First of all, let’s talk about booking. When you book your flight, make sure to book it well in advance. Most frequent fliers consider this common sense, but it’s worth noting if you are a new flyer. For some of the things that happen when you don’t plan ahead, read on.

What happens when you don’t plan ahead and book your flight well in advance is this: first of all, you risk not getting the flight on the dates and times that you want or need. Flight bookings, like all types of travel, are on a first come first served basis.

Another problem that occurs when you don’t book well in advance, even if you do end up getting on a flight at the last minute, is that you will pay exorbitant rates! That means you could end up paying double (or more!) than what you would have if you had booked well in advance. “In advance” usually means at least a month or so ahead of your departure date (but this varies per airline and also depends on whether it’s near a Holiday or other busy time). Book very well in advance for Holidays!

Another tip that you should consider when you plan to fly is to check various airlines’ pricing to get the best value. For example, if you’re booking first class, while it will cost more than coach, you can still save if you price-compare.

Don’t have time to shop and compare flights? No problem! Actually, most people don’t! All you need to do is go to a price comparison site online and book your flight through them. There are several very good, reputable companies with direct relationships to all the major airlines that will do the work of finding the best rate for you!

Finally, consider your luggage. Pack as lightly as possible. Many airlines are charging more for certain baggage weight and size, and some require extra fees for carry-on bags. Check with your airline before your departure date, so you know what their policies and rates are.

You’ll also want to ask what you can and cannot bring with you on an airplane, due to heightened security. It’s not worth the embarrassment of not asking ahead of time. These regulations are increasingly strict and are changing rapidly, so you’ll want to check with your airline before your departure date on what is currently prohibited on that particular flight. If you don’t, you could end up delaying or even missing your flight due to security checks!

Plan ahead when you fly, even if you aren’t able to plan very far in advance. But the further in advance the better, is the motto here.

By: AJ Adams

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It’s hard to imagine spending another dime after the nightmare of expenses involved in planning the wedding of your dreams, let alone forking over thousands for a luxury honeymoon vacation. But after months of tireless planning, you will need to get away and spend some alone-time with your new hubby. Honeymoons can be as costly as a month-long excursion across Europe or as cost-efficient as a weekend getaway at your local B&B. With these budget travel tips, you can escape without sacrificing your ultimate goal: relaxation and reconnection.

Think Outside the Season

Off-season does not necessarily equate to bad weather. Many tropical locations have ideal weather year-round, but rates soar upwards when cold climate residents are looking to escape the winter blues. If you want to hop on a flight immediately following your wedding, consider booking your honeymoon travel arrangements at an off-season location; if you have your mind set on a particular destination, be flexible with your either your wedding date or your departure date to reap big savings.

Consult an Expert

Look to a professional to help you book your vacation - and enjoy big savings. Travel agents provide all sorts of money-saving expertise and can often access on-going sales or last-minute deals on honeymoon travel. They’ll work with you to find the best vacation packages to suit your preferences and budget.

Ask for a Helping Hand

If time away is more important to you than a waffle iron, consider setting up a honeymoon registry. Many travel agents offer services to collect, record, and apply contributions from your guests toward honeymoon resorts and expenditures. Some even allow guests to contribute to specific activities at your destination location, such as scuba diving lessons or boat rides.

Do Your Research

Don’t let your honeymoon take a backseat to the wedding planning process. Start thinking about your vacation once you have established a wedding date, and keep your eyes peeled for deals posted online or in the paper. Give yourself plenty of time to comparison shop. This complete honeymoon travel guide will help you get started.

Earn Rewards

If your credit allows, open a credit card with the best frequent-flier and other travel rewards. Start charging your wedding-day expenses, and cash in on the bonuses for airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, and other upgrades. Be careful here though; you should be able to pay off all expenditures at the end of every month to avoid finance charges and racked up debt. Also be sure to check black-out dates before making your travel arrangements.

Consider the Alternatives

You aren’t bound by the typical island retreat when it comes to honeymoon options, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons of all your choices before booking. While all-inclusive resorts once carried a negative connotation with “mandatory fun” activities, their inclusive honeymoon packages afford you the luxury of a flat-rate and a carefree experience. Bed and breakfasts, on the other hand, offer romantic retreats at typically affordable prices, but can lack exclusive privacy. The point here is that you should do your research, discuss the types of honeymoon vacations available with your fiance, and decide which priorities take precedence. Our guide to honeymoon accommodations can help you weight the options.