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Frugal Honeymoon
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In about 2 weeks, I will be going on my honeymoon with my wife. We’ve decided to go to Japan, a place where I’ve always dreamed of visiting one day. Even though our itinerary is already set, many day to day activities are not finalized yet.
Should we try to be frugal in our honeymoon?
On one hand, I’m scared because we can easily spend much of our savings on only 10 days of our lives if we aren’t careful. Many of my family members suggested all these fancy restaurants in Japan that we have to go to because they are just so good. Add that onto all the admission fees, transportation and lodging costs can only mean a huge bill when we are all set and done.
On the other hand, our honeymoon is an “once in a lifetime” event and I want it to be memorable for my wife and I. I want us to be able to remember everything we’ve done and enjoyed during these 10 days and not just remember that we wanted to save money and always went for second best because of cost reasons.
We can comfortably afford this trip even if we slurge a bit, so I’m leaning towards letting go the frugal part of me for 2 week but maybe I will make a big mistake because I appreciate the future value of the money I might use today.
So, I’m in a crossroad and need your help. What do you think?
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Sunday Money Roundup - Signing The New Lease Edition. | My Two Dollars on May 4th, 2008 at 7:01 am Says:
[...] Money Ning is headed out on a frugal honeymoon. [...]
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Weekend Link Love And Carnival Roundup - 5.10.08 | Amateur Asset Allocator on May 10th, 2008 at 9:25 am Says:
[...] asks if he should be frugal on his honeymoon. I wouldn’t recommend [...]
If you can afford it, you definitely need to spend it.
You will cherish your honeymoon forever and you will thank us later!!!
Have fun in your honeymoon!
I think you should not have frugality at the top of your mind. it is not something that you want to be worrying about when you are on vacation…
but at the same time dont go to the expensive resturants just cause they are expensive go there cause you want to go there and you truely want to enjoy the fine food they offer
No, no don’t be frugal. You only get one honeymoon (hopefully that is, no disrespect). Of course don’t be over indulgent and rent a 20 000$/night yacht or something crazy like that. But the reason we have honeymoons and vacations is to get away from “real life” and enjoy life as it should be.
So many young couples would have near bankrupted their parents for the wedding and honeymoon. The fact that you have your own funds shows you are miles ahead in money management.
This allows you to spend a little less frugally than usual. Go on and have a great honeymoon.
Best regards
I’m not a big believer in splurging making for better memories. It’s never really been about where I’m at or what I’m doing so much as who I’m doing it with. A nice walk on the beach or around town can provide just as great a memory as a fancy dinner. But it’s really about what’s going to make it for you…
I’ve been to Japan before with my family. If you’re a person that loves to go on tours, I highly suggest that. My family and I went on one and it was fun
-Mike
Please don’t be frugal. Don’t even think about it. You shouldn’t spend your entire life savings but we do have a life to enjoy…
Set a generous budget that you can afford for the 10 days, and then concentrate on enjoying the trip without being too frugal (for example, I usually walk around town or use public transport rather than pay for taxis, but that doesn’t make sense when you’re on holiday overseas and time is precious).
A rough check each day that you’re not way over budget should ensure that you have a great time but don’t end up spending more than intended.
I like EnoughWealth’s suggestion. Don’t spend your entire savings, but you are very right in it being a once in a lifetime experience. My hubby and I went to Cancun for our honeymoon and spent more than we should have, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Just don’t get into debt to go. Have fun though!!!!!
To me, the most beautiful memories aren’t necessarily those that cost a lot. Go on tours. Visit markets. Take pictures. See what kind of Japanese entertainment is available. Engage in activities that are “Japanese” in every aspect. Eating out could be at expensive restaurants, but it might also be at sidewalk cafes or something that’s got a lot of charm to it. Have fun doing new things! Enjoy your honeymoon. You deserve it!
Well,as always everything is great in moderation. Don’t be too frugal but also don’t splurge too much either; set up a reasonable budget but be ready for variances of as much as 50%..
Congratulations. No question - do it right. If you haven’t set the details yet, one suggestion. Definitely visit the small town of Nara. It was the Imperial capitol about 1000 years ago.Wonderful quiet place to visit - Go Tokyo to Osaka to Kyoto to Nara. You will not regret it. There is a fabulous traditional hotel in Nara (can’t remember the name).
You will cherish your honeymoon forever. Ours was almost 39 years ago.
Its wise to be frugal if you know your budget:) That great:)
I just wanted to know if im not mistaken, the picture above is at Maldives.
Hope you enjoy your honeymoon in Japan:)Being thrifty is good:) Japan is also a nice country to visit.But i’m afraid the picture above is at Maldives.
I’m going to against the grain and say enjoy your honeymoon. Don’t go overboard, but you only get to have a honeymoon once. Make it memorable. Don’t buy trinkets to bring home, buy experiences.
For example on our honeymoon we went to Cozumel, Mexico. We didn’t buy anything — no t-shirts, no meals out on the town, nothing. It was an all-inclusive resort, so food/drink were taken care of.
We did spend $80 or so on renting a Jeep and driving it around the island. It was AWESOME and we’ll never forget it. And not just because I hadn’t driven a stick shift in years…
When I’m traveling, I believe in spending for adventure, not so much for comfort. I think doing things like going on a tour of a special place, or trying some new experience (Hang gliding? walking near a volcano? etc.) are well worth it, even if they cost money. On the other hand, I would not want to go to a faraway place to spend money on a superdeluxe hotel room. I’d rather stay in an interesting place (youth hostel, one of those famously tiny Japanese hotel rooms for commuters, etc.) that I could remember later. I would want to stay in one of those old-fashioned Japanese inns, though, I forget what they’re called. One time our family went on a 46 day trip across the country and spend less than $6000 for the whole trip (Thank you, cheaper gas prices, nice relatives, youth hostels, etc.). One trick? Eat cheap lunches (sandwiches, food stands, etc.) and save the nice or adventurous meal for dinner.