Every newlywed couple deserves to celebrate their marriage in style, and while some dreamy honeymoon destinations may seem out of reach, finding a dupe — a location offering a similar atmosphere for a fraction of the price — might be the answer. Ranging from city locations and outdoor spots to beach getaways, come explore six spectacular honeymoon dupes for popular destinations.
Isla Holbox, Mexico for Cancun
Cancun is held near and dear to many travelers’ hearts with its white-sand beaches, luxurious resorts, sparkling waters and vibrant nightlife. Its flexibility to cater to families, spring breakers, couples and everyone in between makes it a one-of-a-kind destination, though it’s for that same reason Cancun often comes with a hefty price tag.
Instead, get these same beachy vibes on the serene island of Isla Holbox. The slender piece of land sits at 26 miles long and one mile wide off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, and despite its intimate size, the tiny island is bursting with life. Here, travelers will find accommodations ranging from eco-lodges to beachfront boutique hotels and car-free roads. The downtown area tends to boast a more energetic atmosphere, especially at night as live concerts and DJs take over the local establishments. Isla Holbox may not be on many newlyweds’ radars, but its balance between romance, relaxation and outdoor activities will certainly rival the more popular Cancun.
Umbria, Italy for Tuscany
Sip, sip, hooray! For the lovebirds who are seeking the true Italian experience, Tuscany, with its rolling hills and vineyards, rich architecture and, of course, delicious wine, seems like the obvious choice. However, its old-money atmosphere and luxe accommodations may put this region out of the budget for some couples.
This authentic Italian experience can also be found in Tuscany’s lesser-known neighbor, Umbria. Sometimes referred to as the “Green Heart of Italy,” this region offers a completely customizable itinerary, as honeymooners can choose from luxurious villas, boutique hotels and lodging in historic buildings. Similar to Tuscany, Umbria is all gentle sloping hills and lush greenery reaching as far as the eye can see, in addition to offering 13 wine regions for some local sampling. Combining the best of Italy’s medieval architecture with arts and culture, travelers will particularly enjoy Perugia, Umbria’s capital, or any of the other surrounding small towns for a quiet getaway.
Bocas del Toro, Panama for the Maldives
The Maldives, with its shimmering blue-green waters, diverse marine life and laid-back atmosphere, is a fan-favorite destination, no matter the time of year. For a more peaceful experience, avoid the crowds and get these island vibes in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Consisting of nine main islands in the Caribbean Sea, each one perfectly captures the essence of the Maldives, with plenty of stunning dive spots, overwater accommodations and luxury experiences. The islands also have a strong Afro-Caribbean culture, and the groovy reggae music and flavorful cuisine are certain to complete travelers’ time in Bocas del Toro.
Bordeaux, France for Paris
This might be a hard sell for some lovebirds as there is only one true Paris, but for those visiting this romantic destination purely for the French experience, the charming city of Bordeaux offers the same atmosphere for a much cheaper price. While there is no Eiffel Tower or Louvre in Bordeaux, this southwestern city is home to an impressive 362 historical monuments, second only to Paris. Sites like the Grosse Cloche and Place de la Bourse are sure to impress and will have travelers quickly putting the capital city out of mind. For visitors looking to shop their days away, Bordeaux is known for Rue Saint Catherine, the beating heart of the city and Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street. Paris may have a reputation for being the city of love, but Bordeaux is a top contender for an authentically French honeymoon.
Ksamil, Albania for Mykonos, Greece
Big-name cities such as Santorini and Mykonos are synonymous with whitewashed buildings, blue-domed roofs, world-class beaches and a thriving nightlife. For some honeymooners, these spots in Greece fit the bill, but others might find the destinations too saturated with other visitors. Aside from the distinctive white buildings, the village of Ksamil, Albania, embodies the same natural scenery as Mykonos. The crystal-clear turquoise water gently flows in every direction; beaches are easily accessible, and the historical attractions are as abundant here as they are in Greece. With Ksamil being far smaller and less visited, there’s an extra layer of peace and tranquility surrounding the village, though don’t underestimate it for its party prowess. Similar to Mykonos, daytime beach clubs get the good energy flowing, and after dark, the lively bars show a whole new side of Ksamil.
The Azores, Portugal for Maui, Hawai’i
You can’t find a better dupe for Maui than an archipelago quite literally nicknamed the “Hawai’i of Europe,” and considering the Azores’ landscape, it’s easy to see why they’re associated. While Maui has a reputation for its vibrant greenery, beaches and sunshine, the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal consisting of nine volcanic islands, offer these same scenic terrains. The lush fields of the Azores are adorned with roaming cattle; lagoons sit nestled at the mouth of extinct volcanoes, and the abundant thermal pools offer a coveted pocket of peace. Travelers will likely arrive in São Miguel, the largest of the islands, which also serves as a connecting point to the rest of the archipelago. Regardless of where the newlyweds stay, the Azores has a strong culture heavily influenced by the mainland, though it does maintain its own regional identity as well. Considering the vibrant cultural scene, jaw-dropping landscapes and decadent cuisine, there aren’t many discernible differences between these two relaxing destinations.
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