It is a popular misconception that a honeymoon has to cost the earth. Whilst it's true to say that it probably won’t be the cheapest vacation you ever go on, there's plenty you can do to help trim pounds of your budget.
So if you are interested in how you could get to go on the holiday of your dreams for less than you thought, read on.
· Use up ‘points’ from any schemes you are members of: Many schemes (Air Miles, Clubcard points, Nectar points etc) will offer members the opportunity to trade in their balance/part balance for items which can be used to help fund the honeymoon. Travel vouchers, flights, UK hotels, airport parking, travel insurance and activities are just some of the products on offer, so stop saving and start spending!
· Shop around: Speak to multiple travel agents, browse telextext or travel channels, call hotels direct, look on the internet and in newspapers. You name it, don’t leave any stone unturned – there are bargains to be had if you are willing to put in the donkey work. Do this for every element of your honeymoon from the flights to the insurance and don’t be afraid to play one off against another if you think there is an opportunity to save a few more quid.
· Use your Gift List wisely: It needn’t be all pots and pans! Instead, try asking for foreign currency or ask guests to pay for a specific element of your honeymoon such as an excursion you are looking to go on.
· Start Early: Bargains can be got at the last minute, but because it is your honeymoon you really shouldn’t take a gamble. Instead, book as early as possible – great discounts can be found if you book over a year in advance, sometimes these will even exceed any offers you can get by waiting till the last moment.
· Keep an eye on the exchange rate: Exchange rates can vary wildly and change literally overnight so don’t be fooled into thinking that you need to wait till just before you leave before getting hold of your travellers cheques of foreign currency. If you can get nearer 2 dollars for your pound rather than a buck fifty, it can make one heck of a difference.
· Get off the beaten track: Many of the best restaurants and shops are not the ones on the main street, but those bustling with locals in the backstreets of town (after all, who would know better than a local?). Be adventurous and you’ll get much better value for money.
· Consider alternative departure points: If you live 10 miles from Birmingham airport you may automatically assume that you must fly from there. But if a two hour drive up the M6 to Manchester means that the price of your flights plummets, then get in that car and start driving!
· Don’t go overboard with gifts: Your friends and family back home won’t be expecting much (or anything at all) but if you do plan to get them a little something make sure you shop around and get them something traditional to where you are. A speciality of the country will be a lot cheaper than one of those cheap fake Barcelona footy shirts you get on holiday and will be appreciated much more. So shop smart and buy local.
· Forgo meals on the plane/train/ferry: Rather than eating the meals offered to you at a premium, plan in advance and either eat before you leave or pack some sandwiches to eat en-route. It may only save twenty pound or so, but every little helps when the money’s tight.
· Consider Alternative Modes of Transport: If you’re off to Paris it may be quicker and convenient to fly direct, but hopping on a Ferry could save you a packet, so if you need a little extra cash this can be a great way of finding some. Likewise, budget airlines are cheap and cheerful and whilst they may not be as luxurious as some of the big players, they are often a darn sight cheaper!
· Don’t use hotel phones: Phoning anywhere from your hotel is notoriously expensive so instead your mobile (if your tariff is cheap) or consider purchasing a pre-paid phone card.
· Don’t fly direct: Stopping off at an airport en-route to your final destination could add a few hours to your journey time, but at the same time it may also save you a pretty penny, so think outside the box when looking at the travel aspect.
· Eat your main meals during the day: Many restaurants will offer lunchtime specials. You could find that you are ablew to dine at the best place in town for a fraction of what it would normally cost if you only ate a few hours earlier.
· Don’t buy books at the airport: Airport bookshops are convenient, but won’t always have what you want and will normally charge full price. Buy your reading materials before you go and not only will you not have to compromise, but you could save a few quid in the process.
· Don’t buy onboard drinks and snacks: Whether you are travelling by air, sea or land, prices are increased and pack sizes are normally decreased. For that 250ml can of pop of the aeroplane you could have bought two 330ml cans from the supermarket! Take snacks, sweets and drinks with you from home to help cut the costs.
· Think about your board basis: When it comes to your board basis, you have five main options; all-inclusive, full board, half-board, bed and breakfast or self-catering. Generally the first and the last ones tend to provide best value for money but don’t assume this. Talk with your partner about what you plan to get from your honeymoon and determine your board basis from this – you could end up with smaller food and drink bills than you thought.
· Tap into existing underutilised benefits: Your credit card, home/car insurance, bank and even your employer may offer benefits that you weren’t even aware of. Common things are basic travel insurance, hotel discounts, and third party driving cover. Read your existing documentation or speak to someone to find out if you qualify.
· Buy an Air Pass/Travel Card: If you are planning to hop from one place to the next when you are away, consider buying a travel card/air pass. This will allow you to get around with all transport costs covered. You may find that you are able to save hundreds of pounds if you get hold of the right one.
· Read the Small Print: The golden rule is that if something sounds too good to be true it often is. When comparing deals make sure that you know exactly what each one includes. Common differences often concern resort transfers, gratuity inclusion and fuel surcharges, so make sure that you are comparing apples with apples, not with pears.
· Use the phrase ‘we’re on our honeymoon!’: A quick mention of the phrase can sometimes get you a room upgrade, best table in the restaurant or complimentary wine and flowers. Don’t be ashamed to brag – be proud!
· Travel Midweek: Going somewhere on a weekend, particularly a Friday and Saturday is usually busier and more expensive, so instead why not depart on a cheaper, quieter day?
· Barter: Both at home and abroad, just because it has a price on the ticket it doesn’t mean that that’s what you’ll have to pay. Retailers build in a profit margin, so there is always scope for reductions if you haggle hard. You might not always get one, but if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
A honeymoon certainly isn’t cheap, but if you put just one of the ideas in this article into practice then at least you will have saved something. Happy shopping!
