Resort style

When organising your honeymoon, discussing budget breakdowns with your love might not exactly sound romantic, but it’s definitely recommended to ensure smooth planning and no nasty financial surprises. From initial honeymoon dreaming to destination dining, here are our top fiscal tips for planning the perfect romantic getaway.

Pre-planning

Start a savings plan: Ideally, this will be done early on, so that you have the maximum time to plan and save for your romantic getaway. Be sure to properly research your dream destinations, talk about your budget expectations and agree on your budget with your partner before you start booking.

Consider surprise costs: Don’t forget to include extras like travel insurance and day-to-day transport when drawing up your budget. Even little things like buying bottled water several times a day can really add up!

Create a honeymoon fund: If you and your partner already have a love-nest, maybe a traditional registry isn’t for you. Instead you could consider a honeymoon fund, where guests can contribute to your dream honeymoon, by gifting money or specific activities like a sunset sail or cocktails!

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Flights

Taking several long haul flights, flying on popular dates or to destinations with limited available carriers can be expensive, so if you have your heart set on a faraway locale, be sure to research the flights first.

If island-hopping or visiting several destinations is on the agenda, also consider the price of internal flights, as taking a few short flights during your adventure can quickly add up. Plus, keep an eye out for flash flight sales and travel expo offers, try opting for mid-week flights, or choose to jet off during shoulder or off-peak seasons.

Food

Depending on your honeymoon destination, your daily food expenses could be vastly different to what you might spend dining out when at home, due to economic, locational and seasonal factors.

Of course, if your honeymoon dining wish list includes Michelin-star meals, poolside cocktails, luxe resort buffets or celebrity chef restaurants, it’s even more important to factor these expenses in when considering your overall budget.

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Tipping and taxes: In many popular honeymoon destinations, including the United States and parts of Europe, extra costs are part of everyday wining and dining. So, it’s important to remember to budget for unfavourable exchange rates, tipping for each drink or meal, taxes or service charges. This is also important to remember while perusing the menu once on-location since the price quoted might be without these extra costs. So that ‘$25’ main might be a little pricier than you first thought!

Fine dining: Is a luxurious epicurean experience on your honeymoon agenda? Many upscale eateries offer set menus at lunchtime for a more easily digestible price than evening dining. So, why not save those pennies and enjoy daytime fine dining instead! Plus, don’t forget to let them know you’re on your honeymoon – hello complementary champagne!

Resort rates: If you’re dreaming of a remote hideaway, such as a secluded island resort, it’s a good idea to check out the accommodation restaurant menus before you book. In particularly isolated locations, such as a small skiing village, luxe safari park or tropical island, there may not be many, or any, restaurants or cafes nearby so you may have to dine entirely at your accommodation, which can be particularly pricey. For example, even a simple sandwich could be exorbitant once you factor in resort charges and extra costs.

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Mix it up: Eating on the go and combining simple snacks with gourmet experiences is a great spend-savvy option for honeymooners. If an indulgent buffet breakfast is already included, you can probably stock up at breakfast and forgo a super lavish lunch. Plus, simple meals and snack stops can be some of the best parts of travelling. You and your love could peruse a local market, stop by cute food trucks or take fresh ingredients to a scenic spot – a DIY honeymoon picnic perhaps?

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Accommodation

Got your eye on some Instagram worthy accommodation, with a hefty price tag? Having a budget in place doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little luxury! Simply opt to shorten your stay, or compromise during your trip. For example, splurge on a few highlight hotels to enjoy for a few days, before moving on to a cute guesthouse or unique Airbnb residence for the next part of the trip and so on.

Beverly Hills Hotel

Sometimes a package or travel expo offer can provide a competitive price, as can contacting the hotel directly. And, if it’s part of a hotel chain, why not sign up for their rewards program? You might be upgraded, receive complementary spa vouchers or earn points towards a special anniversary trip!

Austrian village

Shopping

A little sartorial spending may take your fancy, but again consider taxes and exchange rates when shopping overseas. For major brands, it’s likely you can get the same item at home, and it might not end up being cheaper once you factor the extra costs in. Consider saving your shopping for sentimental, or unusual purchases that will remind you of your honeymoon, such as a special piece of jewellery or homewares that you will treasure for a lifetime.

All images by Anika Reynolds

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Ms Chinoiserie Says: Such practical advice – knowing what to plan ahead for certainly helps to avoid those nasty financial surprises. 

About Anika: I’m a freelance writer with a love of weddings and creatively styled events. I have a penchant for pretty stationery and perfectly put together cheese plates, and a never-ending sense of wanderlust!