Jim Parsons Staff Writer
As I understand it, one of the benefits of being married is that it enables one to enjoy a honeymoon, which is always beneficial because it gives couples the chance to enjoy an exotic locale and make sure they can tolerate each other in a real-life environment.
But one of the problems facing today's newlyweds, particularly young ones, is that their bankroll may not support those exotic locales they dream about pre-ceremony.
And as we all know, it would not be much fun - even if you happen to be married - to spend your first big vacation in a Motel 6 somewhere in Angleton.
So, if you're planning a fabulous yet frugal honeymoon, the first step is to check the Sunday newspaper.
Nina, an agent at Dillard's Travel, said the paper is the best way to get a feel for what a particular vacation package might cost.
"We don't have fixed prices. Things can change" depending on when and where you travel, she said.
The rates listed in the newspaper are not only the most up-to-date, but are also usually the best values.
A glance at Sunday's Travel section in the Chronicle turned up several value package vacations to points south.
AeroMexico Vacations, for example, offers a complete five-night vacation - round-trip airfare, hotel and transfers from Houston - to Acapulco from $386, to Ixtapa from $459, and to Cancun from $345, depending on accommodations.
"If you don't have money, Cancun would be your best bet," Nina said of package vacations.
She said Cancun, Cozumel, Jamaica and Las Vegas are the best values. "Those are the best prices that we have, especially in the summer," she explained.
"Cancun (is popular) because we're so close to Cancun. They have charters and a lot of nonstop flights," she said.
"Of course, Las Vegas is always popular," she added. "It's our No. 1 seller."
She said package deals to Las Vegas, including airfare and hotel, begin at $350 for three nights.
Similar packages are available for a seemingly endless range of vacations, offering travelers cruises, seaside resorts, tours of the wild jungles of South America or the urban jungle of Mexico City.
Keep in mind, however, that the packages listed in the newspaper are often subject to additional fees (hotel surcharges, taxes and other hidden demons can all help to hike the price).
But an exciting and frugal honeymoon can be within easy reach if the happy couple elects to keep their feet on the ground - and on the gas pedal.
Since one of the major expenses in travel is airfare, travel by private car can be the most economical way to go.
And Houstonians are lucky in that two of the most popular honeymoon destinations in America, New Orleans and San Antonio, are within easy driving distance.
Both cities offer old-world charm, a bevy of romantic locations and full lists of hotels and motels to suit any budget.
However, newlyweds need not confine their travels to the beaten path.
"If you've just gotten married and you want to really do something interesting, try an outdoor vacation," suggested Julie Delorria of Global Travel. "A trip out to a national park, for example, could be unique."
Indeed, if you and your spouse are outdoors-friendly, consider taking a drive to Big Bend National Park in west Texas.
The park is far enough from Houston - and any other major city - to provide days of relaxation and starlit skies, yet is a fairly easy one- or two-day drive each way. The park offers a number of camping sites and RV hookups, plus a couple of lodges and numerous motels in surrounding towns.
But if the rugged outdoors aren't your cup of tea, try a relatively quick and local honeymoon.
A weekend trip to Galveston or southern Louisiana would be an ideal getaway for the newlyweds on the go, and what's more romantic than a couple of nights at a seaside hotel or a moss-draped Southern plantation?
But wherever you choose to honeymoon, Delorria said it is very important to try to find the best deal without taking a risk (i.e., hidden costs or a shady travel agency) and to plan early.
While you may not be able to book the reservations at the same time you begin planning your ceremony and reception, you will have the extra time to shop around and see what deals are available.
Most of all, Delorria cautioned, plan your destination wisely.
"Make sure you go somewhere you both want to go," she said. "This is not just a vacation for one of you. And if you can't learn to agree now, you may find yourself planning another honeymoon before too long."