12 Best Minimoon Destinations in 2023
Are you looking for a quick, inexpensive, and romantic getaway after your wedding? Sometimes we don’t have the time to take off after our wedding, or we are just postponing our real honeymoon to give us a little time to prepare after our big day. Whatever your situation is, a minimoon a great idea to soak up that just married feeling during this special time in your life. Listed are 12 of the best minimoon ideas to celebrate your new life together in a way that is affordable and convenient.
What is a Minimoon?
a minimoon is a post-wedding getaway that is usually shorter, less expensive, and closer to home than a honeymoon.
Minimoon vs. Honeymoon
A minimoon tends to be less expensive and more budget-friendly than a honeymoon. A minimoon is usually a 3-5 day getaway that is close to home. When you take out the airfare cost and time away it ends up being half the cost of a traditional honeymoon. A honeymoon is usually branded as a 1-3 week getaway in a luxurious country, spa, or all-inclusive resort. A honeymoon can be whatever you want it to be, but generally, honeymoons can be a pretty penny.
A minimoon is generally 3-5 days. It is shorter than a honeymoon. Some use a minimoon as a was to postpone the honeymoon and some use the minimoon for a small getaway to celebrate their marriage instead of taking on the expense, time, and planning it takes to go on a full honeymoon. A honeymoon is generally 1-3 weeks.
A minimoon is generally close to home, meaning a short flight or drive away. A honeymoon generally is far from home as more of an exotic getaway that many couples have to take flights and multiple ways of transportation to get to and then navigate around.
3 Factors in Planning a Minimoon
- Decide the duration that you want to go away for.
- Choose the budget you have to spend.
- Determine how far away from home you want to go.
Once you decide on these top 3 factors, planning your minimoon depends on choosing the right destination that fits into that plan.
How many hours away from home are you willing to go? How much time off are you willing to take? What is the cap on your budget for your minimoon?
These are all important questions to discuss with your partner before you start looking at destinations.
What do you need to bring on a minimoon?
What your exact packing list will look like, depends on the destination and time of year you will be visiting. Generally, a minimoon packing list will look a little different than a honeymoon packing list. Just think, less is more.
You don’t want to overpack for a small trip and when you are planning a wedding the last thing you want to worry about is packing.
If you are looking for a more rustic style getaway check out this cabin packing list for all of the essentials.
His & Hers weekender minimoon duffle
How to Minimoon on a budget
Travel during the off-season: Honeymoon destinations tend to be more expensive during peak season, so consider traveling during the off-season to save money on flights, accommodations, and activities.
Choose a budget-friendly destination: There are many romantic destinations that won’t break the bank, such as national parks, camping sites, and small towns.
Look for deals and discounts: Check for discounts on flights, accommodations, and activities, and sign up for email newsletters and loyalty programs to stay informed of special offers.
Plan in advance: Booking flights and accommodations in advance can help you save money and avoid last-minute expenses.
Avoid luxury accommodations: Instead of staying in a high-end hotel, consider renting an apartment or a room through Airbnb or other similar platforms.
Cook your own meals: Eating out can be expensive, so consider cooking your own meals in your accommodations or packing a picnic to enjoy in a scenic location.
Take advantage of free activities: Look for free activities such as hiking, exploring local parks and landmarks, and visiting museums with free admission.
Be flexible: If you’re flexible with your travel dates and destinations, you may be able to find better deals and save money on your honeymoon.
Minimoons in the U.S
Most of these 12 best minimoon ideas are located in the United States since a minimoon is meant to be a short getaway. With the diversity of the United States there are plenty of U.S getaways that make feel like you are abroad without breaking the bank. Check out these 15 best affordable Islands in the U.S if you are looking for more of a tropical getaway for your minimoon.
12 Best Minimoon Ideas for 2023
1. New York City, New York
The big apple is the perfect minimoon spot for any season. During fall, you can take a stroll through Central Park and peep the changing leaves. In winter, you can ice skate at Rockefeller Center. In the spring, take a sunset walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. During summer, take a romantic sunset cruise on the east river. The city that never sleeps is a perfect minimoon destination for any couple looking for a getaway with the perfect amount of activity and romance.
where to stay in NYC
Best Location: Royalton, Midtown
Best Luxury: The Ludlow, Lower East Side
Best Value: The Jane, West Village
2. San Diego, California
This Southern California city is known for its beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine, making it the perfect beach minimoon destination. San Diego has plenty to offer newlywed couples with romantic hotels, enticing beach views, and sightseeing activities.
You can visit the stunning sandstone cliffs of La Jolla Cove, a popular destination in San Diego that offers romantic sunsets over the coast and sea-lion activity lining the bluffs of La Jolla Cove Beach. Take a day trip to the impressive San Diego Zoo and Safari park where you can sign up for close encounters with the zoo animals. Enjoy the romantic 20th-century architecture during a stroll through Balboa Park. Also, take a romantic night cruise across the San Diego Bridge and seal a kiss under the Coronado Bridge. There are tons of activities to make your minimoon a romantic one to remember.
Where to stay in San diego
Best Luxury: The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Best Value: Bahia Resort Hotel
Best Location: Alila Marea Beach Resort
3. Siesta Key, Florida
The crystal blue waters of Siesta Key would make any couple feel the romance at this beachside minimoon destination. If you want a minimoon that feels like an exotic tropical vacation, Siesta Key is the place for you. Take a romantic sunset walk on the crystal white sand of Siesta Beach, kayak through the mangroves in Lido Key, or revel in Florida’s coastline with a private charter.
where to stay in siesta key
Best Luxury: Hyatt Residence Club
Best Value: Tropical Beach Resorts
Best Location: Siesta Key Beachside Villas
4. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a stunning New England destination fit for travelers during all seasons. Stowe has a rustic downtown with tons of restaurants and shopping. Stowe gets most of its tourists due to the popular Stowe mountain ski resort. Whether you visit Stowe during ski season or during the vibrant season of autumn, there is never a bad time to visit this stunning mountain town.
where to stay in stowe
5. Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge is a stunning mountain town in Colorado that is perfect for a romantic getaway during all seasons. If you and your partner love snow activities, this minimoon destination is perfect for you.
If you are a couple looking for adventures like climbing Quandary Peak or a couple that just wants to spend nights by the fire enjoying the beautiful snow-capped mountains, there is something to offer every newlywed here in this quaint Colorado town. Check out this weekend in Breckenridge itinerary to plan your minimoon in Colorado.
Where to stay in Breckenridge
Best Luxury: Grand Lodge on Peak 7
Best Value: The Breckenridge Boutique Hotel
Best Location: Crystal Peak Lodge
6. Osa, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is located in Central America and is relatively easy to get to from the U.S. The Osa Peninsula was named by national geographic as “the most biologically intense place on earth”. This hidden gem is one of the most stunning and romantic destinations in Costa Rica. This area of Costa Rica is not as touristy, leaving you with secluded, stunning beaches and plenty of rainforests to explore. Check out this backpacking through Costa Rica guide to have an unforgettable adventure celebrating your new marriage.
where to stay in osa
7. Catskills, New York
This mini moon destination is an outdoorsy couple’s dream. If glamping with just your spouse in the middle of the mountains sounds like a dream, the Catskills is your ideal location. The Catskills has tons of charming towns, camping sites, and outdoor activities for every nature lover. Check out Kaaterskill Falls and sunset rock for a de-compressing getaway to connect with nature and your new spouse after your big day.
where to stay in the catskills
8. Sedona, Arizona
This desert town in Arizona will leave you speechless with its towering red rock formations and steep canyon walls. Enhance the spiritual connection with your partner with evening stargazing tours or admire the sunset together at Cathedral Rock. Sedona has something about it that will leave you and your partner feeling awestruck by the energy and natural beauty of this sacred western landmark.
where to stay in sedona
9. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard is an island off of the New England coast. This historic island is known for its New England-style cottages, gorgeous beaches, and lighthouses. Visit the cottage city of Oak Bluffs, admire the stunning cliffs at Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook, or sink your feet in the sand at Menemesha Beach. Martha’s Vineyard is the perfect minimoon for couples looking for a beach getaway with a splash of colonial history.
where to stay in martha’s vineyard
10. San Francisco, California
This Northern California city is filled with rolling hills and beautiful architecture. San Francisco has an abundance of culture, sightseeing, and good food to make your minimoon one to remember. Take a walk on the beach and admire the famous Golden Gate Bridge, check out the famous Full House landmark: the painted ladies, or ride the iconic cable car.
where to stay in san francisco
11. Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is a town off the Caribbean coastline in Mexico and is a dreamy mini moon destination for couples in 2023. Tulum is known for its beautiful beaches and ancient history that’s not too far off from the U.S. You can get to this stunning destination in just a few hours by plane with not too hefty of a price tag. Tulum is known for its ancient ruins of the ancient Mayan port city. There is plenty to do in terms of sightseeing, but once you see the beaches, you may never want to leave.
where to stay in tulum
12. Newport, Rhode Island
The old boating town of Newport, located on Aquidneck Island is a perfect location for a New England minimoon. Newport is known for its historic mansions and its extensive sailing history. If you and your partner love colonial history and architecture, Newport would be a great place to spend your mini moon. Go for a sunset walk down the Cliff Walk, explore the shops down by Thames street, or enjoy a scenic drive down Ocean Drive.
where to stay in newport
Best Luxury: Newport Harbor Island Resort
Best Value: Mill Street Inn
Best Location: The Chanler at Cliff Walk
There are so many places to enjoy and relax after your big wedding day. Planning a wedding can be stressful, but planning a honeymoon shouldn’t have to be. My husband and I went on our honeymoon two months after our wedding, and deciding to do a minimoon right after the wedding for a few days was such a great idea.
You do so much planning for your special day, and it comes and goes so fast. This gives you something to soak up that just married feeling, just the two of you. It is such a special time to celebrate your new life together. Regardless of your time off, budget, or home base, you can find the perfect minimoon to soak up the romance with your new forever partner.
Want to honeymoon in Thailand? READ: Thailand’s Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai or Krabi vs Phuket.
Hi, I’m Becca
I travel the world and write about the tips and tricks I learn along the way. I have done multiple solo travel trips and love forming relationships from all around the world. Every trip I have gone on has been added to the scrapbook which is my life. I am here to help you create a scrapbook out of your life, that you can be proud of.
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