Save Money On Your Honeymoon

Wedding Savings Trend #5

(Have you heard about honeymoon registries? That’s right. Honeymoon registries actually allow gift givers to help pay for your honeymoon through their contributions. Gift givers can also pay for certain activities for you in advance while you’re on your honeymoon. What a great idea, huh? And to think, it saves you some money as well. Let’s see what would you rather have a 3^rd toaster or a scuba diving lesson?)

Let’s spend the money now that I’ve saved you a boatload of money on your wedding and reception! Just joking. You can continue the saving spree well into the first year of you marriage if you like. Or, you can do what I’d do. HAVE A GREAT TIME! Nevertheless, I’m going to continue in the great spirit of this ebook by telling you how to save more money on the honeymoon. Let’s go.

I’m excited that we’ve reached this point in our ebook. Remember at the very beginning I told you that we’d save enough money to spend it all on the honeymoon? Well, we’re at the point now where we can start talking about planning the honeymoon. I want to continue to give you some valuable advice on spending for the honeymoon. Here we go.

THE EARLY BIRD

If you follow the wedding planning calendar that I’ve outlined in Chapter 6, then you know that you should start planning the honeymoon early. I suggest working with a travel agent who can help you figure out the best trip fro you. They also can give you discounts based on their high sales volume. Travel agents are also experts on the trends in the business so they can help you find the best deal.

You should look for an agent that specializes in cruises if you want to go on that type of honeymoon. If you don’t want to use a travel agent, then you can also check out the tourist office in the place where you want to honeymoon to get free hotel and activities information. Let’s take a look at my 14-STEP GUIDE TO FINDING RED LIGHT HONEYMOON SPECIALS.

BOOK THE TRIP ONLINE

It doesn’t matter if you’re booking a trip several months ahead of time or last minute in a lot of cases if you book your trip online. You can find some really great deals this way. There are several websites that you can find that offer these deals. Check out our resource guide at the end of the ebook for more information.

SHOP FOR THE HONEYMOON, BEFORE IT

You may hear people talking about waiting to buy once you get to your honeymoon destination. I can tell you that prices are always inflated for tourists. You don’t want to wait to shop. Start looking around for bargains before the big day. You’ll be glad you did. You can usually find good deals on film, batteries, toiletries, etc. ahead of time.

SHOP FOR THE HONEYMOON, DURING IT

I just told you how to save money before the honeymoon. Now, let’s talk a little bit about how you can save money during the honeymoon. I suggest that you visit many stores during your day out on the town. Simply shop around before settling on any one item.

You’ll find prices vary from store to store. In a lot of cases, the stores carry the same merchandise because there are certain items that are unique to that part of the world. Shop around during your honeymoon for the best prices and don’t be afraid to try to barter the sales people down.

PLAN AN OFF SEASON HONEYMOON

Who wants to go to Jamaica in the height of summer? Who wants to go to Europe in the fall? Who in the world would ever dream of going to Australia in the winter? You do, that’s who especially if it means saving hundreds of dollars! Here’s something important to note. Off-season doesn’t necessarily mean bad weather. A lot of people assume it does.

Off-season simply means that fewer people are traveling to these destinations for a variety of reasons. It could have something to do with the end of summer break and the beginning of the school season. It’s really hard to tell in some cases. However, the important thing to note for you is that there are advantages to planning an off-season honeymoon.

One of the biggest advantages is you’ll get cheaper prices on hotel and airfare. That’s because there are fewer people traveling during off-season. You’ll also get better service from cab drivers, tour guides, hotel and restaurant employees, etc. They’ll just be glad to see you around because the crowds won’t be around.

CHEAPER DESTINATIONS

Going to a cheaper destination does not mean that you won’t have a good time. Places like Mexico and Canada are more affordable based on their low currency rates. Other places like the Bahamas and Jamaica are so frequently traveled that it has helped to bring down the rates. Choosing a cheaper destination could be an economically healthy alternative for you.

CLOSE TO HOME

There are several advantages to staying close to home for your honeymoon. You save time, money and a lot of hassle that comes from traveling if you drive. I know a lot of couples that were able to upgrade to better accommodations because they decided to drive to a local resort.

EAT SMART

Here’s a tip that very few penny pinchers ever think about. At least, they’re always in shock when I bring it up! There’s always that “must eat at” restaurant in every travel destination. It’s usually a five star restaurant with great food, service and high prices. Well, try eating at this place for lunch instead of dinner.

Lunch prices are usually more affordable. Plus, if you don’t like the food, then you won’t be stuck with a high tab. If you like the food, then say what the heck! Splurge! Go back for dinner, but let it be your choice to spend the big bucks, not theirs. Also, don’t forget to ask about Happy Hours. It’s another great way to have fun and save money.

USE ALTERNATIVE TRAVEL PLANS

Instead of taking a plane, why not ride the rails? The train is a cost effective alternative to flying. If you’re not honeymooning too far from home, then taking a scenic bus ride may be nice as well. You can plan to make several stops along the way to make the trip more exciting if you’re going a long distance.

FREQUENT FLYER MILES

I know many couples that have gotten to their honeymoon destination this way. While you’re at it, check into other membership rewards that might come along with hotel and car rentals as well.

AIR PASS IT TO FAR AWAY

This option is available on airlines that service some of the foreign destinations like Europe and South America. These tickets let you travel to different countries as long as they are within a certain region. Trying to get a good deal on an air pass is well worth the effort.

Some hotels and airlines are offering great deals to people who make their reservations online. Some sites like priceline.com actually lets you pick your own price as long as your travel day, time and place to stay are flexible.

ALL INCLUSIVES AN ALL AROUND GOOD DEAL

All-inclusive are a great deal for people who want to pay for it and enjoy their honeymoon worry free. Most all-inclusive package deals cover the room, meals, drinks and entertainment. Did I forget to mention, tours, taxis, taxes and tips as well? Yes, it’s true. Be sure to find out what an all-inclusive covers because it varies from one company to another.

CONDO OR VILLA IT!

If you pick this cost saving measure, you can save a pretty penny on meals. Oh, so you don’t want to cook on your honeymoon. I can understand that. The upside to a condo or villa is the romantic meals with candlelight and low music. Get the picture now? Choosing this option is NOT all work!

HOTELS OFFER GREAT DEALS

They don’t advertise this deal so you’ll have to call around to check on prices. You can have your reception at some hotels and they’ll throw in a honeymoon suite free. You can also get discounts on rooms for your guests.

HONEYMOON BUDGET SWEET ‘N SIMPLE

Let’s turn from saving money on your honeymoon costs to tracking and planning your exact honeymoon costs. You may be thinking okay; I know what my budget is. It’s $1,000. End of subject. Well, it’s not so easy. In order for you to meet your $1,000 budget, you have to have everything itemized. This section will help you to do that.

Let’s break it down with my EASY TO TABULATE HONEYMOON BUDGET TABLE.

MAJOR TRANSPORTATION

AIR, RAIL, or SHIP)_______________

RENTAL CAR__________________

GAS__________________________

TAXI & TIPS_________________

TOTAL TRANSPORATION___________

ACCOMMODATIONS

Hotel____________________________

Resort___________________________

SERVICES_____________________________

(Spa, Dry Cleaners)