Even though the wedding is over, the celebration continues with Part 2: The Honeymoon. Experts estimate the cost of a typical week-long honeymoon can run anywhere from $3,500 to a little over $5,000. But there are ways to get that price tag down without sacrificing any of the magic.
Here are eleven smart tips from Birkat Elyon for saving money on your honeymoon.
PICK YOUR PRIORITIES
Are you craving a trip to an exotic destination? How about accommodations? Do you demand an infinity pool and high-thread-count sheets? Is a spa high on your list? Once you’ve made your list of “non-negotiables,” you’ll have a better idea of where to spend your budget. For example, if you really, really want to indulge in luxury, consider staying closer to home at an exclusive resort, versus spending on expensive foreign travel.
START PLANNING NOW
While it’s possible to snag some great last-minute deals, you’ll generally save on hotel rooms, plane tickets or cruises by booking early. For example, cruise ships release their itineraries up to 14 months in advance; by reserving then, you can often save as much as 50%.
CHOOSE THE OFF-SEASON
When it comes to many island destinations, the weather is delightful pretty much any time of year. Choosing an “off time” or “shoulder season” (the period right before or after peak season) offers big discounts and fewer crowds. Just be sure to do your research to ensure that activities or attractions are still available. This is especially important if you’re heading to a cold-weather locale, as some businesses may close completely once the crowds leave.
KEEP IT SHORT
Who says a honeymoon has to last a week? By planning a long-weekend getaway, you can use that money to splurge on a swankier resort or a big-ticket experience that might not normally fit your budget.
FLY DURING THE OFF-HOURS
Most folks don’t want to fly in the early morning or late at night, hence better seat availability – and cheaper tickets. Pick a flight between 9 pm and 7 am, and you could save big. This is a smart strategy if you’re flying non-stop within the U.S. or only have one stop on your itinerary; European flights can be trickier.
WORK THOSE MILES AND REWARDS
Many credit cards offer great rewards programs and airline miles; research and sign up for the ones that work best for you. As you spend on your wedding, those points add up quickly, so take full advantage of them. The other good news? Use the card during your honeymoon and you may be able to get some instant goodies, like a room upgrade.
SPEAKING OF REWARDS…
Consider holding your wedding celebration at a hotel that also offers honeymoon “rewards.” Big chains like the Hyatt and Marriott offer points that can be redeemed for as many as five free honeymoon nights.
LET EVERYONE KNOW YOU’RE A HONEYMOONER
From resorts to restaurants to activities, tell any (and every) contact on your list that you’re planning your honeymoon. This is a big business, and they’ll want you to return for sentimental occasions like anniversaries (not to mention, spread good word of mouth for other couples-to-be). That can resort in special upgrades and deals. Hint: every time you call, subtly remind whomever you speak to that you’re celebrating your wedding. It may already be noted in their system, but just in case…
A “HONEYMOON REGISTRY”
A current trend is for couples to create a registry to help pay for their special trip.
As with a wedding gift registry, you can put a variety of items for people to chip in towards. These can include everything from travel expenses like a rental car to activities like a couples massage or fancy dinner for two. These registries also offer the option for splitting higher-ticket items into affordable portions that can be divided among friends. Many travel agents can set these up for you, or you can set up your own “cash only” fund online.
BRING YOUR OWN
Food and alcohol are big expenses on any vacation. Consider bringing your own booze (picked up either in the duty-free shop or at a local store once you arrive) and keeping it in your room for those pre-dinner cocktails. Same goes for food: make a quick run for snacks and stash them in the mini-fridge versus raiding the (expensive) mini-bar. Some couples also seek out rooms that include basic cooking options, saving money by indulging in just a few fancy hotel dinners.
TAKE A ROAD TRIP
Depending on what you’d like to do or see, a road-trip can combine the options of both partners. Sightseeing can be mixed with trail hikes, beach stops and more as you head to your ultimate destination. You’ll likely be able to find affordable local accommodations – and save big by avoiding airfare and other incidental costs.
Another way that smart couples are saving money is by opting for gorgeous cubic zirconia engagement and wedding rings. They’re more dazzling and nearly impossible to detect from a diamond, and far more affordable. Let Birkat Elyon surprise you with the quality and variety of cubic zirconia jewelry that’s available to you.