Honeymoon Planning Plus Romantic Destinations

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The Planning Process – Honeymoon To-Do List

There are a million and one details to consider when it comes to the wedding, but just as many when it comes to the honeymoon. Here are some key points to keep in mind as you begin the planning process.

Honeymoon Departure

While it's romantic to be swept right from the ceremony onto the plane for your honeymoon, more and more couples are opting for a delayed departure - anywhere from a few days to a few months! As you begin planning, consider which option is right for you. How does it affect your budget? Does visiting your destination at a different time work better for you?

Honeymoon Destination & Length of Stay

Some newlyweds want to go all out and opt for far-away exotic locales. Others prefer to stick close to home. No matter what you choose, it's important that the destination suits both of your interests, falls within your budget, and matches your desired itinerary and pace of travel. If you're both beach bums, then an active destination may not suit you. On the other hand, if you're looking for an adrenaline-inducing adventure, it's best to stay away from places lacking in those areas. Want to do more than one destination? Be sure they align with one another logistically and complement each other well. Along with choosing a destination, decide how long you'd like to stay, being sure to factor in travel time if needed.

Honeymoon Budget

Working with a travel advisor is a great way to sort out what destinations are a good fit for the amount you're willing to spend. To make the budget more accommodating, consider traveling during the off-season or shoulder seasons for the destination of your choosing. Make sure you budget for all of the components of your honeymoon: from flights and hotels to dining and souvenirs and everything in between. Be sure to discuss how your budget will be prioritized, too. For example, do you want to splurge on 5-star accommodations, or would you rather reserve funds for private tours instead?

Honeymoon Planning

Be sure to give yourself - and your travel advisor - plenty of time for planning. Ideally, eight months or more is best, especially when you're in the thick of wedding planning. You will want to ensure you are getting first dibs on your dream hotel, the best tours, and ideal flight prices. So planning in advance is key. Planning with more time to spare also eases the financial burden by allowing components to be booked over time instead of in a rushed frenzy weeks before departure.

Honeymoon Documents

If you are traveling internationally, be sure that passports don't get lost in the shuffle of planning everything else. Make sure they have at least six months of validity past your date of planned return. For partners who plan on changing their last name - make sure everything is booked under the name that will be on your passport at the time of travel!

The Right Match – Choosing A Honeymoon Destination

As long as you're with the one you love, it shouldn't really matter where you are, right? But when it comes to honeymooning, we can all agree that the destination is the most important factor. Choosing the right match for the two of you is a crucial step in curating the best experience for your first post-nuptial getaway.

Here is a small handful of ideas to get the inspiration flowing.

Popular Honeymoon Destinations

When people think of a “honeymoon,” most think of sandy white beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and lying by the infinity pool. If that's your vibe, here are some tropical getaways that may be a great fit.

Caribbean: Jamaica, St. Lucia, or Curacao are romantic and diverse options to consider throughout the Caribbean.
South Pacific: Bora Bora, Cook Islands, or Fiji are popular and exotic ways to relax on sandy white beaches.
Indian Ocean: Maldives, Mauritius, or Seychelles are dreamy destinations worth a longer flight.

Honeymoons for Foodies

If eating your way through a destination has always been on your honeymoon bucket list, there are many delicious options.

Italy: The most universally loved culinary traditions in the world arguably hail from Italy. Every region has its own specialties for you to feast on throughout Italy.
France: Paris has incredible food and wine, of course, but the Loire Valley in central France also has an impressive food scene to explore. Lyon, France, is known as the gastronomic capital of the country.
Spain: Beautiful San Sebastian in the Basque Country of northern Spain is the food capital of Spain. It has the second-highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per square meter in the world.

Culture + History Honeymoons

If history and heritage sites are the way to your heart, a destination teeming with historical and cultural significance might be the right match for your honeymoon.

Peru: From Machu Picchu to the Inca Trail and the numerous archeological sites, Peru is perfect for couples interested in South American history and ancient civilizations.
Greece: Home to the famous Acropolis and Parthenon, Athens is a hub of Greek culture and mythology that is sure to please the most knowledgeable history buffs.
Egypt: For couples who love ancient history, Egypt is a mecca of pyramids, temples, and artifacts. You will feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the famous sites and learn about the historical period that they represent.

Unique Honeymoons

If you want to choose the type of honeymoon destination that makes people respond with, “Oh, that's unusual,” then this list might be for you.

New Zealand: It is an action junkie's dream, with miles of untouched wilderness waiting to be explored.
Nordic Adventures: Forget the bathing suit, and pack the parka for destinations like Finland, Iceland, or Norway. Saunas, the Aurora Borealis, and crisp winter air are a lovely combo for those who don't mind the cold.
African Safari: What better way to toast to your newlywed status than trekking the Big Five on safari or relaxing in the Cape Winelands?

I will be honored to help you plan your honeymoon filled with extraordinary memories and enriching experiences.