Best Honeymoon Destinations Abroad for Indian Couples 2026 – From Someone Who’s Actually Been#

So, um, first things first – if you’re stalking honeymoon ideas abroad and your brain is already overloaded with reels, Pinterest boards, and cousin ke shaadi wale suggestions… same yaar. I’ve been there. Me and my husband spent weeks arguing over Maldives vs Europe vs "arre yaar, Goa hi chalte hai" before we finally booked our first international trip together.

Over the last few years we’ve managed to squeeze in a few trips outside India – some proper honeymoon style, some more like extended dates with too much luggage. I’m putting all of that here, plus updated stuff like costs, visa scenes, safety, best season, all of that. So this is not just "once upon a time" story, it’s also practical info if you’re planning your honeymoon around 2026 and beyond.

1. Maldives – Classic, Cliché, But Still Totally Worth It#

I’ll start with Maldives because honestly, it’s like THE poster child of Indian honeymoons abroad now. And I used to roll my eyes at it – like ok blue water, villas on stilts, done to death, next. But when we finally went… I shut up. It’s different when you actually see that water in real life, no filter needed and all that.

For Indian couples, Maldives is still one of the easiest and safest honeymoon picks. The visa-on-arrival is free for Indians, flights from Mumbai/Delhi/Bangalore are around 4–6 hours, and most of the resorts are kind of tailor-made for couples. Like, they literally assume you’re on honeymoon.

Typical costs (rough idea per couple for 4–5 nights):

  • Budget-ish island resorts or good guesthouses on local islands: around ₹1.2–1.8 lakh (including flights if you book smart and off-season)
  • Mid–range water villa combo (2 nights beach villa + 2 nights water villa): ₹2–3.2 lakh approx
  • Luxury all–inclusive 5-star overwater: easily ₹4–6 lakh and upwards, no upper limit only

Best time to go is roughly November to April for clear skies, but honestly, shoulder months like May or late October can be cheaper and less crowded. We went in early June and got light showers but massive discounts, so it was a win.

Btw, one thing people don’t tell you – a lot of your time you’ll just be doing… nothing. And that’s the best part. Breakfast, swim, nap, float, repeat. If you’re the type who gets bored easily and needs city vibes, you might want to do Maldives + one more destination. But for us, those lazy sunrise coffees on the deck, watching baby sharks float around the stilts, it felt oddly intimate. Like the world just shrunk to 2 people and 1 ocean.

Quick tips:

  • Check if your resort is a speedboat distance from Malé or needs seaplane. Seaplanes are fun but way more expensive.
  • All–inclusive packages (with food + drinks + some activities) often work out cheaper than pay-per-meal, especially if you’re big foodies like us.
  • Local islands like Maafushi are cheaper and more desi-friendly, but dress codes are modest on public beaches because it’s a Muslim country.

2. Bali, Indonesia – For Couples Who Want Romance Plus Chaos#

Bali is that one destination where honeymoon becomes a mix of: temple hopping, beach clubs, cute cafes, couples massages, and occasionally you stuck in traffic wondering why you didn’t just stay in your resort. But it’s still one of my fav spots for Indian couples, especially if you want that good balance of culture + nightlife + nature.

Indians are literally everywhere there now – from desi restaurants to Indian honeymooners doing photo shoots in red lehengas in rice fields. Immigration is used to us, a lot of locals know words like "namaste" and even "paisa" haha. Indonesia has been updating visa policies a lot, but for most Indian tourists, Bali is either visa-on-arrival paid or e-visa style. Just double-check latest info before booking because rules keep changing slightly.

Cost wise, Bali is still one of the most value-for-money honeymoon destinations abroad:

  • Nice private pool villa in Ubud / Uluwatu: from around ₹5,000–₹10,000 per night
  • Decent hotels near Seminyak / Canggu: ₹3,500–₹8,000 per night depending on season
  • Total 7–8 days honeymoon for a couple (including flights, stays, food, activities): roughly ₹1.6–2.8 lakh if you’re not going super luxury

We stayed 4 nights in Ubud and 3 nights in Uluwatu. Ubud was all about greenery, cafes, waterfalls and that slow dreamy vibe. Uluwatu was cliff views, sunsets, and slightly fancier resorts. If you’re more into party scene, you’ll probably like Seminyak or Canggu more.

Must–do couple experiences I loved:

  • Traditional Balinese couple spa with flower bath – very filmy, very Insta, but low–key amazing. We paid around ₹6,000 for a 2-hour session for two.
  • Sunset at Uluwatu temple + Kecak dance – book early, gets crowded, but that setting over the cliffs is very romantic if you ignore the monkeys.
  • Nusa Penida day trip – those views at Kelingking Beach look unreal, but stairs are brutal, so don’t wear fancy sandals and then cry.

Food wise, vegetarian and Jain options are surprisingly easy in Bali now. We found Indian restaurants in almost every tourist area, though honestly the local Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, and satay were more fun. A lot of cafes serve lovely smoothie bowls and good coffee, very Gen Z honeymoon vibes.

Best time: April to October for dry season. We went in shoulder season and had a few random showers but nothing crazy. Traffic is the only real mood killer, so try to club nearby spots together instead of zig-zag plans.

3. Thailand (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui) – Budget-Friendly But Still Super Dreamy#

Thailand for honeymoon sometimes gets judged by older relatives, you know – "waha toh bachelor log jaate hai". But trust me, if you pick the right areas, it can be incredibly romantic. Thai resorts know how to pamper couples properly, and the service is usually top–notch.

Right now, Thailand is very actively attracting Indian tourists. Flights are frequent from most big cities here, and there’s been on-and-off visa relaxation stuff for Indians, so closer to your travel date just check the latest update, because it’s becoming easier, not harder.

Top honeymoon zones I’d suggest:

  • Phuket: Good mix of beaches, nightlife, shopping, day trips. Patong is noisy, but Kata/Karon are more peaceful.
  • Krabi (Ao Nang / Railay): Stunning limestone cliffs, more laid-back vibe, good for couples who want a quieter beach time.
  • Koh Samui & Koh Phangan: Slightly more romantic island feel, lots of beautiful resorts, especially if you want villa style.

Money part (ballpark for 6–7 nights, excluding crazy shopping):

  • Budget honeymoon: ₹90,000–₹1.4 lakh per couple (mix of 3-star and 4-star stays)
  • Comfortable mid-range: ₹1.5–2.3 lakh with some nice resorts and island hopping

We did a 3N Krabi + 3N Phuket plan and honestly, Krabi stole my heart more. Waking up in a room facing those massive cliffs, going for a longtail boat ride to Railay, eating mango sticky rice almost every night – it felt exotic but still chill. Phuket was fun too, just a bit more commercial.

For Indian couples, veg food is not an issue anymore. We even found an Indian chaat shop near Patong and I got pani puri in Thailand, so yeah. But do try Tom Yum, Pad Thai, Green Curry, they can adjust spice levels if you say "Indian spicy" very firmly.

Best time to go is roughly November to March for most areas, but islands like Koh Samui have slightly different weather patterns, so just cross–check depending on where you’re heading. Safety wise, it’s fine as long as you use common sense – don’t leave valuables unattended at the beach, avoid shady tuk-tuk deals at 2 am, you know the drill.

4. Switzerland + Paris – The Bollywood Honeymoon Package#

Okay, so if you grew up on Yash Raj films and those chiffon saree songs in the snow, you already know this combo. France and Switzerland together are like the OG honeymoon dream for many Indian couples. It’s not the cheapest option, but if your budget allows and you’re okay doing a Schengen visa, this is one of those trips that stays in your head forever.

We did Paris + Lucerne + Interlaken over around 8 days. And yes, I did the Eiffel Tower kiss–photo cliche. No shame. Paris is crowded and slightly chaotic, but at night when the tower lights up and you’re just walking along the Seine holding hands with warm crepes in your hand, it hits different.

Switzerland on the other hand is like a desktop wallpaper that somehow became real life. Super clean, efficient trains, lakes that look fake, mountains that make you feel very small and very happy at the same time.

Budget wise, be ready, Europe is no joke:

  • Return flights from India to Europe: typically ₹45,000–₹80,000 per person depending on season and city
  • Hotels in central Paris / Swiss tourist towns: ₹10,000–₹20,000 per night easily for decent ones
  • 8–10 day honeymoon overall: usually around ₹3–5 lakh per couple if you mix mid-range stays + trains + some activities

Best time for a romantic honeymoon is late April to June (spring/summer), or September–early October when it’s slightly less crowded but still nice. Winter can be magical with snow if you’re into that, but shorter days and more cold obviously.

Practical stuff:

  • You need a Schengen visa. Apply at least 4–6 weeks ahead, keep your docs clean – confirmed bookings, bank statements, etc.
  • Get a Swiss Travel Pass if you’re doing multiple cities there. It’s expensive upfront but saves money and stress once you’re there.
  • Veg Indian food is easily available near main tourist zones, especially in Paris and Swiss cities like Lucerne, Interlaken, Zurich.

The best moment for us was on Mount Rigi (less touristy than Titlis/Jungfrau). It was raining slightly, clouds all around, and then suddenly everything cleared, and we could see the entire lake and town below. We just sat quietly on a bench for 20–25 minutes. No selfies, nothing. Just us, and that view. That’s the kind of memory that sticks with a honeymoon.

5. Turkey – Where Europe Meets Asia (and Chai Meets Çay)#

Turkey has become insanely popular with Indian couples recently, and honestly, I get the hype. It’s one of those places where you get European-style cities, Middle Eastern vibes, friendly locals, great food, and pretty good value for money compared to Western Europe.

We did Istanbul + Cappadocia + Pamukkale over about 9 days. Istanbul felt a bit like a more organised Mumbai with prettier buildings – busy streets, bazaars, trams, traffic, but with mosques and the Bosphorus cutting through the city. Very alive.

Cappadocia though… that’s where the honeymoon magic really hit. Hot air balloons at sunrise, cave hotels, that surreal moon–like landscape. We booked a cave suite and woke up at like 5 am just to watch the balloons from the terrace even on days we weren’t flying. That scene is unforgettable.

Approx costs for a decent 8–10 day Turkey honeymoon:

  • Return flights from India: around ₹30,000–₹55,000 per person if you watch for deals
  • Good 3–4 star hotels / cave hotels: ₹5,000–₹12,000 per night
  • Total trip for 2: roughly ₹2–3.5 lakh depending on how many internal flights and activities like balloon ride (₹20k+ for two) you do

Visa is e-visa for Indians with valid US/UK/Schengen visas, otherwise you apply via VFS. Not too complicated if you start on time. Safety wise, major tourist areas are fine, but as always, keep your things close in crowded bazaars and metro.

Food was a highlight – Turkish breakfast spreads, fresh bread, baklava, Turkish tea (çay) every few hours. For pure veg folks, it’s slightly tricky but not impossible. Lots of mezze like hummus, falafel, salads, breads, but do confirm ingredients because some soups and rice dishes use meat stock.

Best time is spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). Summers can be hot, especially in Cappadocia and inland areas, and winters are cold but romantic in their own way.

6. Singapore + Bali Combo – For Couples Who Want City + Island in One Honeymoon#

One smart trend I’m seeing among Indian couples now is doing combo honeymoons – like 3–4 days in a city and 4–5 days in a more relaxed destination. Singapore + Bali is a super popular one because flights connect well and both are quite Indian-friendly.

Singapore by itself is very clean, very safe, and very organised. You can literally roam at 1 am in most areas and feel totally secure. It’s also quite expensive, but for 3–4 days, it’s manageable. Think Marina Bay Sands skyline, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, Universal Studios – it feels like being inside a sci-fi movie half the time.

Then Bali adds that more laid–back romance angle. It works well if you both like city vibe but also want some private villa pool time and green views.

Rough budget for 9–10 days split between Singapore and Bali:

  • Overall: maybe ₹2.2–3.5 lakh per couple depending on hotels and shopping
  • Singapore hotel nights: from ₹7,000–₹15,000 per night for central areas
  • Public transport in Singapore is fantastic, so you can save money by using MRT and buses instead of cabs

Best time: Both places are more or less year-round destinations, but avoid heavy monsoon in Bali if possible. Singapore sees rain on and off but nothing too extreme usually; it’s more about humidity.

I loved this combo because one day we were screaming on rides at Universal Studios and eating Indian food in Little India, and two days later we were floating in our Bali villa pool under palm trees. It felt like two honeymoons in one.

7. Dubai & Abu Dhabi – Short, Lux, and Very Desi-Friendly#

If you’re short on leave days, or one of you doesn’t have an international travel history yet and wants something easy, UAE is honestly a great starter honeymoon abroad. Dubai especially feels almost like an extension of India sometimes – Hindi everywhere, Indian food, Bollywood music in clubs, but with better infrastructure and big fancy skyscrapers.

Direct flights from almost every metro city in India, visas are mostly straightforward e-visa style through airlines or agents, and 4–6 night trips are very common for newlyweds.

What I liked for couples:

  • Desert safari with private camp upgrade – much more romantic than the standard super-crowded ones
  • Dinner cruise in Dubai Marina – city lights, calm water, and a lot of photo ops
  • Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – honestly one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve seen in my life

Budget wise:

  • Return flights: ₹18,000–₹35,000 per person if you book early
  • Good hotels: ₹6,000–₹15,000 per night depending on area (Marina, Downtown, etc.)
  • Total 5–6 nights trip: around ₹1.3–2.2 lakh per couple on average

Best season is roughly November to March when the weather is pleasant. Summers are harsh, but malls and indoors are all air–conditioned, still you’ll miss out on outdoorsy experiences.

Safety is top notch. Just be respectful of local laws and culture – dress decently in public Holy places, avoid PDA that’s too much, and no nonsense with drunken behaviour in public.

How to Actually Choose Your Honeymoon Destination (Without Losing Your Mind)#

Let me be real for a second – picking a honeymoon destination is almost like a mini marriage test. You have two people, two dream boards, one joint bank account, and a hundred relatives throwing ideas. So if you’re feeling confused, it’s normal, okay.

Here’s how we finally figured ours out, and what I’d suggest to you guys too:

  • Decide your vibe first, not the country. Do you want beaches? Cities? Mountains? Culture? Party? Once you agree on the vibe, shortlisting becomes much easier.
  • Fix a rough budget you’re both okay with. Not what Instagram says, not what your friend’s friend’s cousin spent. What you are comfortable with without taking crazy EMI for travel.
  • Check visa and flight convenience. Sometimes a slightly less famous country works out better because visas are easier or flights are shorter.
  • Think weather. No point going to a beach during peak monsoon or to snowy places when most cable cars are shut.

Also, be honest about what kind of travellers you both are. If both of you hate walking, maybe doing a Europe trip full of walking tours is not ideal. If one person wants to just chill and read and the other wants to tick off 20 attractions a day, then you both will fight only. Find a middle ground that gives some exploring and some doing-nothing time.

After everything that’s happened globally in the last few years, a lot of us have become more cautious with international trips, especially honeymoons. From what I’m seeing among friends and followers:

  • People are preferring destinations with clear visa rules and stable political situations like Maldives, Singapore, Bali, UAE, Thailand.
  • Travel insurance is no longer optional. Most couples I know now take it by default, especially because of health issues or sudden plan changes.
  • More couples are booking cancellable or flexible hotels and flights, even if it costs a bit more, just for peace of mind.
  • A lot of Indian travellers are checking local news, government advisories, and even Reddit/Instagram updates for real-time safety info before finalising bookings.

On ground, I personally felt very safe in all the countries I mentioned here, as long as we used basic common sense. Keep digital copies of your passport, visa, insurance. Share your travel plan with family. And avoid over–sharing your live location to strangers online when you’re actually there.

Little Things That Actually Made Our Honeymoon Special#

Looking back, it wasn’t just the big expensive experiences that made our trips memorable. It was small stuff:

  • Buying random fridge magnets together and laughing at our terrible bargaining
  • Sharing one umbrella in unexpected rain in Bali and ending up fully drenched anyway
  • Getting lost in a Paris side street and finding the best hot chocolate of the whole trip
  • Sitting on the beach at Krabi at night, just listening to the water and talking about literally everything and nothing

So don’t stress too much about making your honeymoon look perfect for Instagram. It’s okay if your hair is frizzy in the Maldives humidity, or your planned outfit for Eiffel Tower gets wrinkled, or your visa forces you to pick one country over another. At the end of the day, it’s about the two of you learning how to travel together and enjoy the same moments in your own weird way.

If you ask me which is the “best” honeymoon destination abroad for Indian couples in 2026, I’ll probably still say: the best one is where both of you feel relaxed, excited, and a little bit like kids seeing the world for the first time.

Pick a place that fits your budget, your personalities, and your timing – and then just commit to having a good time there, instead of thinking "yeh bhi kar sakte the, woh bhi dekhna tha" the whole time.

If you’re still confused or want more detailed guides, sample itineraries, or cost breakdowns for these places, you can always deep dive on travel blogs. I keep discovering new hacks and hidden spots on sites like AllBlogs.in, so maybe start there when you sit down with your partner and start shortlisting destinations with chai in hand.