Wedding season is upon us. If you’re busy planning your “I Dos” you may also be busy planning what comes after the ceremony. No, not the reception and not setting up the house, but the one big thing that starts after the wedding but before the happily ever after. That’s right, taking a honeymoon.

A wedding can be expensive, and when you add in a possible once-in-a-lifetime trip to the costs, the entire experience can become a little overwhelming – both financially and emotionally.

Here are four ways you can have the perfect honeymoon without breaking the bank.

Travel off-season

There is nothing in the newlywed handbook that says you have to be taking your honeymoon right after the reception. Travelling off-season can save you hundreds – even thousands of dollars. If you avoid tourist season you and your sweetheart will also probably enjoy the vacation more because you won’t spend time in crowds and waiting in lines.

Weddings are expensive. Waiting a few extra months to take your honeymoon can give you a little bit of breathing room to help save up some extra cash for the vacation. Don’t forget to tell everyone that you’re newlyweds, this can result in lots of freebies and upgrades.

Book with discount websites

You know what’s better than taking a honeymoon with your new spouse? Doing it for cheap. Using a travel agent may be easier than booking your own honeymoon, but it’s not always the more economical option.

Search the web with sites like Priceline and Hotwire to find discount prices on hotels, flights and car rentals. It may take some extra time to research, but it can end up saving you lots of money.

It doesn’t have to be once in a lifetime

When people ask for all the details of your wedding the odds are they’re also going to ask where you’re going for your honeymoon. There can be so much pressure to book a glamorous vacation, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

If jet-setting off to Hawaii to spend two weeks in a private villa isn’t your idea of the perfect honeymoon then don’t do it. People always waste money on things they feel they should do instead of spending money wisely on things they actually want to do. Don’t let that happen on your honeymoon. Maybe your idea of the perfect honeymoon is a stay-cation. Staying home and spending quality time with your new spouse can be just as fabulous as Hawaii.

Avoid all-inclusive vacations

When you book an all-inclusive vacation you have to pay the entire cost upfront. It can be hard for a new couple to hand over thousands of dollars in one shot, especially if they just paid for a wedding. Keep in mind that all-inclusive prices are usually inflated because they assume you are going to maximize amenities such as food and drinks. If you’re not going to do that then you’re probably overpaying. Don’t forget to book everything on your credit card to take advantage of the rewards points and travel insurance, but have a plan for paying it off quickly to avoid financing fees.

A better option is to book different parts of your travel over time. Maybe you book the flights first if you find a good deal and keep searching for a great hotel. There is no travel rule that says you have to book (and pay for) everything at the same time.

All you have to do is find good deals and have fun. After all, you just got married!

Image Courtesy of: Pixabay

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