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Agree on your honeymoon budget.
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List ideas for possible destinations; gather brochures; consult a travel agent; and search guidebooks, magazines and the Internet. When you decide on a location, purchase a guidebook to study your destination in detail.
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If you plan to travel internationally, be sure to leave yourself ample time to get a passport, this can take 6-8 weeks.
If you already have a passport, check that it is not expired. In addition, some international destinations require that your
passport not expire within 3-6 months of your return date.
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Book your adventures after arriving in your honeymoon spot—not before you
leave. Often local tour operators will offer better rates.
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Keep your honeymoon under wraps, at first. Some companies will try to charge you more, reasoning that you'll want to splurge on this special getaway. Once
your reservations are finalized, share the reason for your trip: You might get
complimentary champagne on the plane or even an upgrade at your hotel.
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Check the Internet for special events at your destination during the time of year you will be traveling.
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Visit small neighborhood markets instead of big, flashy shopping venues. That
authentic tapestry or handmade jewelry will cost less, and you'll have a more
authentic local shopping experience.
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Convert money at a local bank for the best rates. Be wary of foreign ATMs:
While you won't be charged a conversion rate, you may be charged hefty fees by
your bank. Learn your bank's policies before you leave.
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Pay with a credit card. Often you'll get the lowest possible exchange rate, and
you'll be protected from unauthorized charges. Caveat: Some banks tack on
conversion surcharges of up to 3 percent.
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Alert your credit card company and bank of where you are traveling, the duration, and if you are going to be charging a large amount. This will help prevent your credit card from being rejected due to automatic fraud deterrents.
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Rent or purchase a prepaid cell phone before you hit the road to avoid roaming
charges. (Check out Telestial, which offers prepaid phones that work in 200
countries.) Or, buy an international calling card. You might have to make your
calls on a pay phone, but the savings are worth it.
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Plan your departing flight for mid-morning or early afternoon the day following your wedding to allow yourself ample time to rest after your reception.
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Many honeymoon destinations offer all-inclusive packages that can reduce the overall cost of your trip. When you inquire, ask specifically whether taxes, gratuities, and alcoholic beverages are included.
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Contact hotel concierges to remind them that you are honeymooners and request suggestions for special tours or events. Many hotels enjoy pampering newlyweds with special attention.
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Give your itinerary and telephone numbers to a family member or anyone else who might need to contact you in an emergency. Be sure to remind them that the information is for emergency use.
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Slip an easily compressed duffle bag into your suitcase. If you learn your
luggage is too heavy when you check-in with your airline, you can quickly
repack—and avoid fines of up to $50.
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Fly on a small, low-cost air carrier such as JetBlue or Southwest. You may not
get luxe leather seats and personal TV screens on every flight, but who can
argue with round-trip tickets for less than $100? For a directory of U.S.
carriers, try ReidsGuides.com. For European carriers, check out
Air-ticket-cheap.com.
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Shop around before you book your rental car. Get an estimate from one company
through agencies away from the airport (but not if you're crossing state
lines). If you decide to purchase rental car insurance, which can be pricey,
check first to see if you're covered by your credit card, or personal auto
insurance.
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If making flight connections in Europe, bypass major airport hubs such as
Charles de Gaulle in Paris and Heathrow in London. Switch planes in less
trafficked Dublin instead.
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Once your honeymoon flights are booked, go to www.seatguru.com to help find the best two seats on the airplane.
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Make and pack a list of addresses for thank-you notes, as well as any personalized stationery you are planning to use.
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Check the weather report for your destination.
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When checking in at the airline desk, mention that you are on your honeymoon. Complimentary first-class upgrades are possible if there is availability.
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Beware of cover charges at restaurants. At some places in Italy, for example, a
15 percent charge is automatically added to your check as soon as you sit down
at a table. Before being seated ask the hostess about these hidden fees.
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Don’t pack in too many activities in your schedule so you have plenty of time to relax!
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| Head off the beaten path. Ditch the "hot" touristy districts and seek out a
small neighborhood for a more affordable (and often more authentic) dining
experience.
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Honeymoon Tips
