10 Tips To Score a Cheap Honeymoon Vacation

In tough times couples spend more on memories and less on over the top abundance and what better way to start your marriage off right than with an unforgettable honeymoon? But that doesn’t come without a price tag. Even still, we’ve found ten easy ways to save in hopes that you can have your cake and eat it too.

1. Rent an apartment
   If you know you want to spend several days in one location, look into short-term rentals. Often you can find fantastic furnished apartments that are available for rent by the week and are much cheaper than most hotels. As an added bonus you get to experience a more local feel and the culture since you are living where the locals do.
2. Don’t be shy – tell them it’s your honeymoon!
   When you’re on your honeymoon, don’t be afraid to flaunt it! Everyone wants to celebrate with newlyweds, so make sure everyone knows from the beginning of the planning and booking process up to nights out at dinner on your special vacation. Simply by mentioning that you are newlyweds to an airline might get you an upgrade. You could find everything from hotel upgrades, special suites, perks like champagne and flowers in your room, discounts and romance packages to free drinks/desserts from random well-wishers!
3. Know your limits and set your priorities
   When you start to plan, sit down together and make sure you’re on the same page. Discuss what your desires and goals are and what you must have and what you can live without. Make sure you know your budget and plan something within that so you feel comfortable and relaxed during your trip and not anxious about what the final bill will be.
4. Work with a travel agent
   A travel agent is a great resource and can be a wonderful money-saving resource as well. Since they work in the industry, they can often get amazing deals to pass along to you and can create for you a customized romantic trip. Use an agent that specializes in the area you want to go to, an agency that works with cruises, one that has extensive knowledge of Italy, and of course, specializes in honeymoons.
5. Consider a honeymoon registry
   A honeymoon registry is great for those looking to save. Some travel agencies and websites offer a registry service where guests can contribute to a honeymoon fund and travel expenses in lieu of wedding gifts. Guests can also pick a specific perk to give, like a spa treatment or romantic dinner away so they don’t just feel like they are giving you money.
6. Consider an all-inclusive tour, hotel, or cruise
   If worry and hassle free travel is your top priority, this is a great way to make sure you know the exact costs of your trip before you go with no fear of going over. Most all-inclusive venues include meals, room, drinks, entertainment and activities, and taxes. Make sure you do know what they do and do not offer so you aren’t disappointed if, for example, if they don’t include alcohol.
7. Plan a few romantic nights in
   If you book a place where there is a kitchenette, go to a local market and get fresh indigenous fare to cook an intimate dinner for two. Stop by a major store when you arrive and get basic necessities like snacks and easy things to make for breakfast, lunch, and drinks. That way the only meals you have to worry about are dinners out and you can easily make and pack sandwiches for a hike or quesadillas out by the pool.
8. Inquire about packages
   Not only can you find amazing extras when you sign up for a package (which may have a romance, honeymoon, spa, or sport theme), but rates for these packages can include tips, airport transfers, and tax, which can end up saving you big money over the usual room-only rates -- even while you are getting all the perks! Don’t forget to ask wherever you go about specials for newlyweds.
9. Take advantage of off seasons
   All destinations have high and low seasons that can have extreme variations in prices just weeks or even days apart from each other. Sometimes this is due to the weather, but in many tropical destinations there is great weather year-round and price fluctuations are due to an influx of people escaping cold weather at home. Even if there is a weather difference at your chosen location, the money saved might make up for a little bit of poor weather especially if you are going somewhere where your focus will be sightseeing and not just laying on a beach.
10. Research when booking your flights and book in advance
    Often there are smaller airports to fly into that can be cheaper than using major hubs, and airlines run deals at different times of the year. Look into cashing those frequent flyer miles that you’ve been saving up, and check online discount websites for the cheapest flights. Also, check with your hotel to see if they offer complimentary airport pick up and drip off to start saving the moment you land! Plan well in advance and avoid those last minute fees and rate hikes.