The right honeymoon is a logical extension of the perfect wedding. Many couples desiring to launch their marriage the best way possible tend to gravitate towards an expensive honeymoon that gives them all they could want and then some. However, there are ways to save a little bit of money on your honeymoon and make it both enjoyable for you and your spouse as well as your bank account. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice luxury, either. Just by making a few small concessions and using some creative thinking, you will be well on your way to creating memories without creating a lot of debt. Check out the following tips to get started.
Choose a Closer Location
A honeymoon at a resort is not all about going to a faraway, expensive location. In the end, when you are on a resort, much of the experience is going to mirror that which is had on other resorts. You will find the food will be great, there will be lots of it, and there are going to be activities that you and your spouse can enjoy. Many resorts even have special wedding packages. These can be used to further cut down on expenses. And you don’t have to go to an exotic location to find them. Narrow down your search to resorts that are closer to where you live or can be reached via cheaper flights. For example, you may have always wanted to make a jaunt to Italy. The honeymoon may not be the best time to do so. The plane ticket alone may cost as much as both the airfare and the hotel stay in a closer location such as Cancun or Belize. Resorts can be found in amazing places that are far less expensive to reach. If you choose a more accessible location, you may also be able to splurge on cooler excursions and activities. This way, you can get the most out of your honeymoon experience.
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing a less expensive location is the earning potential you and your spouse have. It may not make financial sense to go all out right now for the ideal location when you are likely going to be earning more in the near future. This higher income can be used to help pay for that trip to Italy, Greece, or Tahiti at a time when the impact on your bank account is not going to be as severe. You could even plan it out for a future milestone anniversary such as five years or the after the tenth year of marriage. It can even be fun to start the planning a few years early because it gives you a little something to shoot for.
Save on Food
The biggest expense once you get past airfare and hotel is going to be food. In fact, if you’re not careful, food expenses are likely going to surpass the cost of the hotel. When drinks have prices of $10 or more each, and meals come in at $30 or more per person, the expense can start to accumulate quickly. To save money on meals, try scheduling one or two really nice meals during the honeymoon. Whether you’re at a lake resort, a mountain resort, or a modest cottage rental, you are going to be able to find food options in the higher price range in the area. Shoot to patronize one or two of these establishments over the course of the honeymoon. When you’re not doing it big, you can choose to eat at less expensive places. You may also decide it would be best to secure accommodations that allow you to cook inside. This can be a great way to start your marriage, particularly if you haven’t lived with your spouse for very long or at all before getting hitched. You get to work together to prepare meals and get creative as a team.
Spend Time Together, not on a Ton of Excursions
Excursions can be great for grabbing some cool pics and experiencing new things, but keep in mind this is only the first of many years of marriage. You will be able to experience more excursions as your marriage progresses. Resorts always have options available, so don’t be tempted to do too many.
