2010-11-24 10:26:33 by SMARTBRIDE
Bride-to-Be: Honeymooning on the Cheap
Like many couples, RC and I are looking forward to our honeymoon almost as much as the wedding itself.
The stress of the big day will be behind us and we’ll be able to enjoy our first days together as a married couple relaxing somewhere beautiful and enjoying being in love.
However, honeymoons have a tendency to be costly and the last thing most brides want to think about after spending many thousands of dollars on a wedding is pulling the credit card out to spend even more.
Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to keep your honeymoon costs to a minimum!
Keep Reading for budget-friendly Honeymoon tips....
- Think Local
Sure, those wedding magazine spreads of gorgeous white sand beaches and exotic locales look tempting, but you know where else is gorgeous? Your own country!
You don’t need a passport to see breathtaking views, eat amazing food, and take in some culture. Staying local is a great way to save money and you might be surprised at how much fun you have. Save even more cash by skipping the airline tickets altogether.
- Do Your Research
Hotels tend to be pricey, and often the quality of the accommodations do not live up to the cost. Before I travel, I always search Tripadvisor to find the hotels that get the best user reviews. More often than not, these are also the hotels that give you the best value for your money.
Similarly, the best restaurants in town can be searched for on Chowhound, by city or region. In general, the internet is an invaluable resource for trip planning and finding great deals before you travel. Use it well. - Explore Alternate Accommodations
Hotels are not the only option when looking for a place to lay your head. On VRBO or Craigslist you can find condos for rent in almost any city in the world, at much lower costs than hotel rooms.
As an added benefit, these condos usually have kitchens, so you can save money by cooking some meals rather than eating out. Other non-hotel options include cozy B&B's, camping, renting a cottage or cabin, etc. Keep your mind open! - Use Points
Start collecting loyalty points with your preferred hotel chain and airline, especially if you or your fiancé travel a lot for work. Then book your wedding guest rooms at the hotel chain where you collect points and have these rooms applied to your account. With luck, you will accumulate enough points for a free couple of nights. - Be Spontaneous
For easygoing couples who are not afraid to be daring, there are some great last-minute travel deals to be found. If you're willing to leave your honeymoon to fate and don’t care where you go, services like Travelzoo can help you find amazingly cheap vacations on the fly. - Broadcast
While honeymooning, be sure to tell service folks that you just got married. Many hotels, airlines, or restaurants will give you some small perks to help you celebrate. Have fun being newlyweds!
Alana
About our Guest Blogging Bride-to-Be Alana:
After her first date with RC, Alana knew it was the beginning of something amazing. RC proposed two years after that day and the couple will be married on August 20, 2011. They want their day to be unique and completely "us", so they'll be throwing a lot of wedding traditions out the window and replacing them with fun, personal touches. Check back each week to follow Alana as she and RC plan their party of love.
More From Bride-to-Be Alana:- Hunting for a Venue: Here, There & Everywhere
- Catering Outside The Box
- Choosing a Wedding Website
- Bridal Bouquet Alternatives
- Unique Wedding Bands for Him & Her
- Hunting for a Venue: Here, There & Everywhere
