The wedding may be all about the guest list, the flowers and the seating plan, but the honeymoon is where the two of you get to call the shots. Choosing a destination is just one part of the equation. The bigger questions are how much time you have, what kind of experience you're looking for and, most importantly, how far your budget will stretch.
A week in Southeast Asia, a European summer or two weeks exploring Japan and the Maldives can make for very different holidays. Whether you're dreaming of a private-pool villa, a cultural escape or a luxurious overwater stay, here's what a honeymoon budget of ₹3 lakh, ₹5 lakh or ₹10 lakh can realistically cover for two people.
Destinations: Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, Dubai and the Maldives
Duration: 5–8 nights
A budget of ₹3 lakh opens up plenty of international possibilities, particularly across Southeast Asia. Thailand is among the more affordable choices, with a week split between Bangkok and Krabi or Phuket costing approximately ₹1.3–1.8 lakh for two. Bali is another strong contender. A six- or seven-night trip can cost around ₹1.5–2.5 lakh, leaving room for a private-pool villa in Ubud, a few days in Uluwatu and experiences such as a day trip to Nusa Penida.
Vietnam offers equally compelling possibilities. A week covering Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Hoi An can cost approximately ₹1.2–1.8 lakh for two, depending on your choice of cruise and hotel category. Sri Lanka is worth considering if you'd like a combination of hill-country stays, scenic train journeys and beachside downtime, while Malaysia allows you to pair the buzz of Kuala Lumpur with the laid-back island life of Langkawi.
If you'd rather spend more time by the sea, Mauritius is possible within ₹2–3 lakh for a six-night trip. The Maldives is worth considering, too, provided you keep your expectations realistic about the kind of accommodation you can afford. A beach villa or guesthouse on a local island is considerably more affordable than an overwater villa at a private resort.
Dubai, meanwhile, makes for a good shorter escape, with enough room in the itinerary for desert experiences, memorable dining and a stay at a beach hotel.
Destinations: Turkey, Japan, Georgia and Azerbaijan, Seychelles, Greece and the Maldives
Duration: 7–10 nights
With ₹5 lakh at your disposal, you have more room to upgrade your accommodation, explore further afield and build a more immersive itinerary. Turkey is a wonderful choice for couples who want a little bit of everything, from history and architecture to dramatic landscapes and coastal downtime. Spend a few nights in Istanbul before heading to Cappadocia for its cave hotels and famous hot-air balloon rides. A seven-night trip can cost around ₹2.6–3.8 lakh for two, depending on your choice of hotels and activities.
Japan is another destination that becomes more accessible at this budget. A week covering Tokyo and Kyoto can fit within ₹4–5 lakh for two at a comfortable mid-range level, including flights, hotels, intercity trains, food and sightseeing. You could even add a night at a traditional ryokan. However, luxury properties and travel during cherry-blossom season will push up the overall cost.
For couples who prefer a beach-focused holiday, Seychelles offers the opportunity to island-hop across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. A six-night trip can cost approximately ₹3.2–5 lakh for two. The Maldives is another possibility if you'd like to spend a few nights in a water villa, but remember to check whether speedboat or seaplane transfers and meals are included in your package.
If you're drawn to a mix of city experiences and mountain landscapes, consider combining Baku and Tbilisi. It's an interesting alternative to a longer European holiday without necessarily stretching your budget as much.
Europe is possible at this price point, too, but will require some thoughtful planning. An eight-to-ten-night trip to Italy or Greece can start at around ₹4–5 lakh for two. The trick is to be selective about your hotels, travel dates and the number of cities you include.
Destinations: Italy, France, Switzerland, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and the Maldives
Duration: 10–14 nights
With ₹10 lakh, you can plan a longer honeymoon without having to compromise as much on accommodation, dining and experiences. Europe is a natural choice. Imagine combining Paris with the Italian countryside or spending a few days in Switzerland before heading to Lake Como. An eight-to-ten-night itinerary covering Switzerland, Paris and Italy can cost around ₹5–7 lakh for two at a comfortable level, leaving room in the budget for better hotels, memorable dining and special experiences.
Japan is worth revisiting if you'd like to spend more time exploring the country. Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto, you could add Osaka, Hakone or a stay at a traditional ryokan. A 10–14-night itinerary gives you the luxury of exploring beyond the usual tourist stops and discovering a slower side of the country.
For couples who enjoy road trips and dramatic landscapes, New Zealand makes for an exciting long-haul honeymoon. A 13-day itinerary covering Auckland, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown and Milford Sound can be planned for approximately ₹6–8 lakh for two, depending on flights, car rental, accommodation and activities. Australia offers a similar experience, with Sydney, Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road making for a good starting point.
And if the idea of a honeymoon is to spend your days doing very little, the Maldives deserves a closer look at this budget. You can consider a longer stay in an overwater villa, complete with full-board or all-inclusive dining, spa treatments and private excursions. The final cost, of course, will depend heavily on the resort and room category.
Before committing to a package, compare the inclusions carefully. Check whether the quoted price covers return flights, hotel taxes, airport transfers, meals, sightseeing and visa costs. A package that initially appears more affordable may exclude several of these essentials, which can significantly change your final bill. Remember to account for travel insurance and personal expenses, too.
Seasonality matters just as much as the destination. European summers, cherry-blossom season in Japan and the Maldives' peak winter months can all push up flight and hotel prices. If your dates are flexible, travelling during the shoulder season can help you get considerably more out of the same budget.
And finally, don't feel obliged to squeeze several countries into one trip just because you can. Sometimes, a longer stay in one beautiful destination, with enough time to slow down and enjoy each other's company, makes for a far better honeymoon.