|
Honeymoon Planning
How to choose a honeymoon destination, is always a cause of concern when planning a wedding. A few very lucky couples are gifted with a honeymoon trip as a wedding present; others have the financial means to travel to any destination they choose. The rest of us plan early and carefully to make the most of the money we have allotted for the trip.
There are plenty of options for the honeymooning couple on a budget, especially if you start to plan early. Here are some ideas to help you to plan your trip better and keep it within your pocket range.
The Plan
Laying the plans
When you make your initial wedding budget calculations, set aside an amount for the honeymoon. This way, you will have a trip fund set up, and the possibility of taking a honeymoon will seem real, rather than a pipe dream. You don't have to allow for the entire cost, but once the fund is set up, you can treat it as the home for any stray money. It will grow.
 Stay in the country
It is difficult to plan a trip overseas without incurring substantial expense. The airfare alone will put a healthy dent in your finances. You will also likely have to take more time off work to go out of the country. If you set your mind on finding a destination within the country, you'll have a better chance of cutting the budget. Just look around and see what you have visited and what you have not.
Take to the road
Choosing a destination you can drive to, virtually guarantees a reasonably priced honeymoon. There's a good chance you'll be able to find a reasonable deal. With tourist luxury buses running all over the country for any destination will help you to make reasonable cut-offs in your pricing.
Shop for air fairs
Don’t eliminate the possibility of flying though. Airfares change constantly. Start looking for a flight early, but keep the option of driving open if possible. Often flying can be comparable price-wise to renting a car and driving to your destination.
Island hopping
While you may not be able to afford a six-week Caribbean holiday to celebrate your marriage (not to mention getting the time off), you can still have fun on an island without going into debt. Ask a local travel agent about island packages or cruises (many of which are all-inclusive), or plan on camping in some really beautiful places.
Go Online
Some of the best air fares, hotel room rates and cruise specials are available on the internet. Often you can get a fabulous deal on a great trip. Be sure to make your arrangements through a reputable company though. Sites like Expedia, Priceline, Cheaptickets and Travelocity have been around for years. Also, be sure to confirm your tickets and reservations with the vendor themselves rather than relying on the website.
Appeal to their romantic souls
If any of your friends have vacation houses or you know somebody has a time-share, don’t be shy about asking them to help you plan your dream honeymoon. You may be able to get a great rate, or even get your lodging as a wedding gift.
Frequent Flyer Miles
Look for friends and family members who travel a lot. Often, such people will accumulate thousands of frequent flier miles that can be used to acquire tickets for family members. If you find someone willing to share their miles with you, be sure to check with the airline first to determine the rules for such transfers. The airline policies vary widely; some even allow friends to share their miles.
Postpone
If you're marrying during prime wedding season -- May through September -- your honeymoon will be taking place during high season for vacations. The costs of accommodation and travel are at their peak during these months, so delay your real honeymoon for a while. This way, you can find yourself alone on a deserted stretch of beach with the undivided attention of the hotel staff.
Next:How the heck do I decide? |
