Planning your honeymoon can present a challenge if you`re working with a limited budget. No matter who you are or where you`re going, careful consideration should be put into managing your money safely and effectively while away. Below are just a few tips to get you started.

Remember that a little bit of number crunching may be time consuming, but will prove well worth the effort! First, decide how much you can afford to spend. This will help you determine which destinations are within your reach, and how many days you will be able to holiday for.

It is important to consider the time of year you will be travelling when planning your vacation. A trip to a certain destination may cost more because it is during their peak season. Other destinations may be just as enticing and far more pocket-friendly at the time of the year you wish to globe-trot.

The main expenses
Draw up a financial plan well in advance, by finding out the approximate costs of various aspects of your holiday. By being aware of what these costs are from the outset, you will be able to shop around and save substantially. The following expenses are involved in most trips:

• Luggage
• Airline tickets (unless driving or using another method of transport.)
• Visas and other necessary documents (where applicable)
• Airport taxes (where applicable)
• Accommodation
• Food
• Transport
• Sight-seeing
• Miscellaneous costs (Tips, souvenirs, gifts, etc.)

The travel agent
Scour the newspapers for special offers, and visit a selection of travel agents before committing yourself. Find out exactly what each package includes. Don`t necessarily go for the cheapest bargain if you are unsure of the company that is offering it. Rather select a travel agent who is thorough, efficient and accessible.

(If you`re stuck on foreign territory with no accommodation and a serious language barrier, your entire holiday could be jeopardised. Even if the cost is slightly more, choose a company that can be held accountable if something should go wrong.)

Your budget
Once you have decided on the length of your stay, you need to establish a daily budget, which will include spending cash for: food, transport, activities (such as sight-seeing) and shopping. Try to set aside a little more each day then you think you`ll need, just in case!

• Speak to your travel agent about any incidental costs that you are likely to incur (for example, tipping).
• If you`re planning your honeymoon, remind your travel agent that you are newly weds. Many hotels offer discount rates or free upgrades if you are able to produce a recent marriage certificate.
• Find out about foreign exchange, so that you can adjust your finances accordingly. (Visit www.oanda.com/site.cc.index.html for a quick and convenient currency conversion calculator, no matter where you`ve planned to go.)
• Airline ticket prices are often variable. Early birds often get discount rates, while last minute bookings can sometimes be made via an `online` auction. If you do leave it this late, check out the site of the relevant airline to see what they can offer.
• Transport can eat into your budget drastically while away. Rather than taking a taxi, invest in a pocket guide of your destination, and find out how the local transportation system works. (Bus, rail, etc.)
• Food can also be expensive. Take a few non-perishable snacks in your case with you, and if you are really on a cost-effective vacation, stay at self-catering chalets or similar. Then, shop at local supermarkets. Restrain yourself from spending too much on alcohol, as this could empty your wallet rapidly.

One final word of advice
Don`t skimp too much on sight-seeing and activities. You may never have another opportunity to learn abut the culture and indulge in the spectacular sights that the destination has to offer. These provide the special memories that will linger long after the holiday is over!

Article source: LifeWorld