Cheap honeymoon?

amylo84 · December 2010

Most posts on this board are about couples going to exotic places and foreign countries, places that I will never be able to go. So just as an average (or *poor*) couple, we decided that we could only afford a modest honeymoon. by modest I don't mean "I guess I'll have to fly coach instead of first class" kinda of modest. I'm thinking of something well under $2000. we were thinking about the mountains but does anybody have any ideas for something in or around the south for a December honeymoon? I want to have a memorable honeymoon, but by reading some posts I feel like without going around the world or traveling europe or something fascinating like that, people kinda look at it as 'meh' and don't give much advice.

camillicat · December 2010

We are in the exact same boat!!! In terms of something south in December....New Orleans would be a really beautiful place to go and the weather would be awesome in December. I was there in February a couple years ago...and there is much to do that doesn't cost alot. If you search around you can probably find some deals with hotels and airfare. My fiancee and I are thinking about Disney World...but even that is over 2000. It's really tough and I feel your pain!! Good Luck!!

amylo84 · December 2010

My FI loves New Orleans, but I'm not so sure about going there for a honeymoon. I always think of bars and parties when I think of NO. We were planning on doing Disney but due to money probs (I got *demoted* at work) we aren't gonna have as much $ as we thought we would. It can get rather expensive

Sue-n-Kevin · December 2010

You don't say how long you want to spend on your honeymoon, but here's my thought: what do you and your fiance like to do? Did you want somewhere warm (the south is your only option at the time of your wedding, other than perhaps southern CA), do you like history, do you like sports, do you like snow? Do you want to just cuddle up for a few days, or go sight seeing?

I know it's hard to imagine planning a honeymoon on a budget. But remember, you will get quite a bit of cash at your wedding, which may expand your budget (unless you are already including that in your post). You can still see a lot in the US for under $2000 in early December.

Sort out your mutual interests first, then figure out places in the US (or other places) that offer what you want. The easiest way to reduce the cost of a honeymoon is keep it short, and/or drive to your ultimate destination. If the drive is longer, you can make plans to sight see and stay at B&B's or nice places along the way. My fiance & I love driving vacations, we share the driving, and if there's something interesting along the way, we stop. Sometimes it's not right on the highway, but available by side roads.

FYI, I just checked San Diego weather for this week, the highs are in the mid 60's and there's a lot to see there (the zoo, Coronado Bay), great hotels. There's also Las Vegas which is usually pretty warm in December. Also, if you've never been to Washington DC, I HIGHLY recommend it. You can get around there by the metro train/subway system, and there is so much to see and do for FREE that your only cost is airfare or gas, and your hotel.

Good luck.

katheriner89 · December 2010

Yes, I'm with CMGr. A cruise would fit in your budget.
You could afford to go to somewhere "nice" if you shortened your trip a little. Talk to a travel agent. With you being in Al, look up cruise lines that port close to you, it would save you gas $.

Good luck!

arcany123 · December 2010

i agree with the cruise! i have been on the imagination (and other newer ships) and it definitely one of my favorites! definitely consider it!

amylo84 · December 2010

thanks for the suggestions! I would love indulge in the "wintery christmasy" atmosphere of December, thats why I was thinking about the mountains, but I have been there sooo many times (but never in the winter) and want something out of the ordinary. considering it is a week after thanksgiving it is budget season until the week or 2 before Christmas!!

amylo84 · December 2010

May I ask what are your favorite cruise destinations? I know mexico and the bahamas are probably the most popular.

R.Wilsonny · December 2010

Some really good suggestions from people here. I´m actually in the process of figuring out what we should do for our honeymoon and I've found several options, so like everyone else said, depending on how long you want to go away for, you definitely can do something within your budget.

Check out these sites - maybe you will see something on one of these:

travelzoo.com
allinclusiveoutlet.com
cheapcaribbean.com
villascaribe.com

My friends booked their honeymoon thru the last website....I forget where they wound up going because they changed their plans at the last minute, but they said they got a good deal through there......the first website, travelzoo, I actually got an amazing deal to go to London for 7 days with my mother - we went in February, and paid like 700$ per person with the upgrades we did - the original price of the package was $400 per person, and that included the airfare, hotel, and breakfast everyday. Anyway, good luck - I´m sure you can find something nice to do in your budget....$2000 can go a long way if you play your cards right

kaesha · December 2010

Keep an eye out on jetsetter too. It's a great website.

wiwicaty · December 2010

You could go to Disney, if you're a fan. The cruise idea sounds wonderful too :-)

puglve · December 2010

We are going to rivera maya Mexico for 6 nights in September. All inclusive was under 3000 including airfare.

Depending on the time of year you go, that will impact prices. But mexico is fairly cheap, so is Canada.

good luck!

glam70s · December 2010

I agree with the cruise.. If you go to carnival.com and search within your timeframe you'll find all kinds of options, and the cruises just before Christmas are always dirt cheap. We always book directly with Carnival and have never had any issue at all, in fact they usually call a week or two before the cruise and offer a free or cheap upgraded room. We always book the cheapest room available because we don't spend much time there anyway.. You can easily do a 5-6 day cruise for two for less than $2000..

LuluP82 · December 2010

I know you think of bars when you think New Orleans, but there is quite a bit more to do there than bars, so I wouldn't necessarily rule it out.

I second the Florida Keys.

What about Savannah? Lots of cute B&Bs.

puglve · December 2010

A cruise would be a nice option! I would check with a travel agent to make sure it will be warm enough though. It is always colder on the water and you dont want to be stuck in your room since you are going in December.

Whatever you decide, have fun!!

bhirschman · December 2010

Another option is doing a vacation rental (condo or apartment) for a week instead of a hotel. These are usually comparable to cheaper hotels (you can find great ones for $700 for a week) and cheaper than nice hotels. Plus you have a kitchen to cook some romantic dinners in - and avoid the extra bills of eating out every day. The trade offs are that you are committed to a single location for the week and obviously no daily maid service. Tripadvisor.com just added a vacation rental option which has gotten good reviews!

Good luck and Enjoy!!

bhirschman · December 2010

Also, once you decide on your location, make sure to register for Groupon for that city - you can get great deals for fun activities that you may not have found otherwise.

npwlab11 · December 2010

I second Savannah, GA and would also like to recommend Charleston, SC and St. Augustine, FL if you decide to stay in the continental U.S.! Cruising can also be a great option. Check out http://www.cruisecritic.com/ for truly comprehensive cruise reviews and deals. Happy planning!

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