How to Honeymoon For Less: Over 30 Money Saving Tricks

After months of hectic wedding planning, the honeymoon is your happily-ever-after. This is the vacation of a lifetime, and you deserve some rest and relaxation. There are easy and practical ways to save hundreds of dollars - all it takes is a little bit of preparation, flexibility and personality!

1. Be open-minded. If you want to save money flexibility is key.
   
   
2. Be frank. Whether it's the travel agent, hotel or airline representative, tell them you are on a budget. If they want your business, they'll try to work with you.
   
   
3. Ask questions. Are there any special promotions available? What is the lowest rate? Are there any hidden fees? More information means fewer surprises.
   
   
4. Prioritize. What's more important - an ocean-view room or an extra day?
   
   
5. Comparison shop. Experts advise you to get estimates/proposals from at least three companies in each category. Choose the one that works best for you.
   
   
6. Take a chance. Enter contests! Almost every bridal magazine and event offers the chance to win a free honeymoon.
   
   
7. Talk to friends. You may have to endure an hour of photo albums and vacation video, but their feedback is invaluable. Even if you are headed for a different destination, ask them what they would have done differently.
   
   
8. Take advantage of freebies. Send for free information, booklets and brochures. Some bridal magazines have an entire section devoted to free information and coupons.
   
   
9. Toot your own horn. Unless you are a celebrity dodging the paparazzi, let everyone know your "just married" status. Collect free champagne, extra-special service and other perks.
   
   
10. Consider a destination wedding. Having problems paying for both a wedding and a honeymoon? Combine the two. Ask family and close friends to join you for a portion of the time.
    
    
11. Try love American-style. There are plenty of honeymoon hot-spots right here in the U.S. Relaxing beaches, high adventure, culture, history, nightlife - there's plenty to go around from sea to shining sea.
    
    
12. Take a road trip. Forget airfare. Go wherever you want, whenever you want.
    
    
13. Choose a cruise. Most packages include food, accommodations and activities plus early-booking incentives.
    
    
14. Keep it short. If money is tight, limit your honeymoon to a weekend or a few days, then...
    
    
15. Double your fun. Continue your "honeymoon" with a longer vacation on your first or five-year anniversary.
    
    
16. Charge it! If you don't have a credit card with frequent flyer or rewards programs, get one. Use it for all your wedding-related purchases and collect miles towards the destination of your choice.
    
    
17. Consider all-inclusives. They're a budgeter's best friend. Depending on the resort or hotel, almost everything is included... airfare, accommodations, food, activities, entertainment, tips and in many cases - alcohol - for one flat fee. You can easily control your spending by knowing most of the costs up-front.
    
    
18. Begin early. Give yourself plenty of time to research, shop around, compare pricing and get recommendations.
    
    
19. Register. Give wedding guests the chance to contribute towards your honeymoon. Friends and family can purchase a romantic dinner, a helicopter ride, or tickets to a show.
    
    
20. Every penny counts. The average American handles roughly $600 in loose change each year. Set aside, that's $1200 per couple.
    
    
21. Little things mean a lot. Tighten your weekly budget. Brown bag it to work instead of buying lunch. Skip your daily coffee run. Need a reason to quit smoking? It all adds up... in your favor.
    
    
22. Seek assistance. A travel agent will get you the most bang for your honeymoon buck. The service, guidance and inside information can't be beat, plus they'll fight your battles if there are any last-minute problems.
    
    
23. Add indulgence to your itinerary. OK, so it's not the most spontaneous way to go, but it will keep your budget on-track. Factor a few splurges into your budget... it will give you something to look forward to and you won't feel deprived.
    
    
24. Buy groceries. Buy some easy-to-carry snacks for the airplane and hotel room. When you reach your destination, purchase staples like cereal, milk, juice and bagels. This works best when you...
    
    
25. Book a room with a refrigerator. Even better if accommodations include a small kitchen. This allows you to store key breakfast and lunch items and even gives you the option to cook (if you must).
    
    
26. Rent a car in advance. Make a reservation. The rates tend to be higher in the airport terminal.
    
    
27. Ask for upgrades. It never hurts to ask, especially if you tell them you're honeymooners.
    
    
28. Take the long way. Direct flights are convenient but costly. It may also be cheaper to fly direct to a nearby city and drive or take a taxi the rest of the way.
    
    
29. Make Saturday a day of rest. Airfare and hotel accommodations tend to be cheaper if you stay over Saturday.
    
    
30. Travel on a weekday. It can save hundreds of dollars.
    
    
31. Don't follow the crowd. Choose an off-season destination. Not only do you save money, there are also fewer crowds, thus, better service!
    
    
32. Limit your souvenir buying. Don't feel pressured to buy tiny trinkets for your entire office. If you feel obligated, buy something that everyone can share, like candy.