Ways to Save Money on the Honeymoon

Some couples worry that they can't afford a great honeymoon, especially after footing the bill for parts of the wedding and the reception. However, there are a number of ways you can save money on your honeymoon plans.

First, choose a closer location. It is much cheaper to fly to Mexico than Italy, for example. Many places in the continental United States or just outside its boundaries can be wonderful honeymoon locales. Another option is to opt on driving to your destination � you'll save money on airfare.Second, pick a cheaper room in a nicer hotel. No one wants to spend their honeymoon in a dumpy motel on the side of the road, but you can usually find very affordable rates for some rooms in the more upscale hotels. Sure, you may not have a view of the beach or the mountains or whatever, but you're not really going to spend much time in your room looking out the window, right?

Third, look for package deals. Package deals often include everything � meals, room, local transportation, etc. In the long run, these packages may cost you a few extra hundred dollars but that's a lot less than you would be paying if you paid for each thing separately. Packages can often be booked online which might spell even bigger savings.

Fourth, choose off-season destinations. Almost every location you could choose has a time when they are more packed with tourists. Everyone in the tourism business knows this and raises rates during that time in order to increase their profits. By going during the off-season, you can save hundreds of dollars on the cost of your hotel.

Fifth, if your budget is limited then you may want to consider using a honeymoon registry. With the registry, you plan the details of your honeymoon through a travel site or agent, then your guests contribute money to cover those costs. This is especially effective if you don't really need traditional wedding gifts.

Sixth, if you're planning on a stay of more than a couple of days, you should book a room that includes kitchen facilities. You can save a ton of money by preparing your own food and having romantic dinners or breakfasts in the coziness of your romantic hideaway. You might still want to take away some money for a few restaurant splurges, but not dining out two to three times a day can save you almost $100 daily on the costs of your vacation.

Seventh, you should let everyone know you're on your honeymoon. You might not save money this way but many hotels will provide you with bonuses just because you're a newly married couple. For example, some hotels will include a free bottle of champagne in your room while others will upgrade your room to a suite free of charge. When you're dining out, talking up the fact that you're on your honeymoon could get you a better table, free wine, and maybe even a free dessert.

Even if you're low on money now, you can still book a room in your city for a couple of nights and spend that time alone together without interruptions from the outside world. It may not be Aruba or an African safari, but it will be a magical honeymoon. Then, maybe a few years down the road, you can save up the money to go on a fabulous trip as a second honeymoon.

Source: Your Honeymoon