Secrets To A Successful Honeymoon
Article by | Kelley Austin, BCS Cruise Planners
Honeymoons often take a backseat to the wedding planning, but you owe it to yourself to give honeymoon planning greater and more careful attention.
After all, the wedding is mainly for your family and friends. The once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon that follows is a private getaway for you and your new spouse to celebrate your marriage.
Work with a Honeymoon Travel Specialist: A professional will help create a unique honeymoon experience that reflects your personalities and desires as a couple. They have likely traveled to your ideal destination and have insider connections.
Insider Tip: Ask if they belong to any professional organizations that have a focus on honeymoons. This shows their dedication to understanding the specific needs and nuances of a honeymoon.
Start Early: It is best to start planning your honeymoon as early as possible. This will give you more time to research destinations and take advantage of early booking discounts. This year, many of the most popular resorts, destinations, and cruises are already reaching close to maximum capacity.
Insider Tip: Best to plan traditional destinations and All-Inclusive Resorts six to nine months in advance.
Set a Budget: Decide on a realistic budget for the honeymoon. You may not know what things cost, but everyone knows what they are willing to spend. A professional will keep you on budget and only present options that are appropriate.
Insider Tip: A budget range is ideal…a specific number is not. Some range examples are: Less than $5,000, $5,000-$7,500, $7,500-$10,000, $10,000-$13,000, and over $13,000.
Choose the Right Destination: Consider your interests and preferences when choosing a destination for your honeymoon. Whether you prefer a tropical beach getaway, a romantic European city, or an adventurous safari, there are endless options to choose from. This is where working with a professional is essential, it’s important to understand the particulars of a destination and why it may or may not be ideal for you.
Insider Tip: Determine your top three experience priorities and that can help narrow the destination options.
Consider the Timing: The timing of the honeymoon can greatly affect the experience. If you are getting married during peak travel season or have limited vacation time, consider delaying your honeymoon to avoid crowds, potentially higher prices, and possibly have a couple of extra days to really immerse in the experience of the honeymoon. Destination seasonality can also be a factor on the timing.
Insider Tip: Peak dates in destinations can be very different than what is often thought of as peak travel time locally. Did you know spring break season is literally two months, not just one week?
Plan for relaxation: Your wedding is likely to be a whirlwind of activity, so plan some time for relaxation and pampering during your honeymoon. Whether it’s a couples massage, a private dinner on the beach, or simply lounging by the pool, make sure to include some downtime in your itinerary.
Insider Tip: Upgrading to private transfers or private tours in destination, can make a world of difference in the start and end to the honeymoon.
Don’t Overpack: You might be tempted to bring everything you own on your honeymoon but remember that you’ll have to lug it around with you. Pack light and only bring essentials to make traveling easier and more enjoyable. It is highly unlikely that anyone other than you will ever notice if you have the same shoes on each day.
Insider Tip: Compression cubes are a great way to take more in less space.
Capture the Memories: Consider hiring a professional photographer or videographer to capture the special moments of your honeymoon. These memories will last a lifetime and you’ll be grateful to have them documented.
Insider Tip: A honeymoon travel specialist can often connect you with reputable in-destination photographers.
Remember, your honeymoon is a time to relax, bond with your new spouse, and create lasting memories together. By taking the time to plan carefully, you can ensure that your honeymoon is a truly unforgettable experience.