Honeymoon in Las Vegas on a Budget

I planned our trip to Las Vegas by using the internet, and found a package deal to stay at the MGM Grand for seven days, which included airfare for just under $1500. This was prepaid months in advance and there was nothing for me to worry about when travel time was upon us. From the airport, the rental company had our car prepared, in no time we were alone in Vegas.

Once at our hotel, checking in was smooth, but once to our room we found the room had not been seen by housekeeping - completely unacceptable. To compensate for this mishap, we were given a room on the top floor with a view of the Las Vegas Strip, including Excalibur and Mandalay Bay.

As an average working couple, we must live on a pretty tight budget, and this was the case on our honeymoon as well. With the airfare, room and car all paid for in advance, we were free to focus on having a good time, with or without money. A young couple has to learn to make sacrifices in order to reach certain goals in life, but also they must learn to live.

While in Vegas, we spent most of our time enjoying the scenic beauty of the desert and the mountains. I recall gambling only twice, and one of those times we actually left with more money! We drove through the Lake Mead area to visit Hoover Dam, and immediately turned around once there due to a horrible traffic jam in the dam. Instead of being herded with other tourists at the dam, we found an area near the lake and enjoyed a hike together, just the two of us.

We also spent time at the resort, in what I would call a miniature water park, enjoying the desert heat and each other. The resorts in Vegas being almost like cities unto themselves, we dined, shopped and danced right where we were staying, sometimes enjoying a free meal, courtesy MGM Grand.

Most of all, a honeymoon will be what you make it. Whether you have tens of thousands of dollars or just one thousand, the memories you cherish will be the private moments that cost nothing. This is the time to relax and enjoy your partner, get to know what pleases him or her and take the time to show that you care. Ideally, a honeymoon happens only once, make it count.

Our honeymoon in Vegas was not a Hollywood production; we did what we could afford and have great memories of nice trip. I recommend simplicity during this recession, but love deserves celebration. If you are planning a honeymoon, congratulations, and bon voyage!