4 Expert Tips for Planning Your Dream Honeymoon on a Budget
Congratulations! You’ve booked the venue, said “yes” to the dress and selected favors your guests will absolutely love. The only thing left on your wedding to-do list is planning your honeymoon. But who has the time and money for all that? We talked to Kimberly Felix, a travel consultant with HoneymoonsInc.com — an online travel agency that specializes in romance travel to Mexico, the Caribbean and Hawaii — for tips on how to have the honeymoon of your dreams and save money at the same time. Because you should be able to have your (wedding) cake and eat it too.
1. Don’t procrastinate. The early bride gets the best deal when it comes to booking flights and all-inclusive resorts, especially if you plan to travel during peak season. Kimberly recommends booking eight to 10 months before your desired travel dates, if not earlier. “Booking early will also give the option to save and plan, make payments and create a registry for contributions. Hence the possibility of increasing the budget for the dream experience,” she says.
2. Do your homework. Take into consideration your personality types. Are you spa lovers or thrill seekers? This will ensure you’re both getting what you want out of the trip. Once you’ve decided what type of vacation you want, you can start researching resorts. Mexico, Jamaica and Punta Cana tend to offer the best airfare options, according to Kimberly. For Mexico and the Caribbean, you can expect a seven-night package to run you between $4,000 and $5,000.
3. Be reasonable when it comes to pricing. Honeymoons can get real spendy, real quick. Kimberly says to “be feasible but mindful that as with most things, you get what you pay for. There are ways to reduce cost by staying fewer nights or lower room categories without affecting the experience.” It’s important to look at all your options and save some of that money for fun things like excursions or a nice dinner. “A five-night stay in a garden-view room at a five-star resort is a much better option than a seven-night stay in an oceanfront room at a two-star resort. A week is a long time to be somewhere you aren’t happy,” Kimberly says.
4. Treat yourself. Yes, it’s important not to blow all your savings on your honeymoon. But you also deserve to spoil yourselves a little bit. Most resorts offer a special honeymoon package, so be sure to inquire about it upon booking and consider adding on extras such as a couples’ massage or an excursion like horseback riding. The memories are priceless.
Where is your dream honeymoon? Let us know in the comments!
(Photos via Honeymoons, Inc.)
