How To Cut 30% Off Your Honeymoon

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 29th, 2010

1.Plan Ahead ? Contrary to popular belief, the best prices, especially on luxury vacations, go to those who plan well in advance. In fact, many better cruise cabins and luxury resorts just aren't available if you wait. Many cruise lines and resorts offer and early booking discounts. Airlines, too, reward those who book early, with lower fares and more desirable seat assignments.

2.Consider a Honeymoon Registry - Let your friends and family help pay for your honeymoon by signing up for a honeymoon registry. Similar to a department store registry for silver, china, or housewares, a honeymoon registry is sponsored by a travel company or agency and allows wedding guests to pay into a fund for your honeymoon.

3.Stay Close to Home ? You don't have to necessarily go far from home to be romantic. Consider a night or two in your town's most luxurious hotel or charming bed and breakfast. What you save in airfare will buy a romantic dinner for two or perhaps even a suite. Most cities have attractions within a short drive ? perhaps a wine growing region or a scenic lake or a natural attraction, like Niagara Falls. Just because it's near to home doesn't mean it won't make a great honeymoon choice.

4.Go Luxury, but Go Shorter ? Do you have your heart set of that luxury resort or destination, but it's just outside of your budget? Consider booking a five-night stay rather than a seven-night one. You'll still get to stay at the resort of your dreams without having to settle for something cheaper.

5.Book an All-Inclusive Resort or a Cruise ? Having your entire honeymoon expenses included in one price can really help to save money. Resorts, such as Sandals in the Caribbean, and ClubMed, worldwide, include accommodations, transportation, meals, drinks, watersports, and more ? all in one prepaid price. No searching for an affordable place for dinner or trying to negotiate with a watersports vendor. It's all included. Cruises, too, offer a 20 to 30 percent savings over similar land-based vacations and include meals, entertainment, transfers, and accommodations all in one price.

6.Save on Meals ? Three meals a day can really dip into your honeymoon funds ? and who can resist all of those tempting dishes? Save on meals by preparing a few of your own. If you are staying in a condo, making sandwiches or a salad for lunch can save a bundle. Plus, you don't have to interrupt your beach time by dressing to go to the dining room. Even hotel rooms with just a refrigerator can accommodate such things as salads, deli turkey, and cheese.

If you're traveling in a big city, consider eating as the locals do: in New York, sample the street fare, in London, try a pub lunch, and in Paris, pick up a baguette, some cheese, and wine and head for the park. For beverages, stick to local beers and wines.