dream trip or not?

tinstarsunshine

So FI and I are trying to book our HM now.  We had originally been set for a trip that took us to Paris, Istambul and then the island of Antalya.  He was wicked excited since its a place I've never been and we oculd explore it together.  However when i crunched the numbers I found it to be way to pricey even with the free hotel rooms in Paris and Istambul. He insists we can save for it and go.

I found a great deal for the Domincan Republic that is probably quarter of the price.  My only issue is that this is the only place I've ever really traveled to and we had already gone once before when he went to meet my family.  Im not thrilled but i know we can have a great time there and best of all we can be together.

Should we hold off, save and hope nothing pops up or should we spring for this deal and enjoy it anyway?

Katred08

First of all, love your shoes!  I bought the same ones in blue for my wedding (and I haven't even gotten my dress yet!)

I honestly don't have any real advice for you, but just wanted to let you know that you're not alone....I'm having the same issues about a honeymoon--should we make it a one in a lifetime kind of trip that might be a little bit too spendy, or stick with something a cheaper, even though it might be a trip that it seems like we could do anytime.....I really can't decide.  I think you're going to be so happy on your honeymoon that when it's time, you won't care where you are, you'll just want to be with your new husband.  Then again, it's sort of nice to have an "excuse" to go on a blow out trip!  Could you sort of just meet in the middle and keep your eyes out for great deals that might cost a little bit more than the Dominican, but are still a lot less than the dream trip?  That way you'd still be going somewhere new that you've both never been before, but without going all out.

mbishop7

We were lucky in that my FIs parents gave us $3,500 for honeymoon, but we were also in the same boat deciding whether to go alllllll out or just go a little cheaper and still have a great time. 

I was dead set on a brand of resorts but they were about $1,000 above what his parents gave us. Did we really need to spend that extra $1,000? We decided that we didn't have to go into debt to have a great time. We found a great AI resort in Riviera Maya for well under what his parents gave us. We are using the extra money for passport and spending. 

I agree with PP and maybe meet in the middle. You don't have to go to the DR if you have been there. Go somewhere else! There are tons of AI options in the Carribean. Aruba, St. Lucia, Antigua, Mexico..

monkeysip

You should definitely do something that you can afford.  Don't go into debt or go absolutely broke just to afford a honeymoon.

But if you can make the budget work, I'd go to Europe/Turkey!  Personally, I'm planning a honeymoon that will be our dream trip because I don't know when we'll be able to take a really far away, long trip ever again.  

But if you just can't make Paris/Istanbul/Antayla, or some variation of this plan work, then go for something cheaper.  Don't know why it has to be DR though.  I'm sure DR is beautiful, but since you've already been, I'd find another trip that is more affordable.

acaponi87

I'm gonna be the little devil on your shoulder.

I say go for it. IT WOULD BE AMAZING. And this is probably the only time in your life that you will be able to justify such a trip (this easily at least). It's expensive, yes. But like your FI says if you save for it and can make it happen, I would. Don't go somewhere you've already been. This is the beginning of your new life together..do something new and exciting and something that will be special to the 2 of you.

AdeleDazeem

I would 100% rather go to Paris and Istanbul than a resort in the Dominican.

What if you just do two of the places instead of all three?  Maybe skip the island since you wouldn't have a cheaper place to stay?

vgyurko

I say go for it if its reasonably not too much more than what you were anticipating... its a once in a lifetime thing and you only get one honeymoon.. there's no other time that you can 'justify' a relatively extravagant trip

xinabride

I kinda agree to try to make the trip to Europe work even if its just one city instead of 3. Don't get in over your head and but yourself in debt but see where your budget can take you and some expense you can cut back on in everyday life and even the wedding. 

Your wedding day will pass in a blur. It will be wonderful but time just goes so fast. I think the Honeymoon is really the extension of the wedding to celebrate with each other and you will have a lot more memories from that trip. Why not make it something you can look back on and be so glad you took the time to do it.

Hilraythebride

I agree with acaponi, if you take a small trip and then say you are going to do a big one later, you will one spend all your money on the honeymoon and go on with your lives.  It will still be a dream but not as easy to justify and take off from work and such!

Our HM is way too expensive but it is something we can afford and something we will always remember!!

alithebride

the most important thing is that you can afford it so if your fi is correct and you have enough time to save to afford the larger trip comfortably then do it.  work out the numbers. if it doesn't work or puts you into debt than find something else.

Santorini2011

Do the big trip AS LONG AS you have the cash in hand and have budgeting for the daily expenses.

I speak from experience.  We opted to take a long homeymoon to a far away place because we could afford it without credit and had the time to do it.  The way I look at it is you will most likely not have that many opportunities in the future so why not.  I have NO regrets and can't believe we had thought twice.  It was an amazing trip, we were still on a cloud from getting married, and we shared it together.

In looking at your itinerary, I'd drop one place to ease the budget.