Like anything else, planning a honeymoon takes some time. If you’re sitting on a pile of cash, you don’t need to read this article. Actually, even if you’re rich, you may not want to throw money away like it’s nobody’s business.
There are a few things you could do to save money on your honeymoon without being cheap. We have prepared 6 tips to help you out…
1. Add a “Honeyfund” to Your Wedding Registry
Honeyfund, or honeymoon registry, will allow your guests to contribute toward the cost of your honeymoon. At the same time, it will help you take some of the financial burden off that trip you planned with your spouse.
The honeyfund is especially useful for couples who already own many of the items traditionally given as wedding gifts. Instead of physical gifts, you can accept stuff like meals and activities that could make your honeymoon trip that much better.
2. Pick a Shoulder Season
If you can be flexible with timing — and we urge you to be — pick a shoulder season, which is the period between high season and low season. In other words, it is the month before or after the high season.
During the high season prices on both flights and accommodation tend to be at a maximum, while during low seasons the weather may be less than ideal. The sweet spot, we think, is somewhere in between — you get to be a bit more intimate with your significant other while not breaking the bank.
3. Consider Getting a Travel Agent
A good travel agent could help you discover deals you may not be aware off. They can also prepare custom travel packages that save you a ton since you would be buying an airfare and accommodation in a single transaction. Chances are they’ve worked with young couples in the past and they know what “works” best.
Additionally, a travel agent could help you take a little pressure off you and your partner, so you could focus on other things that matter.
4. Use Your Airline Miles and Hotel Points
If you and/or your spouse have been stashing airline miles and hotel points, now’s the time to put them to good use. Perhaps you’ve earned them during your business trips or perhaps you have a credit card that rewards your purchases with points. Whatever the case is, you should be able to cut your expenses by using these points and miles instead of cash for airfare.
Beyond buying flights with miles, you can also redeem them for hotel stays, seating upgrades and car rentals. Getting the best value for your points may require a little research but it could be well worth the effort.
5. Check What All-Inclusive Really Means
Yes, you may want an all-inclusive honeymoon, but be vary. Read the fine print to see what’s included and what’s not. Some all-inclusive resorts are better than others, with for instance, some not including taxes in the quote. You will want to check for that.
In addition, ask for the entire list of the things that are included in the price. For example, you may like some kind of drink that is not included in your package, and will have to pay additionally to get it.
Luckily, all-inclusive deals are all around the place, and if you don’t see the what you want in one offer — shop around. Chances are you will find what you need in some other package.
6. Consider a “Mini-moon”
If you don’t have time or money after the wedding for the “full-blown honeymoon,” perhaps you want to start with a “mini-moon.” It could be a long(er) weekend in Vegas or near the seaside where two of you could start planning your big trip to a foreign country — and, ahem, do other things young couples do.
Whatever you end-up doing for your honeymoon, we wish you and your significant other a lot of happy years together. Good luck! 😉