How to Plan a Budget Honeymoon in Europe

Your honeymoon should be one of the most romantic experiences of your life, but it doesn't have to be the most expensive. You can honeymoon in Europe on a budget ' you just have to be creative and work with what you have.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Luggage Sets
• Men's Shorts
• Money Belts
• Travel Kits
• Women's Shorts
• Airline Tickets
• Camera Accessories
• Cameras
• Backpacks
• dresses and skirts

1. Visit destinations known for their romantic atmosphere. Even if you can't afford to stay and dine at four-star establishments, cities like Florence, Venice and Paris just ooze romance.

2. Travel with just one bag each. Consider convertible backpacks so that you can zip the straps away and carry them as suitcases when you check into nicer hotels. If you plan to shop a lot, bring an empty case or backpack, or buy one along the way.

3. Choose a limited number of destinations and allow yourself the time to enjoy each of them. This will set a leisurely pace for your trip, which will be much more enjoyable than rushing around to a new city every day. Remember, you can always come back.

4. Travel as cheaply as possible, but allow yourself a splurge every few days. This could be a nice hotel room after three nights in hostels, or a great dinner after a few days of pizza or picnics.

5. Picnic. It's romantic, and you'll save money. You'll also get to eat overlooking some of the world's most famous views.

6. Take advantage of all the cheap rates and discounts that you can find. If you qualify for student, youth, military, government or corporate rates for anything, make the most of it.

7. Take the train. A Eurail Flexipass is cheaper and less stressful than an auto rental in most cases, and will allow you to sit back and enjoy each other's company while you travel.

8. Network before you leave home. You, or your friends and relatives, may know people in the various locations that you plan to visit. Contact them in advance to ask for advice and suggestions.

9. Work out your plans in advance as much as possible. Although it can be fun to wing it, it can also add stress to a new marriage. Discuss your preferred destinations, work out compromises, and make decisions as a couple before the trip begins.

Tips & Warnings

• Pack light, but remember to bring at least one nice outfit to wear to restaurants or shows.

• In lieu of thank-you cards, consider sending thank-you postcards from various locations during your honeymoon. Just be sure to bring a list of the gifts you received, and all the addresses you will need.

• Come home with souvenirs that can become a memorable part of your marriage as well as your honeymoon ' something beautiful for your holiday table, perhaps.

• Leave precious jewelry at home, or make sure you have great insurance.

• Start gently, and allow yourself time to get over jet lag. Don't just launch into major sight-seeing on the first day. A slow, easy start will help both of you recover from post-wedding exhaustion, and will help keep your stress levels low so you can have a good time.