Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Vacation Checklist - Plan Your Dream Trip Now

Are you tired of the cold and snow?
Do you feel the need to get away...and soon?
Have your children been to your very favorite places?
You need a vacation. And the time to plan it is now!
Dreaming of a fabulous vacation and actually pulling one off are two different things. As a modern professional, you are probably an expert at scheduling, time management and project coordination in your career.
These are the same skills you need to use when it comes time to plan your dream vacation.
And the first tool you need is a vacation checklist.
A vacation checklist will get you on top of your planning immediately and keep you there right up until the day you leave on your trip. A vacation checklist will ensure

- you don't forget anything and take exactly what you need,
- and you actually pull off the trip of your dreams.
Your vacation checklist doesn't need to be fancy. Just thorough. You can make one yourself or find a free one by looking in the resource box following this article. Whatever checklist you use, you'll need to customize it for your own use, of course. And if you start now, customizing your entire trip will be easy.
Using your vacation checklist to keep track of your notes, start out by vacation dreaming.
- Where do you want to go?
This is easily decided by determining what type of vacation you're in the mood for. If you're tired of the cold, you'll want warm...and maybe beaches. If you need rest and recreation, you'll look for places that can pamper you and evaporate your stress. If you want to show your kids the world, you'll look for family-friendly and educational adventures.
- How long a trip will this be?
Mark down on your checklist the length of your vacation. Are you working around a school schedule? How many vacation days are you willing to trade for your dream vacation? Would you rather take one long vacation or several long weekend jaunts? Factor in travel days...that will tell you whether you want to drive or fly. And that will affect your next item...

- What's your travel budget?
This part of vacation planning needn't be a downer. By planning ahead, you can maximize your travel monies through booking the least expensive travel and hotel arrangements. Do a little upfront research and write down on your vacation checklist how much your dream vacation will cost. Divide that amount into equal monthly payments between now and your travel dates. Can you make that happen? Do you have other monies set aside you can allocate for your trip? Be wary of just putting your trip on credit. No matter how wonderful your dream vacation is, paying for it after the fact can tarnish its memories.
- What are your expectations?
We've all been on vacations that we had high hopes for but didn't turn out as we envisioned. Sure, stuff happens, but you can put the odds on your side that your vacation will be what you dream of by planning as much detail as possible ahead of time. It also helps to ask yourself the simple but powerful questions of
- am I wanting to make lifetime memories with this vacation?
- am I wanting to cram in as many activities as possible on this vacation?
- are my vacation wants in conflict with my vacation realities? For example, do I want to take my spouse on a romantic getaway but I have five children under the age of ten and they must accompany us?

Bottom line...when it comes to vacations, planning is king and your vacation checklist is queen. Plan your dream trip, make sure your expectations are in line, keep track of everything on your checklist, and before you know it, you'll be THERE...exactly where you want, with the people you want, doing what you want. Enjoying the vacation you dreamed of.
Colleen Langenfeld has been parenting for over 25 years and helps other moms enjoy mothering more at http://www.paintedgold.com/ . Get your free vacation checklist here.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Enjoying Affordable Family Vacations in Florida

Affordable family vacations in Florida don't have to be dull and boring. In fact, budget vacations can still offer you and your family unlimited options for fun, relaxation, and even education. And saving money on your Florida vacation is easy to do, as long as you do your research ahead of time and investigate all of the possibilities, from the month in which you take your trip to the places that you plan to visit.

Affordable Family Vacations: It's all in the Timing
The most important aspect of planning affordable family vacations in Florida is to remember that timing is critical. By visiting the state in the off season, March and April or September and October, you can enjoy budget vacations and save money, time, and hassle. During the off season, everything from accommodations to theme park admissions can be had at a reduced rate.
In addition, remember when planning your affordable family vacations that plane fare to and from Florida, whether you are traveling from within the United States or from outside the country, is likely to be less expensive during the off season. Plus, when you book your budget vacations during off-peak times of the year, you will find that the parks, museums, shops, and restaurants are all far less crowded, which can save you a great deal of time.

Quality Accommodations Can Be a Part of Budget Vacations
Whether you visit Florida during peak or off-peak months, one of the best ways to ensure that your budget vacations are enjoyable is to stay in a privately owned home rather than in a hotel. Private homes are a mainstay of affordable family vacations, offering quality accommodations in excellent locations, often for less money per night than a standard hotel room, particularly for larger groups. In addition, vacation rental homes offer amenities that hotels can't match, including fully stocked game rooms, private pools and hot tubs, comprehensive kitchens, and spacious bedrooms.
Staying in vacation rental homes during affordable family vacations means that you can save money on food as well. Visit a local supermarket at the beginning of your trip and stock the kitchen with either fresh food, if you like to cook, or readymade meals if you are looking for a way to save time as well. Either way, keeping the cost of food low will keep your budget vacations on track. And if you do treat yourself and your friends or family to restaurant meal, you can save your leftovers for the next day, rather than having to leave them behind.

Additional Tips for Your Affordable Family Vacations
  • No matter what area of Florida will be the focus of your affordable family vacations, from the Panhandle to the Keys to Orlando, you will find discount coupons are available online and also in grocery stores and other local shops. Because many tourists visit these areas, there is a great deal of competition for your business, and so it makes sense to take advantage of this when planning your budget vacations.
  • Budget vacations require booking every aspect of your travel as far in advance as possible. For example, some theme parks offer specials if you book your tickets at a certain point before your trip. Other attractions and accommodations may also offer you a deal if you book in bulk (for multiple tickets or multiple nights). Always call ahead to see what offers are available.
  • Don't limit yourself to the "big name" attractions. If you are set on visiting Orlando, check out some of the smaller parks as well as those that are more famous. The rest of Florida has some amazing sights to offer for those taking budget vacations as well - museums, aquariums, and beaches are plentiful throughout the state. Affordable family vacations can also include trips off the beaten path, where you can find fun activities that also can save you money.
  • Travel agents may not find you the cheapest deals, so it makes sense to instead book your budget vacations yourself. However, if you feel that using the services of a travel agent could save you time, you can utilize their services and still take affordable family vacations by researching things such as car rental and home or hotel rental to find the best rates and then presenting your findings to the travel agent for booking.
  • When booking your flight, particularly if you are doing it yourself, make sure that you thoroughly investigate all of your options. Today, there are many websites that cater to budget vacations and that give you competitive prices on flights from anywhere in the world to Florida. Don't just use one - check them all out before you finalize your plans.
  • Above all, take advantage of the Internet for every aspect of creating affordable family vacations. Go online and search on the cities you wish to visit or the specific attractions in which you are interested to see if anything special is going on while you will be there. You can also call or email each destination to see if they are offering any deals that can make your budget vacations even more exciting.

Remember, a trip to Florida doesn't have to equal a major expense. As long as you take into consideration the time of year in which you are traveling and do your research before you go, you will find lots of ways to enjoy affordable family vacations while not skimping on your fun. Have a great trip!
Fraser Hannah spent eight years working as a freelance television production manager and researcher before leaving to join his family's business working with the elderly. He founded Traveling2Florida.com in 2003 after purchasing his own vacation home in Florida and being frustrated by the lack of vision shown by many of the existing vacation rental sites. Traveling2Florida.com now connects thousands of travelers directly with the owners of high-quality vacation rentals in Florida, from Orlando to the Florida Keys.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Free Vacation Rentals Listings Sites

Although vacation rentals owners should not rely on FREE vacation rental listings sites to generate the majority of their bookings, they can be helpful in filling vacancies. However, how do you go about selecting the most appropriate FREE vacation rentals sites for your vacation rental?

To start with, FREE vacation rental listings sites come in various forms. The type of free sites you should choose depends on the objectives and expectations you have for your listing on that vacation rental site.
Firstly, there are new sites, who are seeking to build up the number of vacation rental listings on their site. In order to be attractive to renters, vacation rentals sites need to have a decent number of vacation rental properties listed. For new sites, the easiest way to generate new listings is to offer a free trial period, usually for a minimum of 6 months and often for more than 1 year. Once established with a strong pool of potential renters visiting each day, the intent is for the vacation rental site to begin charging vacation rental owners for their listings and ultimately reduce or eliminate the free trial periods.
Listing on these sites is somewhat of a long term bet. They are not likely to produce a lot of bookings in the short term, but as the site gets established in the vacation rentals market, they may well generate bookings for you.

Examples of this type of site are Villa Holiday Homes and Tenant.com, although there are many others. (You can find more information on these sites on the Compare Owner Holiday Rentals website.)
A second type of site that offers FREE vacation rentals listings is the permanently free site. These are funded either by advertising (e.g. Google ads) or offer the opportunity to upgrade your free listing to a paid listing. Generally, the sites that offer a free upgrade tend to be a better bet for generating bookings, particularly if there are not many other vacation rental properties in your location listed on that site.
An example of this type of vacation rentals site is Vacationrentals411, on which a basic listing is free, but which allows you to bid for a premium position in search results. (You can find a review of Vacationrental411 on the Compare Owner Holiday Rentals website.)

A third type of FREE vacation rental listing is the "free trial" offered by some of the established vacation rental sites. This is a "try before you buy" model, with the intent being that you should be sufficiently impressed by the level of enquiries and bookings for your vacation home during the trial period that you will go ahead and pay for a listing at the end of the trial period. Trial periods are usually relatively short (between 1 and 3 months).

These sites are generally quite effective at generating bookings, although once the free trial period is complete, you will then need to pay for your listing (and most sites can identify vacation rental owners who have previously availed of a free trial). For best use, I would recommend you sign up for these trials during the "busy" season for bookings in the location of your vacation rental: this has the highest chance of generating bookings and also provides the best test of whether this particular vacation rental site works for the location of your vacation rental.

Examples of this type of vacation rental sites are Homelidays and VacationHomeRentals. (You can find reviews of these sites on the Compare Owner Holiday Rentals website.)

Finally, there are sites which offer FREE classified listings. The most famous of these is Craigslist, although US Freeads is another popular example. The primary drawback with these sites is that you need to continually repost your listings, although they can be effective, particularly for filling specific vacancies at relatively short notice.

With all of these free options, why would anyone pay for their vacation rental home to be listed on a vacation rentals site?

The answer lies in the fact that most free vacation rental sites will generate fewer enquiries and bookings than the paid sites. However, it's still worth listing your vacation rental home on several of these free vacation rental sites: after all, what do you have to lose?
(Research completed by Compare Owner Holiday Rentals shows that you should list on at least 3 paid sites, plus a number of free sites in order to optimize bookings. You can find more details in the articles section of the Compare Owner Holiday Rentals website.)
For a list of some of the better FREE vacation rentals sites, visit http://www.compareownerholidayrentals.com/ Sign up for the free newsletter to get a list of FREE vacation rentals sites, plus some special offers on paid sites.
Kevin Graham is the founder of Compare Owner Holiday Rentals (COHR). COHR provides a guide to choosing the best vacation rental by owner sites. For further details, please see Compare Owner Holiday Rentals (http://www.compareownerholidayrentals.com/).

Sunday, March 25, 2012

How to Book a Vacation Rental Home

While there is a growing abundance of options when it comes to booking a vacation home, many travelers still find the rental market to be a little chaotic - at least in comparison to more traditional accommodations like hotels/motels. The increasing popularity of vacation rentals as a value-packed alternative to pricier hotels has led to an abundance of options that can be overwhelming.
Here are some tips for booking your vacation rental to ensure that you are getting the most bang for your buck, while protecting yourself from scams or disappointment.

Booking a Vacation Rental Tip #1: Check out niche listers that focus on specific destinations.
Whether you've rented a vacation villa before or not, you'll want to work with a local company and representatives who know their stuff.
If you're interested in a Santa Barbara beach house rental, a qualified representative will earn their stripes by walking you through the suitable available properties based on your unique needs and desires. For instance, if you're bringing your three Bernese mountain dogs, they'll recommend Santa Barbara beach rental locations that are both dog-friendly and bric-a-brac-free.
Additionally, once you arrive, you'll want to enjoy concierge services to help you get reservations at that trendy new restaurant, or simply recommend a hike that overlooks the ocean. An anonymous operator three states away won't be able to deliver that level of local service.

Booking a Vacation Rental Tip #2: Use a credit card to protect yourself and minimize risks.
You want and expect every detail of your vacation to be perfect. But unfortunately that won't always be the case. So you need to protect yourself.
Renting with your credit card through a Santa Barbara vacation rental management company offers you that protection. If for some reason the property doesn't meet your expectations, and the management won't do anything to fix it, you can keep a record of the problem and dispute the charge with your credit card company.
Property owners who rent person-to-person usually insist on a cashier's check for 50 percent of the vacation rental to reserve it, and then the other 50 percent in cash upon your arrival. If you later discover roaches scuttling through the kitchen of your vacation home, or other elements of the property that were grossly misrepresented, you will have no leverage because you will have already paid in full in cash.

Booking a Vacation Rental Tip #3: Get the most bang for your buck.
Dollar for dollar, a vacation rental gives you so much more than a luxury hotel. You get exponentially more space (both indoors and outdoors). You get a host of amenities from private pools to high end kitchens to top flight entertainment systems, all for your exclusive use. Unlike an anonymous hotel room off a crowded corridor, you have a serene home away from home to call your own.
But there are a host of priceless intangible benefits you get when you book your vacation rental through a professional management company. Working with a premier management company to find your ideal vacation home gives you a whole new level of service. A professional company has skin in the game. They are working to establish a good reputation and a list of return clientele, rather than just trying to make fast money.
In the-best-surprise-is-no-surprise category, unlike an absentee owner off Craigslist, a professional Santa Barbara rental company has someone who is troubleshooting issues 24/7, working hard to keep both the renters and the owners happy.
The most underused amenity is the professional staff. Once you arrive at your rental villa in Santa Barbara, they are at your beck and call. Concierge and housekeeping services are a mere button-touch away. The staff's local Santa Barbara knowledge and connections can turn an average vacation into something amazing. There is no extra cost, and the return is priceless.

Booking a Vacation Rental Tip #4: Book with confidence.
There's a HUGE difference between someone who just wants to sell you a room, and a professional vacation rental company that wants to make sure that you enjoy your ultimate Santa Barbara vacation so much that you return again and again. The key to that difference is delivering on what is promised.
Many vacation rental agencies are just big clearing-houses that list properties, sometimes all over the world. They do not usually specialize in a region and offer no other services, aside from rental matchmaking. They can't make guarantees about the Santa Barbara beach house rental you've booked because their representatives have never visited them, inspected them for health and safety concerns, or even met the owners. They cannot vouch for the actual condition of the vacation rental property, the advantages/disadvantages of the location, etc.
Some agencies just want to book the beach rental and collect their fee. They may not care too much about what happens during your stay.
If you've never visited the Santa Barbara beach rental house you're considering, or gotten a firsthand report from a trusted friend, you have no idea whether the photos you've seen on the web site are an accurate representation. They might be outdated, retouched or from an entirely different place. (It goes without saying that you should never rent a vacation rental that doesn't offer photos!) Beware of any site that only offers view or exterior shots. If they're not willing to show you what the vacation house rental looks like inside, you don't want to stay there.
With a professional vacation rental company, you can be assured that the quality you see is the quality you will get.

Booking a Vacation Rental Tip #5: Go with the highest standards of quality.
Professional vacation rental agencies are held to higher standards than private owners. Even if an owner fervently believes that their Santa Barbara vacation rental is clean and up-to-date, their standards might not match your own. One person's no-visible-dust-bunnies and hi-fi-system are another person's filthy and anachronistic. A professionally managed Santa
Barbara vacation house rental will also be a professionally cleaned and maintained vacation house rental.

Booking a Vacation Rental Tip #6: Understand the risks of booking through free listing sites like Craigslist.
Listing on a free site is, well, free. No crime in that (who doesn't love free?), but that might point toward a general laissez-faire attitude the owner has toward his property and tenants.
The owners who are willing to pay a fee to keep their vacation houses booked and in first-class condition have already demonstrated their care and commitment to a working relationship that is beneficial to all parties. The management companies they work with are companies you can rent from worry-free.

Booking a Vacation Rental Tip #7: Don't be afraid to negotiate.
The more often these vacation rentals are occupied, the happier the owners are, so if you are planning a last-minute or a long-term stay or if you are a frequent visitor, there is often room to negotiate on the price of your vacation rental. Sometimes the discount might be as much as 30 percent.

Booking a Vacation Rental Tip #8: Do your research and compare rates, amenities, and conditions before entering into a rental agreement.
When you're trying to narrow down your choice of a Santa Barbara vacation rental, be sure you're comparing apples to apples. A smaller house on the beach will likely cost more than a larger one in the hills. Know what you're getting from each property, and from each management company. Follow your gut and go with the company that will cheerfully show up in the middle of the night to snake the sink.
Another benefit to working with a Santa Barbara vacation rental professional management company is that it's so easy to do a background check on them. Call or visit the Better Business Bureau or a vacation rental site like FlipKey.com. Has the firm had any reasonable complaints lodged against them? How were they resolved? Type the name of the Santa Barbara vacation rental firm and its owner into Google and you'll get a wealth of informative opinions.

The increasing popularity of Santa Barbara vacation rentals has led to an abundance of online resources. Your best bet is to do due diligence and compare rates, amenities, reputations, views, and conditions before entering into a rental agreement. It's your vacation and booking the right accommodations will help you ensure that your holiday will meet and exceed your expectations.
Graham Farrar is a Santa Barbara local with specialized knowledge in the popular destination's attractions and activities. He is a Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals expert and offers tips and advice for traveling to Santa Barbara on the http://www.sbluxuryrentals.com/ blog.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Amazing Honeymoon Luxury Cruises For A Cherished Experience

There are several cruise lines at different destinations and they attract large numbers of honeymooners in today's date. These lines also offer perks through which the newly married couples are attracted. Several arrangements are made for these newly wedded couples ranging from a warm welcome with fresh flowers, to even champagne. In fact, if the nature of the tour that you are planning is of outdoor types, then the luxury cruises are certainly the ideal option for you. In fact, nothing can be better than gift to your partner than a romantic trip to this luxury liner. There is nothing to be worried about the budget, because you would get several budget cruises, as well.

The moment you step into the cruise, you would feel the difference. Apart from the warm welcome that you receive, you would also get plenty of assistance from the crew members. They would show you the way to your suite, which is indeed very luxurious with spacious bedrooms and washrooms along with a balcony, so that you can enjoy the real beauty of the sea. In addition to that, the range of food that you would get from these luxury cruises is also something that you would simply fall in love with here.

There are many luxury lines that would give you an option in the selection of the food. These cruises have many restaurants, bars even lounges. Therefore, while you are at the cruise, you can visit any of these in accordance to your needs. Surprisingly, you would also find theatres at night for your entertainment. It can be a beautiful night in the luxury cruises with casinos, night clubs and celebration. You can also avail the facilities of fitness centers or swimming pools in these cruises. Thus, you can spend time with your partner here as and when you want. In fact, it is true that you would get the perfect charm of relaxation when you are on a cruise honeymoon trip.

There are many special packages that are offered by the luxury cruises. You would have the freedom to make your own choice in terms of the package selection, as well as, the selection of the activity in which you will enjoy. Thus, this can give the best ever experience to you and your partner, and you would cherish this trip throughout your life. Thus, it is high time that you select the destination for your honeymoon and make planning in advance. This would be the best gift that you can give to yourself and your partner.

Friday, March 23, 2012

The Best Taiwan Luxury Hotels, Vacations, Tours, Travel Packages



Shaped roughly like a tobacco leaf, 240 miles long and 85 miles wide, Taiwan is located 100 miles off the coast of southeastern China and is approximately the same size as Holland.

The Portuguese named it La Isla Formosa ("beautiful island") during their occupation in 1517 and for very good reasons. The east coast has magnificent cliffs that dive straight into the ocean and mountains, many over 10,000 feet high, cover two-thirds of the island. The Jade Mountain (Yushan), for example, is the tallest peak in northeast Asia at 13,114 feet; the climate at sea level is subtropical.

Taiwan has been loosely affiliated with China since the 13th century and independent since 1945. Today, Taiwan is a living showcase of Chinese culture and tradition. The best display of China's past is seen in The National Palace Museum in Taipei, reputed to be the world's greatest repository of Chinese art.

Another of Taipei's attractions is the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial, one of the most breathtaking sites in Taiwan. Jade markets, tea shops, parks and more museums also await you.

Taiwan is situated in the Western Pacific about 160 kilometers (100 miles) off the southeastern coast of the Asiatic Continent. Lying midway between Korea and Japan to the north and Hong Kong and the Philippines to the south, Taiwan is a natural gateway for travelers to and within Asia. Taiwan has a total area of nearly 36,000 sq. km (14,400 sq.miles).

The island is shaped roughly like a tobacco leaf, and is bisected north to south by the Central Mountain Range. About two-thirds of the island is covered with mountains with the rest made up of foothills, terraced flatlands, and coastal plains and basins. Yu Shan (Jade Mountain), the island tallest peak, towers 3,952 meters (12,966 feet) above sea level. The Tropic of Cancer crosses the southern part of Taiwan.

Taiwan proper also includes the Penghu Archipelago--a group of 64 islands--and 21 other islands. Most of them are of volcanic origins, while some are formed by a mass of coral reefs.

Taiwan is a stable democracy and has a strong and well-developed economy. Tourist facilities are widely available.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Managing Your Marriage, Mission, and Money

If you are an "average" American couple, you just dropped $27,000 on your wedding, not including your honeymoon, and you have both credit card and student loan debt, but you did not spend one minute on personal financial planning prior to the big day. Your bouquet is drying in garage; your ring is a bit less shiny; and your wedding album has found its home on your coffee table. So what's next?

Welcome to the marriage. It is time to talk about what your life will be about and how you will manage your money in order to achieve the vision. Relatively speaking, the wedding vision was easy-date, dress, rings, color scheme, guest list, venue, music, etc. The marriage vision is a bit more complicated, and maybe you just expected "happily ever after" now that the big day is over, but you must have heard that terrible marriage statistic, right? Fifty to sixty-percent of marriages end in divorce during the first five years.

Yikes! Fear not---couples that have a mission and some basic financial literacy and planning beat the odds.

So, what is a marriage mission and how do you get one? Your marriage mission is similar to a strategic military mission, a religious mission, and a corporate mission statement. Like a military mission, you need a target: who and what do you want to focus your life on together? Like the religious mission, you will want to focus your target on serving something larger than yourselves and your own interests. Finally, like a good corporate mission statement, you need to summarize the mission in a sentence or two, complete with action verbs, value words, and the targeted people group. For example, "Our mission is to serve and educate homeless children in Los Angeles."

This is a mission. It is clear. It is specific. It is focused on two action verbs, one people group, and one location. Ideally, it matches up with your shared values, talents, careers, passions, and interests. Wow! Suddenly your life is about something specific, which takes the focus off of looking towards each other fulfillment, and looking for ways to serve and grow in the same direction. And, because this mission is so laser focused, it makes it easy for you to know where to spend your two most valuable treasures-time and money.

Without a mission, time and money are generally scattered in all directions. This mission dictates where you will live, what you will do in your spare time, and on what you will spend or save your extra money. So, how do we actually achieve this mission?

There are ten basic money management tricks to help you live your mission and lead a fulfilling marriage:

1) Get out of debt-list your debts from least to greatest, and pay the minimum payment on all debts, except the smallest one. Once that smallest one is paid off, apply the money you were paying on the smallest one to the next debt on the list. You cannot live your mission if you are a slave to financial institutions.

2) Make sure you save as much as possible in your long-term retirement accounts, so that you can retire sooner and start working on your mission full-time. If you have a corporate job, you likely have a 401(k). If you are with a small firm, you might have a Simple-IRA. If you work for a government agency, like a school district, you likely have a 403(b) or other pension plan. If you are self-employed, you need to set up an SEP (self-employed pension) if you do not already have one. These are tax-advantaged accounts, meaning they allow you to grow your money tax-deferred or tax-free. This allows you to increase your after-tax-income, which is like giving yourselves immediate raises.

3) Set up a Health Savings Account (HSA), not a Medical Savings Account (MSA), and you will give yourself an immediate tax break, equivalent to a serious pay raise. This account allows you to spend less on your health care coverage premiums by increasing your deductibles, but you will pay your deductibles out of this tax-free account. This money grows tax-free, and you can use it on qualified medical expenses, and unlike an MSA it does not expire at the end of each year. It continues to grow.

4) Create a monthly budget, and stick to it. You will save thousands of dollars annually by tracking expenses closely. We like Themint.com, but there are many money management tools online and possible free services available through your financial institution.

5) Save six months' worth of living expenses in a bank account for emergencies only. Sorry, Christmas is not an emergency!

6) Start a Donor Advised Fund Account (DAF), which gives you the ability to invest and grow funds that you plan to donate to your mission. You get an immediate tax-deduction when you make the contribution to the account, and you may grow it tax-free over time, allowing you to make one huge lump sum donation to your cause. This is like having your own personal foundation, without the legal fees or the multi-million minimum balances.

7) Put money for major expenses including home maintenance, car payments, home purchases, and vacations into a liquid investment account, like an Exchange Traded Funds account (ETF), and put stop-losses on it. An ETF is like a mutual fund, except with stop-losses, you can pre-set it to sell before it falls to your specific minimum dollar value. For example, if you buy at the ETF at $40 per share, and you set a stop-loss at $30, it will automatically prevent you from a free fall. Also, you can set it to adjust the stop-loss automatically. If your fund grows from $40 to $50, you can arrange for the new stop loss to automatically change from $30 to $40. This gives you access to the highest performing asset class (stocks) while minimizing the volatility.

8) Only pay cash for cars, and buy slightly used vehicles to avoid luxury taxes. Save for your car every month; instead of paying that $450 to the dealership, pay it to your own savings account. When your car needs to be replaced, you will be ready. Also, extend the life of your car by one or two years, and you could save hundreds of thousands over your lifetime.

9) Only buy a house when you are convinced that you plan to live in that location for five or more years, and when you have saved for a 20% down payment. Look for the value property-an older house in a newer, up-and-coming neighborhood.

10) Make regular dates to talk about and plan your financial life. Set and agenda, go somewhere beautiful, order your favorite drinks, and spend time reviewing your mission beforehand to keep you on track.

The pursuit of the mission will automatically prioritize your spending, saving, and giving. It will contribute to greater levels of intimacy in your relationship, and you will make a difference together in your corner of the world. In order for the mission to give you this momentum, it must be based on ideas about which you are both passionate.

Robbye Schroeder is a wife, mother, and recovering spend-a-holic. Drawing on her copywriting background for the financial services industry, she distills complex lingo into manageable action steps towards a "revised version of the American Dream," which includes the pursuit of successful life-long marriage. Robbye is passionate about helping newlyweds gain tools to avoid potholes on the path to marital bliss.

Find out more at: http://www.themarriagepurse.com/

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

How to Save Lots of Money on Food in Asia

Traveling to Asia is an exotic experience. There is so much to see and experience, especially the food. The food itself in Asia is as diverse as its culture, bearing influences from all over the world. One key aspect to traveling to Asia is to be able to sample its food, as it is distinctly unique and exotic. Therefore to be able to sample as much food as possible Asia you must be able to budget your money wisely. Here are some great tips on how to save money on food in Asia.

Tip 1.) Eat at the local establishments

The beauty of Asia is that there are numerous local eating establishments run by families, which serves hearty and authentic Asian meals. These establishments are what you call the "mom and pop" restaurants, typically owned by families which were passed down from generations to generations. What you will find in these local establishments is that there is a "heart and soul" that is hard to describe that was put in to every meal that was prepared there. This is where you will find the authenticity of the meal. In addition, another big advantage of eating at the local establishments is that they serve up fare that is affordable. So it's a win-win scenario: eat great and pay less.

Tip 2.) Drink the local beers and wines

Instead of paying extra for imported beers, wines, and other alcoholic drinks, why not pay less for a domestic brew? There are numerous local branded beers and wines that are equally as good, if not better than the imported brand names. You will save much more on the cost, and also have an experience and taste of what Asian brews are made of. For example, if you go to Japan, there are numerous locally brewed beers, such as from Kirin Breweries, and Sapporo Breweries, all which have a distinct taste that you can only find in Japan. This is a great way to try new brews, and also to save more money.

Tip 3.) Go groceries shopping at the local wet market

Asia is well-known for its exotic outdoor wet markets that sell all your local fresh fruits, vegetables, and other produce. Another way to save money and to experience how the locals shop for groceries, is to venture out to the local wet markets, and shop for your groceries to cook for yourself! What you will find in Asia's wet markets are its varied and exotic ingredients that you will rarely find in western countries in Europe and North America.

Asia is a big place to go to sample great food with a lot of variety. Food in Asia is also quite cheap when compared to most western countries in Europe and North America. By following the simple tips above, you will be able to have a very enjoyable experience, as well as to be able to save lots of money on food in Asia.

Alec Chan is a travel writer who has travelled all around Asia for the past 8 years, and has developed powerful strategies on how to get the best deals in all his travel destinations. He constantly delivers informative, accurate, and insightful travel information through his travel blog alectravelguide.com.

Click here to download his ebook that reveals all the secrets he uses in saving big money on all his travels. http://www.alectravelguide.com/offer/

These strategies have saved him hundreds of dollars and it can do the same for you.

For a limited time only, grab a free copy of this ebook now http://www.alectravelguide.com/offer/

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Holiday Hotel and Flight Booking

There's nothing like planning your annual holiday. The anticipation of an exotic or a romantic destination and all the fun activities, fill up your whole day and your daydreaming time.

However, taking a holiday overseas takes a lot of planning and organization.

First you have to book the flights, then you have to think about booking hotel rooms, next comes car hire, next you need to collect information about all the sites you plan to visit.

A well-planned holiday is worth every effort, because you don't leave anything to chance. There are no last minute panics and confusion, as you head towards the day of departure.

The search for proper flights and convenient flight times can take a few days until you decide which airline is offering the best deal at the date of your departure.

Also, deciding on which hotel to stay in and which area to reside in throughout your holiday, can be a time-consuming exercise.

For example, if you're visiting a major city you might find better hotel deals in the nearby suburbs.

Most times if you start the preparations a few months beforehand you tend to get better deals on flights and hotel accommodation.

It is worth researching on the net the city that you will be visiting and check the map of surrounding suburbs.

For some travellers, a travel overseas can turn into a nightmare when they become ill or get involved in an accident.

An appropriate travel planner is necessary to have a safe trip.Plan everything in advance so you won't face any unwanted mishaps later on.

Before you book accommodation and tours do a research on the internet and check websites where they publish reviews by real travellers. Also, check the government's travel website for up-to-date information and travel advice.

Take time in researching your holiday destination, accommodation and tours to minimise the bad experiences and to keep safe.

There are many sites these days where you can get travel insurance, just make sure to read the fine print and see what the insurance coers.

Regarding flights and hotels there are many price comparison sites where you get hundreds of results and a long list of hotels for every search you perform, which gives you a better choice in every way.

It is such a peace of mind when your hotel booking is done weeks beforehand and to know that you can have that done for any destination you wish to visit.

You can check this site out here and keep a bookmark of it, you might very well need it on your next vacation, business trip or holiday.

For all your flight and hotel needs to any destination worldwide, check http://www.holidayhotelbooking.net

Monday, March 19, 2012

Bali - A Little Honeymoon Paradise

As honeymoon hideaways go, Bali may not immediately spring to mind; a destination which in recent years has become more commonly associated with backpackers' hostels then boutique hotels. Don't let this misconception fool you though, Bali still boasts all of the wonder and excitement of South East Asia, it marries that inimitable IndoAsian complex which makes it a completely unique and wondrous honeymoon destination. See it in the faces of the people you walk by, taste it in the food and live it in the architecture and the atmosphere that surrounds you, Bali is a melting pot of thoughts, feelings and cultures.

The world's largest archipelago, made up of over 1300 individual islands, Indonesia is nothing if not eclectic. Located at the most eastern point of the Lesser Sunda Islands, Bali is separated from its neighbour island of Java by the Bali Strait. Bali has gained the rightful reputation of being the tourist capital of Indonesia and despite a recent upsurge in tourist numbers, has for years been a haven to discerning travellers. Don't let this put you off though, the island is after all popular for a reason, because of its incredibly varied and vibrant cultural development and natural beauty, but these areas are concentrated very much to the south of the island, the townships of Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur for example; there is still so much to be unearthed and experienced in this magical place, coupled with the excellent facilities and tourist infrastructure which have been established as a result of the tourist boom.

Bali offers something for everyone, from its stunning beaches, stunning coral reefs, bustling metropolitan centres, colourful nightlife and it was for this reason the island was named the world's best island destination at Travel + Leisure Magazines annual awards in 2010. Also to receive an award was Four Season's Jimbaran based Bali Resort which was named as one of the best spa resorts in the world. The Four Seasons goes to exemplify the standard of accommodation available in Bali that will make a honeymoon here exclusively luxurious. You can choose from remote forest getaways, beach villas, slick high-rise city hotels and everything in between.

Bali's position within the Indonesian archipelago also means that it is ideally positioned as an intermediary between Australasia and South East Asia, for so many Bali offers the perfect way point in a tour of the Far East, between the western glamour and bright lights of Australia and the fascinating culture and breathtaking beauty of the ancient orient.

With 9 out of every 10 people following the Hindu religion, the peaceful, polite and welcoming locals will make your stay a joy and the architectural landmarks of this spiritual devotion are a must see for any culture vulture, the temples and shrines are spectacularly ornamented and an excellent insight into a wonderfully pious and proud nation.

Bali is the ultimate honeymoon destination, peerless natural geography and a beautiful culture, few other places on earth can offer the kind of diversity and delight that Bali will bring to you, ensuring that your honeymoon will live long in the memory as a cherished and exhilarating experience.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Buying Honeymoon Packages Online

If you're just about to get married then you are probably sick of planning everything down to the last detail. No doubt you have spent ages planning the church, reception, food, flowers and music. Not to forget the time you've spent choosing your wedding dress!

But even once you have planned all of those things there's still something else that you need to think about. You will need to plan your honey moon, but that doesn't mean you have to plan it in exactly the same crazily perfect way! Why not relax a bit and just buy an all inclusive honeymoon package which can take the hassle out of your special day!

Defining All Inclusive Honeymoon Packages

Honeymoon inclusive packages are not suitable for those people that want to fiddle about with everything. These are only suitable for people that actually want to relax! You can forget about all the detail and just buy a package. You don't have to book the flights, hotels, cars and activities separately. Everything can be booked through the same travel company which will not only save stress but also time!

The only decision you really have to make with inclusive honeymoon packages is where you want to go and how you plan to get there. You can purchase packages to many different locations, these are not just limited to beaches, you can also go to ski destinations, cruise and even outdoors! If you go to your travel company you will be amazed by the number of different options which are available. Honeymoon package holidays should also be cheaper than if you book each component separately.

What do you get in your package?

All package holidays are different, and honeymoon packages are no different. You should carefully check what is included in your own package, but normally you will get cheaper hotel accommodation, airfare, car rental, activities and even some restaurants may be included. Some packages even include the tips that you may want to give during your stay! This means you don't even need to worry about how big a tip you should leave.

Another reason why honeymoon packages win hands down is because everything is planned in advance for you. You don't have to make any decisions unless you want to, you're free to sit back and relax. Everything you may want to do is available to you, you don't have to organize it, it's already ready!

One of the easiest ways to find these all inclusive honeymoon package deals is to visit some of the popular online travel agents. Don't rule out looking through the newspaper and going to your local travel agents as the internet isn't always cheaper. You want to find a good deal so you don't have to hock your rings to afford the honeymoon. It is possible to get some fantastic deals if you're willing to take a long time to find them! Enjoy your honeymoon and good luck for your future!

Greg Hansward repeatedly publishes summaries on issues corresponding to plenty of types of engagement rings and platinum engagement ring. Sharing his passion in detailed writings such as http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com , the columnist showed his capability on subjects dealing with tips about rings.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Bali Honeymoon Packages - 5 Romantic Villas That Offer Them

Honeymoon in Bali? Many villas offer romantic Bali honeymoon packages that will make this special time together unforgettable.

With so many romantic settings on Bali island you will soon discover it might be difficult to choose where to spend your honeymoon.

So to get you started, here are 5 private Bali villas that not only offer Bali honeymoon packages but are wonderful places to stay at. And remember, these packages are also ideal for people who just want a romantic holiday away together. ;-)

Villa Semana Ubud: Located just outside Ubud village along the Ayung River and between the rice fields, this Bali luxury villa offers a romantic setting plus 100% privacy. Their Bali honeymoon package includes daily breakfast, candle light dinner and a spa treatment with a gift.

Ubud Hanging Gardens: This villa complex has a stunning tropical location and an even more amazing view over a river gorge. All their villas have their own heated pool and the public infinity pool is hard to resist. Their honeymoon package includes a three course dinner, picnic, tailored activities, discount on spa treatment and flower decoration in the room.

Villa Air Seminyak: Villa Air is all about romance. Besides honeymoon packages they also have a large selection of wedding packages, so you can imagine they are professionals in the love-department. Their villas have a contemporary style of which some have their own spa. The Bali honeymoon package includes a one bedroom private villa, candle light dinner, visit to their Bali Spa Air plus a sightseeing tour around the island and a sunset cruise trip.

Jimbaran Bali Villas: Compared to the other 5 villas, Jimbaran Bali villas is one of the smaller villa complexes with an intimate and private atmosphere. Their Balinese styled villas all have their own pool. Their honeymoon package offers flower decorations upon arrival, spa treatment and romantic dinner.

Melia Bali Villas: This villa resort is built for romance. Their garden villas are beautifully decorated and the resort premises is a treat to walk around. Besides wedding packages they also have something nice for honeymooners: stay at their garden villa, breakfast, honeymoon welcome gift, 2h spa treatment and of course the romantic dinner for two.

Matt Verbaan has created a personal travel website based on his discoveries on Bali island. On his website you can find great information on things to do, what to see, where to stay and where to eat. He has reviewed a large amount of Bali resorts, villas and hotels and added his personal pictures to it. So if you want to see other villas for your honeymoon or any other type of Bali holiday check out http://www.bali-travel-life.com/bali-luxury-villas.html

Friday, March 16, 2012

Honeymoon Destination Checklist

It is crucial for both honeymooners to have a shared and understood desires and plans of what the perfect dream honeymoon is. There are far too many favourite honeymoon hotspots around and this may requires some brainwork to pre-select the one perfect dream holiday of a lifetime. Remember whatever come second place though it may be visited the next trip round but the feeling will be far from a true blue honeymoon the first time. While most people like surprises however to truly enjoy the honeymoon destinations it is advisable that the couples have some knowledge of the holiday destination and source for detailed location information through a checklist. The checklist would then be better go through by both the couple so that in the course of it preferences can be made clear and compromises be made if this is necessary, for there are just too many choices around and one's perception of the perfect dream honeymoon holiday may differs.

Here are some critical factors when considering for a honeymoon holiday;


•Place (preferred destination type/ theme/ location)
•Price (budget and package)
•Room (comfort level)
•Food (selection and quality)
•Activity (range and type)
First, there are various types of honeymooning theme and these can be generally grouped into;


•Beach
•River
•Lake
•Mountain
•Desert
•City
•Cruise ship
Second refers to the location settings. Some would like to have a quiet and secluded honeymoon trip while others may prefer a vibrant environment. These can be categorized as;


•Quiet and secluded
•Exclusive villas resort
•Vibrant city, with nightclubs and entertainment
•All-inclusive
Third factor is the location or the region. A beach front theme can be found in probably more than one region or continent. However, for a desert theme the selection list is comparatively fewer to choose from. This region can be grouped under;


•Africa
•Asia
•Caribbean
•Europe
•Hawaii
•Mexico
•North America; United States and Canada
•South America
•South Pacific
Depending on one's preferences of the ideal honeymooning destination type, this is further determined by the budget. It can range from the budgeted few hundred to a luxury trip that could cost up to multiple thousand dollars. The other factor directly affecting this budget package is the duration of the honeymoon trip.

Lastly, location activities differ from place to place. It is good to preview on the selection of activities offer or available at destination. To avoid disappointment, some pre-booking of activities may be required especially during peak seasons.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Looking For A Romantic Honeymoon?

The biggest trap that honeymoon couples find they are caught up in is boredom. No, I am not suggesting for a moment that you are likely to get bored with each other, but rather I am talking about the honeymoon resort itself.

You will find as you search that most honeymoon venues tend to centre on one thing or sport. For example a ski-resort. Now, you and your new wife or husband may love skiing and that will be wonderful for about a week. Then you tend to find that one day merges into another and that today you find yourself doing pretty much the same as yesterday.

I think we will probably agree that any honeymoon should contain romantic elements of excitement that will not wear off after a week.

When you search the web for romantic honeymoons, try to make sure that there are a whole range of things for you and your partner to enjoy, not just one central and all pervasive theme.

For a really romantic honey moon try to think outside the box a little. You might look at the Caribbean or maybe the Red sea, but check how far your money will go. In a lot of cases, spending a few hours longer on the plane can take you to places where your spending money will buy you a lot more and actually enable you to live in luxury you might not otherwise afford.

Some years ago an economist who was being anything but romantic, thought about the McDonalds hamburger chain and how the ingredients and creation of a hamburger is identical in every McDonalds in the world. He reasoned very successfully that since the end product is identical that you could see whether a currency was over or under valued by the price of a hamburger in that country.

Before actually booking your romantic honeymoon it is worthwhile to Google McDonalds restaurants in any country you might think of and that will give you a very good idea as to how far your money will go.

It may not be romantic but if you check the price of a hamburger delivered to your home in Manila, the capital of the Philippines it works out to be almost exactly 50 Cents US. This too is reflected in local wages and in the Philippines the hourly wage of an unskilled worker is still under $1 US an hour, so you have an idea as to how far your honeymoon budget is likely to stretch.

You might also like to look at the safety of the country you are interested in honeymooning in. It will kill any romantic notions you might have if you need to keep looking over your shoulder. If you want to drink and dance on honeymoon you would do well to think of a country which has a high Christian population. Christian fundamentalists do exist but I can't remember one ever blowing up a hotel or honeymoon resort.

Whatever resort you pick, check that it is safe to leave the resort and that you can safely explore other places and things to do. A romantic honeymoon can lose a lot of it's intended sparkle if you are effectively limited to the resort itself.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Honeymoon Trends - Take Your Honeymoon to the High Seas With a Honeymoon Cruise

These days couples have more and more choices on where to go on their honeymoon. The options are varied whether your decide to stay in a luxury resort or take a European tour, but it seems that more and more couples are choosing to forgo dry land and take their honeymoon to the open seas with a honeymoon cruise.

So why are more couples deciding to take a cruise for their honeymoon? There are a few simple reasons why taking a honeymoon cruise is quickly becoming the vacation of choice for newlyweds.

Here are the top reasons to take a honeymoon cruise:

Honeymoon Cruises are a Great Value

One of the biggest reasons honeymoon cruises are growing in popularity is because they include lots of services all at one reasonable price. Your room, travel (to the places on your cruise itinerary), food and entertainment are all included in your cruise price.

Usually, with the quality and level of service you receive on a cruise ship, you'll end up spending much less than you would if you purchased all of the individual parts of your vacation separately. This means that when you take a cruise for your honeymoon, you'll be doing it for a lot less than you would if you stayed at a hotel and purchased all of your meals and entertainment. There's no question that taking a cruise for your honeymoon is a great way to get the most for your money.

Honeymoon Cruises Let You Visit Many Different Places

Most cruises that are 5 days or longer visit several different ports. Taking a cruise allows you to visit exotic locales that you might not ever visit if you did't take a cruise. Stops in the Caribbean Islands like St. Thomas, Aruba, Antigua, St. Maarten, the Grenadines and more are available on many cruise itineraries. Cruises also have itineraries visiting other interesting places like Mexico, Alaska, the Mediterranean and almost anywhere else you'd ever want to visit.

Another benefit that's tied in with visiting different places on a honeymoon cruise is that your travel time to the different ports is usually pretty short. It's not out of the ordinary to go to bed on your cruise ship in Puerto Rico and wake up docked in St. Thomas. Cruising gives you the flexibility to visit a lot of different places in a short amount of time. Also, you only unpack your suitcase once and then you're set for the rest of your cruise.

Honeymoon Cruises Take the Guesswork out of Vacation Planning

When you start planning your honeymoon, you'll find that there are a lot of details to take care of. Where you'll stay, how you'll get there, where you'll eat and what you'll do during your free time are all variables that need to be decided.

If you take a honeymoon cruise, many of the details are already a part of your cruise package or can be arranged through the cruise line. Airfare, bus transfers to the airport, activities at the ports and sometimes even spa reservations can be booked with the cruise line before you ever leave home. That takes some of the hassle out of your honeymoon planning and it makes for an easy trip when you do take your honeymoon.

Honeymoon Cruises Offer Lots of Activities

Another reason why cruises make wonderful honeymoons is because they offer lots of activities onboard and in port, so you'll never feel like you have nothing to do. Swimming, gambling, cooking classes, games, shows, dancing classes, contests, and spa treatments are some of the activities you can take part in onboard. While in port, you can take one of the cruise lines pre-arranged shore excursions like horseback riding, kayaking, swimming with the dolphins or sailing on a catamaran.

Of course, this doesn't mean that a cruise is devoid of quiet relaxing time. You can always find a quiet space on deck or a take beach excursion if you want to get away from it all.

With so many great reasons to cruise, you'll find that choosing a honeymoon cruise can be one of the easiest decisions you make during your wedding planning. Bon Voyage!

A wedding expert, Elizabeth Reuth offers wedding planning tips online for brides and grooms and is the author of the popular wedding vow book Perfect Wedding Vows in Minutes.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Create Your Own Dream Honeymoon Cruise Vacation

Hawaii and the Caribbean are popular choices for a honeymoon cruise vacation, especially for winter weddings. The main advantage of booking a honeymoon cruise to Hawaii or the Caribbean for your luxury honeymoon vacation is that with a cruise you get to see several of these fabulous islands, rather than just one.

The Honeymooner's Review Guide puts Hawaii as the number one destination for luxury honeymoons and the dramatic coastline, white sandy beaches and colourful Hawaiian culture weave their own spell in this idyllic honeymoon destination, making it a dream honeymoon to remember. A honeymoon cruise vacation to the Caribbean is equally appealing and for Europeans is a much shorter flight to Miami to embark. With guaranteed sunshine and a quiet beach in almost every port, a luxury cruise vacation is a great way to spend the first weeks of married life.

Booking a honeymoon voyage vacation is very easy using one of the honeymoon cruise packages. Many cruise lines also offer a wedding ceremony package. It is worth comparing the different options and choosing the best value for you. Some cruise lines offer all-inclusive honeymoon cruise vacations including romantic extras such as champagne in the cabin and a complimentary honeymoon gift. Carnival Cruises offer a complimentary wedding cake for those booking a honeymoon cruise vacation, along with flowers, chocolates and cabin decorations. However tables for two are pretty limited. Celebrity Cruises offers honeymoon cruise packages for an additional fee which includes breakfast in bed, champagne, souvenir engraved flutes, flowers, bathrobes and chocolates, making this a week-long dream honeymoon cruise vacation.

Holland America Line has so many honeymooners on board that it hosts a complimentary Honeymooners Party at sea and couples receive a honeymoon certificate. The package also includes flowers and a silver keepsake photograph frame. As you would expect from this specialist in luxury honeymoons, tables for two are guaranteed.

Although cruises typically have up to 3000 passengers on board, honeymooners can easily find their own quiet space. Upgrading your cabin may be part of certain honeymoon cruise packages. With your own private balcony, table and sun loungers, it is the perfect space to enjoy private dinners beneath the stars on room service, leisurely late breakfasts delivered to your cabin or a quiet place to read and sunbathe. Lounge bars have comfortable seating and during the day you can have the space almost to yourself. Days in port also mean you can enjoy the ship's pool in relative peace.

Another big plus on a honeymoon vacation is the wonderful spa treatments available on board with some of the best views on the ship, but you need to book early. Enjoy a relaxing massage, or treat your loved one to his or her favourite beauty treatment as a surprise. A ship's spa has all the latest technology to provide deep facials, superb Swedish massages, hot stone treatments and reflexology. Expensive but worth it is the general consensus of opinion.

Days ashore on Caribbean islands are a great opportunity for a relaxing couples massage on the beach in a private cabana. The sea breeze, rustling palm leaves and soothing sounds of the gentle waves are all part of this blissful experience.

Wherever you choose to visit on your dream honeymoon cruise vacation it is sure to be a great start to a lifetime together.

If you are a potential first time cruiser looking for a honeymoon cruise voyage there is a great deal of further information that you need to know about cruising and this can be found at http://cruise-and-stay.net/blog

Monday, March 12, 2012

Eight Cheap Honeymoon Ideas for Couples on a Budget

Between paying for the wedding and setting up a new household, many couples find there's not much money left in their budget for the honeymoon. But who says you have to spend a fortune to enjoy a romantic honeymoon at your dream destination? Here are eight ideas for a more affordable, yet still romantic, honeymoon.

1. Ask for the gift of a honeymoon

You can defray the cost of your honeymoon, or perhaps even cover the cost entirely, by listing it on a honeymoon gift registry. A honeymoon registry works just like a wedding registry, but instead of buying you china your wedding guests buy you a trip to China (or the honeymoon destination of your choice). Yes, your guests could just contribute cash toward your honeymoon, but giving a particular portion of the honeymoon (dinner at a fancy restaurant, or a carriage ride through the historic district of a far-off city, for example) is somehow more meaningful. You'll find a number of honeymoon registries online; theBigDay.com and theHoneymoon.com are two of the most established.

2. Exchange homes

If you prefer to mingle with the locals rather than other tourists, look into a home exchange for your honeymoon. In a nutshell, you go stay in someone else's house while they stay in yours. Sound risky? Maybe--but tens of thousands of people have exchanged homes since the 1950s. For an annual membership fee (usually around $50), home exchange clubs will help you find someone willing to swap homes with you, as well as offering tips to make the exchange go smoothly. According to ExchangeHomes.com, a home exchange can cut your travel costs by as much as half. More importantly, though, you'll get to live like locals, and perhaps make life-long friends.

3. Rely on the hospitality of others

Hospitality clubs can hook you up with people who are willing to host you in their private homes. The largest such club has more than 23,000 members in 148 countries. Membership is usually free, although you're asked to provide hospitality to others (on a voluntary basis) in return sometime in the future. In addition to saving you money, it's a great way to meet locals who can give you an insider's perspective on your honeymoon destination. Other places you can look for free or reduced-cost accommodations include hostels (they're not just for the young and single anymore) and monasteries and convents, some of which open their doors to guests for little or no charge.

4. Win a free honeymoon

"Nothing in life is free"--unless you win a free honeymoon vacation in a promotional sweepstakes or contest. Quite a few travel agencies and other companies run contests giving away honeymoon vacations as a way of promoting their services.

The odds of winning a free honeymoon may be remote, but the cost of entering is usually just the time you spend searching the web for "honeymoon contest" and filling out online entry forms.

5. Go camping

Firelight and shooting stars every night . . . breathtaking natural beauty . . . snuggling with your honey in a cocoon of zipped-together sleeping bags . . . . Yes, camping can be romantic, as long you're well prepared and have the right equipment (warm sleeping bags, a comfortable mattress pad, and a waterproof tent are a must). Plus, it's pretty cheap--$10 to $20 per night at most locations. It's even cheaper if you cook your own food. You can mix a few nights of camping with a few nights in hotels to make your honeymoon more affordable. And don't overlook the rustic (but cheap) cabins available for rent at many state and national parks. Some even offer a honeymoon cabin!

6. Travel in the off season

It may be obvious to seasoned travelers, but those with less experience may not be aware of how affordable it can be to honeymoon in the "off season"--basically, any time other than when most people travel to your destination. Certain destinations' accommodation and airfare prices may be slashed by 30 percent or more during the off-season compared to the peak travel season.

7. Consider your airline alternatives

When booking airfare online, don't overlook the discount airlines (Southwest, Song, jetBlue, and so on)--some are not listed on the big travel portal websites, even though they might have a lower fare to your destination. Also be sure to compare rates for alternate airports within a reasonable traveling distance. You might live half an hour from a major airport, but the smaller airport a couple hours away might have substantially lower fares, perhaps saving you hundreds of dollars. Finally, be flexible about your arrival and departure dates; the major travel portals all have options to search for the cheapest flights within a range of dates. Any one of these alternatives could potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

8. Check budget travel newsletters

If you're not picky about where you honeymoon, you can probably cash in on promotional deals offering deep discounts on airfare and lodging--if you know about them. To stay abreast of the latest offers, sign up with as many free budget travel newsletters as you can. Start by signing up with the budget travel newsletters offered by Frommers.com, About.com, and MSNBC.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Effective Honeymoon Planning Tips For Less Stress

After that much-awaited proposal, you are ecstatic. You and your partner readily plan your wedding, and as you are caught in the frantic pace of wedding preparations, you suddenly realize that you need to have a concrete plan for your honeymoon as well. All these can add to the stress of the happy couple, and can somehow burst their bubble thinking that their romantic getaway doesn't stand a chance of becoming a reality. Should planning for your honeymoon become so complicated that it causes too much stress? Not necessarily. Not with effective honeymoon planning tips.

Ideally, your honeymoon should be that once in a lifetime romantic experience you've always dreamed it would be. Hence, planning your honeymoon months before your trip is essential, so you and your partner don't get frustrated with some last-minute, unexpected and unpleasant surprises.

Below are some valuable honeymoon planning tips that will ensure that your brainstorming goes smoothly:

1.Join your heads together as a couple and discuss your options and preferences for your honeymoon. You should be able to create a blueprint for your honeymoon early on. Planning for your romantic vacation can be so much simpler if you create a list of your preferences, needs and specifications in order of budget, location, accommodation, amenities and activities. Make a list of your own preferences and compare notes later on. Find a common ground. Don't just assume that you know what kind of honeymoon your partner wants to experience. Make sure that you have a candid discussion about your honeymoon budget, how long or how short you plan to take your vacation, and your preferences on accommodation and location.

2.If you want a stress-free honeymoon planning, you can both agree on hiring the services of a honeymoon expert. They are sources of wonderful planning insights and advice. These people have the expertise to help you make sound decisions based on your agreed preferences. They also have access to some of the best honeymoon special packages that translates to discounts and savings on your part. While it's true that you can design your own honeymoon from scratch, why waste so much time and effort when you can have an expert plan your honeymoon and lessen your stress?

3.If budget is a major concern, you can start a honeymoon savings plan. In lieu of the traditional gift registry, there are lots of agencies online that offer honeymoon registries. This way you can ask for the help of your wedding guests to contribute to your honeymoon.

These effective honeymoon planning tips are certainly worth considering. Wise couples would definitely not put off honeymoon planning for too long, as travel plans are better when made in advance.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

How to Save Money on Your Honeymoon

Many couples these days are discouraged when they think about the costs of a honeymoon. There is only so much money in their savings, if they have any at all, and shouldn't that money really be spent on a down-payment for a house? Are honeymoons excusable expenses at all anymore?

You only get one chance to have a honeymoon. If you put it off, life will swell up and engulf your time and money, and the chance to celebrate your new life together will have passed. Instead of writing the honeymoon off altogether because of cost worries, why not find creative ways to afford one? A magical honeymoon can be had on any budget. Here are some tips to save money on your honeymoon:

1. Make a budget
The first step toward being able to afford a vacation is finding out what you have saved and what you can spend. Try to make the budget several months in advance so that you have time to put money into savings for the honeymoon. Decide what kind of honeymoon you want to have, and search the internet to see what honeymoons of that type cost. Narrow the list down and then try calling the airlines, hotels, and restaurants you will be frequenting. Often they will offer special honeymoon packages or will be willing to give a discount just because you are newlyweds.

2. Use a honeymoon registry
A honeymoon registry operates much like a gift registry. Guests can find the link to your honeymoon registry in their bridal shower invitation or on your wedding blog or website, and they can gift you money toward your honeymoon. Through companies that specialize in honeymoon regisitries, like HoneyLuna and Honeyfund, guests can even purchase specific amenities for you to enjoy on your honeymoon, such as a snorkeling trip or a couple's massage. Money from the honeymoon registry can even go toward airfare and lodging.

3. Borrow a space or use what you have
Ask if someone will give you the use of their lake house, beach bungalow, or timeshare for your wedding gift. Borrowing a space, especially if it has a kitchen and is close to town and tourist attractions, will cut down on costs immensely. Make sure that any space you choose includes a kitchen and you will save hundreds of dollars on food.

You could also make your honeymoon a "staycation" by honeymooning in your hometown or somewhere very close by. I'm willing to bet you've never been to the tourist attractions in your own city. Rent a room at a hotel with room service and movies on demand and go see the museums, architectural marvels, and tourist traps your city has to offer. You'll be able to visit these places later with your children or other family members and revisit your honeymoon memories again and again.

4. Go in the off-season
Some of the best honeymoons can be had in the off-season. Go to a beach or tourist destination when no one else is there and you'll get VIP treatment on a coach budget. Airfare, tickets, and lodging are all cheaper in the off-season.

5. Use an all-inclusive package
Cruises and package deals, while they may seem expensive upfront, can end up saving you money because the price you pay includes everything, often including gratuity, food, and even alcohol. The off-season applies to cruises and packages, as well. You may be able to find wicked deals on packages in the off-season, or through auction and discount sites on the internet.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Cheap Honeymoons - Are They Possible and If So How Do You Get One?

So are cheap honeymoons possible? Absolutely, in these cost conscious times we all strive for ways of saving money on our wedding costs. This can be done without sacrificing a once in a lifetime honeymoon. In this article I intend to show you that a cheap but unique and beautiful honeymoon is possible on a budget. I will also show you how you can go about achieving your affordable honeymoon.

Ok, so where do you start when trying to achieve affordable honeymoons? Simply follow my pointers and then decide which ones you can implement to help keep your costs down.

1. Consider your budget - your initial budget will dictate how much you have to spend on your honeymoon, so the sooner you get the budget sorted the sooner you will be able to plan everything else, including your cheap honeymoon ideas. It's important to be realistic - that seven star resort in Dubai would be lovely, but if it's going to blow the budget it's a non-starter. If you have champagne tastes on a sparkling wine budget, then read on...

2. Start early - if you want the best honeymoon travel deals, it will involve quite a bit of research and time, so the earlier you start the better. Besides, if you start early you will not feel rushed into accepting the first "deal" you come across.

Within every budget no matter how large or small, there are ways of reducing the cost of your honeymoon and I have shown a few below. There are numerous ways to save money when booking your honeymoon. It is not possible to list them all in a single article; however I have detailed some of the more popular methods below.


•Combine the honeymoon and wedding service - getting married at your honeymoon location tends to be more cost-effective for couples who are intending to only have a small wedding as the cost of getting lots guests to the venue can negate the savings. This method can help reduce costs as you only have to pay for one venue and as you will likely be having fewer guests it also reduces your catering costs (normally one of the largest costs of a wedding). Additionally the honeymoon venues normally offer wedding planners to help sort out the legalities and photographers, flowers etc. (which can also help reduce your stress levels!).
•Choose affordable honeymoon destinations - if you choose your honeymoon destination carefully you will be able to reduce your costs. Choose destinations where you will not have to spend much once you get there i.e. all inclusive honeymoon packages or destinations where the cost of living is low. Always consider all your potential costs including excursions, food, tips, car hire and activities (waterskiing, sailing etc). There are many destinations where you may have to spend a little more to get there but, once there the costs are minimal!
•Use budget airlines - potentially, one of the largest expenses of your honeymoon is the cost of air travel. If you choose one of the honeymoon destinations that is served by the many budget airlines and if you book early you can potentially save a lot of money.
•Change the details of your honeymoon - consider reducing the star rating of your hotel. Four or five-star hotels are great, but realistically most of the time you will only be sleeping in the hotel. If your heart is set on one of the top honeymoon locations and you reduce from a five-star hotel to a three-star hotel you will still get the beautiful surroundings, but at a better rate. Alternatively, consider going room only, or bed and breakfast (but make sure to research the cost of eating out in the area first).
•If you are on a very tight budget - you could consider staying locally. If you are anything like me, you probably haven't taken time to explore the areas close to home. With a little research you should be able to find a beautiful local hotel or bed and breakfast that offers good value without the cost of international air travel. Plus if you are flexible and can go at certain times you should be able to get a good discount. (Always tell them you are on honeymoon as you will likely get some sort of "freebie" thrown in).
•Have a "mini-moon" - having spent a considerable amount on their weddings, more couples in these cost conscious times are opting to go away for a weekend or short break for their honeymoon. You can always save the big holiday for a future anniversary, when you won't have just paid for a wedding!

As with all the other aspects of your wedding day, with a little thought, there are lots of different ways of reducing the cost of your honeymoon. The earlier you start the easier it will be. Try to think laterally and do your research, there is always a way of reducing your honeymoon costs. Sometimes you just need a little nudge in the right direction.

© copyright 2010 my-cheap-wedding.co.uk

Helen in the owner of my-cheap-wedding.co.uk a wedding advise website in which she provides tips and articles designed to help brides save money on all aspects of their wedding plans.

She offers more tips for saving money on your honeymoon at http://www.my-cheap-wedding.co.uk/cheap-honeymoons.html

She also offers a free downloadable wedding planner, table planner and a tool to manage your guest invites and presents. You can get them at http://www.my-cheap-wedding.co.uk/cheap-wedding-gems.html simply sign up for her free monthly wedding ezine which will allow you to automatically keep up to date with all her latest cheap wedding tips and articles.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Types of Honeymoon Packages

While the real essence of a honeymoon is so you and your better half can spend more intimate time together to celebrate your union, most couples still prefer that this honeymoon be spent in a special and perhaps away-from-home locations. An quick and easy way is for couples to search among the various types of honeymoon packages to suit their needs, as well as their budget.

There are honeymoon packages that allows the couples to choose from a Honeymoon Gift Registry. This registry is one that may offer honeymooners to pick their desired honeymoon details they want. They select the destination, enlist on a flight they prefer together with the hotel accommodations, dining places and even smaller details like a ticket to an event or the flowers to be placed in their room. While couples may really get their desired honeymoon, there are registries that charge extra amounts so cash must always be at hand.

Honeymoon packages may also be that which entails vacations to all-inclusive resorts. All-inclusive means that all that a couple needs for the honeymoon will be provided by the resort such as lodging, food, drinks, snacks and certain activities. While other expensive that are outside the all-inclusive package will require a additional cost which could be other luxuries like spas and butlers. Signing up for this package can now be done directly done through the resort's online site from price checking to booking a honeymoon. The advantage of this direct dealing is that there are no middle man or agencies to be paid. One disadvantage is that flight arrangement is not included in the package and honeymooners must book this on their own or through the assistance of a travel agent.

Couples, no doubt, would want their honeymoon to be special. and this concern is addressed by hoteliers so they devised some packages to perk up the usual hotel services for honeymooners and they call this Honeymoon packages inclusive of special touches. What hotels usually provide to honeymooners availing this package are champagne, rose petals on the bed, candlelight dinner, spa treatment for the couples, and chocolates or maybe some form of aphrodisiacs to enhance the passion of the couples. This package for a honeymoon saves the couple the hassles of buying these said add-on items but if they choose to buy them individually the couple may be able to save some on cheaper stuffs.

Most newly-wed couples like to spend honeymoon in an out-of-the-country destination and for this reason, they become a matter of tourism business in many countries. As tourism is one of the country's sources of income, concerned government bureaus help promote their hotels offering distinct packages for honeymooners. One example is in Aruba where its tourism agency endorses a "One Cool Honeymoon" program and hotel packages to lure couples and choose them over the others. Resorts participating in this program are required to present their availing guests with free bottle of champagne, free gift or souvenir, free honeymoon doorknob knocker and a certificate granting the couple a free night accommodation for the next year. Barbados also has its own version of this honeymoon package and it is called 'I Do Barbados'.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Wedding Honeymoon Trends - The Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations

One of the most thrilling parts about getting married is taking a honeymoon vacation after your wedding. Following months of wedding planning and worrying about wedding details, your honeymoon will come as a welcome break and an opportunity for you to enjoy spending some quality time with your new spouse. Because your honeymoon is the first trip you take as a married couple, you want it to be set in a very special place.

When you plan your honeymoon, you'll find that there are countless options to consider. However, not all honeymoon locations are created equal. Today, more and more newlywed couples are choosing certain destinations for their honeymoons.

Affordability, accessibility, beautiful scenery and a multitude of activity options are a few of the reasons why some honeymoon locations are more popular than others. So, where are the top locations for honeymoons? Read on and discover the latest honeymoon destination trends. You just may find an exciting option that will inspire your honeymoon.

The most popular honeymoon destinations are:

Aruba

Idyllic scenery, quiet secluded beaches and turquoise blue water welcome you in the island country of Aruba. Located in the southern Caribbean off the coast of South America, Aruba is truly a honeymoon destination where you can get away from it all. The capital of Oranjestad offers fine dining and some of the best nightlife in the Caribbean. Honeymooners can enjoy Vegas-style shows and casino gambling downtown. Couples who want to spend lazy days at the beach and top off the night with drinks and sizzling nightlife will be very happy with a honeymoon in Aruba.

St. Lucia

When you arrive in St. Lucia, you'll be transported into tropical paradise. Lush vegetation, dark volcanic sand beaches and lively nightlife characterize this little island in the Caribbean. All-inclusive resorts like Sandals make it easy to plan a honeymoon in St. Lucia, whether you like to relax on the beach all day or enjoy hiking and water sports. If a exploring a tropical rainforest by day and winding down with a catamaran cruise at sunset is your idea of paradise, then St. Lucia is the perfect honeymoon spot for you.

Italy

Riviera beaches, rich culture, amazing food and friendly locals are quickly making Italy a top destination for honeymoons. An Italian honeymoon is the trip of a lifetime and although it can be more expensive than other choices, many couples feel its well worth it. Italy offers many treasures to visitors, from the famed sights of Rome, to the verdant green landscapes of Tuscany, to the art of Florence, the glitz of the Italian Riviera and the romance of Venice. Couples who want to explore rich history and experience a new culture would be wise to choose Italy as their honeymoon destination.

Hawaii

When you take your honeymoon in Hawaii, you'll find plenty of sandy beaches, dramatic scenery and opportunities for adventure around every corner. Hawaii offers honeymooners more than just the chance to relax on picturesque beaches. After enough fun and sun, couples can spend time driving along rocky seaside cliffs, going to a luau or hiking a volcano. Non-stop service from airports in California makes Hawaii a very accessible honeymoon destination. If you want to mix a little adventure into your beach honeymoon, Hawaii is right honeymoon destination for you.

The Bahamas

Candy colored Bahamian style buildings in quaint towns, shimmering beaches and Eden-like gardens await you in the islands of the Bahamas. Not far from the coast of southern Florida, the Bahamas are a quick plane ride away from the United States. A honeymoon in the Bahamas is perfect for brides and grooms who'd like to spend their vacation exploring botanical gardens, shopping in straw marketplaces and swimming in crystal blue waters.

When you choose one of these top locations for your honeymoon, you'll know that your first vacation as a married couple will be nothing short of spectacular. Now that you know the best places to go, choosing your honeymoon destination will be one of the easiest decisions you make during your wedding planning. No matter which destination you pick, you and your new spouse will have a wonderful time and create memories to last a lifetime.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Benefits of Choosing an All Inclusive Honeymoon

Are you and your partner in the process of planning a wedding? If you are, the majority of your focus may be on your wedding, but you may also want to take the time to think about your honeymoon. After all, there are many newlyweds who claim that their honeymoon is just as important as their wedding, if not more important.

When it comes to planning your honeymoon, your first thought may be to pick a destination. Of course, you will want to carefully choose your honeymoon destination, but you may also want to think about how you plan to pay for your honeymoon. If you are looking for an easy way to not only pay for your honeymoon, but also plan for it, you may want look into all inclusive honeymoon packages.

If this is your first time purchasing an all inclusive package, you may be unsure as to exactly what one is. All inclusive honeymoon packages come in a number of different formats, but you will find that many include the costs of many of the arrangements that you need to make. For instance, an all inclusive honeymoon package is likely to include the cost of a hotel or resort stay, as well as transportation, food, snacks, drinks, and occasionally entertainment.

Now that you exactly what an all inclusive honeymoon package is, you may be wondering whether or not you and your soon to be spouse should buy one. One of the many reasons why you should at least think about making your honeymoon arrangements in the form of an all inclusive honeymoon package is because there are a number of benefits to doing so. A few of those benefits are briefly touched on below.

Perhaps, the greatest benefit of making your honeymoon arrangements in the form of an all inclusive honeymoon package is the time that you may be able to save. As previously mentioned, all inclusive honeymoon packages include a relatively large number of arrangements, including overnight accommodations, foods, drinks, and entertainment. If you were to not opt for an all inclusive honeymoon package, you would likely have to make all of your honeymoon arrangements independently. This could take up a considerable amount of time; time that could otherwise be spent making wedding preparations.

Another benefit of making your honeymoon arrangements in the form of an all inclusive honeymoon package is the money that you may be able to save. By choosing to make all of your travel arrangements at once, you may end up receiving a reward, in the form of a discount. It is common for a travel company or a vacation resort to offer discounts on all inclusive honeymoon packages. Yes, the original cost of the package may seem high, but when you examine each inclusive independently, you may be surprised with just how much money you can save by making your honeymoon arrangements in the form of an all inclusive honeymoon package.

In short, the decision as to whether or not you want to book your honeymoon in the form of an all inclusive honeymoon package is yours to make, but it is something that you may want to at least look into. After doing so, many are actually surprised with just how much time and money they are able to save themselves.

Monday, March 5, 2012

10 Perfect Honeymoon Spots For Those on a Budget

Everyone is trying to save money these days, even when it comes to getting married. Being on a budget does not have to mean sacrificing an amazing honeymoon, though. You can still visit some wonderful locations by just knowing the best budget honeymoon spots. Here is a top 10 list of places you can go for your honeymoon even if you are watching your budget.

Number One Honeymoon Spot: Florida You don't have to leave the country to find a beautiful locale that is the perfect setting for a honeymoon. Florida earns it nickname, The Sunshine State, honestly. Relax in the year round warm temperatures and soak up rays on the great coastal beaches in this inexpensive destination.

Number Two Honeymoon Spot: Mexico A short trip south of the border puts you in an ideal honeymoon spot. Mexico is not too far to travel and has some great resorts at prices that will amaze you. You can take in the beaches and the explore the local attractions for a budget price.

Number Three Honeymoon Spot: Thailand If you want something that is more of an adventure then consider Thailand. Again, you get beautiful beaches, but with an exotic flair. Thailand is very affordable with budget friendly resorts and spectacular deals on airfare.

Number Four Honeymoon Spot: Jamaica Don't immediately assume this popular destination is too expensive. You really can get a budget honeymoon deal in Jamaica. Explore the Caribbean, go shopping, enjoy golf and hang out on the beach on this budget honeymoon.

Number Five Honeymoon Spot: Dominican Republic The Dominican Republic may not be the first place you think of for an amazing honeymoon, but it offers you everything you could want from a tropical vacation spot at a fraction of the price.

Number Six Honeymoon Spot: Fiji Now heading to Fiji during their prime vacation season will be expensive, but if you have a wedding any time from December to February then you can get some great off season deals. Fiji is still just as beautiful and wonderful during the off season, but at a fraction of the cost.

Number Seven Honeymoon Spots: Stay In Your Own State Sometimes the best getaways are not too far from home. Have you ever explored your own home state? What better way to start a new life than getting to know more about where you live? A honeymoon spent traveling around your home state can be a very affordable option that is still a lot of fun.

Number Eight Honeymoon Spot: Bed and Breakfast Head to a B&B for your honeymoon. You get a cozy atmosphere that gives you an exceptional savings over a hotel. You get a very attentive staff and are often even entertained when you choose a B&B. Just the experience can be enough to really make your honeymoon special.

Number Nine: Take a Honeymoon Cruise Explore many different places for one low price. You would probably be surprised at just how affordable a honeymoon cruise can be. You get your travel, food and sight seeing all in one affordable package.

Number Ten: Have Your Honeymoon Outdoors If you are a nature loving couple then try a camping honeymoon. This is probably the most affordable option on this list. You can camp for a very low cost. All you need is to find a great spot for your camping outing and then enjoy the great outdoors together.

For more great ideas on honeymoon vacations, need some ideas planning for your honeymoon, or looking for the perfect Honeymoon Spot, come visit me over at Honeymoon Destinations [http://yourhoneymoondestination.com]

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Affordable Honeymoon Packages Ease The Budget

One man's affordable honeymoon package might be another man's budget buster. There are so many expenses for weddings that the affordable honeymoon package might not get the happy couple very far from home. Although the expenses of a wedding are substantial, there are some great affordable honeymoon packages available. One idea for an affordable honeymoon package requires getting someone else to pay for the honeymoon as a wedding gift. People often ask what the couple would like to have as a gift, and a contribution toward part of the honeymoon might be an option.

Some of the cruise ships have some very affordable honeymoon packages, and life on a cruise ship can be a great way to unwind from the hectic schedule and duties of planning a wedding. The cruise ships go to all the corners of the world so the possibilities are most attractive. There are some affordable honeymoon packages that go to the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe. A cruise on a luxury ship is always a good way to relax while visiting interesting ports of call. Sunbathing on the deck or swimming in the pool on the way to fabulous destinations is a great way to spend part of the honeymoon. There should be a cruise available for many different wedding budgets.

Affordable Honeymoon Packages Include Many Venues

Affordable honeymoon packages are available for many different goals and objectives. Those who want to go to the beach will probably find that the closer the beach the more affordable the honeymoon package. Those with a large budget might hit the beach in Tahiti while those with the smaller budget will want to go to the East Coast or the West Coast depending on the proximity to the starting point. Those who want to play golf on their honeymoon might go to Scotland if the budget permits but Phoenix if funds are more limited. There are great golf courses in both places, and some package tours available to each destination.

Honeymoon packages might be more affordable if these are booked far in advance of the departure dates. A couple might be able to arrange a house exchange to save some money on their honeymoon. There are homes available for exchange all around the world for those with a home to exchange. These exchanges often include cars and other amenities as well. This type of deal would save all funds needed for housing while on the honeymoon. Accommodations are often a large part of any honeymoon bill. A camping trip is another way to save on accommodations for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

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