Fall Honeymoon Destinations

Check out our list of some of the best fall honeymoon destinations, and find the perfect spot for your getaway.

By Emily Forrest

Couple taking selfie
Photo by Stocksy

It’s no secret that planning a wedding can amount to a considerable expense, so the thought of spending even more money on a honeymoon can be daunting. However, one of the best ways to take your perfect honeymoon on a budget is to travel during off-season months. For a majority of destinations, this means planning your honeymoon trip in the fall. Once the off-season hits, you’ll find that many airlines, hotels, resorts, and other hospitality industry vendors drop their prices, allowing you to snag a deal on otherwise pricey locales. The best fall honeymoon destinations, both domestic and international, will still provide you with a romantic post-wedding escape at a much better price. Check out some of our favorite autumn destinations below.

Domestic Destinations

Another great way to save money as you plan the perfect honeymoon is to keep your travel domestic. You’ll likely be able to find cheaper airfare or, in some cases, you may even be able to take a road trip to your fall honeymoon destination. Plus, with a faster commute, you’ll be able to spend more of your vacation relaxing.

Carefree, Arizona

As the name suggests, you’ll feel all your cares fall away after a few days in this desert honeymoon locale. Similar in vibe to the more popular destinations of Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park, this small Arizona town delivers all the elements of a great Southwestern getaway: stunning red rocks vistas, exquisite spas, and lots of history. Plus, you can plan a high-energy evening in either Phoenix or Scottsdale, each just a 40-minute drive away.

What to Do: Rock climb, mountain bike, horseback ride, or hike your way through the many trails surrounding Carefree. Treat yourself to a couples massage at the Waldorf Astoria Spa. Stroll through four acres of botanical gardens for free at Carefree Desert Gardens. Visit nearby Frontier Town and be transported back to the Wild West.

Where to Stay:Boulders Resort & Spa offers hotel-style room accommodations and standalone private villas, giving you a range of options for your budget. The luxury resort also offers a world-class golf course, pool, spa, on-site shops, and several dining options. Nightly rates start at about $150 per night for two adults, depending on the time of year and room type.

Vermont

If you are hoping to peep the stunning colors of autumn leaves, Vermont’s Green Mountains are about as good as it gets. Spend your days driving along Route 100 or I-91 for the best views of the beautiful fall foliage. On your journey, bounce between the state’s quaint historic towns, such as Brattleboro, Jeffersonville, Montpelier, and Stowe, which all boast museums, art galleries, and unique Vermont experiences. There are also hiking opportunities galore for those more active honeymoon couples wishing to take in some crisp mountain air.

What to Do: Tap for your own maple syrup at Plummer’s Sugar House in Grafton. Imbibe hand-crafted beverages at the Appalachian Gap Distillery in Middlebury. Enjoy an unforgettable ice cream experience at the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Stowe. Take an evening gondola ride to the summit of Killington Peak, and delight in a farm-fresh dinner on the observation deck.

Where to Stay: Twin Farms is an inclusive upscale resort just under 90 minutes from the nearest airport in Burlington. Tucked away in the mountains, the resort offers 20 uniquely designed accommodations ranging from lodge suites to full cottages. The all-inclusive pricing covers your room, in addition to prepared-to-order Vermont breakfasts each morning, customized lunches (including picnics in any location), evening cocktails and canapés, and farm-to-table dinner. Nightly rates start at about $2,000 for two adults, and the luxury resort offers a honeymoon package that includes fresh flowers and a bottle of champagne upon arrival, in addition to a private fine-dining experience in the wine cellar.

Key West, Florida

Best known for gorgeous beaches and eccentric residents, Key West is a relaxed, yet unexpected seaside adventure. During your stay, you will be able to mix high-energy nightlife with days spent basking in the Caribbean sun, all without leaving the US. Mingle with local residents—known as Conchs, take a guided tour through historic Old Town, and explore the many bars on Duval Street.

What to Do: Visit Ernest Heminway’s residence for a tour of the famous writer’s home and the opportunity to spot a six-toed cat. Charter a boat to hop between the other islands of the Florida Keys. Stroll through the shops and boutiques at Mallory Square. Get in a photo op at the southernmost point of the United States, one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island.

Where to Stay: Casa Marina Resort is ideally situated to allow you to do everything or nothing at all. Overlooking Key West’s largest private beach, Casa Marina is steps from Duval Street and historic Old Town. The resort offers two pools, a spa (with in-room treatments available), and several dining options. Nightly rates start at just $203 with accommodations ranging from standard guest rooms to luxurious oceanfront suites.

 Fall Honeymoon Destinations Photo Credit // Unsplash

International Destinations

While the most popular international locales, such as Paris or Rome, will remain pricey year-round, other relaxing vacation destinations will see price drops once the fall months roll around, and most tourists head back to their desk jobs. These are some of the best fall honeymoon destinations if you are hoping to head out of the US for your honeymoon trip.

The Algarve

The southernmost region of Portugal, The Algarve, is a jaw-dropping destination year-round, but during the fall, you will experience bright, sunny days with milder temperatures and low humidity. The otherwise bustling beach towns will be much quieter, as many tourists head back home, leaving you a quiet, romantic getaway spot. This is the perfect honeymoon destination, full of old-world charm and romance, offering the right blend of relaxation, adventure, and culture along clear blue waters and towering cliffs.

What to Do: Stroll through Herdade dos Grous, over 1,000 acres of vineyards, olive trees, and orange groves. Dine on the terrace at the oceanfront Arte Náutica. Explore local craft markets for hand-painted tiles and pottery.

Where to Stay: Tivoli Carvoeiro Resort is a five-star luxury cliffside getaway. Celebrate your newlywed status in a suite overlooking the sea, dining at the resort’s luxe restaurants, sipping cocktails at the rooftop bar, and lounging by the pool. Nightly rates start at just €155 per night (equivalent to $168) for two adults.

Lombok

Featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Lombok is a more budget-friendly Indonesian destination than it’s neighboring Bali. Within view of Mount Agung, an active volcano, this island is an ideal fall honeymoon escape. However, you’ll need to pay attention to weather precautions in the later months, as the monsoon season stretches from mid-October to February.

What to Do:Take a horse-drawn carriage into the Tanjung village. Snorkel among tropical reefs. Explore the nearby motor-vehicle-free Gill Islands. Or, simply relax by the pool or on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying your time together as newlyweds.

Where to Stay: The Oberoi Beach Resort on the Medana Bay offers private beach access and more than 24 acres of landscaped gardens. The grounds are complete with indigenous trees, and you will enjoy access to an infinity pool that seems to melt into the ocean. Luxury rooms and villas provide the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning vistas surrounding you. Plus, with several dining options and a variety of bookable experiences, you’ll never run out of things to see during your visit. Nightly rates start at just $315 for two adults.

Zambia

The off-season for Zambia begins in October, making it the ideal time for a safari honeymoon. This is also the time of year when the dry season transitions into the winter rainy months, known as the Emerald season—thanks to the lush greenery that springs to life. Visiting at this time of year promises jaw-dropping views of grazing wildlife.

What to Do:Book yourself on an unforgettable safari to see the savanna wildlife. Experience the lush greens, stunning views, and incredible game-viewing in the national parks.

Where to Stay: The Bushcamp Company offers tents and thatched chalets throughout South Luangwa National Park, so you can have some privacy and luxury while still getting in touch with your adventurous side. Not ready for that much adventure? Stay at the Mfuwe Lodge, known to have local elephants wander right through the reception area between late October and mid-December, tempted by the fallen fruits from the large Wild Mango tree on the lodge grounds. All the more reason to visit in the fall!

 Fall Honeymoon Destinations Photo Credit // Stocksy
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