15 Budget Honeymoon Ideas

No one wants to skimp on their honeymoon. Posh accommodations, intimate meals and soothing massages rank high on the wish list of virtually every newlywed, but most people don’t have an unlimited expense account. No need to take the backpack and hostel route, just focus on these five areas to cut down your costs.

The Planning

A little legwork early in your engagement goes a long way toward balancing your honeymoon budget.

1. Consider a travel agent
It’s easy to find a flight and book a hotel over the internet, so the idea of working with a travel agent might seem antiquated. While it’s not for everyone sometimes a travel agent can save money for those who don’t have a specific destination in mind. They sometimes have information about a specific deal that you might not find after hours of trawling the internet. If you’re open to any number of islands and resorts, see what a travel agent has to offer.

2. Use frequent flyer points
If you’ve charged wedding expenses on your credit card, your honeymoon is the perfect time to cash in all the bonus points you accumulated. Free airfares are great and even if you don’t have enough points for that you can still go for an upgrade from economy to business class, allowing you to begin and end your honeymoon in style.

3. Start a honeymoon registry
As a traditional part of attending your wedding, guests will give you gifts and the majority of them will shop straight from your wedding registry. If you have ample linens and china’s just not your style, set up a honeymoon registry and have guests pay for part of your trip in lieu of traditional gifts.

More: The 10 Most Romantic Cities

The Destination

An open mind while picking a honeymoon spot gives you a better chance of finding a good deal.

4. Take advantage of low season
Every destination has a high and low season. During the high season there are crowds and high prices so its worth considering a honeymoon in the downtime. In low season you can get some amazing deals as there’s far less demand and the weather is still appealing in some destinations. September is a great season for Bali, as its not peak tourist time and the weather is still fantastic! February and March is also a good time to honeymoon in Fiji as you can get some great hotel deals in this downtime.

5. Go where the dollar hasn’t deflated
Poor currency exchange can sabotage your budget. The dollar is stronger than it’s been for a long time in some very popular destinations like the United States, but it’s still worthwhile checking the exchange and associated fees on your destination before you make a decision. Seek a destination that you get good value for money and you’ll be more relaxed about splurging on a second glass of celebratory bubbly. Ask your travel agent for some recommendations.

6. Consider an all inclusive
One of the best reasons to honeymoon at an all inclusive resort is that you have a clear estimate of how much your trip will cost and budget accordingly. Find out exactly what you’re paying for and factor in a couple of meals at restaurants outside the resort, day trips or other excursions that might not be included. Then you’ll have a solid idea of how much you’ll spend.

The Transportation

Getting from point A to point B can be the bulk of your bill, but there are easy ways to save.

7. Fly off-peak
Flights are less expensive on certain days of the week. If you’re travelling domestic, fly on a Sunday to avoid business travellers. If you’re going overseas, find a better deal by leaving on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

8. Ask if airport pick-up is included
When you book a hotel, try to score a ride from the airport, some hotels offer complimentary transportation but make sure you ask in advance. If a taxi is your only option, hail a cab in an area of the airport designated for transportation rather than riding with some guy who sidles up at baggage claim and offers you a lift.

9. Use public transport
Unless you’re renting a car, use public transport as much as possible. Cab rides, while convenient, inevitably wreak havoc on your budget. Before you travel, familiarise yourself with your honeymoon spot’s main modes of transportation, be it train, tram, or bus. Saving money isn’t the only benefit of mass transit, in congested cities trains are very often the quickest way across town.

The Hotel

A dismal room can ruin a trip, but saving money doesn’t have to mean staying in a dump.

10. Get a room with no view
Check any hotel’s website and you’ll find a range of room rates. A room’s size and view are two factors that hike up the price. Cut your accommodation’s cost by booking a room looking upon a slightly less attractive landscape. When you spend most of your time on the beach, you’ll hardly notice whether your room has a view of the ocean or a garden, and the savings can be significant.

11. Investigate packages
If a hotel offers a honeymoon package take a close look to see if it’s really a money saving deal. If the offer is six nights for the price of five, that’s worthwhile. If the package brings an evening rose petal turndown service plus champagne for an added $100, it’s cheaper to forgo the extras and book at the normal room rate.

12. Mention you’re newlyweds
You can often leverage the fact you’re on your honeymoon for special treatment. While there are no hard rules for the practice, or guarantees the hotel will do anything, it’s worth telling the receptionist you’ll be spending your first days of married life with them. We’ve heard of couples getting complimentary room upgrades. It’s also worth dropping the h-word when you’re at airport check-in, and any bartender’s bound to offer a round on the house.

The Food

An extraordinary honeymoon requires great food and drink, but the costs of eating out add up. Learn how to maximise your meal money.

13. Stray from the hotel
A hotel’s restaurant is definitely hassle-free dining, but that convenience often comes with a marked up price. Consult a guide book for some other options.

14. Talk to locals
With some insider info, you’ll find an unassuming fish stand in a Caribbean market or a hole in the wall bistro on a European side street that serves the best meal of your entire trip. Ask the local baker, butcher or fishmonger for their pick for the best bite in town, chances are that it will be reasonably priced and utterly delicious.

15. Prepare a few meals
Making your own lunch doesn’t have to lack romance. Go to the local supermarket and stock up on sandwich ingredients, fruit and other picnic goods. Trek to a secluded spot and enjoy a private lunch. You’ll save money without missing out on the fond memories every honeymooner deserves.