Plus, credit card interest can significantly increase the actual cost of your trip. High-interest credit card debt can become a big drag on your finances just as you’re starting to build your life as a married couple. While it can be tempting to use a credit card to cover your trip and pay if off over time, going into debt for a honeymoon may not be the best long-term financial move. Review your finances to figure out how much you can realistically spend on your honeymoon without having trouble paying your bills or incurring new debt. One of the most important ways to plan a honeymoon on a budget involves determining what you can afford. You can figure out a destination’s shoulder season by comparing prices at various times of year, or a travel agent can help. January marks the start of shoulder season in the Caribbean, a period when it’s still warm even though most holiday travelers have returned home. At some ski resorts, for example, shoulder season begins in April, but during years with lots of snow, this can still be a great time to visit. Since shoulder season varies by destination, do your homework to ensure you understand the crowds (and prices) at your honeymoon spot of choice. Honeymooning during the off-peak season is also a great way to plan a luxury vacation on a budget. “Off-peak, you can get a lot more bang for your buck,” Alton, of Travel Leaders, says. Avoiding peak travel times not only means lower prices, but also fewer crowds and shorter lines at the popular attractions. If you’re booking with hotels directly, ask whether they have any discounts for specific memberships or cardholders.Īnother way to cut costs and save money when planning a honeymoon is to travel during the shoulder season-the period between a destination’s peak and off-peak seasons. All-inclusive resorts and cruises may offer value, but alcohol or excursions may not be included and can quickly add up.įollow your favorite hotels and airlines on social media to keep an eye out for flash sales. Package deals, which bundle your hotel and flight, can be a good way to plan a honeymoon on a budget. In order to save money when planning a honeymoon, you’ll need to do some comparison shopping. Paying in advance means you won’t have to spend time worrying about the cost during your vacation, or in the middle of wedding-planning madness, even if it initially took a large bite out of your bank account. If you’re able to pay for some or all of your honeymoon ahead of time-perhaps by paying for it with a credit card and paying that off in full before your trip-you may enjoy the trip even more. If you’re contemplating how to plan a honeymoon on a budget, Newell recommends using sites like Hopper or KAYAK to track prices and predict the best time to buy tickets. If you go last-minute, you’ll end up paying double.” “Typically, major airlines get more expensive the closer you get to the destination time. “If you’re trying to save on airfare, the sooner you book, the better,” says Claire Newell, president of Travel Best Bets. That’s the perfect time to do the heavy lifting on booking your honeymoon. There tends to be a lull in wedding planning just over six months out-once you’ve booked all of your vendors but before the last-minute rush of getting out invitations and making seating arrangements. “That’s when you will truly see the best discounts,” he says. Rey Alton, a Houston-based agent with the travel agency network Travel Leaders, recommends booking your trip at least six to nine months in advance. Locking in plans early is a way to save money when planning a honeymoon. These six ways to plan a honeymoon on a budget can help ensure you’re able to enjoy (and afford) your post-nuptial vacation: 1. Still, it’s possible to learn how to plan a honeymoon on a budget so your vacation doesn’t detract from other financial commitments and priorities. You might also be feeling especially strapped after splurging on expenses for your big day. If you’re not used to taking big trips, you might end up with sticker shock once you see the total cost of the flight and hotel to the destination of your dreams (not to mention the cost of dining or activities you plan to enjoy once you get there). It can be hard to track flights and hunt for deals while you’re interviewing florists and photographers. But the post-wedding trip can actually create more financial stress if you don’t know how to plan a honeymoon on a budget. Whether you hit some white sandy beaches, brave an outdoor adventure or explore a new city from your bucket list, the trip should be about celebrating your marriage and having a good time. After the stress and expense of planning a wedding, the honeymoon should be a welcome, enjoyable getaway.
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