How to save up for the perfect honeymoon getaway

 

It is possibly also one of the biggest trips you've taken together so far. To make it a memorable one, you need to budget and plan well for this aspect of the nuptials too. You can choose from a wealth of savings and investments plans from HDFC Life even years before you actually go for the honeymoon. This way, you don't need to stress about cutting corners while you make beautiful memories on your first big trip together!

For the rest, you could simply follow these handy tips for a great honeymoon getaway.

Plan early, plan together

Ideally, start picking the destination, shortlisting hotels and the sightseeing activities you plan to indulge in, at least six to eight months in advance. This will give you ample time to do your research, figure out hotels and activities within your budget and also allow you to avail of early bird discounts on flights and hotel reservations. Planning together doesn't just help bonding, it eases the stress of the responsibilities of bookings and coordinating on one person. Also, there's the danger that if one person handles all the planning of the honeymoon, you could end up with a trip that's more tailored to one person's desires.

Set a budget for your honeymoon

Make a separate budget for the honeymoon. The wedding expenses can spiral out of control quickly at times, and you could be tempted to dip into the honeymoon kitty. It's best to save up for it differently right from the word go, so you know exactly how much you have to spend for the trip. How about putting aside a sum regularly into one of HDFC Life's many savings and investments plans that will build up a nice nest egg for your honeymoon?

Use a travel agent

Since you will have your hands full preparing for the wedding, it's better to avail the services of a travel agent who will have better insider knowledge on deals and discounts and give you a customised trip plan. Agents can also save you endless research time and offer first-hand destination knowledge.

Check for hidden costs

Be sure to cross check while making your hotel bookings and deciding the activities, the last thing you want is to be caught off-guard with any last minute surprise expenses. Also, make sure you carry some extra money with you for all those added and unforeseen expenses.

Use all your resources

Make sure you know all the benefits of your credit cards and club memberships. This could cover travel insurance, frequent flying miles and access to airport lounges, among other things, and will help to make your honeymoon a pleasanter experience. Check if you are travelling to a destination during its off season, this will help you get drastic price breaks and naturally, fewer crowds. Also, remember to play the honeymoon card well while making your reservations - at the very least, this can fetch you a room upgrade, a free bottle of champagne or a sightseeing tour gratis.

Don't forget social media

Make sure you capture all the special moments that reflect your romantic experience and share these with your loved ones back home. These are the pictures that will grace the walls of your home and help you to cherish your honeymoon memories for a lifetime. They will also serve as a pleasant reminder of all the diligent investments you made over the years in HDFC Life's Sanchay Plus, an investment that helped create those lovely memories!

 

ARN: ED/02/20/18050