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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?
Did you know that using a travel agent is probably the cheapest part of any wedding budget? Why do I say that? Because our services are FREE. That’s right. Your pretty little eyes are not deceiving you. We earn a commission on our sales, much like other industries. Whether you book directly with a resort or use an online booking engine, you’re paying a set price. And that price already includes a commission. If you’re paying for the services of a trusted travel advisor, why wouldn’t you want to use them?
Travel advisors can help you plan your dream honeymoon. We offer the information, experience, and connections to fit your specific travel style and budget wherever you decide to travel. And, the top advisors will make sure you get the VIP treatment you deserve as a honeymooner, and will create an itinerary that is customized just for you and your fiance.
Preparing your honeymoon may be the simplest and most enjoyable aspect of planning your perfect wedding. Ready to start planning? Hit me up!
What do you think?