A wedding with all the trimmings is costly enough on its own. Add in a honeymoon, and you may be wondering how you’ll be able to afford life after your nuptials. If you’re looking to go to exotic regions, but you’re daunted by the prices, it’s important to keep your budget in mind. Many newlyweds hear the word “budget” and fear the worst. But contrary to what you might think, there are plenty of cost-saving ways to enrich your honeymoon without breaking the bank.
For instance, if you were heading from Texas to Spain, why not engage in a bonding activity with your significant other with some Spanish lessons in Houston? Or if you’re heading to the City of Love, why not coordinate your trip around days where museums are discounted or free? What’s important is understanding that no matter what your budget is, you can adjust your honeymoon to accommodate it without losing out on the experiences pertinent to your destination. Here are a few tips:
France
If you’ve yet to walk the streets of France, there’s nothing like being greeted upon your arrival with the scents of baguette’s permeating the air. After planning a wedding, you probably think that you don’t have enough room left in your bank account to afford such an excursion. If you don’t plan on staying at a five star hotel, you can still capture the excitement of France without going into debt.
When you’re looking for a hotel, three star accommodations such as the Hotel Gabriel Paris are comfortable and clean. If you’re looking to get around, the regions second class train seating has the right amount of spaciousness for an affordable price. Although you may be tempted to dine at the most elite establishments, the local market allows you to sample the finest foods and wine from Paris. Purchase tickets for the metro or walk to see famous sites such as Place des Vosges and Notre Dame.
Italy
Because today’s couples aren’t held to traditions from the past, you have free reign to plan where and how you want to celebrate your big day. You can use that same non-traditional thinking when planning your trip. Italy can be an affordable place to travel when you go during the off season. Here you’ll find places such as the Vatican and the Colosseum to be less crowded and costly. You’ll also find your accommodation inventory to be at its highest levels.
If you’re traveling to Rome, stay in the city central, so you can walk to Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Cities like Rome are much more walkable than you might think; the majority of attractions can be reached in a single day. Italy also has a host of free museums where you can fill your head with history from the past. Opt for downloadable self-guided tours instead of costly guided ones. And instead of dining out for dinner each night, choose lighter fare options such as lunch for your primary meal.
Oahu
A popular spot where couples travel to soak up fun in the sun on their honeymoon is Hawaii. But if you’re watching your pennies, you may not think you could afford to do Oahu on a budget. Lodging can be costly, unless you book during the offseason months of January, February or fall. With today’s use of Airbnbs, you can also find a place to stay for a fraction of the price.
Attractions such as the USS Arizona Memorial can be pricey. But if you’re an early riser, they give out free tickets on a first-come basis daily. To keep your food budget to a minimum, you want to take advantage of the areas local food trucks, open markets and diners. Because Hawaii’s climate is balmy, much of your time will be spent outdoors doing free activities such as sun bathing and swimming.
St. Barth
You don’t need a lot of money to honeymoon like a millionaire. St. Barth may be known for its sophistication, glamour and yachts, but it’s also very welcoming for those on a budget. When looking for lodging, select quaint places such as the Hotel Le Village. Here you’ll experience the island’s beauty and be able to walk to restaurants and shops. Food can be costly, so you want to look for the spots the locals choose to frequent. You can also sample French wine and tasty food already prepared at the local markets. Scheduling a trip between the middle of April and November is also more affordable.
After paying for a wedding, not everyone has the funds to go to extravagant places. But with the above strategies, you’ll be able to create a memorable exotic honeymoon and stay within your budget.
