Rhiannon Hendricks
Honeymoons can be extraordinarily expensive, but you can save hundreds or even thousands by using points and miles. The first step is to decide where you want to go, as that may dictate the types of credit card rewards you want to accumulate. If you're unsure, a general travel card might be a better option than a co-branded card, as you'll have the flexibility to use your points in more ways. You can also use a paid search tool like Point.me, PointsYeah or AwardLogic, which search multiple airlines at once. Once you've found a flight you're happy with, book it while it's still available. It's harder to locate flights using miles than hotel rooms, especially if you want to fly in business or first class. After that, you can start looking for hotels that offer free nights for longer stays. Many hotels offer deals like fifth night free, which can amount to hundreds of dollars in savings.
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What You'll Learn
Choose a general travel card or a specific airline card
When choosing between a general travel card and an airline-specific card, it's important to consider your honeymoon plans and preferences. Here are some factors to help you decide:
Flexibility and Rewards:
General travel cards offer more flexibility in earning and redeeming rewards. They allow you to earn rewards on broader categories, such as travel purchases, dining, streaming services, and online grocery purchases. You can also redeem these rewards for a variety of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, and other travel-related costs. This flexibility can be advantageous if you are unsure about your specific honeymoon plans or prefer to have a wider range of options. Additionally, general travel cards often provide benefits like travel insurance and access to airport lounges.
On the other hand, airline-specific cards are highly specialized and offer rewards primarily related to the specific airline. These cards typically provide benefits such as priority boarding, free checked bags, in-flight discounts, and companion pass offers. If you have a preferred airline that you frequently fly with, an airline-specific card could earn you bigger rewards and enhance your overall travel experience with that carrier.
Redemption Rates and Values:
When it comes to redemption rates, general travel cards usually offer a flat rate for rewards, such as one cent per point or a similar value. In contrast, airline miles from airline-specific cards can have variable redemption rates, which can sometimes be higher or lower in value compared to flat-rate rewards. If you are willing to put in the effort to time your award ticket redemptions right, you may be able to increase the value of your airline miles.
Companion Passes and Welcome Bonuses:
Airline-specific cards often provide companion pass-type perks, where you receive a buy-one-get-one ticket for select destinations. This can be especially valuable if you plan to fly in first or business class. Additionally, these cards usually offer welcome bonuses, which can help offset the cost of your tickets or upgrade your honeymoon experience with luxury benefits.
In summary, if you are committed to a particular airline and intend to take advantage of its perks and benefits, an airline-specific card could be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize flexibility and want to use your points in various ways, a general travel card might be more suitable. Remember to consider your honeymoon plans, spending habits, and the specific benefits offered by different cards to make an informed decision.
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Save up points by avoiding spending them on other purchases
When saving up points for your honeymoon, it's important to exercise self-control and avoid the temptation to spend them on other purchases. While it may be enticing to use your points on items like headphones or gift cards, spending points on non-travel purchases is generally not a good idea. For example, using points through programs like Southwest More Rewards for non-travel items is often considered a poor use of points. Instead, keep your eyes on the prize and remember that you're saving for a special occasion.
Another strategy for maximising your points is to choose a credit card with a large welcome bonus. Opening a card that offers a high reward for meeting certain spending requirements can be a great way to earn a significant number of points upfront. However, make sure that you can meet these requirements without overextending your budget. Planning ahead is crucial, especially if you're thinking of transferring points to certain airlines, as it can take up to 48 hours for the transfer to be completed.
Additionally, consider whether a general travel rewards card or a co-branded card is a better fit for your needs. General travel cards offer more flexibility, as you can accumulate points and then decide how to use them later. They are also useful if you're unsure about your specific travel plans. On the other hand, if you have a particular resort or city in mind, a co-branded card tied to that brand may offer more direct benefits. For instance, if you plan to stay at a Hilton property, a co-branded Hilton credit card could be the best option.
It's also worth noting that some hotel programs offer free nights when you book a certain number of nights with points. For example, programs like IHG One Rewards, Hilton Honors, and Marriott Bonvoy offer a free night after booking a certain number of nights. This can be a great way to save points and reduce your overall expenses. Remember, when it comes to booking your honeymoon with points, it's important to start with the flights, as they can be harder to locate using miles than hotel rooms.
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Book flights first, then hotels and activities
Booking a honeymoon with points can be a great way to save money. Here is a step-by-step guide to booking your honeymoon flights first and then your hotel and activities:
Step 1: Choose your destination
The first step is to decide on your honeymoon destination. This will help you determine the types of credit card rewards you want to accumulate. If you are set on a particular city or resort, research which credit cards have partnerships with airlines that fly to your destination or hotel groups in the area. If you are unsure about your travels, a general travel card might be a better option, as you will have more flexibility in how you use your points.
Step 2: Choose the right credit card
There are many credit cards that offer rewards and points that can be redeemed for travel. Some cards are co-branded with specific airlines or hotel groups, which can be a good option if you are loyal to a particular brand. Other cards, like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, allow you to pay for travel purchases and then redeem points for statement credit. If you are looking to fly business or first class, consider cards that offer large welcome bonuses, like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, which offers a Delta Companion Certificate each year upon renewal.
Step 3: Accumulate points
Use your credit card to charge wedding expenses or other large purchases to accumulate points quickly. Keep your eye on the prize and avoid the temptation to spend your points on other purchases.
Step 4: Book your flights
Once you have accumulated enough points, it's time to book your flights. Most travel experts recommend booking flights first and then planning the rest of your trip around your flight itinerary. Call your credit card company to ask about partnerships and how to redeem your points for flights. Be sure to allow plenty of time for the points to be transferred and remember that blackout dates may apply.
Step 5: Book your hotel
After you have booked your flights, you can focus on finding a hotel. You can use either credit card rewards or hotel points to book your room. If you plan to stay for five nights or more, take advantage of deals like "fifth night free" offered by many hotels. Call the hotel directly and speak to the concierge to book your room and let them know that you are celebrating your honeymoon. They may be able to offer you perks like flowers, chocolates, or even a room upgrade.
Step 6: Plan activities
Now that your flights and hotel are booked, you can start planning activities and experiences. You can use your credit card points or rewards programs to book tours, couples' massages, or other activities. Be sure to mention that you are on your honeymoon when booking, as this may lead to special treatment or upgrades.
Remember to keep track of your points and be strategic about how you redeem them to get the most out of your honeymoon budget.
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Use hotel points for free night deals
Honeymoons can be expensive, but hotel points can help you save money on accommodations. Many hotels offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn points for free nights. Joining these programs is usually free, and you can also earn points through hotel credit cards.
Marriott Bonvoy, for example, offers a free night award to some Marriott Bonvoy credit card users each year after their card renewal month. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card offers a free night valued at up to 35,000 points. Similarly, the World of Hyatt Credit Card provides cardholders with a complimentary night stay for a standard room at a category 1-4 Hyatt property every year after their cardmember anniversary.
IHG, which operates over 5,000 hotels worldwide, offers the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. Cardholders receive a free night award after each cardmember anniversary, which can be used towards a standard room valued at up to 40,000 points.
In addition to these programs, some hotels offer deals like "fifth night free." For example, Marriott has a "Stay for 5, Pay for 4" program where you only pay for four nights for every five nights booked with points. IHG also offers your fourth night free, even if it is more expensive than the other nights. Taking advantage of these complimentary nights can result in significant savings, especially for extended stays.
When planning your honeymoon, consider the benefits of hotel loyalty programs and credit card rewards. By accumulating points and taking advantage of free night deals, you can significantly reduce your accommodation expenses and enjoy a luxurious honeymoon experience.
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Work with a honeymoon travel agent to find the best deals
Planning a honeymoon can be stressful, especially if you're simultaneously planning a wedding. This is where honeymoon travel agents come in. They can help you plan a highly customized romantic getaway, taking away the most stressful elements of planning a fantastic vacation, and offering exclusive perks and deals you might not have access to on your own.
When choosing a honeymoon travel agent, it's important to remember that not all agents are created equal. Some have very strict requirements, while others are more lenient. Your honeymoon is the most important trip you'll ever take, so make sure the person planning it has some education and travel experience. It's also a good idea to choose someone who has visited the destination within the last five years. That way, they can offer localized expertise and provide hidden glimpses and authentic experiences of the country that you might not be able to secure on your own. They can also help you find budget-friendly deals and avoid unwanted surprises, like a closed restaurant or limited hotel spa offerings.
Some agents charge a flat fee, while others charge based on the complexity of the trip or mark up the overall price. Some agencies ask for a "plan to go" deposit before starting work, which is typically applied to your final payment. It's important to carefully vet any honeymoon travel agencies regarding payment options. Never pay cash for the trip itself and always pay with a credit card, as it offers the most protection if the agency or travel operator goes out of business or fails to provide services.
If you're looking for a luxurious experience, consider an advisor who knows about your trip and can VIP you. That way, you don't have to VIP yourself, and you'll have a better chance of an upgrade.
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Frequently asked questions
It's a good idea to book your flights first, as it's harder to locate flights using miles than it is to book hotel rooms using points. You can use a paid search tool like Point.me, PointsYeah or AwardLogic to search multiple airlines at once. If you're flexible, you can also save up your points and wait for a good deal.
If you're unsure about your travel plans, it's a good idea to go for a general travel card. These cards can be more useful than a specific, co-branded card as you can use your points in more ways. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the American Express® Gold Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earn flexible points that can be transferred to a number of hotel and airline programs.
Many hotels offer deals like "fifth night free". If you're staying for longer than a weekend, this can be a great way to save money. Some hotel loyalty programs that offer this perk include Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
Yes, it's always a good idea to let the hotel know you're on your honeymoon. You could be gifted perks like flowers, chocolates, champagne or a complimentary dinner. It's also worth befriending the concierge, who can help with booking hard-to-get reservations and local travel tips.
