Introduction
A honeymoon is the ideal holiday to celebrate your marriage. As newlyweds you will have spent the last few months balancing wedding planning with your “normal” lives. You will have gone through some big changes. Your honeymoon will give you both a chance to spend uninterrupted time together and will be a wonderful time of love. Although the global pandemic has made planning events and holidays even more challenging, it hasn’t stopped couples from wanting to celebrate their wedding and spend some quality time together on a honeymoon getaway.
You can choose to celebrate your honeymoon right after your wedding day or a few months later. I recommend leaving two or three days after the wedding which will leave some time to tie up any loose ends, return rented decor and attire and pack the last few items needed for your trip. This decision is based on your work calendars, leave dates, budget, season, best time of year to visit your dream honeymoon destination and your personal preference. If you are not able to leave soon after your wedding day, I do recommend going away for a few days after the wedding for a mini-moon getaway, even if this is only a weekend away. You will both cherish the time together before getting back into routine. As the groom, you have a few options for planning a special honeymoon. You can choose to plan it together so that you both have a “holiday” to look forward to, or keep your honeymoon destination as a surprise. Let your partner know what to pack and you can take care of everything else.
Things to Think About
Budget
How much would you like to spend and are able to spend on your first getaway as a married couple. Be realistic and look out for hidden costs. Keep transport, transfers, accommodation, tours, activities, food, beverages, sightseeing and spending money in mind.
Time and Date
Start planning at least six to nine months ahead of time. Booking out of peak travel season will be more cost effective. This depends on your chosen destination and seasonal weather changes which will be a big deciding factor.
Weather
Check the weather forecast for the time of year that you would like to travel. You want to enjoy every experience that your destination has to offer.
Destinations
This will depend on your value system as a couple and particular taste of place and adventure. Do you both enjoy treating yourselves and have an unlimited budget? Then choose an all inclusive exotic resort package with exclusive use to premium spa facilities and uninterrupted ocean views with private beach access. If you both prefer experiencing a destination by immersing yourselves in local culture and have an appetite for adventure, then choosing a more remote destination will be a better decision. You may even want a mix of both luxury, relaxation and adventure. You can always choose two or even three destinations to experience them all.
Activities, Sites & Tours
You will most likely have spent the last few months intensely planning your wedding. Your honeymoon is an opportunity to relax and recharge together. Try to avoid planning a honeymoon that includes a daily itinerary that requires sticking to a tight schedule and a lot of decision making. Write a list of sites you would like to visit or activities you would like to experience so you have a good idea of what you both want to do without having to plan every detail. Try something new as a married couple to celebrate the start of this new chapter in your lives together. If you planned your honeymoon destination together then there is still an opportunity to surprise your spouse with a romantic activity or dining experience. Tailor your honeymoon to suit your interests as a couple and individually.
Top Tips for Planning your Honeymoon
Consider planning your honeymoon with a travel agent. They are experts and will know about specials and deals for your destination of choice. A travel agent can also recommend the best places to stay as well as activates and tours based on your budget and timing. If you are planning your honeymoon on your own then review, review, review. Reviews will help you select the ideal honeymoon destination.
An exotic honeymoon may sound appealing but consider how long it will take to reach the destination, as this may take up valuable time that you could spend relaxing with one another.
You or your spouse may be excited to try out your new name/s. Be careful not to book your trip under your married name. It is likely that you would not have changed all your legal documents yet. If your air tickets do not match your passport or marriage licence, you will not be travelling anywhere.
Ensure your passports are up to date, check visa requirements, and complete any country specific requirements such as proof of accommodation or vaccinations. Review terms and conditions carefully and arrange travel insurance and local currency if required.
Do not be shy to flaunt your newlywed status. Do you want to fly premium class, have your room upgraded or benefit from honeymoon discounts? Let your travel agent know you are booking a honeymoon so they can make sure you receive all the perks on offer.
Travel with a copy of your marriage certificate as proof. Your honeymoon will give you much needed relaxation and quality time together. Enjoy every minute!
