Today I’ve asked travel agent Danielle to write a guest post. She booked my family’s cruise to Alaska and was just awesome at everything she did. She is very communicative and helpful. She changed multiple reservations (there were 28+ of us going) with a smile. She knows her stuff. I’ve asked her to share ideas on how to have a honeymoon of your dreams on a reality budget.
Welcome Danielle!
Let’s break down the BEST way to honeymoon on a budget.
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Use a travel agent.
Just as if you probably have a florist or a baker making your cake, a travel agent’s career is booking travel. They are experts in budgets and resorts. With just a few questions, they can pinpoint the best location for you and your fiancé to start your lives together and get you the MOST bang for your buck! An agent will be your lifeline for information, expertise, and suggestions. In addition, just in case something like a delayed flight or not the perfect room view happens, they come to the rescue and fix a problem before you even know it exists!
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Book a package.
Usually, when you package your resort, activities, and flights together, a touring operator gives you (the consumer) a nice cut! Always price your vacation both ways, with fights and flights separate to see if you are getting the best deal. Packages will often come with a special honeymoon treat waiting for you in your room.
- TIP: Try looking at two one-way flights vs round trip flights. Often one airline heading to your destination may be cheaper when paired up with another airline coming back home and vice versa. I like an app called Hopper to do this!
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Cruising is a great way to sit back and relax.
When most dining and entertainment is included, cruising really can be an ideal way to travel. Look for a cruise port near your hometown so you can save on flights. In addition, when you do a closed-loop cruise (starting and ending in the same US port) then a passport is not required. (Although passports are recommended they are not mandatory.)
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Have a destination wedding.
A travel agent can really take the pressure off a destination but here is why it is a great way to save…It’s pretty much FREE. Yep, free. If you decide to get married at an all-inclusive resort that offers a free wedding once you meet guest criteria, not only is the ceremony free but your room and your honeymoon are free too! Just send out the invitation with your agent’s information, sit back, and enjoy the benefits!
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Use the gift money to travel.
Most couples today have everything they need to start their lives together. Final payments on vacations are typically due at LEAST 30 days prior to check-in, so either front the money to go the day after the ceremony and then use the wedding gift money to pay yourself back, OR wait to travel a month or so after the ceremony and use the funds that way. There are websites that will allow guests to purchase travel for you but they always take a cut of the funds and that’s no fun!
**Danielle Wann is the owner of Epic Escapes. She was an annual pass holder for 2 years and brings lots of knowledge on Disney. She grew up in Florida, near Disney and lives with her husband and two children. She is a graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge and has attended specialized Agent Education Programs at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Danielle is a graduate of the Universal Parks & Resorts Specialist Program as well as a member of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association). Besides Disney and Universal Studios; Danielle is also knowledgeable in Royal Caribbean, Princess and Norwegian cruise lines as well as Sandals, Beaches, and Club Med. Danielle can be contacted by filling out this form or email directly at [email protected].
Danielle has actually helped my family research and book a cruise for 2015. She is very responsive, helpful and knowledgeable. Thanks Danielle!
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