This blog post is part of a paid partnership with Honeyfund.
Everyone dreams about that picture-perfect honeymoon after they’ve tied the knot, but they don’t always consider how much it’s going to cost. Saving for your special getaway can be easier than you think. Whether you’re eyeing that tropical resort or a cozy mountain retreat, these six savvy tips will have you packing your bags without breaking the bank.
1. Go during shoulder season
Traveling during shoulder season is one of the best ways to save for your honeymoon. This is the sweet spot between peak and off-peak months when destinations are less crowded, prices are lower and the weather will still be ideal.
If you’ve always wanted a honeymoon in Europe, shoulder season falls in April to early June and September to October. During these months, you can explore the romantic streets of Paris or the historic ruins of Rome without the crowds. Plus, the weather is usually mild, making it comfortable for all the sightseeing you wish to do.
If you’re considering going to the Caribbean, book your trip for late April to early June or November to mid-December. You’ll miss the winter rush and hurricane season, allowing for beautiful weather, calm beaches and resorts at a fraction of the high season cost.
2. Fly during off-peak days and times
Flying during off-peak days and times allows for cheaper flights, less crowded airports and therefore a lot less stress. If you have a flexible schedule, aim to fly mid-week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays sometimes have the lowest fares because fewer people travel on those days. Try to avoid flying on weekends when demand (and prices) are much higher.
The time of day can matter, too. Early morning flights (we’re talking crack-of-dawn morning, but it’ll be worth it) and late-night red-eyes are usually less expensive than flights in the middle of the day. Plus, airports are much less crowded during these times, allowing for a smooth trip through security and the terminals.
To make finding those off-peak flights easier, use travel websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights and Kayak to compare prices, set alerts for fare drops and find the best deals from different airlines. They also offer flexible search options giving you the chance to explore alternative dates and destinations.
3. Set up a honeymoon fund
Do you really need another toaster or a set of dishes?
That’s what we thought.
Instead of (or in addition to) putting those ordinary items on your wedding registry, why not have your friends and family contribute to that sunset dinner cruise or that couple’s massage you’ve always wanted?
With a Honeyfund registry, it’s easier than ever. You can personalize your registry to include various aspects of your trip. Think romantic dinners, excursions or even flight upgrades. Your guests can pick and choose what they want to contribute to. It’s also very easy to set up. Just make an account, craft your registry and share the link with your wedding guests.
4. Choose the trip type rather than the specific destination
Nothing says honeymoon like an intimate and unique destination. That’s why we think it’s best to travel to places that aren’t on everyone’s radar.
Looking for sea and sun? Instead of heading to jam-packed Santorini, why not discover the hidden beauty of Milos or Kefalonia in Greece? Both offer picture-perfect beaches, charming villages and a relaxed vibe without the large crowds.
Or, if Italy is on your mind, bypass busy Venice and visit the city of Bologna instead. Known for its rich history, tasty cuisine and vibrant culture, Bologna provides that authentic Italian experience without the masses.
5. Look into honeymoon packages
One way to save your time and money is by taking advantage of honeymoon packages. These all-in-one deals often include accommodations, meals, activities and sometimes even flights, bundled together at a discounted rate.
Sandals Resorts offers endless honeymoon packages across their Caribbean properties. Check out their butler suites, including luxurious accommodations (like overwater bungalows), private transfers, a personal butler, two-person soaking tubs, and so much more. Additionally, you get access to all the resort amenities such as water sports, entertainment and gourmet restaurants.
Club Med also offers honeymoon packages that cover accommodations, gourmet meals, an open bar and various activities like snorkeling, sailing and nightly entertainment. Choose from locations like the Dominican Republic, Mexico, the Maldives and Indonesia for your unforgettable holiday.
6. Use credit card points & miles
If you’ve been diligently racking up points with your travel rewards credit card, now is the perfect time to redeem those for flights, hotel stays or even activities.
Many credit card companies like Chase, American Express or Capital One offer flexible travel rewards programs that can be used for various airlines and hotel chains. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card allows you to redeem your points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. This portal often offers extra value for travel redemptions, meaning you could book a round-trip flight or a hotel stay without paying a dime.
7. Buy travel insurance
We know what you’re thinking. Why would we tell you to buy something when we’re supposed to be helping you save money!? Well, unexpected events can happen–flight delays, luggage gets lost or you might have to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Travel insurance can help protect your investment and save you from incurring significant out-of-pocket costs.
Here at Faye, we want to help things go right, especially when it comes to the most important vacation of your life. And who are we to know anything about weddings and honeymoons? Just ask Adam and Jeremy.
This blog post is a paid partnership with Honeyfund. Other activities, links and websites are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration on ways to save for your honeymoon.
