So, now that you have a ring on your finger and you are already starting to panic, it’s time to stop and take a deep breath. This is definitely a stressful time for you, your family, and your hubby-to-be, but you can’t lose sight of what brought you to this point and where you are headed–together. Don’t forget to reserve some “couple time,” that doesn’t involve wedding conversation or shopping for favors. You should also make time for yourself, too, so you don’t get burned out.

That being said, if you haven’t yet selected a location for your ceremony, think about choosing a destination wedding! Often, when a destination wedding is mentioned, people automatically see dollar signs floating out the window. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are dozens of factors to consider when making this choice, and it all depends on what YOU want!

One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to sit down with your honey and first decide on your budget. If you are hoping for some assistance with either or both sets of parents, talk it over with them, too. Discover what funds are available to you, and then make decisions about your guest list, particularly who absolutely must be there or you will cry your eyes out.

If you are operating on a modest budget, and always wanted a huge wedding (think cathedral and three hundred guests), then perhaps tying the knot abroad is not right for you. But if you are thinking something more private–immediate family and very close friends only, especially some who can pay their own way–then you may end up saving money in the long run if your ceremony destination and your honeymoon locale are the same.

Working with travel experts that specialize in destination weddings can be very beneficial. They can help to expose hidden fees that many resorts might charge (including the infamous “cake-cutting fee”), and they can even help find you heavily discounted airfare and hotel packages for you and your guests.

Choosing an exotic destination for your special day is a great way to personalize your wedding and make memories that last forever. So take time to talk it over with your groom today.

Beat The Recession Recommends

As people are cutting back on travel a huge number of unsold hotel rooms, flights, cruise ships, rental cars, and much more mean that great deals are available to you. You have several options for finding these great deals and by remaining flexible on your travel you open up the door to even more fantastic deals.

The options that you should explore and consider using in combination to finding the best deals include using sites such as Priceline and Hotwire that let you secure amazing deals by remaining somewhat flexible on the exact company you make your booking with, signing up for travel providers email newsletters, using discount travel sites and liquidators, and looking for last minute deals directly through your provider of choice. Priceline and Hotwire are two of the travel providers actually doing remarkably well in the current climate because they offer such great deals and these sites should be your first stops when looking for budget travel options.

With Priceline you specify the rough location you would like to stay, the dates of your stay, and the class of service you would like. You also specify a bid and then Priceline will search and see if a hotel, airline, or rental car company will be willing to accept your price for travel. If you are matched they confirm the booking and if not they will let you change your parameters and search again. You can get travel for half off or more via this system letting you stay in luxury accommodations for the price of economy.

You give up the right to name an exact hotel but given that you get to specify class of service this is not a big tradeoff. Hotwire does the same thing only they will tell you the price ahead of time but block out the name of the provider only giving you a rough location and class of service.

You can determine good bids by visiting Internet bulletin boards specific to Priceline and Hotwire where people indicate recent winning bids thus giving you an idea of how much you should bid. Travel providers often reveal their best deals only via their email newsletter and so you should be sure to sign up for these newsletters for your favorite providers.

If you are flexible in terms of travel dates and even locations then you can get great deals via these newsletters as the providers use these newsletter deals to try and sell off undersold seats or rooms for a fraction of the full going price. Discount travel sites and liquidators are a fantastic option if you have complete flexibility in your stay details and can leave at last minute’s notice. Via these sites you will often get the best deals and will be able to travel for absolutely remarkable prices. You will often be able to get travel for 20% of the full rate but in these cases you need to be flexible or this option won’t work.

But if you are flexible you can really save some serious money. Finally if you monitor your provider of choice’s website you will often be able to find dips in price to your dream location. By staying on top of pricing and getting quotes for different weeks and days of the week you are sure to find a deal that can help you keep under budget and the get the relaxation you need in these stressful times.

There are numerous ways to go on vacation while also on a budget. One option is to go somewhere local to you, and have a camp out.

Do you live in an area accessible to a lake, forest or ocean? A great place is simply away from your home and general responsibilities. Gather the whole family and discuss your plans for camping, some members of your family might not think that camping will be fun, but it can be as long as you plan ahead.

• Step One: Getting There

Where are you going, how long will it take to get there and where will you stay?
Tent camping is the most inexpensive and can be fun for the whole family, even the teenagers! Pack small and remember the warm clothes as well as the swimwear, it gets colder in the evenings and you might need to bundle up around the fire. Plan ahead for travel time and cost of gas for your camping adventure, pack accordingly and service your vehicle before taking off.

• Step Two: Food

There are no McDonalds in the woods, or lakeside. Pack your food with two meals day in mind. A hearty ‘camp’ breakfast and a dinner, snacking throughout the day is often the best part of the trip! Snack foods that don’t require refrigeration, such as trail mix, chips, power bars and plenty of bottled juices and water.

• Step Three: Activities

Planning a successful camping vacation for all family members is the easiest part! If you are at a ‘campground’ they supply a lot of entertainment, with playgrounds, water parks, and many other activities around the campground. If you are more adventurous and your campsite is located out in nature- fishing, hiking and bird watching will pass the hours away. Bring a deck of cards and a good book, get ready to relax and have fun.

Not an Outdoorsy Family? No Problem

If vacationing locally doesn’t appeal to you or isn’t a viable option for your family, then go online and begin your search for a shoestring spring break. Look for package deals with online travel sites, check restrictions and limitations prior to booking. When you bundle a travel package, you combine airfare, rental car and hotel rooms in one low rate and is sometimes not only the cheapest option but stress free as well.

• Step One: Getting There

Airline restrictions and costs are confusing as well as time consuming, being prepared ahead of time will make air travel less of a hassle and actually fun! Pack a ‘carry-on’ instead of checked baggage. Check with your particular airlines requirements as far as size of acceptable carryon luggage. Pack your children’s bags as well as your own; make sure there is nothing in their bag that might hold you or them up at the airport. The guidelines for prohibited items are published online as well as in the airport itself.

• Step Two: Food

Probably the most expensive portion of your trip, especially with small children while travelling. When you arrive at your destination look for a supermarket, you can buy snack packs of healthy snacks for the kids and keep them in your hotel room. Buying small packages of snackable foods can also keep children quiet while waiting in lines and traffic!

• Step Three: Activities

Choosing your destination will dictate your activities, if you are going to a beach town, head to the beach! Kids love to play in the sand, surf and parents can safely watch from a distance while relaxing as well. If you are going for a resort vacation, look online for deals or coupons prior to going, buying entrance tickets in advance is a great way to cut costs. Also, check with your hotel, do they offer a package discount to the local area attractions, most do.

Not interested in Air Travel? Ride the Rails!

If you’re not crazy about the idea of flying find your local train station and search for a bargain departure. Trains are almost an obsolete form of travel in our ‘go-go’ society. The magic of a train ride is in the kids face when they watch the landscape go speeding by, the windows on the trains are there for sight seeing and it is an experience that will not be forgotten. Also, a good book or a simple deck of cards will make the trip memorable and enjoyable for the whole family.

• Step One: Getting There

Train travel is more comfortable, and many times more economical, than travel by air. You can find a round trip fare for less than you would spend flying, always be on the lookout for deals and coupons with the train retailer and online resources. Discounts are out there you just need to look!

• Step Two: Food

Long-distance trains offer food service in the dining car, or you can bring your own food. With smaller children pack their favorite snack foods and juice boxes so they aren’t tempted to beg for the overpriced food available on the train. You can also supplement the train food for what you already brought with you.

• Step Three: Activities

With train travel most activities are done in close quarters and those are the best! Play video games together, card games, even travel sized board games. Watch the scenery and enjoy telling your kids about the history of the area if you know it, don’t worry there are brochures on the train itself that will help you with the tough questions. When you get to your destination, talk about the trip there as you are more than likely going to be heading back the same way, creating excitement about train travel makes it a memorable experience for the whole family.

Family vacations don’t need to be expensive, extravagant or even far away. Being together throughout the planning, packing and activities are what makes the memories for your entire family. Take lots of pictures, enjoy the time together, remember relax and have FUN!

The Major Savings

The key here is research. While gas prices have gone up and the dollar has gone down, that doesn’t mean that all is lost. If less people are traveling that means there hotels out there with lots of extra room, even during peak seasons. So spend some serious research time and sign up for travel newsletters that offer great last minute discounts. And don’t always look for the cheapest place. Often the best deals are great hotel properties at deep discounts. And a great hotel with beautiful grounds also means you will enjoy your hotel more – and spend less by having to go elsewhere.

There are always new travel sites being created so keep updated. A good place to start is the well known Hotels.com, which often has deals. One of my favorites if you are heading to warmer weather is CheapCaribbean.com and two great site for last minute deals is LastMinute.com packages with Site59 and Sherman’s Travel.

When I was a student, backpacking around the world, I often used STA Student Travel, which has great deals for those lucky enough to still be under 26.

The Minor Tips

1. Find a place with a free breakfast – and stock up a bit for later. Usually the food is better at the hotel for breakfast and can save you a lot over a week’s time.

2. Ask for a better room. It never hurts to ask. Just be nice and not demanding. If you are nice and friendly, others usually want to be friendly back. If you book a bigger or fancier room beforehand, you will pay more, but often these rooms are empty when you arrive and you can have them just by asking – or for an extra fee. I remember checking into a beautiful spa hotel overlooking Sanibel Island. I had booked a 50% off room through an association, so wasn’t expecting much. When I arrived I asked if there was a choice of rooms. I was told for $10 or more I could have a balcony overlooking the bay or $20 more get a beautiful mini suite with a stunning view and balcony – which we eagerly took. We looked all over and could not find a restaurant with as nice a view as our balcony, so bought food and had great meals there.

3. Ask to see the room first. If you are not in rush, ask to see the room, or preferably a few room options before you commit. You will be stunned how much rooms differ – even of the same caliber. I remember another time checking into a hotel and asked if there was a choice of rooms. The receptionist asked me what I wanted –so I replied, more space and a great view. And she gave me one – just because I asked.

4. Get to know the concierge or reception people. They can be your best friends, giving you both great entreating and money saving advice. Ask what is free and if there are coupons available. Ask where the “Locals” shop or eat – and your food cost just dropped 50%. The places usually advertised the most and the places you should avoid. Overcrowded, overprices and no ambiance.

5. Know what the hotel offers. Ask for a hotel map and spend 10 minutes asking about services the hotel has – and the charges if any. Often you can save money by learning about certain things such as a free shuttle to town or that beach chairs are free from a certain vendor or shoes can be shined for free just by leaving them in a bag outside your door. Never assume someone will tell you things. You need to ask. You can literally save hundreds of dollars if you know what is included.

6. Get a refrigerator for you room. Most often this is free – especially if you need it for medical or dietary reasons, but they are limited so must be booked in advance. Then go to a supermarket and buy lots of drinks and snacks, or even some take out food if you want to save from expensive dinners every night. Then you can eat on your balcony, at the beach, on the top of a mountain for skiers or just have a nice picnic.

So, let’s set some new precedents for 2009. Like, you won’t purchase anything for regular price, except of course groceries—another topic entirely. I’m talking about a vacation—an energizing getaway that you can afford, especially since January travel deals are some of the best of the year.

Yes, I’m actually promoting travel right now! Because if you’ve been taking our pointers here at Beat the Recession, you aren’t among the millions of Americans suffering from holiday burn-out. You saved money and are ready to start the new year with a bang. So, let’s go! Read on for a few tips for planning a budget-friendly vacation in January.

Why Travel in January?
It’s pretty simple, really. January is cold and spending is down after the holiday shopping mania. But, if you’ve saved enough and are ready to get away, it’s a great time to find some killer deals.

Mexico
If you refuse to leave home unless you see some ocean, don’t worry. There are some great options available, if you head south of the border. Mexico is one of the most affordable beach vacations you can take year-round, and it definitely shouldn’t be taken for granted in the cold winter months. Just make sure you travel early in January, since the high season starts later on in the month. Hotel prices go up in the 3rd and 4th weeks of January, so plan to leave town soon after New Year’s.

Cultural Meccas
Most people head to the beach in cold weather, which drives airfare to warmer destinations up in the winter. So, you should head to off-season locations that will still deliver in culture and experience, no matter what the weather is like outside. You’ll find great deals on trips to New York, Amsterdam, Paris, and even China if you’re willing to layer up and explore these cities in their colder months. A huge benefit (aside from the major savings) is that you’ll find these popular destinations less touristy. And who wouldn’t love a steamy espresso on a cold winter day on the steps of the Louvre?

Ski
Ski season is going strong in January, but prices drop after the holidays. If you’re into a sporty vacation, and wouldn’t mind some time cozying up in a Colorado cabin, consider a ski vacation.

You’ll find a ton of travel sites offering package deals, group discounts, and other coupons that all add up to some great savings for traveling in January. A few of our favorites?

www.Travelocity.com

www.Expedia.com

www.sandals.com

www.wheretostay.com

And don’t forget to check out the major airlines sites, like Continental, Southwest, United, etc.

There are always new travel sites being created so keep updated. A good place to start is the well known Hotels.com which often has deals. One of my favorites if you are heading to warmer weather is CheapCarribean.com and two great sites for last minute deals is LastMinute.com packages with Site59 and Sherman’s Travel.

When I was a student, backpacking around the world, I often used STA Student Travel, which has great deals for those lucky enough to still be under 26.

The Minor Tips
1. Find a place with a free breakfast – and stock up a bit for later. Usually the food is better at the hotel for breakfast and can save you a lot over a week’s time.

2. Ask for a better room. It never hurts to ask. Just be nice and not demanding. If you are nice and friendly, others usually want to be friendly back. If you book a bigger or fancier room beforehand, you will pay more, but often these rooms are empty when you arrive and you can have them just by asking – or for an extra fee. I remember checking into a beautiful spa hotel overlooking Sanibel Island. I had booked a 50% off room through an association, so wasn’t expecting much. When I arrived I asked if there was a choice of rooms. I was told for $10 or more I could have a balcony overlooking the bay or $20 more get a beautiful mini suite with a stunning view and balcony – which we eagerly took. We looked all over and could not find a restaurant with as nice a view as our balcony, so we bought food and had great meals there.

3. Ask to see the room first. If you are not in rush, ask to see the room, or preferably a few room options before you commit. You will be stunned how much rooms differ – even rooms of the same caliber. I remember another time checking into a hotel and asked if there was a choice of rooms. The receptionist asked me what I wanted – so I replied, more space and a great view. And she gave me one – just because I asked.

4. Get to know the concierge or reception people. They can be your best friends, giving you both great entreating and money saving advice. Ask what is free and if there are coupons available. Ask where the “Locals” shop or eat – and your food cost just dropped 50%. The places usually advertised the most and the places you should avoid. Overcrowded, overprices and no ambiance.

5. Know what the hotel offers. Ask for a hotel map and spend 10 minutes asking about services the hotel has – and the charges if any. Often you can save money by learning about certain things such as a free shuttle to town or that beach chairs are free from a certain vendor or shoes can be shined for free just by leaving them in a bag outside your door. Never assume someone will tell you things. You need to ask. You can literally save hundreds of dollars if you know what is included.

6. Get a refrigerator for you room. Most often this is free – especially if you need it for medical or dietary reasons, but they are limited so must be booked in advance. Then go to a supermarket and buy lots of drinks and snacks, or even some take out food if you want to save from expensive dinners every night. Then you can eat on your balcony, at the beach, on the top of a mountain for skiers or just have a nice picnic.
If you know of ways to save money – please email them to us at Tips@BeatTheRecession.com