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| Home > Honeymoon > Budgeting for honeymoon
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| | Budgeting for honeymoon
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 Budgeting for the honeymoon is a necessary part of the whole process, just like budgeting for the wedding itself. How much to spend depends on many factors: destination, time of the year, duration and more.
Begin by doing a little comparison. Prices vary greatly, not just from destination to destination but from resort to resort. And within the same resort, you`ll find a full menu of price options, depending on factors like room view and length of stay. The "rack rate" or price you are quoted if you call a property is usually the highest; through tour operators and wholesalers you can often receive substantial discounts.
The price of air travel to your honeymoon destination also varies greatly. On any given flight, there are far more price classes than just first and coach. That traveler sitting beside you may have paid far less-or more-for his ticket.
Check with travel agents for special deals only they can access, try different days if you have some flexibility in travel times, and don`t forget online travel services. And, if you have more than one airport in your area, it pays to compare the price of departing from various gateways. The difference can sometimes be several hundreds.
The time of the year to travel also greatly influences the cost of your honeymoon. Every destination has a high season and a low season when prices reflect demand. The difference between high and low season prices can vary as much as 40%. Resorts and hotels that seem out of reach during peak season may be right in your price range during off season. Regardless of the month of your honeymoon, you`ll find both high and low seasons around the world. One destination`s high season may well be another destination`s low season. Another option is "shoulder" seasons, those months just before and after high season. During this period, there are lighter crowds than during high season, good weather, but prices somewhere between those found during high and low seasons.
Historically honeymoons lasted 30 days. Today only a few lucky honeymooners get to spend a month on their trip. So, the question remains, how long to honeymoon? There`s no prescribed time. Take what the couple feels comfortable in taking. A long weekend at a wonderful local inn can be a magical honeymoon. So can a four-night getaway, a week-long cruise, or a two-week tour. It`s completely up to their tastes, budget, and time constraints.
Budget:Splurge but don`t overburden yourself. This is a trip you`ll remember the rest of your life. You`ll always remember the honeymoon, but you`ll forget how much you spent. All-inclusive resorts and cruises make your budgeting much easier, because these packages include practically everything.
Consider activities of your interested in, beach bumming, golf, snorkeling, nightlife, breakfast in bed, bicycling, scuba, exploring ancient ruins, gambling, etc.
Check your Calendar: If you can only be gone for a few nights, look for something close. If you`re planning for one week, try to limit your transportation time. If you have a few weeks, the whole world opens up.
Food: Dining is always near the top of the list for vacationers, especially honeymooners. Make sure you`ll be able to have pleasurable dining experiences.
Surprise or not to Surprise: Planning a surprise honeymoon is very risky. Use extreme caution. Make sure you know it will be a pleasant suprise, or the surprise might be on you.
Photographs: Force yourself to take as many pictures as you can stand. You`ll be happy you did.
Plan to relax: Especially on the first day. Unwind. Smell the roses. Enjoy each other. Weddings tend to be stressful. The honeymoon should be stress free.
Accommodations: Book the best room that you can afford! We do prefer to put you at the best resort possible within your budget even if we have to put you in a room without an ocean view. The resorts, however, are always telling us about how many clients try to upgrade once they arrive and see the beachfront rooms.
Packing: Always put some of her clothes in his bag, and put some of his clothes in her bag, just as a precaution. Never pack valuables such as jewlery and cameras. Pack a carry on bag with valuables, prescriptions, suntan lotion,, swimwear, travel documents, and sunglasses, just in case you have to wait for your room.s
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