Take Your Honeymoon in the Caribbean for Less

PHOTO: With some careful planning, couples can have the ideal Caribbean honeymoon at a rate that won’t break the bank. (photo via Pixabay/dreverton9)

Nearly every bride and groom dream of a tropical getaway for their honeymoon. If you’re in the United States, this dream often entails a jaunt down south to the beautiful Caribbean–a trip that takes only a few hours from much of the U.S.

While each Caribbean island is different, they all have the kind of atmosphere most honeymooners want—a lush landscape with beautiful beaches and romance-themed resorts.

Since Caribbean getaways aren’t cheap, however, it’s important for any new couple to plan their dream trip without blowing their newlywed budget. Here are five ways for couples to honeymoon in the Caribbean for less:

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Pick an All-Inclusive Resort

All-inclusive resorts offer food, drink (including alcohol) and entertainment for a single price. By booking an all-inclusive resort, you can prepay for your trip while only forking over extra cash for tips and excursions.

Since many all-inclusive resorts are budget-friendly, they offer a smart way to save while still having access to food and fun. These properties also make it extremely easy to budget for your trip since you know exactly how much you’ll spend ahead of time.

Cruise the Caribbean Sea

Cruises offer another money-conscious way to see the Caribbean on your honeymoon. Like all-inclusive resorts, they include food and entertainment and sometimes even alcohol with certain packages.

The best part is, you can often see several Caribbean islands on a single cruise–and all for a single low price. In addition to your cruise fare, you’ll need to pay for tips, port taxes, cruise fees and excursions, along with purchases made while in port.

READ MORE: Caribbean Destinations Charted Strong Visitor Growth in 2016

Leverage Travel Rewards

Travel rewards cards let you earn points and miles good for travel to the Caribbean and elsewhere. By coming up with a travel strategy ahead of time, you can create a plan that lets you fly to and stay in the Caribbean for free.

If you’re not keen on dealing with airline miles or hotel points, you can also sign up for a standard cash-back credit card to start building rewards you can redeem for travel.

Fly a Discount Airline

Many discount airlines fly to the Caribbean, including Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines. You can often save a bundle if you choose one of these airlines, although you should watch out for “extra” fees that can eat away at your savings.

While Southwest Airlines doesn’t add any fees to your fare and even allows two checked bags for free, Allegiant charges for everything from carry-on luggage to printed boarding passes.

Make sure you add up all the costs of flying a discount airline and compare it to traditional airlines before you decide.

READ MORE: The Best Honeymoon Destinations and Cruises

Rent a Vacation Condo or Airbnb

If you’re the type of couple who doesn’t need a fancy resort, you can save big if you’re willing to rent a vacation condo or Airbnb instead. These accommodations can be found all over the Caribbean, and are often less expensive than a traditional hotel.

If you want something closer to a hotel experience, make sure to pick a condo that comes with some amenities like beachfront loungers and a pool. Picking a place within walking distance of restaurants can also go a long way toward creating a honeymoon experience that’s both relaxing and convenient.