Honeymoon is often the most eagerly awaited part of a wedding. It is one of the most happy and enjoyable periods in the life of a couple.
Many youngsters discuss their honeymoon plans even before marriage and decide on a dream destination. But the huge expenses force many people to abandon their trip, especially to foreign locales.
However, there are several picturesque locations on earth where a honeymoon can be enjoyed without burning a hole in your pocket.
Bali
The sights and experiences during a honeymoon to a place like Bali will be cherished by a couple for ever. It is an ideal destination for newlyweds offering extremely beautiful beaches, hills, agricultural land and rain forests. Bali is indeed a travellers' paradise with its natural beauty and warm welcome offered by the local people.
Keralites first heard about the place from travel writer and novelist S K Poteekkad's book 'Bali Dweep.'
But Bali is a much bigger than you can imagine. It is a treasure house of stunning sights and will not empty your purse.
Another advantage is that Bali can be visited in any weather. If the flight tickets are booked at least a month in advance, big discounts can be obtained.
Local transportation, including taxis, is cheap in Bali. Hotels suitable for all budgets are also available.
Fiji Islands
Everybody likes sea shores and islands. Fiji beckons such travellers, especially honeymooners, with wide its expanse of sandy beaches. Budget resorts are available here.
Fiji, comprising 322 islands in the Pacific Ocean, has been a favourite of travellers for long. Amazing scenery, coral reefs and backwaters near the sea with pristine waters are the attractions.
Activities like scuba diving are also available.
Philippines
A country with low cost of living, Philippines has thousands of beaches. Travel to the country is a cheap affair. So is the stay. Accommodation and food here is cheaper than many cities in India.
Drinks too are priced lower. Fuel also is relatively priced less.
The culture, variety of food and shopping options make a trip to Philippines worthwhile. Though mercury stays high in the country, there are cool locations also.
Among the around 7,000 islands constituting Philippines, the most beautiful one is Boracay. At Bohol island, you can literally swim with the sharks.
When planning a trip to Philippines, check the season. Weather is a crucial factor in the country and suitable preparations need to be made before travelling to that place.
If you are heading to Manila, the capital, download a transport app in the mobile. A metropolis, Manila is a busy place and even getting taxi could be difficult. With apps of Uber, Grab Car and Waze, you may find travelling easier.
There are no direct flights to Manila from Kochi, but connections are available from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Spain
European countries are highly expensive in all respects, but Spain is among the exceptions. Food and accommodation can be obtained here at cheap rates. Moreover, there are several amazing sights in the country, making it a favourite among travellers.
A hearty meal can be relished for just 10-15 dollars, while beer costs a mere one dollar at super markets. Wine can be bought from bars spending the small amount of five dollars.
A trip to the picturesque country enjoying all the food and drink will not drain away your bank balance.
Mexico
The main attractions here are the diversity in sights, tasty food, beautiful beaches and friendly people. The cost is low too and an US dollar can be exchanged for 19 pesos. But avoid a trip from November to March, which is the tourist season when room tariffs shoot up sharply. Several foreigners visit the place during this period. All hotels raise tariff during this time, especially in December. Moreover, it would be difficult to get rooms as most of them would be booked much in advance.
However, food comes cheap in Mexico. For instance, the most expensive fish dish can be ordered at three dollars.
Low-cost flights are available to travel to various places in the country. Long-distance buses with cheap ticket rates are also a convenient mode of transport.
Mauritius
The world’s best beaches are the biggest attraction here, making Mauritius a favourite among honeymooner travellers. You can also savour the tastiest sea food.
Another draw is that there are no visa hassles to travel to Mauritius, which very near India. Indian citizens can utilise the visa-on-arrival facility. Carry the passport and return ticket for the purpose; a stay of 60 days will be allowed.
Apart from being an island in the ocean, Mauritius flaunts rainforests, waterfalls, hills and amazing wildlife. Black River Gorges, the main national park, houses several unique species of plants and animals.
Trou aux Cerfs, an inactive volcano and Eureka House, a colonial building, also attract travellers.
Colombia
Friendly and warm people, dense forests, pristine beaches and stately remnants of a rich Spanish colonial past draw visitors to Colombia. Moreover, the rates are low for stay, food and shopping. An US dollar fetches around 3,000 pesos, the local currency.
Tasty sea food is available at the restaurants near the beach at cheap prices. Accommodation at the Spanish-style guest houses is charged nearly 30 dollars.
Scuba diving can be done at the beaches, while Ciudad Perdida trek and Salento coffee tour offer different experiences.
Maldives
It is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world. The beaches are the main draw in Maldives and Indian citizens can avail free visa for up to 30 days. Situated very near India, Maldives requires Indians to carry their passports and return tickets for obtaining the visa on arrival.
Noted for its finest beach resorts in the world, Maldives never disappoints travellers who stay there. For the best experience, choose the water villas for your trip.
There are amazing sights of the sea to enjoy in the country. In addition, travellers can engage in activities like snorkelling, sailing and underwater diving.