The honeymoon is a tradition that many soon-to-be married couples look forward to, but after some heavy spending for the wedding, couples have found some cost-effective strategies for planning the special trip.

Don’t vacation right away

A great idea to save money is to hold off on the honeymoon right after the wedding. Go somewhere nearby in the days following the wedding to celebrate instead. Then, save up for a weeklong luxurious vacation in the future.

ISU alumna Kristi Anderson née Woods and her husband, Matt, vacationed for a weekend in Wisconsin after their August 2008 wedding. In 2011, the couple traveled to Mexico after three years of marriage.

Anderson said, “It was like having two honeymoons, one being a little delayed. It made the time more special since we could celebrate our marriage twice.”

Check for deals online

The Internet can be a valuable place for those in search of a deal. There are many sites that include all-inclusive packages for less. Popular honeymoon destination packages are available in Mexico, the Caribbean Islands and other tropical places. Another money saving vacation idea is to set sail on a cruise ship. Cruises are a great alternative to a land destination; especially since you can see many parts of the world on one vacation.

Travel off-season

Travel experts suggest taking a vacation during times when most travelers aren’t. For instance, a trip to the mountains in the summer or a trip to the Gulf of Mexico during hurricane season are good ideas when the price for airfare and hotels are discounted. Many times, honeymooners can save up to 50 percent of their original cost.

Whether couples choose to wait a few years, snag a deal off the Internet or travel during a destination’s off-season, the honeymoon will be a great ending to the beginning of the rest of their lives.