The perfect honeymoon is truly the cherry on top of a wonderful wedding. Honeymoons are a great way for a bride and groom to celebrate their new partnership. Some nice rest and relaxation with your significant other could be exactly what you need after a stressful planning period prior to your big day. Furthermore, if you take something like these True Pheromones with you, it is a chance to remind each other just why you are together in the first place, and can even strengthen the bond between the two of you.
While you may want to celebrate your union in style, you may also not want to break the bank or accumulate debt during your first few weeks as a married couple. There are many affordable options for travel when it comes to saving money on your honeymoon.
1. Credit Card Rewards Points
A simple way to pay for your honeymoon is by using the points from a rewards card. There are many credit card companies out there that run specials giving you a certain amount of points for reaching a certain spending threshold in a specified amount of time.
Often times, the spending threshold can range anywhere from $1,000-$5,000. Now, spending $5,000 in say three months can be quite difficult so if you don’t feel like you can do it, don’t get the card. If you can’t pay off your balance in full right away, it’s not worth the debt.
If you can afford to spend a smaller amount like $1,000-$2,000, stick with that and use the card for every day regular purchases that you would already make anyway. Pay attention to the bonus point requirements to make sure you meet them in time, then cash in the points to save money on your flight or hotel stay.
Some people use credit card rewards so strategically that it helps cover most of their travel expenses, making it a perfect saving option to utilize for your honeymoon.
2. Book Early
Another way to ensure some savings on your honeymoon, is by booking your trip early. Travel prices increase the closer it gets to the actual date you intend to leave on so if you’ve set your wedding date, make sure you discuss honeymoon options and book something early.
Sometimes you just need to put a credit card on file to hold your reservation while other times, you may have to put a deposit down. Some of the best times to catch travel deals are during holidays, flash sales, Black Friday and New Year’s days so always keep an eye out and open a savings account to stash money away each month in preparation for your trip.
3. Look for All Inclusive
You can save big by booking an all inclusive stay at a popular resort. One flat fee for your food, stay, and activities sounds a lot better than having to worry about multiple expenses. With everything already paid for you can relax and have a good time with your new spouse knowing that everything is pre-paid. Even the tip might be included at some resorts but double check first.
Cruises are great for offering all-inclusive deals, plus they are often much cheaper than staying in a hotel.
4. Use Public Transportation
Stay away from expensive ways of transportation from the airport and use your best judgement. Cabs are okay as a last resort, but they aren’t always the cheapest way to go. If you notice reliable public transportation or even have Uber or Lyft, go with those options instead.
Public transportation is the way to go and can really save you a good amount of money. When it comes to renting a car, it’s a decent option if you’re doing it domestically but it’s ill advised if you are in another country. It could be very costly and you might not be familiar with the rules of the road in another country.
5. Utilize Groupon
It never hurts to see what Groupon has to offer. I personally love using Groupon because I can search for convenient deals and discounts in my area and all over the word. I use it for everything from dining out and entertainment to travel and hotel stays. If you don’t want to open a credit card to gain points and cashback, you can see what deals Groupon has when planning your honeymoon.
Groupon has a ‘Getaways’ tab that offers deals on everything from exotic trips to domestic hotel stays and even some getaways with the flight included and a guided tour. They usually have something for everyone no matter what time of year it is. With Groupon, it’s important to read the fine print on the deals and promptly call the company and ask questions if you are hesitant about anything. Most of the deals are timed and expire after a while, but I feel like this is a tactic
Groupon uses to create urgency so you buy quickly. On the bright side most deals do stick around for a while and if it’s a hot buy, it may come back around again another time. It’s best to miss out on a good deal than spend your money on something you didn’t understand completely or want.
Mention You’re On Your Honeymoon
It wouldn’t hurt to let others know that you are planning a honeymoon! It isn’t set in stone or a written law that newlyweds have to get fancy free treatment, but it’s also not guaranteed people won’t feel happy for you and do something special. A free drink or dessert could make your night who knows what you could get, you won’t know unless you mention it!
Friends and family might also gift you with money if you tell them about a dream destination you’d like to visit. You can have a ‘honeymoon fund’ jar at your wedding to collect guests’ spare change and cash. I don’t think this is tacky at all and it will help you save a lot of money when everything adds up.
A honeymoon is a memorable experience you only get to have once. Why not do you best to save where you can and make the trip a great one?
How was your honeymoon? Did you do anything to save money?
Chonce is a freelance writer who’s obsessed with frugality and passionate about helping others increase their savings rate, eliminate debt, and work toward financial stability. She chronicles her journey to becoming debt-free on her blog, mydebtepiphany.com.
