You have spent time and energy planning and you've already spent money pre-paying your honeymoon. One of the easiest ways to blow your carefully managed budget is to spend while on your honeymoon as if there is no tomorrow.
The same caution you used in not paying for your special trip on your credit card is reminding you not to pay for your entertainment and meals on those same credit cards. In order to return home from your honeymoon totally sated, you must also incorporate a budget for your spending. Here are some helpful tips to help you stay on track.
1. Spend your evenings with locals
The best way to find a great dinner is to ask locals where they go out on special occasions. Ask the bellmen, ask the front desk attendants, ask cab drivers.
You'll should quickly hear the same two or three names. Those are the places you want to try. They're probably off the well-beaten tourist paths, but they also probably offer the best local cuisine in the area.
These establishments are likely to be smaller restaurants with better food and lower prices than the tourist restaurants along a hotel strip.
You should also drink what the locals drink. Cosmopolitans and Coors may be your drink of choice at home, but in Spain cava may be more economical while a local beer may be more cost effective in Munich. If you are in a region known for its local beer, now is the time to get acquainted.
2. Paying in cash
Many of us are used to pulling out our charge card for most of our purchases. By paying in cash, you can better control your expenses. Remember to bring enough local currency with you whenever you two go out, otherwise
if you go out for dinner and drinks and are paying with a credit card, you can easily go over budget. Cash in your pocket means you must keep to your nightly budget.
As your evening progresses, drinks can get more expensive. Just remember, you will need cash to get back to your resort, hotel or inn. Bring enough cash for your transportation, and keep it separate.
A few US banks have a no-fee agreement with foreign banks but most do not. Verify your bank’s ATM agreements in your destination before your departure. If they are going to charge a huge fee, you should plan on withdrawing large amounts at a time. Please remember, only do this in areas where it is safe.
3. Pricing
It is so very easy to not have any idea of what things cost in a foreign country. If you don’t see a price list or don’t understand the price list, ask questions.
It's really great if you speak the language, but even if there is a language barrier, keep asking and you will persevere. (You can also carry a pocket dictionary or a smart phone translator like iPhone's Coolgorilla, which is available for 99¢ per language.) You certainly don’t want to get to the end of your evening only to learn that you have overspent.
Depending on your destination, beer may be more economical than wine or vice versa. Cocktails are without a doubt more costly. Absolut is no less expensive in Sweden where it is distilled than Svedka is in Sweden. You will be far better off and save loads of cash with a local wine or beer.
4. Tipping
In the United States, waiters are paid below minimum wage because tipping is heavily anticipated. Many of us have tipping tables in our wallets featuring 15 and 20 percent charts on specific dollar values.
In most foreign countries, however, waiters are paid a much higher base rate. So examine the tipping practices of your destination before your departure. Waiters may only expect to receive a maximum of 10% for outstanding service.
Cab drivers in most foreign countries don’t expect a tip. If you feel awkward omitting a taxi tip, just round up to the next denomination.
5. Using public transportation
You will save big by using the local bus, train or even a cab. But in the case of a cab, be sure ask “how much” and understand the answer before you step into a cab.
You may also find that during the day, comfortable walking shoes can propel you to just the right sightseeing spots. Please don’t try this after dark unless your room is close to your evening’s entertainment and the streets at night are always heavily populated.
When you're attempting to remain on budget during your honeymoon, being aware of your spending habits is a great way to watch your costs.
Don’t forget to plan on a spectacular night or two on the town. But by planning on a couple of extravagant nights, you won’t feel as though you have spent the entire time penny pinching. By following these money-saving tips, you two can enjoy your destination for much less than you would spend otherwise.
photo sources: Irish night life, German beer, London bus
Emma McKnight is a travel agent specializing in cruise vacatioons. View her website at: www.CruiseWithEmma.com or contact her at: emcknightr@cruisesinc.com.
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re sold (tortuga means turtle in Papiamento).