1Honeymoon Ideas: Ask Friends and Family

Start by asking around to see if anyone you know can help. Does someone have a timeshare they aren’t using this year? Own a beach house or cottage in the woods? Have some airline miles they can donate to the cause? Friends and family may have cheap or free options that they will be happy to lend to you so that you can enjoy yourselves on your honeymoon. The two biggest costs of any trip are the airfare to get there and the accommodations when you arrive. If you can eliminate one or the other, you are saving big on your honeymoon.

2Honeymoon Ideas: Drive to Your Destination

The best way to eliminate the cost of airfare is to simply choose not to fly. Select a destination you can drive to instead. No matter where you live, there are likely some lovely honeymoon vacation spots within a few hours’ drive. Instead of the typical beach honeymoon, choose a secluded spot in the woods or the mountains. This might be an easier drive depending on where you live. If your heart is set on the beach, consider California or Florida if either is within driving distance.

3Honeymoon Ideas: Rent a Condo or Vacation Home

Hawaii is a very popular honeymoon destination, and also carries the benefit of not requiring a passport. Resorts on the islands can be extremely expensive, so instead look into a condo or vacation home rental, or a small bed and breakfast inn. In fact, no matter where you want to travel for your honeymoon, avoiding the major resorts is often the best way to save on accommodations. Check out websites like www.vrbo.com (Vacation Rentals by Owner) to find great deals on privately rented homes and condos that will save you a ton of money. Staying in a place with a full kitchen will also allow you to cook some of your own meals, saving big on the cost of meals while on your honeymoon.

4Honeymoon Ideas: Travel During the Off-Season

Even if your wedding is at the height of the honeymoon season, consider putting the trip off for a short time and going in the off-season. Shortly after the transition to off-season rates is the best time to go – the weather is generally still good, and the cost can be as much as half off the high season. Before you choose an off-season honeymoon though, check on the weather for your destination. Nobody wants to spend their honeymoon in a hurricane or a monsoon! Be sure you aren’t going to during a time of particularly bad weather.

5Honeymoon Ideas: Vacation Packages and Cruises

Vacation packages can save you a lot of money on your honeymoon. Purchasing airfare together with hotel often means discounts on both. All-inclusive honeymoon packages can also be a big money-saver, because all of your meals are included in the package price. Booking an all-inclusive resort or vacation package well in advance of travel can lead to much lower rates. You should also consider going in the off-season for even better rates.

Cruises are a romantic honeymoon choice that can be had to very reasonable prices if you shop around. Don’t spend the extra money on an ocean view or balcony cabin! Save that money and simply go for a walk in the deck for fresh air instead. Interior cabins are much more affordable, and on your honeymoon you aren’t likely to spend much time looking out the window when in your room anyway! Because cruises are all-inclusive, you will pay one flat rate for everything you need on your honeymoon. This means accommodations, food, drinks and entertainment are all part of the deal. Cut your cruise by a day or two to save even more – consider a 5-day cruise instead of a 7-day.

If you aren’t picky about what airline you fly or where you stay, try websites like Priceline or Hotwire. They don’t tell you the details until after you purchase, but you can find some excellent deals on hotels, airfare, and rental cars through these sites. Priceline even lets you place a “bid” on the travel needs in question and if accepted can save big money.

6Honeymoon Ideas: Find Last-Minute Deals

If you don’t mind doing your honeymoon planning at the last minute, you can find all kinds of great deals by shopping a day or two before departure. Empty rooms in hotels and empty seats on planes are often sold off at rock-bottom prices. Sudden sales to exotic locations can come up out of nowhere. If you don’t mind the adventure of choosing a destination based on what’s on sale, you can have an incredible honeymoon for much less than what everyone else on your flight paid!

Let your travel agent know that you are on the lookout for a deal, and have them give you a call when one comes up. Be prepared to book immediately, sales come and go and the cheapest seats on a flight fill up very quickly. Hesitation can cost you, so agree with your soon-to-be spouse ahead of time on how much you want to spend, and be prepared to book tickets and hotels at a moment’s notice.

Your honeymoon can be perfect, romantic, beautiful and also affordable if you take the time to shop around, consider some money-saving options like driving to your destination or off-season travel, and are open to last-minute choices. There is no reason you can’t have the honeymoon of your dreams on a tight budget. Just use all of the tools at your disposal – especially the internet – to find the best prices on the best places, and get ready to relax!