Your honeymoon, just like your wedding, is all about the two of you, your personalities, and things you have in common. Surely you deserve some time to relax and just enjoy each other, and that is what the honeymoon is for. Take this time to learn about each other and spend time together without interruptions by outside concerns. It may be the last time you are able to put so much effort into pleasing each other, so make it memorable!
1. Sit down with your soon-to-be husband and write down what you each have in mind, what’s essential, and what you could do without. Talk about what this trip means to both of you. Come to an agreement on where you’ll go and what you’ll do, but remember:
it’s a time for being alone together, so limit the phone calls and texts. You’ll be caught up soon enough in the busyness of life.
2. If you are leaving the country, begin your planning early to make sure your passport is updated and you have the required visas. If you’re going off the beaten path, make sure your vaccinations are up to date and get them done several weeks before your actual wedding day, as they could cause adverse reactions.
3. Surf the Web and purchase several travel magazines to narrow down your choices. Some great magazines that I recommend are: Travel + Leisure, Vacations, Budget Travel, Islands, and Coastal Living. And, of course, get the advice of family and friends that have planned and already been on their honeymoon. If you disagree on what type of honeymoon you want to have, there are resorts and cruises that offer excursions, beaches, and tours so that you’ll both be able to find something you enjoy.
4. Determine your budget and shop around for good deals. Usually, purchasing a package is cheaper, as opposed to paying for your air travel, hotel and rental car separately. Travel deals are easiest to find in the Fall because a lot of destinations are on sale.
5. If you would rather see what traveling has to offer, and have all of the household items you need; consider a honeymoon registry. Your friends and family can purchase sightseeing activities, spa certificates, biking tours, breakfast in bed, horseback riding, snorkeling, etc. for you and your new partner. Talk with a travel agent to see how it can be structured.
6. Make arrangements for transportation to and from the airport, a trustworthy babysitter to care for your children if you have them, and someone to take care of your home and pets in your absence.
7. Have your bags packed well ahead of time and make a checklist of what you’ll need. Here’s a start:
• Passport with required visas
• Driver’s license
• Major international credit cards
• Your itinerary and telephone numbers at your destinations
• Airline tickets if you already have them printed
• Any Prescription medications
• Small first aide kit
• Health insurance card
• Ziploc plastic bags, making it easy for security personal to examine your things and eliminate drips and spills
• Camera
• Traveler checks (exchange for local currency at your bank)
• Adapters for electrical items
• Personal appliances, such as your hair dryer, curling iron, straightener.
• Honeymoon journal to remember your experiences
• Weather appropriate clothing
• A good pair of sneakers in addition to your “cute” shoes.
• A pocket calculator for converting currency
About Lilly Childers
