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WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING

★★★★★ "Booking with Over The Moon Vacations was the best decision we made for our honeymoon!! From the very first phone call I knew we were in good hands. Over the moon takes care of all the little details and brings your vacation dreams to life. We can not recommend them enough!" Emily Rigopoulos

★★★★★ "Over The Moon planned the most incredible honeymoon we could have ever dreamed of! They planned absolutely everything, from the minute we got off the plane, throughout all of our destinations. From hotel bookings, to transportation, to restaurant reservations, and activities, they are nothing short of amazing. I could not recommend them enough & look forward to working with them in the future on another trip!!!" Jolene Calem

★★★★★ "Sitting in the airport at our layover on our way home from our honeymoon in Greece and feeling so thankful that we found Over The Moon and trusted them with planning our honeymoon! My husband and I were both super exhausted at the thought of planning our honeymoon with wedding planning in the works and found Over The Moon via an acquaintance’s Instagram post and Over The Moon did it ALL for us - they arranged transportation, suggested incredible lunch, dinner, drink spots, suggested and booked excursions, and reserved the most magical hotels we’ve ever stayed in for us. Such a dream honeymoon! Thank you, thank you, thank you for what you do Over The Moon!" Kirsten Krogen

★★★★★ "OTM created a DREAM honeymoon. As travelers and planners, Tony and I were SO impressed with the thoughtful, organized and responsive OTM dream team. Because they have taken every trip they plan, the first hand-insight into everything, especially those nitty gritty logistics, was perfection. Post-honeymoon, we are on cloud nine and truly, we wouldn't change one single thing." Melissa Shapiro-Bey

★★★★★ "Excellent customer service; The best I think I’ve ever experienced!!! I have almost 100 emails proving that! Ive had MANY questions. I’ve changed my mind on resorts; I’ve completely changed our itenerary and also our dates!! They’ve always responded with a very prompt response and willingness to help!!! Their knowledge and advice has helped me to make the best decisions. I feel like they have excellent taste in resort choices as well and know the best options! They know what they’re doing and will do everything in their power to make sure you have an excellent honeymoon experience!!!! I would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for their best vacation and I will use them again!!!" Corrie Gainey

★★★★★ There are literally no cons to hiring Over the Moon. Allison is amazing, responsive and a genuine advocate for you. I used her to book my bridal suite and large room block. She took care of everything and made sure I had the best of the best. I've also passed her along to several of my friends who have used her now, and have the same feedback. Hire them!!!!! Lauren Daher

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12 Easy Ways to Honeymoon on a Budget

We know planning a wedding is expensive, so let’s help you find the best ways to plan a honeymoon on a budget!

We have some affiliate links across our platform. If you click on these links and choose to book something or buy something, we may earn a small commission but at no extra cost to you. We appreciate this as it keeps the lights on at Honeymoon HQ! We want to assure you our recommendations are completely impartial and 100% independent; we only recommend what we love and we think you might too! Please read our full disclaimer on our  policies page .

If you’re seeking a honeymoon that’s all thrills with very few bills, we’ve got you covered with some easy ways to honeymoon on a budget !

With a worldwide cost-of-living crisis, we’re sure when you set out to plan your wedding or honeymoon, things were looking a lot cheaper.

Like with everything to do with wedding planning, you’re working out a budget. It comes to working out the cost of your honeymoon. You add up the numbers and you’re thinking, OUCH!

That trip to the Maldives or Santorini is maybe looking out of reach. So you’re wondering how to plan a honeymoon on a budget. That’s OK, you are not alone. Most couples have some sort of budget, after all!

However, if you’re finding your finances squeezed and want to save money when planning a honeymoon and are wondering how to honeymoon on a budget or plan a more affordable honeymoon , we’ve got some honeymoon planning tips and ways to cut costs.

By the time you get to the end, you might still make that dream destination happen ! Let’s sprinkle that honeymoon magic without emptying your pockets. Here are 10 ways easy ways to honeymoon on a budget!

1. Consider low season or shoulder season

You want great  weather  in your dream destination, right? Tropical destinations usually have a dry season and a rainy season (also called the wet season, monsoon season, or hurricane season).

Rainy season usually equals low season with much cheaper prices. When you’re travelling during the rainy season, you can be lucky and get plenty sunny, dry weather.

However, you can also be terribly unlucky! It’s worth remembering that, as we deal with climate change, the weather is never 100% guaranteed, even in the dry season or during summer!

We want the odds to be stacked in your favour. We don’t recommend travelling at the very riskiest times for adverse weather, if you can help it. However, we highly recommend travelling in shoulder season .

The riskiest weather is often concentrated over a couple of months, so if you are flexible with your honeymoon dates and can travel in between the good and bad months, prices are cheaper and there are often fewer crowds, too.

Think Europe in spring, the Caribbean at the start of hurricane season and Asia at the start of monsoon season.

Unless you work in the education sector, always aim to travel outside of school breaks , as these are usually the most expensive time to travel (even if it is the rainy season).

Knowing the cheaper times to travel can really help you be savvy and honeymoon on a budget. Check out our destination pages , which feature the best time to visit.

2. Think about duration

Think about the duration of your honeymoon . Imagine 7 to 10 days of sheer luxury with a dose of adventure versus a stretched-out 21 days where ‘slumming it’ loses its charm.

The allure of a longer honeymoon can be tempting, but here’s the secret — quality over quantity !

Opting for a slightly shorter getaway doesn’t mean sacrificing your dream escape. In fact, it might elevate it.

Concentrating your honeymoon budget on a shorter time frame can mean indulging in exquisite accommodations and unforgettable experiences. Without any financial stress!

While the idea of an extended honeymoon has its pull, remember, it’s the depth of the experience that truly counts. Sometimes, a little luxury goes a long way!

3. Choose an affordable honeymoon destination

Many destinations around the world have lower living costs , ideal if you’re planning a honeymoon on a budget.

You’ll find your €/£/$ go a lot further in many destinations across Asia, Eastern Europe, Central and South America and Africa.

Check out our Top 20 Affordable Honeymoon Destinations

There are so many fabulous, affordable honeymoon destinations that will help you save money when planning a honeymoon.

If you’re choosing to visit a city in your dream destination, think about skipping the capital. Visiting the second largest city instead, which is often cheaper.

What an affordable honeymoon looks like is a very subjective thing, but here are some of our favourite affordable honeymoon destinations for 2024 and the best places to honeymoon on a budget..

You may be dreaming about the Maldives? But there are plenty of alternatives . If you’re looking for an affordable honeymoon destination , then there is no better region than the wonderful, unique continent of Asia.

Thailand and  Indonesia are always great options for couples planning a honeymoon on a budget.

These destinations are ideal for couples seeking beaches, culture, history, nightlife. You get a lot of luxury for your money, there are so many hotels to choose from. Explore the contrasts between Thailand and Bali .

Sri Lanka is one of the best affordable honeymoon destinations for 2024. You could also consider India or Vietnam and an island hopping honeymoon in The Philippines .

If you’d prefer an affordable honeymoon in the Caribbean or Central & South America, consider the Dominican Republic , Jamaica or Cuba .

Costa Rica has some incredible hotels, resorts, and lodges . Discover how to plan an itinerary to this Central American gem .

Because Mexico is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world, you’ll find a vast range of accommodation and tours to suit every budget.

Consider getting off the beaten track in Belize or Guatemala . South America might be a little more expensive to get to, but you’ve got some affordable gems like Colombia that are worth exploring.

Take a road trip through the Canadian Rockies instead of California.

If you’re looking for an affordable honeymoon destination in Europe, consider Croatia ,  Portugal , Albania, Cyprus and Malta. Spain is also worth considering if you’re planning a honeymoon on a budget.

While a safari in Africa can stretch into 5-figures,  South Africa is not only one of the best destinations for a honeymoon road trip, but it can be very affordable, too. Consider Morocco and Jordan , too.

Honeymoon cruises can be of excellent value, too. While newly launched ships are more expensive, consider a ship that’s just been renovated for a mix of luxury and affordability.

4. Book your honeymoon early

Even if you’re not trying to honeymoon on a budget, from being able to know the cost, to getting the best deal and availability, there are so many benefits to planning ahead and booking early .

It’s never too early to get planning !

One of the most significant advantages of booking early is that airlines release their schedules around 11 months before departure (and some low-cost airlines even earlier).

This means that you can start looking for flights and snagging the best deals as early as possible. If you’re travelling during school holidays, book as early as possible as airline fares swing upwards. It’s one of the easiest ways to save money when planning a honeymoon.

As a general rule of thumb, booking around 10 to 11 months before your departure date is ideal. For those more flexible with dates, it’s still a good idea to book early. The earlier the better – at least 6 months before is ideal .

This gives you plenty of time to compare prices, research accommodation options, and plan your itinerary. Grab those early bird discounts!

Booking early gives you peace of mind, knowing that you’ve locked in your honeymoon plans. It can also reduce the stress of last-minute planning and booking, leaving you more time to focus on other aspects of your wedding planning!

Have you seen our Ultimate Honeymoon Planner ? Ssshh… if you take our Honeymoon Type quiz , we’ll email you an exclusive discount code.

5. Mix up your accommodation

We love a low-high, high-low vibe ! Mixing your accommodation standards is a great way to make your honeymoon more affordable.

If you’re heading to a city where you won’t spend much time in your room, then this is a great place to cut back.

Or, if you’re on a road trip where you’re just checking in for one night along the way, a comfy clean bed may be all that matters. Spend your money on the longer stays .

Planning to travel to a beautiful tropical island like the Maldives  or a honeymoon haven like Santorini ?

Is your dream is to stay in a stunning Cave Hotel or a luxury Maldives honeymoon resort with a jacuzzi or private pool complete with water slide , or an overwater villa somewhere else in the world ?

Consider staying in a cheaper room type and then switching to your dream room for a few nights . We always recommend saving the best for last!

6. Consider a group tour for your adventure

Thinking about an adventure honeymoon ? Tour companies that run small adventure group trips can be extremely good value. Not only do you save time with all the travel organised, but you will also pack more in than if doing things D-I-Y.

You’ll have a guide with the inside track on where to eat and how to get around. Booking a small group tour leaves more funds for the luxury beach part of your honeymoon .

Think of an adventure tour in  Sri Lanka   with a luxury add-on in the   Maldives . A safari with a small group in Tanzania ( or Kenya ) or gorilla trekking in Uganda/Rwanda with a luxury add-on in  Zanzibar , Mauritius or Seychelles .

A budget tour of  Vietnam , Laos or  Cambodia   with a luxury beach add on in  Thailand . A group tour of Indonesia and then ending up in Bali . Think about a tour of   Mexico   or another Central America honeymoon destination with a luxury resort in  Cancun . You get the idea!

This can really make a difference when you’re planning a honeymoon on a budget. There is a huge misconception that with a group tour, you’re herded around on buses in enormous groups, but it does not have to be like that!

Many companies give you lots of free time to explore on your own . One of our favourite companies for this kind of trip is  G Adventures.

They have a wide range of adventure tours to some incredibly exciting destinations. You’re part of a small group and taken to authentic places that give back to the community, too. Ideal, if you care about making your honeymoon more sustainable .

7. Research dining options

Is there anything worse in travel than being in a beautiful destination and finding yourself in a substandard, over-priced restaurant aimed at tourists?

It was the nearest place to you. You were hungry and tired and then you look at the bill and you feeling frustrated. We’ve all been there!

Thankfully, we’ve got technology to prevent this happening so we recommend spending an evening looking up the best places to eat and drink before you travel will save you time and ensure you have memorable dining experiences that suit your budget .

Use a website/app like OpenTable or a travel website like Time Out for ideas. With OpenTable, you can browse restaurants in your chosen destination, read reviews from other diners, and even make reservations.

Researching the best places to eat and drink before you travel can also help you stick to your budget.

With so many options available, it’s easy to find a restaurant that suits your preferences and price range. This way, you can avoid being caught out by tourist traps and overpriced restaurants.

8. Use a travel agency

Contrary to popular belief, booking through a travel agent does not have to mean that your honeymoon will be more expensive. There is sometimes a misconception that booking through a travel agent will mean huge fees.

A great travel agent will know the most convenient routes, the cheapest dates, and special offers. They’ll have contacts that have all the insider information.

A good travel agent will go that extra mile to get you upgrades. Booking through a travel agent, you’re booking with a human who probably cares about your honeymoon just as much as you do.

If you’re thinking about how to plan a honeymoon on a budget, be upfront with your travel agent about your needs and expectations.

You can discuss that you are planning a honeymoon on a budget and need an affordable honeymoon. They can work with you to find the best honeymoon deals and offers that fit within your budget.

You can often pay a deposit and in recent years this has become more and more important as you need flexibility if your plans change.

Discover the advantages and disadvantages of using a travel agent!

9. Consider a honeymoon registry

You may already have your home and everything you need in it, so one way to make your dream honeymoon a reality is by creating a honeymoon registry .

This type of registry is an excellent option for couples who have everything they need in their home and prefer experiences rather than physical gifts.

Instead of buying traditional gifts, your loved ones can help you fund your dream honeymoon . This is a really great way to receive worthwhile gifts that feel better than giving a cash gift.

A good travel agent will offer this feature, or you can use a website like Honeyfund , Hitch’d and Traveler’s Joy .

These companies allow you to create a customized honeymoon registry where your friends and family can contribute towards specific experiences like a romantic dinner, a couple’s massage, a magical hot-air balloon ride .

They offer a range of features like customisable pages, payment processing and gift tracking. They can also make a general contribution towards the overall cost of your honeymoon.

Creating a honeymoon registry is simple and easy. You can start by choosing a travel company or website that suits your needs.

Then, create a personalized page with details about your honeymoon and the experiences you want to have. Finally, share your registry with your friends and family.

Now we know many couples will feel uncomfortable, as it feels akin to asking for cash and we don’t recommend just asking for cash, as this is poor etiquette . However, putting a link on your wedding invitations or website with some careful honeymoon fund wording is very much the norm!

However, you can put it on your website with a cute message like “Your presence is present enough , but for those who wish to gift, please consider using our honeymoon registry as the memories we’ll make will be the most wonderful gift”.

10. Take a latermoon (a delayed honeymoon)

Many couples take some time after the wedding to regroup and depart for their honeymoon in the months, rather than days after the wedding.

A delayed honeymoon gives you a chance to not only take some time to recover from the exhaustion from the intense planning you’ve been through (not to mention the recovery from your actual wedding day or weekend) but also time to save some more money for your dream trip .

We call this a latermoon . In a recent survey, over half the couples we spoke to waited a little while after getting married to take a honeymoon!

If you’re planning a latermoon, then also consider a minimoon, a few days on each a staycation or a short flight away for a few days post wedding.

We’ve got some of our favourite Canada & the US minimoon destinations and favourite European minimoon destinations !

Read more reasons we think a latermoon is a fantastic idea!

11. Use points and loyalty schemes

Also known as travel hacking ! If you’re wondering how to plan a honeymoon on a budget, airline and hotel loyalty programmes, along with credit card reward systems and bank cashback schemes, can be worth exploring if you’re looking for ways to save money when planning a honeymoon.

It’s important to be sensible with such schemes.

The last thing we want is for you to start your married life caught up in unaffordable credit card debt , which can easily happen when you’re stressed out about financing a wedding.

A honeymoon (or wedding) is not worth getting into debt for. Having each other is what really matters in life. Plus, if the dream honeymoon doesn’t happen, there will be wonderful wedding anniversaries to look forward to .

However, if you’re savvy and sensible, you knock a few bucks (or quid) from your honeymoon bill. For example, let’s say you’re about to spend tens of thousands of dollars, euros or pounds on your various wedding services.

You could sign up for a credit card with a travel reward scheme and 0% interest. You then pay for your wedding services using your credit card.

Pay off your bill on time. Voilá, you’ve just gained travel rewards to use towards your honeymoon without spending on anything that wasn’t necessary and it’s cost you nothing! Travel hacking like this works best if you’re planning a latermoon.

12. Check out The Honeymoon Calculator

If you need help to plan a honeymoon on a budget. Check out our honeymoon budget co-pilot, The Honeymoon Calculator and how to work out the cost of your honeymoon.

It factors in flights, accommodation, transportation, activities, and more, and will tell you how much you need to save for your honeymoon between now and your wedding date!

Let us know in the comments if you are trying to save money when planning a honeymoon, planning a honeymoon on a budget, or if you have affordable honeymoon destinations. We’d love to hear your favourite honeymoon planning tips!

Happy Planning x

Founder of The Honeymoon Guide

Luxury Travel Lover - Occasional Adventure Seeker - Epicurean. Kaz spent 15 years as a luxury and adventure travel agent before starting The Honeymoon Guide. In her time as a Travel Consultant, she helped couples plan honeymoon vacations to over 90 countries and has been lucky enough to travel across 6 continents and experience some of the world's most coveted honeymoon destinations from Santorini to Seychelles, Maldives to Mexico, Australia to Argentina and Mauritius to Thailand (to name a few!).

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Find Your Perfect Honeymoon with an Expert Honeymoon Consultation

Top honeymoon agents match your dream wishlist with the perfect honeymoon package.

Unforgettable Honeymoons®, Honeymoon Niche travel agency has been assisting over 10,000+ couples plan since 1994, you can trust our expert honeymoon travel agent advice which has been featured in the  nation’s top newspapers and magazines for over 29+ years.

  What we can do to help you plan the Best Honeymoon of your dreams: 

• We Navigate through the confusion you’ve read online about where to Honeymoon,  and provide you with the best honeymoon and romantic travel advice based on nearly 3 decades of planning honeymoons, and traveling to the locations we book.
• We are never swayed, influenced, or paid by resorts to promote their packages.   (unlike influencers and bloggers)
• Our Honeymoon Agency has stood the test of time has hundreds of 5-star reviews, &  recommended by the national media for three decades

Included with our Personalized Honeymoon Planning Session & Consultation 

• Includes One hour, or two 30-minute phone planning sessions to review your dream plans with a top honeymoon expert
• We identify your best options and personalize and present options that match your preferences and budget range
• includes 2-3 final quotes, & assistance in helping you make your final decision and book your honeymoon.
• Includes invaluable tips your destination, last minute checklist, pre-departure consultation, 24/7 after hours service
• Total price per couple $199.00  ( $50 discount for active military personnel)  

Specific destination honeymoons to Italy, Greece, Fiji, Tahiti, Bali, Thailand, Europe,  Maldives:  If it is determined one of these destinations is your ideal destination, you may upgrade to these specific planning services ( links below) which are $250-399 pricing per couple and involve more time by phone and email to pinpoint customized itineraries and packages.   Hawaii Island Hopping Honeymoon Planning , Italy Honeymoon Planning , Greece Honeymoon Planning , Thailand Honeymoon Planning, Maldives and Dubai Planning,   Customized Europe Honeymoons

Find out your Perfect Honeymoon Match, Start completing our questionnaire below:

Complete our honeymoon questionnaire below (note that it takes 5 minutes or less), then we will email you a secure form to submit payment for our service. Have questions?  text us for a call:   (503)453-2186 

Personalized Honeymoon Questionnaire for Premium Planning

Please complete the questionnaire together.  We first want to make sure we can accommodate your budget and preferences before assigning an agent to assist you.

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Top Rated Honeymoon Travel Agents plan your Ultimate Honeymoon Package, Honeymoon Itinerary, or Romantic Trip.  Our Unique Honeymoon Packages offer handpicked Honeymoon Resorts.  We’ve designed & planned over 10,000 honeymoons since we opened in 1994,  and we are one of first Honeymoon Niche Travel Agencies in the World.

Trust Your Honeymoon Plans with our Experienced Honeymoon Travel Experts who have been featured in Travel + Leisure, Cosmopolitan Magazine, US News & World Report, CNNMoney & Newsweek.

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 Honeymoon and Romantic Package Quotes: 

• Choose a pre-set Honeymoon Package on our website ( we also book Anniversary and Romantic trips)
• Request a complimentary quote by email, text or phone (888) 343-6413
• Undecided?  Quickly Discover your Perfect Honeymoon or Romantic trip with an expert Phone Consultation

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• Discover your perfect Honeymoon package quickly with an expert phone consultation
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• Customized Honeymoon Planning to Greece, Italy, South Pacific, from $299 per couple

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A Travel Agent’s Guide to Honeymoons

Written by: Michelle on February 12, 2019

It’s engagement season! For many happy couples, planning their wedding can be time-consuming and stressful, making it even more of a challenge to find the time to plan a honeymoon. Travel agents alleviate the stress of honeymoon planning and help couples make married memories they’ll treasure together. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you will have the couple saying “I Do” to their travel itinerary.

Knowing your clients’ budget is important for any vacation, but honeymoons can add some complexity. Some couples opt to create a honeymoon registry for the guests attending their bridal shower or wedding. In most cases, your clients should set a budget they are comfortable paying without counting on contributions to their “Honeymoon Fund.” Then use any additional contributions to upgrade their experience. This could be by opting for a room upgrade, including services in the destination, like a massage, or planning an additional excursion.

Be sure to ask your clients how flexible their budget is. Are they determined to go right after the wedding, or would they consider traveling at a different time to avoid off-peak prices? Do they hope to include the cost of dining in their budget or is their budget for travel costs and accommodations only? This can be especially important if the couple is considering an all-inclusive resort.

2. Travel Basics

As with any clients, you will want to get to know the couple, but there a few additional questions you may want to ask honeymooners. Have they traveled as a couple before? If yes, where have they been together? Where have they traveled separately? What is important to each of them when they travel?

These questions can help you understand how each person prefers to travel. Some couples have similar travel backgrounds; others may be approaching their honeymoon from two different viewpoints.

It’s also important to understand what type of experiences the couple prefers. Perhaps they love art and culture, or maybe food is the most important part of their travel experience. They may prefer to relax on a beach, or they could prefer adventurous and active trips. Tailoring their honeymoon to their wants and interests is one way to help them have a memorable experience.

3. The Destination

When it comes to weddings and honeymoons, couples hear a lot of options from others about where to go and what to do. Some couples may have a firm idea in mind and others may be seeking out a travel agent because they are unsure. The value you bring these couples is in your expertise, whether that is deciding between two neighboring resorts or between two countries.

It’s also important to remind your honeymoon clients that much like their wedding is their special day, their honeymoon is their vacation. So, while one of the bridesmaids may have loved her honeymoon in Italy, your clients may prefer relaxing on a beach in Mexico.

4. Name Changes

With weddings often come name changes . It’s important for your clients to remember that the name on their passport must match the name on their ticket for air exactly. For example, if the bride’s passport has her maiden name but she purchased an airline ticket with her married name, she may be prevented from boarding or be required to pay a last-minute fee to change the name on her ticket.

Make sure to ask your honeymoon clients what name is currently on their passports and if they plan to change it. If they plan to change their name and receive their new passport prior to travel, you should book the ticket under their new name. If they will still be using a passport with the old name, book the ticket under their old name. Remember it takes at least 4 to 6 weeks after submitting paperwork for a new passport to be issued.

Are you interested in helping couples, families, and groups of travelers make memories together? You can when you join KHM Travel Group as an independent travel agent. Find out more by filling out the form to the right or giving us a call at 1-888-611-1220.

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Benefits of a Honeymoon Travel Agent: Honeymoon Pricing Answers

06 Sep Benefits of a Honeymoon Travel Agent: Honeymoon Pricing Answers

When planning your honeymoon online, it can get very confusing , very quickly . There can be as many options for your honeymoon trip as there are miles to your destination, and it can be hard to figure out what is optional and what is included. You wonder if a honeymoon travel agent could simplify the process, but you’re unsure. Would a honeymoon travel agent really be worth it?

If you’re looking for answers to cut through the confusion online, Bliss Honeymoons has you covered. Let’s start by answering some common questions about the benefits of a honeymoon travel agent. And if you want to personally talk to one of our superb travel agents to ask them any questions, we would love to help you.

Is using a honeymoon travel agent more expensive than booking a trip myself?

Thankfully, no!

Although the travel agents will normally charge a fee for their service, you don’t have to worry about forking over extra money for your airfare, hotel, and any other extras for your trip. Plus, booking with a honeymoon travel agent has many benefits you won’t get when booking yourself. If you’re in a pinch while on your trip, an agent can quickly fix travel arrangements or locate a rental car so you don’t have to stress.

Are there more discounts online than what the agent has access to?

Your travel agent will have access to the best discounts available online. Although some sites may seem to offer better deals than your travel agent, they are often hiding additional fees.

Beware of too-good-to-be-true packages, because they often may be and you could end up paying extra on arrival at your destination. One couple learned the hard way and had to pay an unexpected $1,200 in St. Thomas for what they thought was a deeply discounted honeymoon.

A travel agent will make sure you know about all the costs upfront, so there are no unpleasant surprise fees on your romantic trip.

Can I find everything by myself that I need online to plan a trip?

While there is a wealth of great information online, unfortunately there is also a lot misinformation. A honeymoon travel agent will know exactly what you need for the perfect honeymoon and will plan everything your way. That way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting something important, which will leave you free to enjoy well-deserved time with your new spouse.

Can I book my trip quickly online?

Researching and planning the perfect trip takes a lot of time. Even if you consider yourself a pretty competent trip planner, on average it could take you more than 30 hours to book your honeymoon from start to finish. And in the end, it can be hard to be sure that you truly arranged the best possible trip.

An excellent travel agent, like the ones here at Bliss Honeymoons , will save you a lot of time and stress. Let the travel agent do what they do best and present you with all the options, so you can do what you do best: pick the honeymoon that will be perfect for you!

How will a honeymoon travel benefit me?

The best travel agents create once-in-a-lifetime experience for their clients. Our Bliss Honeymoons travel agents consistently create honeymoon and anniversary trips that couples treasure forever. Talk to us today about how we can help you plan the perfect honeymoon.

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COMING THIS FALL

Travel agents reveal how much you should really be spending on your honeymoon

• The average US couple spends $4,500 on their honeymoon .
• But the cost of a honeymoon can vary widely based on the style of vacation you choose, your accommodations, and several other factors.
• We asked travel agents how much couples should aim to spend on their honeymoons and how their budget should break down.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The date has been set, the venue is booked, and all the little details of the big day have been arranged.

Now, all that's left for an engaged couple to do is exchange their vows and live happily ever after, right?

Not necessarily. If they want to go on a honeymoon , their prep work isn't quite finished. In fact, the cost and planning of a honeymoon can sometimes rival that of a wedding, with US couples spending an average of $4,500 on their honeymoon , according to WeddingWire . 

Of course, that's only an average, and the cost of any trip depends on a multitude of factors, such as distance from home, duration, destination type, accommodation type, food and drink, and the activities you choose — which can make it difficult to predict the overall cost and then budget accordingly.

So how much can you realistically expect to spend on a honeymoon? We talked to several experts from the travel industry for their input.

First, get a rough estimate of the total cost based on the type of trip

The total cost of a honeymoon depends on a multitude of factors, but the biggest one is likely what type of trip you decide to go on.

For example, if you choose Paris for your honeymoon, plan on spending anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000-plus, according to Christina Papavlasopoulos and Nektaria Panagiotari, cofounders of Shefari , a travel company for women.

On the lower end of that range, say, for $3,000 or $4,000, you could enjoy a seven-day honeymoon at a three- or four-star hotel in a nice area of Paris, complete with a free or small-group walking tour, reasonable dinner choices (some more casual, maybe a splurge or two), and minimal shopping in local boutiques, Papavlasopoulos and Panagiotari said.

"If you factor in food and drink costs, shopping, and tours or activities, it would be safe to budget around $500 to $700 a day to enjoy yourselves," they said in an email.

On the other hand, if you want to spend your week in the lap of luxury — including a private car tour with VIP access to Versailles and the palace gardens, a five-star or luxury boutique hotel with great views, perhaps a Michelin-star dining experience, top wine, and shopping on the Champs-Élysées — expect to spend $10,000 or more, they said.  

If you prefer something exotic, an African safari might be the ticket. Options range from DIY tours, rustic lodging, and camping in public parks to high-end private reserves with guided tours and onsite luxury suites with plunge pools and five-star amenities, according to Papavlasopoulos and Panagiotari.

Similar ranges exist for other types of honeymoon vacations, from African safaris to Caribbean cruises.

"Cruise pricing varies by the length of trip, room type, cruise line, and destination," Jen Avey of Destination Weddings Travel Group told Business Insider.

Depending on the type of cruise experience you want, she said, you may opt to pay for drinks, off-board excursions, upgraded dining options, spa and salon services, and retail purchases.

"All these factors will impact your price, but the good news is that the range is broad so you should be able to find something to fit your budget," she said.

Next, break down the total honeymoon cost into four categories

The total cost of a honeymoon comprises four main expense categories, Papavlasopoulos and Panagiotari said: accommodations, transportation, activities, and food and drink.

Accommodations are the biggest piece of the pie, they said, usually taking up 45% to 60% of the total honeymoon budget.

Next, expect to spend 20% to 25% on transportation.

"Booking around six to eight months in advance is advised, and shoulder or medium season is best for flight pricing and availability," they said. "In Europe, your optimal travel times will likely come in May and September or October. For US travelers, Mexico or the Caribbean is significantly less than Europe, while Asia or Oceania is even more."

The cost of activities depends on, well, your activity level. If you're just relaxing on the beach or enjoying an all-inclusive property, you'll likely spend less than 5% of your budget on activities, the pair said. For more active couples, expect to spend 10% to 15%.

Finally, when it comes to food and drink, budget-conscious honeymooners could likely devote 7% to 10% of the budget to this category.

"Foodies and wine lovers should definitely budget higher," they said.

Of course, extra costs always crop up, so leave a bit of wiggle room for things like public transportation, museum or beach club entrances, shopping for souvenirs, currency exchange, and so on.

Remember, honeymoon travel is different than everyday vacation travel in several ways

Of course, a honeymoon is different from ordinary vacation travel for several reasons.

First, honeymoons tend to be longer than usual vacations, Laura Freeman , a travel agent who specializes in honeymoons, told Business Insider. That's because employers are usually more lax in granting time off for honeymoons, and many couples who plan to have children in the future want to make the most of traveling child-free while they can, she said.

Couples also tend to go all-out on their honeymoons, traveling to bucket-list destinations and spending more on " romantic themed excursions and romantic accommodations," than they normally would, Freeman said.  

"For example, where they might take a shared boat trip in Santorini while on vacation, they upgrade to a private boat on their honeymoon for a more romantic experience, or they book a hotel with a private hot tub on the balcony," she said.

"Honeymooners want to visit the spa and do more fine dining than they do on a regular vacation."

It's important to factor in all those expenses beforehand so you don't encounter any surprises on your dream honeymoon.

Watch: Millennials are willing to spend $5000 or more on vacation, making them the age group that spends the most on travel — but Gen Z isn't far behind

• Main content

The Average Cost of a Honeymoon and How Couples Pay For It

• Sarah is the Entertainment & Celebrity Editor for The Knot, with special focuses on pop culture and celebrity wedding news.
• Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Sarah was a contributing writer for Bravo at NBC Universal.
• Sarah has a degree in journalism and resides in New York City.

The party doesn't have to stop once your wedding is over. Plenty of couples head to a honeymoon to celebrate their marriage—and though it can be a splurge (hello, airfare and all-inclusive resorts), it's certainly well deserved after planning a wedding. If you're curious to know what the average honeymoon cost was in 2023, according to The Knot Real Weddings Study , we have the answer. Read on to see how much a honeymoon costs, the typical budget breakdown, how couples pay for it (hello travel points and honeymoon fund ), as well as the most popular destinations to kick off married life.

In this article:

Average Honeymoon Cost

Honeymoon budget breakdown and spreadsheet, what influences the honeymoon cost, how couples pay for their honeymoons, the most popular honeymoon destinations right now.

Based on an internal study of nearly 10,000 couples who got married in 2023, the average honeymoon cost is $5,700. This is in addition to the average cost of a wedding , which is $35,000. Honeymoons remain one of the most popular wedding-related events, with 72% of couples planning one in 2023. Sixty percent left for their trip within two days of the reception, and on average, couples spend 8 days on their honeymoon—27% of all honeymoons lasted more than a week.* However, minimoons continue to be a popular vacation alternative. Last year, 27% of couples planned a shortened trip either in lieu of (13%) or prior to a traditional honeymoon (14%). As you'd expect, the average cost of the mini-moon is less at $2,800.*

If you're planning a honeymoon budget, you're probably wondering how much to spend on the various components of your trip. We crunched the numbers based on our 2022 Honeymoon Study* to come up with an estimated honeymoon cost breakdown. Use this as a starting point to build your budget and customize it for your priorities with our honeymoon budget spreadsheet.

• Travel - 23%
• Accommodations - 27%
• Activities/Experiences - 26%
• Food/Drink - 24%

Bonus: Check out The Knot's free honeymoon budget planner and checklists spreadsheet to easily plan, print and share your budget. Copy the Google Sheets or download in Excel format by clicking the buttons below.

Tip: After you click "make a copy", it may take a few seconds to copy the file to your drive depending on the speed of your internet connection.

The average price of a honeymoon has been steadily increasing in the past several years. This increase in cost reflects couples' desires to go on an experiential trip. Now more than ever, newlyweds look to plan honeymoons in unique locations that offer unconventional activities. In 2023 we saw an increase in couples traveling outside the United States for their honeymoon—62% versus 53% in 2022 and 41% in 2021, returning to pre-Covid levels of 60% in 2019. Inflation and increased airfares due to higher fuel costs have also impacted the cost of travel.

It's important to keep in mind that these numbers are a reflection of the national average. The cost of a honeymoon will fluctuate based on where you go, the time of year you travel, duration and any upgrades you make for your trip. Couples can spend significantly less by taking a romantic getaway within their state or a staycation in their hometown.

Now that you know the national average cost, you're probably wondering how much you should spend on your honeymoon (and how you're going to pay for it). Honeymoon registry funds continue to rise in popularity, especially for couples who prefer experiences over things. Setting up a cash fund registry is a great way to make sure you actually enjoy the gifts your loved ones purchase. In 2022, 84% of couples set up at least one wedding registry—of those, 23% made a honeymoon fund to help support their trip.* However, the majority of couples (61%, to be exact) pulled from their own savings to pay for it.*

Since a honeymoon is an additional cost to your wedding, it's important to set a honeymoon budget that's realistic with what you can spend after planning your nuptials. You may want to consider working with a honeymoon travel specialist to help you plan a memorable trip. After all, it's not about taking a fancy vacation for great pictures to post on Instagram—what matters most is spending quality time with your S.O. to ring in married life together.

According to our study, 38% of couples opted to stay in the US for their trip in 2023, with Hawaii, Florida and California being the most popular states for honeymoons. For couples who traveled abroad, Mexico and the Caribbean were the most popular regions, with Europe coming in third. Beach honeymoons still remain the most popular option, though, with 46% of couples planning a tropical getaway.*

* Based on The Knot 2022 Honeymoon Study Quantitative survey with n=727 Gen Pop respondents who are recently married or engaged and took / planning to take a honeymoon or mini-moon in 2022 or 2023. Fielded in November 2022.

Diane Hall contributed to the reporting of this article.

13 Honeymoon Budget Tips You Need to Know

Sure, your honeymoon is supposed to be a luxurious adventure, but you don’t have to completely blow your budget in the process.

Sure, your honeymoon is supposed to be a luxurious adventure, but you don’t have to completely blow your budget in the process. We asked travel experts from around the country to share their top money-saving tips for honeymoons.

Check out what the top travel experts had to say about budgeting for your honeymoon.

"Gone are the good old days of last minute deals at fabulous resorts! You'll find the best pricing and availability at 9 months out from your travel dates as resorts offer early booking specials. Plus the best resorts and rooms sell out early, by booking early you get first pick of the best resorts, those who wait are stuck with higher prices on what's left! Don't let that person be you!” - Jennifer Prymula of Sand & Sun Vacations in Allegan, Michigan

Be willing to compromise on timing

"If you can wait a few extra weeks before starting your honeymoon, you may be able to save a bundle, or even add more nights without adding more cost. Let your agent know you are flexible on travel dates so he/she can look for the best value for you.” - Shelli Nornes of Shelli's Travel

Avoid weekends

“Travel mid-week, as opposed to on a weekend.- Stacy Evos of A Girl's Gotta Go in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Create a honeymoon registry

"Couples who register their honeymoon getaway receive an average of $2,500 in gift money to spend on their honeymoons.” - Jenn Ferch of LoveShack Vacations in Brunswick, Ohio

Check the airfare first

"Airfare is the biggest variable with the most volatility in price. As you think about locations and timing for your travel, airfare costs can have huge swings sometimes based simply on departing one day earlier or later. Does your destination require a layover or perhaps two as opposed to a destination that has a direct flight? Not only will you possibly save money you will also save some of your precious time.” - Randi Scatena of RanJan Travel in Dresher, Pennsylvania

Avoid traveling during busy times

"Planning your flight schedule ahead of time means more affordable rates and less crowded airports. Your travel agent can tell you when is the best time to travel and offer advice on when to arrive at the airport.” - Jenn Ferch of LoveShack Vacations in Brunswick, Ohio

Go all-inclusive

"By far the best value is an all-inclusive resort. Honeymoons are about relaxing, no stress, ease and yes, indulgence. An all-inclusive resort will allow you enjoy every part of your honeymoon without fretting over the bill.” - Shelli Nornes of Shelli's Travel

Purchase travel insurance

"You never know what can happen and the few extra dollars you pay for the insurance can result in a lot of savings if you have to cancel or your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control.” - Stacy Evos of A Girl's Gotta Go in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Hire a travel agent

“My biggest money-saving tip is to use a respected travel professional. Planning romantic travel is what I do. I know the what, the where and why of booking different resorts and destinations. I know what's hot and what's not, what's overrated and what's underrated. I know how and where to find the best value for their budget.” - Diane Bean of Off On Vacation Travel in Bangor, Maine

Seek out the hidden gems

"Resorts and hotels want honeymooners and will often throw something in to entice you. Many places offer special incentives but you won’t get them unless you ask! They may provide free room upgrades, hotel or spa credits, honeymoon gift baskets in your room, special concierge services, a free or special excursion etc. Your travel agent can be an invaluable resource here as well.” - Randi Scatena of RanJan Travel in Dresher, Pennsylvania

Look at the value, not the price

"An experienced agent will know when a resort is a great value. Maybe it is the food quality, or the room type, or the added amenities you’ll get. Don’t look just at the dollar amount. Look closely at everything you’re getting before making a decision. Option A may cost $500 more than Option B, but if you’re getting $1500 in free amenities and upgrades, Option A is a better value.” - Shelli Nornes of Shelli's Travel

Incentive deals may be available

"Depending on your timing flexibility, you can shop for great deals at top destinations provided by the hotels, resorts and tour providers. If you have an absolute favorite place and it’s out of your price range, have your travel agent ask if and when they will running any incentive deals. If they will be and that time works for you, then you will have gotten your dream location at the very best price.” - Randi Scatena of RanJan Travel in Dresher, Pennsylvania

“When in the destination take advantage of the local brands, products, and fare that are usually less expensive, such as beer, wine, and local food products.” - Stacy Evos of A Girl's Gotta Go in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Related WeddingWire Articles

Affordable European Travel: Destinations for the Perfect Honeymoon on a Budget

Moscow Honeymoon Destination & Travel Guide for Couples

Moscow : snapshot.

Moscow romantic honeymoon destination is also famous for : Backwaters , City , Heritage , Lake , Peaceful , Shopping , Spa Meditation , Water Sports ,

Moscow – the capital city of Russia is an open-book to study about, with a hard mix of ancient and modernity. Residing at the Moskva River, the city has many charms with ‘The Kremlin’ being the real highlight of this picturesque capital. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Novodevichy Convent is the best known monastery, with their intricate gold – silver stenciling. There are many more attractions with naming a few that includes Alexander Garden, The Tretyakov Gallery, State historical museum, Iberian Gate and Chapel, Red Square and Main Department Store.

A metro or boat ride offers best view of the city and good experience for all. It is a delight to encounter the humble Moscow people, with their friendly smile. The city offers world’s top class dining, vibrant nightlife and luxurious resorts that works as extra advantage for tourism industry.

Moscow as Honeymoon Destination (Romantic Getaway)

If you are history seekers or fond of ancient arts, architecture, stories and traditions, then Moscow is a dream honeymoon destination for kind of you visitors. Scratch the past of this quaint city, strolling in the streets, museums, tombs, cathedrals and castles, holding hand-in-hand of your sweetheart. A city view from Moscow River while in private boat is picture perfect with a surprise candlelight dinner floating along the water. Or, explore many of the sightseeing via metro journey.

Spend some time in Alexander Park with you love, sitting back aside in grass and telling him/ her poetries about you. Visit nearby Vorob’iovy Hills and soak all the surroundings in your eye-stars with city panoramic view. Have a night-out in the streets of Moscow or enjoy the club life. Make your honeymoon special with a stay in one of the luxurious hotels. Why Visit Moscow as Romantic Getaway?

• Tsaritsino museum and reserve famous for its architecture and landscape
• Russia old shopping mall – the state department store, GUM
• Cafe Pushkin – Moscow, worldwide famous for its dining facilities
• City Escape & Bar Lounge from the 34 th floor at Swiss Otel
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Moscow Kremlin in Russia

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Duration 1 - 3 Days 4 - 7 Days 8 - 14 Days 2 - 3 Weeks >3 Weeks

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The Bureau of Prisons and the challenges going into 2024

The BOP has huge responsibilities in the care and feeding of over 150,000 prisoners in its care and over 36,000 staff. It has an $8.7 billion annual budget and ...

In 2023, the Bureau of Prisons completed its first full year under the leadership of Director Colette Peters. Peters, who is the sixth director in as many years, replaced controversial director Michael Carvajal , who took over leadership of the BOP just as COVID-19 ripped across the country and brutally attacked prison populations across the country. Peters, who promised a more humane approach to prisoner care, has routinely used the phrase, “Our job is not to make good inmates. It’s to make good neighbors.” With that promise, challenges remain.

The BOP has huge responsibilities in the care and feeding of over 150,000 prisoners in its care and over 36,000 staff. It has an $8.7 billion annual budget and houses some of the most infamous criminals in the United States. It also houses nearly 50,000 inmates who are low and minimum-security prisoners, many of whom are eligible for earlier release due to the First Step Act, a 2018 law that can decrease a sentence term by up to a year and potentially increase the amount of time the prisoner spends in community confinement.

Attorney General Merrick Garland noted Director Peters’ goals of “… leading the BOP through agency-wide reform, with an emphasis on accountability, integrity, respect, compassion and correctional excellence.” Director Peters met a number of those goals during 2023 but many challenges remain for the upcoming year.

The most success the BOP has had in any single program in its history was the implementation of the CARES Act, which sent nearly 50,000 prisoners, many minimum-security with health issues, to home confinement during the pandemic. The pandemic ushered in an era of adjusting many aspects of our lives. We worked from home, we ordered more from on-line retailers and Zoom took the place of many meetings that would normally have required travel. In corrections, we realized that our prisons were too crowded and that many prisoners could serve their sentences outside of expensive institutions. Of the nearly 50,000 prisoners released, 99% completed their sentence on home confinement with no violations. The BOP should be commended for the many people it identified as candidates for home confinement. The CARES Act came to an end in April 2023 but studies of the successes of the program at the BOP will surely be a guide for alternative forms of incarceration.

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The First Step Act was more fully implemented under Peters during 2023. Since the Federal Register issued its final rule in January 2022, the BOP had several missteps in allowing prisoners to take full advantage of the programs and its incentives. The First Step Act allowed mostly minimum and low security prisoners the ability to earn up to 15 days per month off their sentence (capped at 365 days) by participating in certain programs and productive activities. Prisoners can also earn credits after that, which are applied to home confinement. As the years go by, particularly for those with longer sentences, it will be common for prisoners to spend years on home confinement as a result of the credits they earned.

During 2022 and 2023, some prisoners received too many credits and some none. The errors occurred due to the BOP’s early interpretation of the law and computer challenges to programming the sentence computations of thousands. While the BOP’s calculations have improved and many prisoners now have a better idea of when they will be allowed to rejoin society, there are many who are being left in prison who could be home sooner. The most pressing issue is a shortage of halfway house space, which is needed to house the many prisoners who have earned credits toward home confinement. While many attorneys know of the First Step Act, many do not know the exact calculations that gets prisoners home sooner.

Director Peters held listening sessions throughout her first full year on the job. Those sessions included having the wardens of all facilities listen to formerly incarcerated people, victims of crimes, fellow corrections workers and stakeholders who push for change in prisons. This was done as an effort to change a culture that is experiencing the lowest job satisfaction of all government agencies, record retirements and challenges in filling positions in both medical and corrections workers. It will take another year to judge the new direction Peters wants to take the agency, but expect her to double down on her message of a more humane federal prison system.

The challenges that remain for the BOP are many. First among them is the toxic environment that exists between management and labor. While Director Peters charts a new course for the BOP, she must rely on front line staff to implement her vision. The Council of Prison Locals C-33 is the most organized council within the American Federation of Government Employees, representing more than 30,000 bargaining unit employees in the United States, including its territory of Puerto Rico. The AFGE union leadership is quite outspoken on issues related to staffing shortages, staff safety (use of drugs by prisoners and attacks on staff), mandated overtime, augmentation (staff filling in positions due to shortages) and pay. While Peters is noted for visiting many of the facilities around the country, she must do more to bring civility to management-labor relations.

The BOP’s facilities are, for lack of a better term, falling apart. As of May 2022, the BOP’s estimated cost for needed, major repairs approached $2 billion. However, an Office of Inspector General audit found that the BOP’s budget requests have been far below its own estimates of resource needs: For example, BOP sought less than $200 million for its infrastructure needs from Congress in FY 2022, and Congress appropriated $59 million. One of the reasons cited for the BOP not receiving more funding was its lack of a strategic plan on how to effectively spend funds it may be given.

The staffing shortages are a challenge in an environment where management and labor are so far apart. However, a strong economy and the enticement of the benefit to work at home create challenges to recruit new workers to replace the growing number of those leaving the BOP (retirement and leaving for other opportunities). One way to counter the shortage is to have fewer prisoners, something the First Step Act was supposed to remedy. However, prisoner population in the BOP is now higher than it was prior to the beginning of 2022 just before COVID-19 began.

There are 79,000 prisoners, roughly 50% of the total BOP population, that are either minimum or low security prisoners. This population represents a large percentage of those who should be receiving the full benefits of two important laws meant to reduce prison populations. The Second Chance Act, implemented under President George W. Bush, allows prisoners to spend the final 10% of their prison term, up to a maximum of six months, on home confinement. It also allows them to spend another six months in a halfway house setting, so up to one year in a non-institutional environment. Housing prisoners outside of a prison saves taxpayers money and that was clearly one of the factors weighed in passing the legislation. Informing prisoners and defendants approaching sentencing with knowledge of what rights and privileges they have will help them speak with their case managers. Working in conjunction with firms like that of Alan Ellis, consulting firms like Prisonology provide detailed reports that spells out the law, the BOP policy and the credits that can be earned toward freedom.

Lastly, as prison populations age, the BOP now lacks an effective tool to manage older prisoners’ time in prison outside of a carceral setting. The Elderly Offender Pilot Program expired in the fall of 2023 and there is no replacement for it. The program allowed prisoners over the age of 60 to spend the last third of their sentence on home confinement. Now, the oldest inmates, many of whom are too old to participate in halfway house placement, must stay in prisons until their term ends.

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The BOP will see more push for congressional oversight. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) recently pushed to make the director of the Bureau of Prisons a Senate-confirmed position, adding that he has “… inquired about reports of rife abuse in the past and continue to push for transparency in the federal prison system.” Director Peters has enjoyed a long honeymoon with lawmakers, but they will be looking for results in 2024 — and so will many prisoners and BOP staff members.

Alan Ellis , a past President of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Fulbright Award winner, is a criminal defense lawyer with offices in San Francisco and New York.

Walt Pavlo , a BOP consultant to the firm, is president of Prisonology.com, a consortium of former BOP officials. Prior to founding Prisonology, he was a nationally recognized speaker who lectured on white collar crime and complex litigation. 

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