With the cost of an average wedding growing to nearly $30K, setting aside a large amount of money for a honeymoon may seem impossible. However with some planning and know-how, you plan a wonderful honeymoon without going into serious debt. Here are some basic tips for planning a honeymoon on a budget.
Use a Honeymoon Registry
Just like you register for wedding gifts, you can also register for your honeymoon. With a honeymoon registry, your family and friends can contribute to the costs of your honeymoon instead of buying wedding gifts. This is especially good for couples who don’t need a lot of items for their household. After all, an extra day in Hawaii is probably a better gift than another toaster. You register for hotel accommodations, airfare, food and beverages, activities, merchandise and more. Some people think honeymoon registries are tacky, but you should be no more ashamed of having a honeymoon registry than you are a wedding gift registry. Some honeymoon registries include Honeymoon Wishes and The Big Day.
Travel in the Off-Season
Depending on your honeymoon destination, some times of year are cheaper to travel than others. For example, in Europe you will find cheap flights and hotel rates from December through March. In the South America, Central America and some parts of Mexico, there are “green” or rainy seasons when you can find hotels rates as much as 60% off the peak prices. You should also avoid traveling on weekends. Arrive Sunday through Thursday for the lowest rates. Additionally, don’t travel near holidays.
Honeymoon Domestically
Honeymoon destinations within Canada or the continental United States can be just as romantic as those abroad, while being much cheaper. Consider off the beaten path destinations, like a ranch or a cabin retreat in the mountains. Call a travel agency in your destination city. They will be able to give you information, insight and maybe even discounts that you cannot find elsewhere.
Find Promotional Codes
Search online for promo codes. Car rental companies, hotels and airlines all offer special promotional codes and discounts. If you are a member of CAA, or belong to any civic or military organizations, you may be able to get discounts between 10-30% off. Some discounts are rarely advertised, so it doesn’t hurt to ask for them. You can also oftentimes locate special honeymoon packages that may include a free meal, gift basket, champagne or spa treatments.
Eat Cheap
If you decide to splurge for a luxury hotel, cut cost in other areas. One way to do that is by eating cheap. Instead of dining at hotel restaurants and pricey eateries, choose to eat where the locals eat. Have lunch at a diner or dinner at a local pizzeria or cafe. If you are staying at a hotel with a kitchenette, buy groceries, stay in and cook.
A cabins or ski vacation is a good, cheap honeymoon idea. I wonder if a trip to Thailand or any southeast Asian tourist destination would be as cheap? In any case, it is true that the choosing the time of reservation can spell big savings.
By: Shannon @ Custom Travel Experience on May 20, 2009
at 8:30 pm