Ok, so, you’ve planned your wedding day. You picked out your decorations, decided on a cake flavor, chosen your squad, said “yes” to the dress…now what?

You’ve got a honeymoon to plan! This post will guide you with some ideas and tips for your post-wedding vacay.

Before we dive in, I did want to mention…the world is big, there are so many places you can go to. That is why I have narrowed it down to the United States as well as places I would think would be amazing to travel to for a honeymoon. I have been to a few of these places on this list, so I highly recommend them! Let’s go ahead and get started! Enjoy!!

HONEYMOON LOCATION IDEAS

HAWAII

This is where Matt and I are going for our honeymoon and it’s honestly workable if you budget it right! People usually think Hawaii is super expensive but it is your honeymoon. Go all out!

The reason this place can get so pricey is because of the resort cost mainly. Stay at an AirBnb (which is my first tip to save money) and go to Costco to stock up on cheaper food like sandwiches and sides.

We plan to only go out to eat a few times during our trip and this is how we plan to save some money. Now if you are considering this beautiful state, here is what you need to know:

• There are four main islands: Kaua’i, O’ahu, Maui, and Hawai’i
  • Kaua’i. The oldest island and I believe the most secluded. If you are wanting some trails and gardens, this is a good start. There isn’t much accomodations on this island so keep that in mind.
  • Maui. The second largest island and has the “best” beaches. This is where I went and it was sooo amazing! If you are a hiker and also love the beach, this one’s for you!
  • Hawai’i (Big Island). The largest and is full of mountains! This one has varied climates as well as active volcanoes. If you are just about hiking and wildlife, this screams your name!
  • O’ahu. If you like city life and cool attractions, this one is up your alley.Disclaimer: these are based on my research so make sure you do your research as well! 🙂
• Pick one island so you don’t have to spend money on flights and boats in between islands. What are you mostly wanting to do? Hike, party or relax? This should help because EVERY island is unique on its own.

Looking to stay in Maui, check out my ‘Hawaiian Honeymoon in Maui!’

SOUTH CAROLINA

Oh South Carolina, how I love you! I have been here multiple times and each time, it is different.

Two places I recommend are Charleston and Hilton Head Island! If you absolutely love to just relax on the beach, go on boat cruises, have fun on a jet ski and shop til you drop, this one is a perfect match for you.

Matt and I almost booked an AirBnb here for our honeymoon until we found out how to do Hawaii right, lol! But what I recommend is also driving down to Savannah, Georgia for a few days. This place is full of gorgeous landscapes and interesting history.

If you are up to it, visit the Biltmore Mansion as well in Asheville, NC!

 

SMOKY MOUNTAINS

Matt and I went to the Smoky Mountains and stayed in a cute little AirBnb when we were down there! If you are wanting to read a quick blog post and see some photos of this trip, click here!

If you absolutely love to hike, the smoky mountains are amazing and I definitely recommend checking them out as an idea. Here is a list of trails we both loved:

• Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion (HARD)
• Clingman’s Dome (Moderate)
• Alum Cave Trail (Moderate)
• Grotto Falls (Moderate)
• Laurel Falls (Easy but BUSY)

Some things to do:

• Watch the sun rise and set over mountains
• Walk downtown Gatlinburg (Matt and I didn’t like it too much because it was more gimmicky) but it can be fun!!
• Drive to Cades Cove, amazing wildlife!!
• RELAX!!!

There are so many more trails so don’t be afraid to dive deep into your research. Also, check out the app All Trails. This app can help you guide your way, view the length as well as the difficulty!

If you want more ideas of what to do in the Smoky Mountains, I’d love to sit and chat about it, just message me!!

JACKSON, WYOMING

Another fun adventure!! Matt and I went here not too long ago and we loved it because it was so unique and different than here in Indiana.

If you are up for it, you can hike! We didn’t because it would’ve been our first time and there are grizzly bears, yikes! But don’t let that stop you, just take extra precaution.

Check out my blog post about my trip out west here! There are so many different things you can do in and around the state, for example:

• Plenty of pull offs to view
• Hiking of course
• Jackson Hole downtown is incredible!
• EAT! The food is amazing!!
• Head on over to the Black Hills (Mount Rushmore)
• Also check out the Badlands (South Dakota) on your way out or in!

ARIZONA

I have yet to go to Arizona but believe me, I will here soon. We are planning a trip for hopefully the springtime next year. Though I cannot provide much information on what to do and see, here are some things on our list. Of course, I would love to visit Phoenix but I mainly want to check out Sedona.

• Look at the Grand Canyon, maybe take the trail down!
• Jeep tours
• Hike Antelope Canyon and The Wave trails
• Visit Arches State Park
• Drive over to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Only Better Call Saul & Breaking Bad fans would understand!

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Big Sur (San Francisco), California
• Lake Tahoe
• Seattle, Washington
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Orlando, Florida (Disney World, Universal Studios)
• Bar Harbor, Maine

HOW TO SAVE MONEY

1) AirBnb or VRBO

Hotels and resorts can honestly get really expensive but if you are wanting those amenities over saving some money, that is totally fine. Just keep in mind they are a little more pricier.

If you are wanting to save, check out AirBnb and VRBO. People rent out their condos to travelers and most of the time, they can be really cute and fun!! There’s usually a pool or something neat about the place.

2) Book in advance

Most of the time, if you book 10-12 months out, you can score some deals. You can also try directly calling and introducing yourself while mentioning you are looking for some deals for your honeymoon. Sometimes this may help!! I haven’t tried it personally but I’ve read a lot about it.

It is also ideal to get your plans set in stone sooner rather than later when you have a lot of other wedding things to be doing.

3) Be flexible with your date

If you are getting married in the summer, that is when people typically travel so the rates may be a little more pricier. If you are willing to go on your honeymoon later in the year, you can catch a better seasonal rate. You don’t have to go on your honeymoon the day after your big day.

4) Don’t eat out everyday

Listen, food can get expensive. If you plan out your meals throughout the week and shop for the ingredients the day you get to your destination, chances are you will save a lot more! Sure, you can go out but make sure you plan on how many times and where you are going.

Flights

Did you know if you browse flights online, they keep that data and they will raise the prices. It’s true, it is. So make sure you are browsing flights in incognito mode.

I have also learned that Google flights is the best bet because they take prices from different sites and put it together in one section for you so you can see which is the cheapest.

Another tip for booking a flight, consider flying in the middle of the week, they are cheaper!!

I hope these places and tips help spark some idea for ya! If you are interested in going to the Smoky Mountains, Wyoming, South Carolina or even Disney World ⎯ let’s chat, I’ve got some insider tips!

READ NEXT:

The Benefits Of Hiring A Destination Wedding Photographer

Our Fall Adventure in the Upper Peninsula

Our 2-Week Hawaiian Honeymoon