Finance Archives | Wedding ETC

In Accessories

The ultimate guide to honeymoon road-tripping

May 20, 2026 No Comments

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freedom that comes with the open road – and there’s no better person to share it with than your new spouse. Just married, chasing adventure with good music, scenic stops, and uninterrupted conversation? That’s honeymoon magic.

If you’re planning a honeymoon road trip, here are a few things to keep in mind before you hit the highway.

Avoid Breakdowns and Breakouts

Before you embark on your journey, make sure your car is properly serviced – especially the filters, fluid levels, brakes, tyres, belts, oil, and water. Check that your tyre pressure is correct and inspect your wiper blades, indicators, brake lights, and headlights.

If you’re travelling through different climates or remote areas, ensure your vehicle is prepared for changing weather conditions. And if you’re road-tripping during a South African summer, don’t forget to check the air conditioner – nothing kills romance faster than being stuck in traffic in unbearable heat.

It’s also worth downloading offline maps ahead of time in case signal drops along your route.

Clean Up, Stock Up

There’s no better way to begin your honeymoon than in a freshly cleaned car. Turn the pre-trip prep into part of the fun with a quick car wash date before departure.

Stock up on snacks, padkos, and plenty of water – buying from grocery stores beforehand is usually far cheaper than relying on petrol station convenience stops. Pack blankets and pillows for extra comfort, especially if one of you wants to nap between destinations.

Finally, don’t skip the emergency kit. Include essentials like:

A flashlight and extra batteries
Jumper cables
A first aid kit
Spare tyre and tyre repair kit
Portable phone charger or power bank
Emergency contact numbers
Being over-prepared is always better than being stranded.

If You’re Renting

If you’re renting a car, companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Thrifty offer a variety of vehicle options and pickup locations.

Look out for package deals that combine flights, accommodation, and car rental – they can save you a significant amount on honeymoon costs.

If you’re renting abroad, check whether your destination requires an International Driving Permit (IDP). It’s also important to note that manual transmission vehicles are still standard in many countries. If you’re used to driving automatic, reserve one well in advance, as availability can be limited and rates are often higher.

And yes – screenshot or print your booking confirmation. Airport Wi-Fi has a habit of failing exactly when you need it most.

Are We There Yet?

Planning the time spent in the car together can be just as important as planning the destinations themselves. A long drive can either become part of the adventure – or feel very, very long.

Prepare some entertainment ahead of time to keep the energy fun and relaxed. Think curated playlists, nostalgic singalongs, podcasts, audiobooks, or even a few classic road-trip games.

Here are a few ideas to make the journey more memorable:

Car games

They’re not just for kids. Classics like I Spy or the licence plate game are surprisingly entertaining when the kilometres start blending.

Story time

Take turns reading aloud from a book, sharing funny memories, or even telling each other stories you’ve never heard before.

Create an on-the-road scrapbook

Snap photos of quirky roadside stops, beautiful scenery, and funny moments along the way. The blurry selfies and petrol station coffee runs often become the best memories later.

Tunes for the trail

A good playlist can completely shape the mood of a road trip. Create one together before you leave, blending both your favourites with songs that feel like the start of a new chapter.

The journey is the honeymoon

A honeymoon road trip isn’t about rushing from one destination to the next – it’s about the moments in between. The unexpected stops, terrible padkos combinations, inside jokes, scenic detours, and quiet conversations are often the memories that last the longest.

So, leave a little room for spontaneity, keep your itinerary flexible, and enjoy the ride together. After all, the best love stories rarely stick perfectly to the route.

ALSO SEE: How to pick your honeymoon destination

How to pick your honeymoon destination

Feature image: Pinterest

In Finance

5 honeymoon money saving tips

January 19, 2026 No Comments

Planning your honeymoon should be exciting and stress free, so you’ll want to work within your budget to ensure you have an unforgettable time – without the dread of overspending. Here’re five honeymoon planning tips to help keep the wallet in check.

If you’re opting to book your honeymoon through a travel agent, do so with a reputable travel agency that specialises in honeymoons.
Airfares will play a big role in your total budget, plan ahead and try to use mileage or credit card points as payment for your airfare.
Consider registering your honeymoon with an online honeymoon registry for your bridal shower (in lieu of that unwanted bath mat).
Avoid travelling over major holidays when prices are at their premium.
Go all inclusive; pay for everything up front, you will avoid overspending.

ALSO SEE: 10 Tips for your beach wedding

10 Tips for your beach wedding

Feature image: Pexels

Adapted from honeymoonsandgetaways.com.

In Finance

Money talks: How to plan for your financial future before marriage

February 17, 2021 No Comments

Money, and how people spend it, is often a major cause of tension in couples. Before you walk down the aisle, it’s important to make sure you and your partner are on the same page when it comes to what you plan on doing with your money.

While we hate to rain on anyone’s wedding parade, it’s important to not get so carried away that you forget to stay within your financial means or forget to make responsible preparations for your financial future together. Before taking the big step, here’s what you should consider.

Know your options

First things first: you need to know the type of marriage as well as the type of matrimonial property regimes you can enter into, as each one has its own financial repercussions. Marriage in community of property means everything you own and owe that you each had before the marriage becomes jointly owned. This is the default contract in South Africa.

Marriage out of community of property means that your assets and liabilities are kept separately and is drawn up as an antenuptial contract.

Check out this breakdown to help you decide which contract is right for you.

Have a pre-wedding money convo

It’s crucial to know your partner’s credit profile, especially if you plan on getting married in community of property. Knowing each other’s credit history will also give you some insight into each other’s financial behaviour. Be honest from the outset about debts and current financial responsibilities, such as child maintenance or assistance for parents or siblings. This way, neither partner will be shocked with unforeseen expenses after you tie the knot.

Think about a joint account

If you and your partner are comfortable sharing everything, a joint bank account is a convenient way to manage your day-to-day spending and saving. If one of you is less financially responsible, make the decision that the person who is good at handling finances will take care of the household budget instead.

Plan, plan, plan

Your wedding is only the beginning of your married life, so commit to saving and creating wealth from the start. Set up a meeting with a financial advisor to help you draw up a plan suited for your life goals and needs, and ensure you meet with them yearly to stay on track.

Budget – every month

Sit down together on a monthly basis to check on your financial behaviour and spending. Not only is this good practice but will alert you to any potential shortfalls that you can tackle as soon as they come up.

Picture: Pexels

In Advice

10 Ways to save money on your honeymoon

September 25, 2019 No Comments

You can also read: Best wedding planning APP’s and tools.

Just like the wedding and everything that surrounds it, your honeymoon will be yet another expensive weight on your shoulders. However, with some careful planning, lots of research and a bit of consideration, it is possible to save some money. Here’s how:

1. Include it in your registry

Instead of opting for the traditional registry, ask guests for a contribution towards your honeymoon in general, or specific excursions, tickets or bookings. It’s no longer frowned upon to ask for a donation instead of a gift, as more and more couples already have everything they need for their home before even getting married.

2. Who needs souvenirs?

Instead of spending unnecessary money on souvenirs (which, let’s face it, you’ll never look at again), rather spend it on experiences – such as special dinners, excursions or tours. These experiences are much more valuable than physical things. However, if you love doing outdoorsy stuff, such as hiking, it might even cost you less!

3. Use public transport instead of Ubers

Do some research and gather information on how the public transport system works in the areas you’ll be in. Ubers and taxis are often much more expensive than the public systems, so this way you’ll be able to save quite a bit. Your hotel or accommodation staff will also be able to assist you with recommendations and guides.

4. Be clever with your travel dates

You don’t need to leave for your honeymoon the moment you get married. Because most couples still need to take personal matters, such as work, into consideration before being able to leave, you can plan your honeymoon around ‘cheaper’ seasons, flights and destinations. Consider off-season options, as this will not only be cheaper all round, but also less crowded.

5. Score some points

On your credit card, that is. Lots of credit card services offer rewards that you can use for travel, including discounts on flights, accommodation, restaurants etc. Although you’d have to start planning this one quite a bit in advance, it will definitely be worth it.

6. DIY

Instead of booking everything through a travel agency, do your research, plan carefully, and book everything yourself to avoid paying any additional fees. Also make sure to check the direct websites of hotels, lodges or resorts, as they often have slightly lower rates than when it’s booked elsewhere. If you do, however, prefer to use an agent, make sure they book package deals for you, so that you can get the most bang for your buck.

7. Take a chance

It might be a little forward, but when booking a room, a restaurant or whatever it may be, casually mention that it’s your honeymoon. People love romance, so they might just give you a freebie, an upgrade or a warm(er) welcome.

8. Get travel insurance

Just in case.

9. Consider when you eat out

You don’t have to eat at a restaurant for every single meal. Go to local markets or grocery stores and gather a few bits and pieces to take on a picnic, to have in your room or to make a meal yourself. This way you’ll also experience more of your surroundings and of the culture than you would sitting down at a restaurant three times a day.

10. Go on the hunt

Again, you’ll need to take some time and do your research with this one, but make an effort to hunt for some deals. Many hotels, destinations, cruises and airlines have regular deals – whether it’s for honeymooners, seasonal or simply because. Make use of them and be sure to make some calls to figure out if they don’t offer any additional deals. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Affordable honeymoon destinations

May 6, 2019 No Comments

Planning an international honeymoon on a budget? Don’t fret. There are so many incredible travel destinations rich in culture and experiences that won’t break the bank either.

As a newlywed, you definitely don’t want to start off your life together in debt. But, if you are still determined to go overseas for a romantic getaway, these destinations will have you feeling the love without clutching your wallet tight.

Another plus: all of these destinations are visa-free for South Africans, saving you quite a few bucks on paperwork!

Bali, Indonesia

Bali has been trending for years, and it is clear to see why. With beautiful beaches, bustling nightlife and culture around every corner, there is something for everyone.

Because Bali is such a popular tourist destination, there are always travel packages being offered. Many travel businesses offer week long packages for between R10 000-R20 000 per person sharing. The packages are generally all inclusive, making it an excellent deal. The best part? After nearly two years of being shut to tourists, the Island of the Gods is officially open to everyone.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B47Kq8BAail/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Phuket, Thailand

Enrich yourself culturally in this beautiful Asian country. Whether you’re looking for big city life or a relaxed island-hopping getaway, Thailand is your one stop shop. Phuket is the country’s largest island, offering tropical views and lively entertainment.

You can easily find amazing package deals from R9 000- R18 ooo per person sharing at 2, 3 and 4 star hotels.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0IPuwqDlkG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Mombasa, Kenya

Combine beach and safari in this beautiful African country. Kenya’s largest port and second most populous city is steeped in history. History fans will love exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site Fort Jesus, and the more activity-based couples will revel in water sports in the Mombasa Marine National Park. Of course, you can also just relax at one of their beautiful beaches.

You can find great 4-night stays ranging from R14 000 – R20 000 per person sharing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw2BaU4nEKh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Zanzibar, Tanzania

The island of Zanzibar is renowned for its laid-back luxury and picture-perfect views. This beachy destination also offers activities to suit every style and budget. An excellent plan of action is to visit one of Tanzania’s popular game reserves before settling down in Zanzibar for surf and sun.

A week-long honeymoon can often run between R10 000-R15 000 per person sharing, including flights and accommodation.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwxBNjLH0XU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The largest South American country offers rugged landscapes, dense jungles and pristine beaches. Rio de Janeiro is the more cosmopolitan Brazilian city, making it perfect for honeymooners wanting modern culture.

3-5 day package deals to this festive destination usually range between R14 000 – R25 000 including flights and 3-star accommodation.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv-xy35FsaM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Cairo, Egypt

Okay, hear us out. While the bustling streets of Cairo don’t exactly scream honeymoon destination, it’s a great affordable destination for history buffs looking to brush up on their knowledge of ancient Egypt. Explore the pyramids and meander through alleyways as negotiated with street vendors, Egypt is a beautiful destination if you’re looking to get to know North African culture.

8 Day packages often range between R22 000 – R24 000.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkdQEHGFtC0/

Image: Unsplash