The Best Honeymoon Destinations to Reach Using Points and Miles

The average cost of a wedding in the US in 2024 is a whopping $33,000, but no matter how much you spend on the big day, you may be dealing with limited funds to make your dream honeymoon a reality. We’ve got a solution: With a points-earning credit card, you can make your honeymoon a lot cheaper—or even free. 

You might already be sitting on a stash of points that will cover your flights or hotel, but even if you’re starting from scratch, with a few months of lead time, you could open a new card, get started earning points, and earn enough to fly you and your new spouse to your honeymoon destination. And you may not need as many points as you think. 

Top Honeymoon Destinations You Can Book on Points

We’ve rounded up just a few of the top honeymoon destinations that often have great points fares. We also included tips on how to get there and how many points you can expect to use on each flight. From popular locations close to home to far-flung destinations around the world, these spots exude romance and allow you to choose your level of adventure, relaxation, and luxury. 

A Note about Points Redemptions:

A note about the number of points you’ll need: Just like cash fares, points fares may vary. Rates fluctuate depending on the route, travel dates, how far in advance you book, and the amount of competition on that route (more airlines covering that route generally means better fares). We’ve provided what we’ve seen to be good average points fares but the actual amount of points needed when you search for award flights may be higher or lower depending on all these factors. 

For the best fares (particulary for business or first class), we recommend booking 11-2 months in advance, when award seats are first released, or waiting until much closer to your departure date (within about two weeks). Economy class fares see a little less variance but it’s still best practice to book when seats are first released of close-in to your departure dates. 

Hawaii 

When it comes to honeymoon destinations in the US, Hawaii takes the top spot for several reasons, including five gorgeous islands to visit, fantastic food that mixes influences from Polynesia and Asia, and a fascinating culture built on care for the community and stewardship of the land. Whether you dream of lazing on white sand beaches, hiking to waterfalls, eating your weight in fresh poke, watching whales breach just offshore, or watching a graceful hula dance as the sun sets, Hawaii’s got you. 

Note that while the islands have grappled with over-tourism (and resulting problems with housing shortages, exacerbated by the fires on Maui in 2023), the state board encourages visits from responsible tourists who will treat the island and its people with respect. 

How to get there:

There are nonstop flights to the Hawaiian islands from nearly 30 mainland cities coast to coast on Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country, and United. If you’re struggling to find a great fare from a smaller airport, consider booking a positioning flight; this means flying from your home airport to a larger gateway like San Francisco or Los Angeles and then connecting onto another flight to your island of choice. 

How many points you’ll need: You can often find economy fares from all over the continental US to Hawaii for as low as 25,000 points per person each way, and business class fares starting from around 55,000 points per person each way.

French Polynesia 

Made up of 118 islands sprinkled across the South Pacific, French Polynesia (also known as The Islands of Tahiti), is an idyllic spot for couples whose main goals include relaxing under swaying palm trees or snorkeling in bathtub-clear water. 

While you’ll fly into the largest island, Tahiti, no matter what, most travelers only stay a night or two on their way to other islands (though if you’re into museums, markets, flower plantations, or big-wave surfing, Tahiti is worth a longer stay). Mo’orea, Bora Bora, and Rangiroa are among the most popular of the islands and are known for their dreamy overwater bungalows and ultra-luxe resorts from brands like St. Regis, Four Seasons, InterContinental, Conrad, Sofitel, and Le Méridien. 

How to get there:

Flights from the US land in Papeete on the island of Tahiti, flying direct from Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, and Honolulu on Alaska, Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, French Bee, and United. Similar to flights to Hawaii, if you can’t find a great fare from your home airport, consider flying to one of these West Coast hubs to connect to a direct flight to Papeete. 

How many points you’ll need: Flights to Tahiti can be as low as around 35,000 points each way in economy, and around 170,000 each way in business in lie-flat business class. 

St. Lucia 

St. Lucia has been named the Best Honeymoon Destination by the World Travel Awards an incredible 15 times. If that’s not enough reason to be intrigued, there’s also the island’s famous twin peaks (the UNESCO World Heritage Pitons), the world’s only “drive-in” volcano (a collapsed crater that’s now a popular hot spring), lively weekly Fish Fry parties, and some of the world’s best chocolate. 

For couples who want a mix of physical activity, island culture, and laid-back beach time, it’s an ideal compromise. Check into the Ladera Resort for the ultimate splurge. The rooms are set 1,000 feet above the sea and have one wall completely open to the stunning view. 

How to get there:

There are direct flights to St. Lucia from Atlanta, Charlotte, and Miami on Delta and American (plus a few other cities on JetBlue and United seasonally), so from anywhere else you’ll have at least one stop. 

How many points you’ll need: Economy fares to St. Lucia range from around 10,000-15,000 points each way, while business class flights start at around 95,000 points each way. 

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 

One of Mexico’s top resort areas, Cabo has no shortage of swanky resorts from brands like Four Season, Waldorf Astoria, Ritz-Cartlon, Hyatt, Hilton, and more, along with restaurants from some of the world’s best chefs, like Nobu Matsuhisa, Enrique Olvera, and Nancy Silverton. 

Add in some excellent spas, gorgeous beaches, abundant diving and snorkeling opportunities, activities like whale watching and golf, and an average of 350 days of sunshine per year, and it’s a recipe for a no-fuss honeymoon that takes relaxation to another level. 

How to get there:

Cabo is well-connected and you can generally reach it from just about anywhere in the US with one connection. There are dozens of nonstop flights from the US to Cabo, including from Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Denver, Houston, LA, NYC,  Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle on Delta, American, United, and Southwest. 

How many points you’ll need: Economy fares can be as low as 15,000-16,000 points each way. For business class or first, expect to spend around 45,000-70,000 points each way. 

Québec, Canada

The province of Québec is one of two Canadian provinces where French is an official language, and its capital, Québec City, is known as one of the “most European places in North America.” So if you’re short on time or just don’t fancy a long flight, you can still get some international flair on your honeymoon by strolling the city’s cobblestone streets, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage 17th-century fortified Old Town (the only fully walled city north of Mexico), indulging in French-influenced cuisine, or enjoying a traditional afternoon tea at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the most-photographed hotel in the world, which towers of the city. 

From Québec City, it’s just a three-hour train ride to the province’s largest city (and the second-largest in Canada), Montréal. Check out the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, browse the goods at the Jean-Talon Market (one of the largest open-air markets in North America), check out some of the 3,000+ incredible murals and other public art installations around the city, and of course, sample bagels from two of the most iconic bakeries in a city that takes bagels very seriously. 

How to get there:

There are direct flights from dozens of US cities to Montréal, with slightly fewer options to Québec City, on Air Canada, American, Delta, Flair, United, Sun Country, and Air Transat, though some routes are seasonal. 

How many points you’ll need: You’ll generally need at least 17,000-20,000 points each way for an economy flight, and 57,000-60,000 points each way for business and first class. 

Napa Valley, California 

Some people say that Napa is the next best thing to Tuscany. We say that’s like comparing Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. They’re both pretty spectacular in their own right. 

Like Tuscany, Napa’s got gorgeous rolling hills covered in vines (which in turn are covered in plump grapes from June to September, or dotted with brilliant red and orange leaves from October to December). It also has incredible food, including some Italian dishes that would make a Florentine swoon, stunning hotels with vineyard views, and of course, some of the best wine in California—and the world. Add in hot air balloon rides, indulgent spa treatments, romantic cooking classes, adventurous horseback rides, and a few golf courses, and it’s got all the makings of an idyllic honeymoon without the long flight. 

How to get there:

One thing Napa does have going for it over Italy’s most famous wine country is proximity. Over a dozen airlines offer nonstop service from cities all over the US to San Francisco or Oakland, both of which are about 50 miles south of Napa Valley. Alternatively, airlines including Avelo and Alaska offer flights into Sonoma’s small Charles M. Schulz airport, which is just under 20 miles from the north end of Napa Valley. 

How many points you’ll need: Economy fares can be as low as around 7,000-12,000 points each way, while business class fares tend to be around 60,000 points each way. 

South Africa

South Africa is what once-in-a-lifetime dreams are made of (no matter how many times you go). 

A trip here is epic in every sense, with options ranging from watching the sunset from a luxury safari camp as elephants trundle by, sipping wine with a view of the iconic Table Mountain, watching waves crash as two oceans meet at Cape Agulhas, or exploring the complex history and culture in South Africa’s biggest cities, Cape Town and Johannesburg. Then there’s the wildlife: In just a few days you can get up close to lions and giraffes on a safari in Kruger National Park, watch penguins toddle into the sea at Boulders Beach, or kayak with sea lions in Hout Bay. And you can go as rustic or luxe as you want, with accommodations ranging from DIY campsites to some of the most exclusive lodges and hotels in the world. 

How to get there:

There are very few direct flights from the US to South Africa (departing only from NYC, DC, and Atlanta) so it’s likely you’ll have at least one connection, most often in Europe (a great excuse for a long stopover!). From Europe to South Africa, airline options include Air France, KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, South African Airways, Ethiopian, and many more. 

How many points you’ll need: Flights to Cape Town or Johanessburg can range from a minimum of 25,000-40,000 points each way in economy; for business class, they generally cost  90,000-200,000 points each way. 

Japan

If you’re picturing a serene, quiet honeymoon, Japan may not be the first place that comes to mind; while Tokyo does have some pockets of tranquility, the Japanese capital is much more known for its wild nightlife and sprawling maze of skyscrapers awash in neon. But for foodies and urban adventurers, there’s no better place—Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world. 

If the frenetic pace of Tokyo isn’t what you’re after for a honeymoon, you’ve still got plenty of options in Japan. Take your pick from the blissful beaches of Okinawa, the ancient streets of Kyoto, the majesty of Mt. Fuji, the steaming hot springs of Hakone, and the snowy slopes of Nagano. Thanks to Japan’s comprehensive high-speed rail network, getting around the country is quick and easy. 

How to get there:

There are nonstop flights from NYC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle to Tokyo; from anywhere else, you’ll have at least one connection. Among the airlines serving the route are ANA, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and United. 

How many points you’ll need: Typically, you can find economy class fares starting at around 35,000 points each way, while business class fares tend to range from 80,000 to 200,000 points each way. 

Greece

With more than 220 inhabited islands plus the entire 42,000-square-mile mainland to explore, you could spend your whole married life in Greece and not see it all. Still, that’s no reason not to get started on your Greek odyssey on your honeymoon. Romantic Santorini, lively Mykonos, and posh Paros are among the most popular islands, but there’s also beach-studded Naxos, rugged Milos, history-packed Crete—and more than 200 others. 

Even if you skip the islands entirely, you can get your fill of delicious Greek food and wine, stunning architecture, and thousands of years of history in places like Athens, the mountain-top monasteries of Meteora, the ancient ruins of Mycenae, and the former capital, Nafplio. 

How to get there:

The more popular Greek islands (Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Milos, and Naxos among them) have airports but you’ll need to connect in Athens to reach more of them. If points fares directly to the islands are proving out of reach, look at booking a points fare to Athens, and then hopping over to the islands on a regional flight, which can be as little as $50 each way. From the US, there are direct flights to Athens from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York City, and Philadelphia. 

How many points you’ll need: Economy class fares to Athens typically start around 25,000-30,000 points each way, while business class fares start around 50,000-80,000 each way. 

Italy 

From its rolling vineyards to historic cities, Italy is all about the good things in life: local wine, homemade food with farm-fresh ingredients, and some of the world’s best art, music, and literature. With more than 4,000 miles of stunning coastline, and two millennia of history packed into the boot-shaped country, you can make your trip whatever you want. 

Check out the trifecta of Italian cities—Rome, Florence, and Venice—or head to coastal spots like Amalfi, Sorrento, and the Cinque Terre. Dive deep into wine country with a stay in Tuscany, Piedmont, or Veneto; marvel at the mountains in the Dolomites or Italian Alps; follow the foodie trail through Bologna, Parma, and Modena in Emilia-Romagna; or head south to Sicily, where the food and culture reflect the island’s Greek, Norman, Roman, and Arabic influences (and you can live like the White Lotus cast at the Four Season San Domenico Palace). 

How to get there:

You have several options for flights to Italy, including nonstops into Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples, Palermo, or Padua from Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Philadelphia on America, Delta, Neos, ITA, or Norse Atlantic (depending on the route). Though with a connection in Europe, the door opens to dozens of other Italian destinations including Bologna, Turin, Pisa, Verona, Catania, and Florence. 

How many points you’ll need: You can often snag an economy fare to Rome for around 22,000-25,000 points each way; for business class, expect to see fares starting around 60,000-70,000 points each way.