline frequent flier miles and hotel and rental car points. You may want to consider opening a new credit card, as sometimes airlines will offer free or discounted tickets as an incentive for new cardholders.
- Worst Case Scenario: Postpone Your Trip
Waiting to take your honeymoon until several months or a year after your wedding can provide the opportunity to pay off bills, save money and give you something to look forward to down the road.
Wherever you take your honeymoon, you should make it a special event in your life. There are many great options near and far.
