For many couples, the honeymoon is a necessary break from months spent on planning a wedding. Also, it’s the first trip a newlywed couple takes together – the trip of a lifetime. It may sound really thrilling, but even planning a honeymoon can be stressful. There are many things to take care of and plan before you get on the plane and take off together to an exotic destination. Hopefully, the first trip of your married lives will go without any problems with this ultimate checklist for honeymoon planning.
Don’t plan at the last minute
Couples often leave the planning of their honeymoon trip to the last minute, having only a destination in their minds. But instead of leaving it to the very end, which will make your trip more expensive, start planning it along with your other wedding plans. You’ll reduce the scheduling and financial stress by booking a travel agent, which can help you spread out the costs over the course of a few months. Look at your honeymoon planning as a break from the wedding planning by getting to plan a dream vacation after you go into the holy matrimony.
Work together
The whole burden of honeymoon planning shouldn’t be left only to one of you. When it comes to planning a honeymoon, you need to end up with a trip that is tailored to both of your desires. This should be a joint effort, unless your future spouse is uncommonly perceptive about your traveling peeves and wishes. On the other hand, if it happens that one person is in charge of the planning, they should keep the other person informed of all decisions.
Narrowing down the destination options
In order to narrow down the wide range of destination options for your honeymoon trip, ask yourself these questions: What’s my budget? What are our interests? What will the weather be like? How many days do we have available for the trip? Is it more about the destination or do we want to travel non-stop? Will it be peak season? Do you want to spend your time drinking a cocktail on the beach or drinking hot chocolate on the balcony of a mountain resort? Do you want a more quiet trip or days filled with activity?
Set aside a honeymoon budget
Just as weddings, honeymoon trips can be costly as well. It’s very tempting to take your credit card out, and pay for something that’s out of your budget limitations. If you can afford to stay in a 3-star hotel, then you shouldn’t splurge on a luxury hotel with an ocean view. Some travel agencies offer a “Buy our honeymoon” service, allowing you to create a honeymoon list which your wedding guests can contribute towards as gifts. If you prefer more creative way of inviting your guests to contribute to your honeymoon budget, state it in your wedding invitation. Ask professionals from the industry, such as Carbon8, to help you with design and wording. It should sound sweet and appreciative rather than demanding to your guests.
Book your flight and hotel
When you decide on your honeymoon destination, start searching for the most competitive pricing regarding your airfare and accommodation. If you wait to find a flight/accommodation package right before your departure day, you’re more likely to pay a premium price. There are websites that enable you to find affordable flights in combination with cheap accommodation in one package. Choosing an all-inclusive package is very economical and can take tons of stress out of planning. Look for resorts that offer ‘resort credits’ – free money to use at the resort property on everything from spa to outdoor activities. This perk allows you to save money on different amenities that you’ll be booking during your stay there.
You don’t have to leave right after your wedding
Leaving for the honeymoon immediately after the wedding reception happens only in movies. However, it is better to give yourselves some time to stop and take a breath between the wedding and the trip. If your wedding is on Saturday, leave a few days after, or just wait as long as you need. Maybe when the weather is just perfect at your chosen destination or after an important presentation.
Pack smart
Make a checklist of the things you’ll need on your trip – clothes, foreign currency, sunscreen, and more. Next, plan for when you’ll do the shopping for some accessories or clothing that you’ll need. It’s best to do this at least 2-3 months before your wedding. Pack most of your things a week before the ‘big day’, and put your suitcases aside, ready for you to just grab them and head to the airport.
The honeymoon is one of the most fun and relaxing parts of the whole wedding process. This is exactly why you shouldn’t let the honeymoon planning be so stressful. You’ve just got married the person you love the most in this world, and you’re about to go on an exciting trip. Plan everything on time and enjoy the amazing experience.
