No
one wants to skimp on their honeymoon. Posh accommodations, intimate
meals, and soothing massages rank high on the wish list of virtually
every newlywed, but most people don't have an unlimited expense account.
No need to take the backpack-and-hostel route -- just focus on these
five areas to cut down your honeymoon costs.
The Planning
A little legwork early in your engagement goes a long way toward balancing your honeymoon budget.
1. Consider a travel agent It's
easy to find a flight and book a hotel over the Internet, so the idea
of working with a travel agent might seem antiquated. While it's not for
everyone, Tim Leffel, author of
Make Your Travel Dollars Worth a Fortune,
observes that a travel agent can save money for those who don't have a
specific destination in mind. "If you just want to go to a nice
Caribbean island
and stay in a hotel on the beach, agents can often find deals that you
might not run across yourself." So if your heart's set on the Four
Seasons in
Nevis, use the Web. If you're open to any number of islands and resorts, see what a travel agent has to offer.
2. Use frequent flier miles If
you've charged wedding expenses, your honeymoon is the perfect time to
cash in all the bonus points you racked up on your credit card. Free
airfare is great, of course, and even if you don't have enough miles for
that, you can still go for an upgrade from coach to first class,
allowing you to begin and end your honeymoon in style.
3. Start a honeymoon registry As
a traditional part of attending your wedding, guests will give you
gifts, and the majority of them will shop straight from your
wedding registry.
If you have ample linens and china's just not your style, set up a
honeymoon registry and have guests pay for part (or even all) of your
trip in lieu of traditional gifts. Sites like thebigday.com or
honeymoonwishes.com offer registries for a small percentage of the total
gift. You can also register at resorts like Marriott or Disney.
The Destination
An open mind while picking a honeymoon spot gives you a better chance to find a good deal.
4. Take advantage of shoulder seasons Every
destination has a high and low season -- during the high season there
are crowds and high prices, while the low season is cheaper (usually
because the weather is lousy). Shoulder seasons, however, are right on
the cusp of high and low, so the prices are more reasonable because
there's far less demand and the weather is still appealing. Shoulder
season for the Caribbean starts right after spring break. "Mid-April to
mid-June is a fantastic time to hit the Caribbean," Leffel says. (Should
you prefer a
European honeymoon, look into the late spring and early fall.)
5. Go where the dollar hasn't deflated The
poor currency exchange can sabotage your budget. The dollar has become
increasingly puny compared to the euro, so seek a destination where your
money still has some worth. Leffel recommends heading anywhere in
Spanish-speaking Latin America -- from
Mexico down to Chile -- or check out our sidebar for the best budget honeymoons.
6. Consider an all-inclusive One
of the best reasons to honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort is that you
have a clear estimate of how much your trip will cost and budget
accordingly. Find out exactly what you're paying for and factor in a
couple of meals at restaurants outside the resort, day trips, or other
excursions that might not be included. Then you'll have a solid idea of
how much you'll spend.
The Transportation
Getting from point A to point B can be the bulk of your bill, but there are easy ways to save.
7. Fly off-peak Flights
are less expensive on certain days of the week. If you're traveling
domestic, fly on a Sunday to avoid business travelers. If you're going
abroad, find a better deal by leaving on a Monday or Tuesday.
8. Ask if airport pickup is included When
you book a hotel, try to score a ride from the airport (some hotels
offer complimentary transportation). If a taxi is your only option, hail
a cab in an area of the airport designated for transportation rather
than riding with some guy who sidles up at baggage claim and offers a
lift.
9. Use mass transit Unless you're renting a car,
use mass transit as much as possible. Cab rides, while convenient,
inevitably wreak havoc on your budget. Before you travel, familiarize
yourself with your honeymoon spot's main modes of transportation, be it
metro, tram, or bus. Saving money isn't the only benefit of mass transit
-- in congested cities, the metro is very often the quickest way across
town.
The Hotel
A dismal room can ruin a trip, but saving money doesn't have to mean staying in a dump.
10. Get a room with no view Check
any hotel's website and you'll find a range of room rates. A room's
size and view are two factors that hike up the price. Cut your
accommodation's cost by booking a room looking upon a slightly less
attractive landscape. When you spend most of your time on the beach,
you'll hardly notice whether your room has a view of the ocean or a
garden, and the savings can be significant.
11. Investigate packages If
a hotel offers a "honeymoon package," Leffel advises taking a close
look to see if it's really a money-saving deal. If the offer is six
nights for the price of five, that's worthwhile. If the package brings
an evening rose petal turndown service plus champagne for an added $200,
it's cheaper to forgo the extras and book at the normal room rate.
12. Mention you're newlyweds You
can often leverage the fact you're on your honeymoon for special (and
free) treatment. While there are no hard rules for the practice -- or
guarantees the hotel will do anything -- it's worth telling the
receptionist you'll be spending your first days of married life with
them. We've heard of couples getting complimentary room upgrades. It's
also worth dropping the h-word when you're at airport check-in, and any
bartender's bound to offer a round on the house.
The Food
An
extraordinary honeymoon requires great food and drink, but the costs of
eating out add up. Learn how to maximize your meal money.
13. Stray from the hotel A
hotel's restaurant is definitely hassle-free dining, but that
convenience often comes with a marked-up price. Consult a guide book for
some other options.
14. Talk to locals With some
insider info, you'll find an unassuming fish stand in a Caribbean market
or a hole-in-the-wall bistro on a European side street that serves the
best meal of your entire trip. Ask the local baker, butcher, or
fishmonger for their pick for the best bite in town -- chances are that
it will be reasonably priced and utterly delicious.
15. Prepare a few meals Making
your own lunch doesn't have to lack romance. Go to the grocery store
and stock up on sandwich ingredients, fruit, and other picnic goods.
Trek to a secluded spot and enjoy a private lunch. You'll save money
without missing out on the fond memories every honeymooner deserves.
