Honeymoon Hotspots Close to Home
You just spent most of your savings on creating the celebration of a lifetime, and now you’re looking for cheap ways to relax. Hawai’i, Baja, and Fiji all sound fantastic, but they’re just not realistic after spending thousands on your wedding. Honeymooning closer to home will balance your need to get away with your budget.
If you’ve always dreamed of traveling to an exotic Caribbean beach, taking an adventurous African safari, or touring the historic cities of Europe, we do have a few tips that will keep your expenses low. But if you can’t fathom spending more money than you already have but still want a little alone time, we’ve also got the hottest Ohio honeymoon spots for you and your beau.
Tips to Save Money Consider traveling in the offseason. Some destinations may offer lower rates to off-season guests, as their tourist season slows. Be aware, though, that some shops and tours may be closed, due to little interest.
Use a travel agent. It may seem like a cheaper option to book everything yourself, but a professional has access to discounts by booking flights, hotels and resorts, transportation, and excursions altogether. Because you’re not paying them directly, you get the benefits of discounted rates with no extra costs! They can also give you the rundown on everything to know about your destination– from cheap restaurants to hidden gems.
Check out all-inclusive. Though the initial ticket price of staying at an all-inclusive resort may seem intimidating, they cover all of your meals, drinks, and sometimes even excursions. Everything will be covered beforehand, so you won’t have to worry about how much you’re spending on the essentials and can focus instead on buying those souvenirs your family insisted you bring back.
Look into reward-based credit cards to pay for your wedding. Getting credit cards that earn you points at hotels, flier miles, or even cash back to use for all of your wedding expenses can profoundly impact your honeymoon budget! You can get a free flight, discounted overnight stays, or create separate savings account to spend on your honeymoon with your cash back.
Consider honeymooning locally. Whether you take a boat tour of Lake Erie, explore the riverfront of Cincinnati, or stay at a bed-and-breakfast in Amish country, Ohio offers a lot of romantic getaway options.
Local Honeymoon Destination Spots Landoll’s Mohican Castle- Just looking at photos of this picturesque destination will have you packing your bags. Offering golfing, fishing, boating, and hiking, this woodsy locale is perfect for the nature-loving couple.
Hocking Hills- Straddling the border of Ohio and West Virginia, this outdoors vacation has the beauty and peacefulness of mother nature, while offering the luxury of spacious cabins. See the sights by a private plane ride, horseback, ziplining, or an ATV adventure. With canoe and kayak rentals, rock climbing lessons, and open bonfire pits, there’s something for every couple at this romantic lodging.
Geneva-on-the-Lake- For those couples that want to tour wine country and local breweries, Geneva-on-the-Lake is the perfect destination for you. Listen to live music as you share a flight of signature creations or kiss at the top of the lakeside Ferris Wheel.
Cedar Point- Thrill seeking couples will love this honeymoon! Whether you’re riding the fastest roller-coasters, hurtling down the slickest water slides, flying over the water by Waverunner or parasail, or just lounging on the beach, the fun never ends at this destination. With four different on-site hotels, there’s an option for every budget.
Historic Marietta- Marietta has been named one of the cutest small towns in Ohio. Stay in the Lafayette Hotel to experience a ghost sighting of your own, take a trolley tour around town, or visit the numerous shops and museums in the area for a relaxing and memorable vacation.
Starting off a marriage with limited finances doesn’t always bode well, so consider your options before booking an extravagant tour of Europe or seeing the sights in Asia. While you may find that experiencing this now while you’re young and have time to do so may be relevant to you, you could also decide that it’s worth it to save your money and splurge on an incredible vacation later. Either way, pamper yourselves! You’ve spent a lot of time, energy, and money on celebrating the start of your life together, so enjoy your first vacation as a married couple, too. Remember: it’s not where you go, it’s who’s beside you that matters!
Have some great ideas or tips to save on your honeymoon budget? Comment below, or let us know on our Facebook or Twitter pages!
For a packing checklist, use your copy of our Wedding Planner or request a copy here!