You’ve tied the knot and danced the night away, and now it’s finally time to run away from your Aunt’s unsolicited marriage advice and pack for your dreamy honeymoon.
But honey, with the prices reaching the moon, even your Aunt’s advice might sound appealing. Fear not, if your wallet is weeping after the wedding bash, we’ve got you covered. With a little creativity, some thorough research, and savvy planning, you can have a honeymoon that’s just as fabulous as any splurge-worthy romantic getaway.
Imagine lounging on white sand beaches, exploring national parks, and dining under the stars without breaking the bank?! Yes, it is possible! From scoring flight deals to discovering hidden gems, we’re here to help you plan a honeymoon rich in romance. but light on the wallet.
So, get ready for the best romantic getaway with these top 10 tips for a budget honeymoon!
1. Save on Flights with Credit Cards
Rewards and Points
Your credit card is going to be third-wheeling your entire honeymoon, from planning the trip to the actual getaway. And you wouldn’t be upset with it, too! Many credit cards offer travel points that you can redeem while planning your trips, so make sure to do your research and grab the best deals.
Timing is key
Let’s face it, you would rather spend time with your partner than waste it surfing the internet searching for airfare deals. So bring out the time-travel wizard in you, and plan well in advance. Booking flights at the right time is a game-changer for having a budget-friendly honeymoon.
Before you PAY see the DAY. Flight fares are usually cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. So, set up your alerts, stalk those deals, and nab yourself your dream honeymoon without selling your grandma’s heirloom china.
2. Make the Most of Wedding Gifts
Honeymoon Fund
Gifting just got easy with Wishing Well’s Honeymoon Fund! Instead of traditional gifts, your loved ones can contribute directly to your dream honeymoon. The app makes it easy and fun, sending monetary gifts straight to your bank account, so you can skip the hassle of physical gifts or duplicates. With the Wishing Well App, you can create a personalized registry that’s interactive and exciting, ensuring a honeymoon filled with cherished moments and a seamless, joyful experience for both you and your guests.
Gifted Experiences
One of the best gifts to give someone is a great experience or a memory that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. And this is exactly what you can get with your honeymoon fund! Imagine a scuba diving excursion, cozy spa treatments, a trip to Caicos Island, or a wine-tasting tour in Tuscany—all of your favorite things gifted by your favorite people!
3. Hunt for Honeymoon Packages
Joy comes in Bundles
Many travel agencies and online booking sites offer honeymoon packages that bundle flights, accommodations, and sometimes even meals and activities. These packages can often save you a bundle compared to booking everything separately. Plus, they sometimes throw in a few romantic perks, like a candlelit dinner or a couple’s massage!
Who doesn’t love a great offer? Save your day (and wallet) with packages. One of the easiest ways to save money on your honeymoon is to get a honeymooner bundle inclusive of flights, stay, and much more! The romantic perks that might come with it are just the cherry on top.
Become Besties with Travel Sites
While we are on it, many booking websites are great places to start your search. For example, an all-inclusive package to the East Coast might include round-trip airfare, hotel stay, meals, and drinks for a fraction of the cost of booking each component separately.
Lastly, be like Monica and Chandler, and don’t shy away from asking for discounts and upgrades. You deserve the first-class experience, after all, you are two lovebirds on your honeymoon!
4. Explore Affordable Honeymoon Destinations
Secret Ingredient
Now the most important ingredient of this money-saving recipe is the perfect honeymoon destination. Find the best affordable honeymoon destinations that entice you. Take the road not yet taken (spoken like a true poet) and choose less travelled locations to save money.
Make Your Dollar Dance
Try to make the best use of that dollar and pick a place that gives you a good exchange rate. Don’t follow the hype, search for alternative locations that are just as good. Whether it’s Bali or Vietnam in Asia, or a vibrant city in India, or Costa Rico in Central America, or the Dominican Republic on the Caribbean Sea, think differently. Other quick tips while choosing the best honeymoon destinations are to avoid capital cities, search for cruises, and look for locations you can drive to rather than taking a flight!
5. Opt for Off-Season Travel
Be Cute and Clever
Prices for everything—by everything we mean everything—depends on the season you are booking. Usually, they are sky-high during peak hurricane season. But don’t let peak season give you a heart attack, be a savvy traveler and opt for shoulder season, the magical season between the bustling peak season and sleepy off-season.
Best of Both Worlds
Shoulder seasons give you the best experience, imagine, pink sand beaches with no stampede, hot springs all to yourself, and more possibilities to interact with the locals and learn about the rich history of your honeymoon destination.
6. Take Advantage of Sales and Discounts
Be Proactive like a Pro
Your honeymoon adventure doesn’t have to poke a hole in your wallet. Sign up for sites and newsletters and keep an eye out for juicy sales and discounts. Whether it’s luxurious accommodations with beautiful beaches or boutique hotels with lush gardens, every honeymoon destination has hidden offers just waiting to be discovered. All you gotta do is, BE PROACTIVE!
Hunt, Hunt, Hunt
It’s a treasure hunt for your romantic getaway. Set up alerts from different pages and websites and let the deals roll out. Follow your favorite airlines and hotels on social media to catch flash sales and exclusive coupon codes. Your dream honeymoon is just a few clicks away. Get ready to say “I do” to amazing deals and unforgettable memories!
7. Consider All-Inclusive Resorts
Your Slice of Paradise
All-inclusive happiness awaits you! Look out for a luxe resort with a secluded beach of its own. Beat the white sand beaches and black sand beaches with your slice of paradise with a private beach a few steps from your suite. Make bookings at luxurious hotels that offer all-inclusive packages—with meals, drinks and activities.
It’s More Than Just Money
It is not just about saving money—it’s about indulging in a lavish experience that’s well-deserved after all the hustle and bustle of wedding planning. Imagine spending your days lounging by the infinity pool with a cocktail in hand, not caring about the bills. Treat yourselves to the ultimate in relaxation and luxury—because after saying “I do,” you deserve nothing less than the best.
8. Embrace Local Experiences
Go Local
There’s nothing more authentic than diving into local experiences. Your honeymoon should be memorable and meaningful, so why not immerse in the traditional local experience?
Quick Local Tips
Take day trips to a small city nearby, explore historic art galleries, and visit local markets. Savor the flavours of local cuisines, or better, learn to cook them! Take a Thai cooking class in Thailand, or a Balinese yoga class on the sandy beaches of Bali and find your zen together. Visit hidden gems that are less crowded. A popular destination will always be everyone’s choice, but don’t be boring, be one of those adventurous couples, and make your romantic experience one to remember.
9. Plan DIY Activities
Say HI to DIY!
Create your romantic moment with self-guided activities. There’s something undeniably special about DIY adventures.
Things to Do
Pack a picnic and find secluded beaches where you can enjoy, just the two of you, with the sound of waves. For the adventurous lovebirds, lace up your hiking boots and trek to a scenic viewpoint in a tropical forest. The breathtaking scenery and the sense of accomplishment when you reach the top make for unforgettable memories. And the best part? DIY activities help you save money and give you the freedom to manage your time away.
10. Document Memories on a Budget
Click Click Click!
Lastly, don’t forget to take a pic. Click a picture of the Caribbean Sea, and a video while you dance your heart out in a beach club. Do it for the gram! Share it with your friends and family online and let them join in on the fun. Most importantly, it will always be a part of your digital memory.
Polaroid Panic
Polaroids have changed the game of documenting memories. So hop onto the trend, create your honeymoon polaroid, and ditch the traditional photo albums. Polaroids capture the moment in real time which makes them extremely special.
Your honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, make it magical!
From scoring the best honeymoon destinations to embracing local experiences, from DIY adventures to all-inclusive resorts, each strategy offers a unique way to maximize your budget and enrich your journey. Remember, it’s not about how much you spend, but the memories you create and the love you share.
Your adventure awaits, and let love be your guide.
