If you can't quite afford a traditional trip after your wedding, not to worry—plenty of couples are finding that it’s not necessary to take a big, expensive vacation for their honeymoon, especially in today’s uncertain economic climate.
If you just don’t think you can find the time or the money for a big vacation—or if you’re just not that into the idea of traveling right after such a momentous event—then try one of the alternative options below.
“Homey-moons”
More and more couples are finding it more pleasant to stay at home than to travel after their weddings. While honeymoons on tropical beaches or European cities can be fun and enjoyable, air and road travel can be stressful and tiring, and some couples just want to rest and rejuvenate themselves before returning to work and their post-wedding routine.
If you don’t like the idea of traveling (or can’t afford it), try having a relaxing “homey-moon” in your home (or, if you’ve had an out-of-town wedding or haven’t fully moved in together yet, try a hotel nearby). Have fun cooking meals for eat other, watching movies, snuggling on the couch, or playing games (Scrabble and Monopoly are always fun!).
If you’re staying home, though, keep this one rule: no work! Don’t use post-wedding time to catch up on projects or housework; you need some time to recover from all the excitement and to bond with your new spouse. So make a pledge not to work on office tasks, answer business calls, or spend time checking the company email account. Pretend like you’re on a desert island where no one can reach you!
Stay Local
Maybe you’re not a homebody, but you don’t have the cash, time, or inclination to stray far from home on your honeymoon. In that case, keep it local! Enjoy what your hometown and surrounding area have to offer: go to local museums, sample local cuisine, enjoy concerts, or stroll in a park. Check out City Guide for some ideas on what to do in your neck of the woods.
Camping can also be a romantic way to spend your honeymoon locally, particularly in the summer or early fall. You can search for campgrounds near you at Go Camping America.
Wait For The Right Opportunity
For some, staying home or hanging out about town isn’t going to cut it. If you can’t afford a long or far-away honeymoon (either because of price or because of the time involved), then consider putting your honeymoon off for a couple months or even forgoing the honeymoon altogether and taking an anniversary trip in the future. This could allow you to search for good airfare or hotel deals or to become more financially stable before splurging on a big trip.
Honeymoon trips are fun, but no trip is worth spending more than you’re able—it’s much more important to start off your marriage on a good financial footing. No matter what you do or how much you spend, it’ll be a wonderful time to be with your spouse, and that alone will make it fun!
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