If you still want that exotic getaway, you can conserve costs and “shop smart” by choosing your honeymoon location wisely.  As a general rule of thumb, Europe is going to be the most wallet-straining locale.  Much of the reason for this is the exchange rate between the Euro—used in much of Europe, the British Pound and the American Dollar.  By staying fairly local, you can eliminate much of the strain on your wallet.  I realize that all couples do not want an exotic island honeymoon and prefer the more urban, European feel, so take heart, your European honeymoon is closer than you think!  Many of us forget that our neighbors to the north, Canada, have rich roots in the French culture.  If you want the romantic getaway to the sophisticated French countryside you have always dreamed about, you do not have to look any further than Montreal, Quebec or Vancouver.  By keeping your honeymoon inside the North American continent, you will be able to cut down substantially on your airfare budget.

So, just how much money would you save by staying local?  While the price will vary depending on what type of honeymoon you choose and how long you stay, to give you an idea of how a North American honeymoon compares with a European honeymoon abroad, I have included a table of the different exchange rates between countries:

In Canada, you are actually able to get a better deal for your money, while in Europe you lose money in the exchange.  Also remember, shorter flight=cheaper airfare, so if you can shorten your fly time, you save yourself the expense.

One way of helping with the cost on your honeymoon is to create a registry—much like a gift registry.  Instead of registering for gifts, your loved ones can help you on your way to a spectacular honeymoon.  Along the same lines, if you know that your parents or close friends are world travelers and are known for racking up the frequent flyer miles, you could also consider asking if they would be willing to share their miles with you in lieu of a wedding gift.  My parents, for instance, are members of the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts Vacation Ownership program.  As members, they earn points toward vacations and, if your family is involved in a similar program, you could ask them if they would be willing to donate their vacation points as a wedding gift for you and your spouse.

Another option you may want to consider is to wait to travel on your honeymoon until after the peak vacation season.  Or, if you would rather save your money during the first years of your marriage, you can always start a honeymoon fund for a trip later on in your marriage—when a romantic getaway would be greatly appreciated.  If you do decide to go right away, do not be afraid to play up the fact that you are on your honeymoon.  When you are making a reservation, tell the person that you are on your honeymoon because this could help you get better deals and, at the very least, some free goodies.

Photo courtesy of wheretogetengaged.com

So, the big day is over and it is on to the honeymoon!  Although the honeymoon is not technically part of the big day, it is your first trip as husband and wife and therefore deserves some looking into.  You will want to set a budget for your honeymoon as soon as possible, preferably about a year before.  This will help you to narrow down options for possible honeymoon locations.  You will also want to talk about preferences as a couple so you will know what you can skip on and what you cannot live without.

One way to conserve on costs is to stay inside the country.  Now, I know that when you hear the word “honeymoon”, it can automatically conjure images of exotic, far-away locales, but do not discount the good ‘ole United States.  Our country is filled with a variety of natural wonders and man-made attractions.  From Washington to Maine and Minnesota to Louisiana, we have one of the most diverse countries in the world.  If the islands are for you—there is Hawaii, if skiing is more your thing—from Aspen to Lake Tahoe, we’ve got you covered.  If a quiet, coastal getaway is more your style, we have over 19,000 miles of coastline.  And do not forget the Midwest!  Even in Indiana, there are luxury resorts and hotels available.  Also, if you are looking for a resort/island getaway, North Carolina’s Outer Banks area would be perfect for you.

By staying in the country, you can help keep your travel costs down substantially.  Along the same lines, if you are able to drive to your destination, that will also help to keep cost in a reasonable range.  If you live near the border of Canada or Mexico, it could actually be a possibility for you to travel outside of the country by car.  However, with gas prices increasing, if you check airfare prices early enough, you could find a great deal in the air and cut out the hours spent driving on the open road.

One advantage to staying in the country is this:  whether you are spending time sunning on the beach, partying in the city, or skiing in the mountains; we all speak the same language!  My family and I recently took a cruise to the Mediterranean for two weeks and, although I cannot begin to tell you how gorgeous it was, the language barrier was a huge stressor for me.  Now, maybe you reading this are more laid back than I am and consider it all part of the adventure and, if you are this person, I commend you for being a better human being than I can ever possibly hope to be.  Because, let me tell you, after trying to figure out where to sit (inside or outside), how to order (at the counter or at the table), what to order (no English), and then—once that was completed—being attacked by crazed pigeons was enough for me to declare that it is only English-speaking countries for me on my honeymoon.  I look at it this way:  On top of the money you save, it eliminates much of the stress of trying to find food, hotels, attractions, and various other things when you can actually read and understand the language of the country you are in.  I for one do not want to spend the first few weeks of my marriage getting frustrated and upset because both my new husband and I are stressed from trying to navigate around a country where no one speaks our language (I have enough trouble finding my way in America, and I am a native!).  You could also marry someone who is fluent in 6 or 7 languages and make sure that one is the native language of wherever you want to go on your honeymoon.

Photos courtesy of frenchlick.com and wheretogetengaged.com