That shining diamond ring has finally found its rightful place — on your left hand! You’re engaged! Congratulations! Instantly, an entire set of exciting events for your life is laid out before you, complete with showers, photos, parties, celebrations, and preparation.
While planning a wedding might be stressful, there is one component of the process that does not have to be: the honeymoon.
Keep reading because we’re going to give 5 steps to take to make planning your honeymoon the easiest aspect of the entire wedding preparation process.
STEP ONE: CHOOSE YOUR TRAVEL DATES
Obviously, this will happen after you’ve set your wedding date. But once you’ve picked the big day, you’ll need to decide if you want a buffer day (or two!) between your wedding and departure date, or whether you want to leave the morning after your “I Do’s! Most of my brides prefer a day or two in between the wedding festivities and leaving for their honeymoon. It gives them a better chance to enjoy the fun without the worry of will they get to the airport in time, did they get everything packed, etc.
After you’ve chosen a departure date, think about your how many vacation days you have at work to decide the right length of stay. Remember, some of the more exotic locations take a day or two to get to your destination and return which can heavily impact the amount of downtime and relaxation you have once you get there.
STEP TWO: DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET
It’s important to be transparent about how much you want to spend on your honeymoon from the start.
We’re all well aware of how pricey the wedding planning process is!
I think most of us can agree that you probably don’t want to rack up a ton of credit card debt for your big trip, but you also want to splurge and treat yourself to this once in a lifetime experience with your soon-to-be spouse. Also, be sure you know who will be paying for your honeymoon. Is it entirely up to you and your partner to pay for your trip? Is it possible that a parent or grandparent will assist with the honeymoon payment?
Once you’ve determined who is paying and how much you’re comfortable spending, you’ll find your “magic number”.
STEP THREE: DECIDE ON A LOCATION
When it comes to choosing a honeymoon destination, sit down with your partner and discuss the type of trip you both want. Do you want to spend most of your time relaxing on a tropical beach? Do you want it to be a more adventurous trip that includes a lot of hiking? Or would you prefer to travel to many cities and immerse yourself in the culture?
STEP FOUR: CHECK YOUR PASSPORTS
If you plan to leave the country, you’ll need to have your passports renewed and ready to go. Always keep in mind that the time between your return from your honeymoon and the expiration of your passport should be at least 6 months. Most countries require that 6 month buffer, and the last thing you want as newlyweds is a snafu when trying to go on a dream honeymoon.
Also, if you’re unsure about changing your legal name before traveling, you’re not alone. In terms of passports, don’t worry! All that matters when you leave the country is what your passport says, and that your passport name matches the name on your plane ticket. That means even after you’re married, for future trips until your passport expires, just make sure your trip is booked under your maiden name. Then, when your passport is up for renewal, you can get a new one in your married name!
STEP FIVE: USE A TRAVEL ADVISOR
So you’ve already done everything yourself: you’ve set your tentative vacation dates and budget, figured out your passport status, and have a fair idea of what your honeymoon will be like. Awesome, what’s next?
It’s time to get booked! And one of the easiest ways to check this off your wedding “to do” list is to engage the services of a trusted travel advisor.
Travel advisors possess extensive knowledge and expertise in destination planning, accommodations, and activities. They can tailor recommendations based on your preferences, budget, and interests, ensuring that every aspect of the honeymoon aligns with your desires. Whether you prefer a romantic beach getaway, an adventurous safari, or a cultural immersion experience, a travel advisor can curate a personalized itinerary that exceeds expectations.
Besides offering advice and resources during the planning stages, the best part of having a travel advisor is they are there if and when things hit the fan.
Travel advisors provide ongoing support and assistance before, during, and after the honeymoon. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as flight delays, cancellations, or itinerary changes, couples can rely on their travel advisor to handle any issues and provide timely assistance. Having access to 24/7 support ensures peace of mind and allows the couple to focus on enjoying their honeymoon without worrying about logistical challenges or emergencies.
Preparing your honeymoon may be the simplest and most enjoyable aspect of planning your perfect wedding. Ready to start planning? Hit me up!
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