Tips for an inexpensive honeymoon

After the long-awaited day of your wedding arrives, sometimes all you will be able to think about is escaping with your betrothed to a special destination. It doesn’t have to be fancy—every couple has their own preferences or a special spot to go – be it Vegas, an all-inclusive or a cozy campsite. The traditional practice of seeing off the bride and groom has changed; some couples stick around for the fun wedding activities, while others will put off their honeymoon altogether until their budget is more comfortable. Whatever the case may be, your honeymoon should be a relaxing getaway that doesn’t have you avoiding your mail upon your return. Consider these tips for a enjoyable, budget-friendly honeymoon.

Get a travel agent Save yourself the time and stress of flights, schedules and last-minute price drops. Instead, sit down with a travel agent with a list of must-haves for your vacation. The first thing on the list should be a mutually agreed upon budget which the agent should stick to no matter what. This ensures that the agent will find some options for your budget and understand what it is you are looking for. Find an agent in plenty of time so that they can find you a wider range of options in terms of location and price.

Have your honeymoon sponsored It’s really no surprise that many couples would prefer to have some financial help rather than receive yet another toaster as a wedding gift. If you and your partner would rather have some help with your honeymoon than receive traditional wedding gifts, then let that be known in your beautiful wedding invitations. This is a new approach to gift-giving, where the couple informs guests that they will be accepting gifts in the form of contributions to their honeymoon or specific event. This can be a fun and interactive option. If someone has sponsored an expensive dinner, take a photo of you at the meal and send it to the gift giver so they can see that their donation being appreciated.

Choose an off-season booking The earlier you decide on a honeymoon destination, the more likely you’ll be able to find good deals. Booking well in advance gives you the opportunity to browse an extensive list of options and, similarly, will give your travel agent more time if that is the route you choose to take. It’s also a good idea to book in the off-season when resorts and destinations are less likely to be full and more inexpensive as a result. There are lots of great destinations that are cheaper in the off-season, and there is a wide range throughout the year that can coincide with your honeymoon date. Even if you are set on a specific time, it’s not unusual for couples to wait to take a honeymoon. If this is what you’re willing to do to save, then it will be worth it.

Consider Airbnb If you have a very specific destination in mind, but you’d like to keep spending to a minimum, consider booking with Airbnb. This is an option that allows property owners to rent out their homes for a certain number of people and a specific number of days. It is generally up to the renters to bring their own food and entertainment, but this is a good option because you can find all kinds of properties in your ideal location at different prices.

Stay close to home Honeymoons don’t always have to be located across the world. A honeymoon is simply a place for the newly-married couple to get away and enjoy one another after what may have been a very hectic wedding schedule. If you want to have a low-budget honeymoon, consider looking at locations that are closer to home. This could be a small resort a few hours away, a campsite nearby or even a hotel with a spa included. Staying close to home means saving on flights, expensive meals and other expenses. Bring along some recipes ideal for a honeymoon that you can both make together and enjoy.

Ask about honeymoon packages It’s always worth a try. Some resorts and vacation spots will have honeymoon packages including room upgrades, spa packages and meals. Let them know when you’re booking that you will be on your honeymoon and see what they can offer.
Conclusion Your honeymoon should be a relaxing time for you and your partner. Don’t let worries about finances get in your way of a great time. There are all kinds of things that you can do to cut back on expenses, including finding ways to spend less on your wedding so you can splurge a little more on your trip.