Thanks to the changing landscape of weddings, today’s newlyweds are typically under more financial stress than the newly married couples of yesteryear. The cost of weddings has risen over the years, and today’s couples are increasingly taking on the bill for their weddings without the help of Mom and Dad.

One of the side effects of this shift in how weddings are paid for concerns honeymoons. Whereas a honeymoon was once a tradition enjoyed by all newly married couples, today’s couples often find there’s not much money left to finance honeymoons after paying for their own weddings. But there are ways couples can still enjoy their dream getaway without breaking the bank.

* Shop for all-inclusive packages. An all-inclusive package might be tailor-made for couples with thin budgets. All-inclusive packages commonly include lodging, food, activities, and alcohol. This can make a trip considerably more affordable. A couple who just finished paying for their wedding expenses and doesn’t have deep pockets won’t have to worry about how they’re going to eat or enjoy themselves if they find an-inclusive package.

* Put the honeymoon off and travel during the off season. Weddings often take place in warm weather seasons, which also happens to be tourist season. As a result, couples who get married during peak wedding season typically find it hard to book an affordable honeymoon. Thankfully, there’s no rule that says a honeymoon must begin immediately after a couple walks down the aisle. Couples who are feeling a financial pinch can book their honeymoon for a few months after the wedding, when it’s not the height of tourist season and resort prices are more affordable.

* Find a lesser-known locale. A Hawaiian honeymoon might be a dream for many couples, but it’s also an expensive dream. Couples who are willing to do a little research can find deals in lesser-known locales that won’t be as expensive. What’s more, such locales likely offer more privacy, making them attractive to newlyweds who just survived the stress of planning and executing a wedding and simply want to get away.

* Take to the Internet. Thanks to the Internet, travel deals are now easier to find than ever before. Some Web sites will do cost analysis for their customers, showing customers how certain deals compare to others. Another way to save is to visit the airline Web site to investigate fares. When trips are booked through an airline Web site and not an unaffiliated travel site, booking fees and additional charges are often waived, saving customers substantial amounts of money. Still, popular travel Web sites should not be ignored, as many offer vacation packages at great prices.

* Consider a shorter trip. Honeymoons don’t have to last a full week. Couples can save considerable amounts of money by choosing a 5-day, 4-night package instead of a week-long trip. Couples who do choose a shorter trip should choose a location that’s close to home so they don’t have to spend significant time traveling.


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