May 9, 2015

Honeymoon Tips

Now that the wedding has been planned and budgeted, it’s time to plan and pay for the honeymoon. Hopefully, some money is left over from the wedding budget to make this a bit easier. Consider the following ideas:

1. Try to visit your destination of choice in the off season. This can save plenty in travel, accommodations, food and drink and other extras. On average, the weather might be less inviting, but the crowds may also be less onerous.

2. Try staying closer to home to minimize transportation costs. Look for great locations nearby.

3. Decide if you really want a long honeymoon or if a shorter honeymoon at a nicer place would be more suitable.

4. Try to avoid major resorts that earn a premium just for being well known. Look for more affordable accommodations at lesser known places. For instance, if you are looking for an island honeymoon, find a resort on one of the lesser known islands and it may very well be less expensive. Or consider a nice bed and breakfast that can provide a very unique honeymoon getaway.

5. Look for deals. Significant discounts on airfare and lodging are usually available if you look for them and ask for them. Sometimes you can find a discount on a brand new resort or hotel that is not yet well known, but has superb and new accommodations. And do not forget looking online for great honeymoon and travel deals.

6. Look for last-minute deals. If many different locations might be suitable for your honeymoon, there generally will be a great deal available to one or more nice locations. Cruises, in particular, offer some great bargains if booked at the last minute. Check newspapers, travel agents, online, etc. to find your perfect last-minute honeymoon deal.

7. If looking at all-inclusive deals make sure you really want most or all of what is included. Will you really eat and drink enough to make it worth it? If you plan on leaving the resort to visit other locations will you end up paying double for food and drink? In many cases, buying the honeymoon package can cost more than just going as regular vacationers and purchasing extras when you want them. On the other hand, if you really take advantage of what is offered in all-inclusive deals they can be a good bargain.

8. Does a friend or relative have a timeshare that they are not using. Perhaps they would like to give you a week or two as a wedding gift.