Luxtripper Travel Editor
The First Steps
Set the date
The first decision that needs to be made is when to travel. While many couples prefer to leave immediately after the wedding, others prefer to travel at a later and more convenient date. Another option is to take a short honeymoon immediately after the wedding, while saving the once-in-a-lifetime getaway for a later time.
Create a wish list
In the early stages of planning, it’s a good idea to sit down with your partner and make a list of what you each can and can’t live without. For example, do potential destinations have to be somewhere that neither person has been before? Does it have to be somewhere extravagant and all-inclusive, or would you both prefer something more relaxed and off the beaten track? Spend some time brainstorming to find common ground between you and your partner.
Calculate a budget
Once you’ve created your wish list, start looking at potential costs and agree on a budget. This will help make realistic decisions when planning the honeymoon. Most couples are looking for luxurious, all-inclusive packages in exotic destinations, but with careful planning and some expert help, it’s possible to find a perfect honeymoon package regardless of the budget.
Deciding Where to Go When
Peak or low season
In the travel industry, there are high and low periods throughout the year. Travelling during peak season for a particular destination is generally considered the best time to travel because of good weather conditions; however, peak season is also the most expensive time to travel and resorts tend to be crowded during this time. Low season often means poor weather conditions, but this depends on the destination. In general, mid or shoulder season is the best time to travel, as the weather is pleasant and rates are slightly reduced.
Your dream destination
Choosing the right destination is much more complicated than simply choosing between the beach and the city. Besides the weather and region, consider the type of experiences you wish to have on your honeymoon – are you foodies, adventurers, water lovers, culture aficionados or spa fanatics? Consider this: while both are incredible options, a beach honeymoon in Seychelles will be very different from a beach honeymoon in Vietnam, so make your decision carefully.
The perfect resort
Though many honeymooners might not realise it, the choice of resort is just as important as the choice of destination. Every resort is unique and provides a different experiences for its guests, so finding the right one for you is incredibly important. Many honeymooners, for instance, prefer an adults-only resort in order to ensure a quiet environment, as resorts that cater to families with children can sometimes be noisy.
Things to Remember
Be creative
When planning your honeymoon, there’s no reason to follow trends or flock to the most popular destinations. If the typical relaxing beach getaway just isn’t right for you, why not trek through Bhutan, skydive in New Zealand or take a culinary tour through Thailand? The point is to create lasting memories with your partner, and the possibilities are endless. If one destination just isn’t enough, you can consider combining multiple destination and experiences to create an unforgettable twin or multiple destination honeymoon.
Be smart
It’s easy to get swept up in the romance of planning a honeymoon, but don’t forget that there are many practical issues to address when travelling internationally. Do you need visas to enter the country? What about vaccinations? What is the exchange rate for the currency? What are the local amenities in case of emergency or specific medical needs? Don’t forget technical details like booking using maiden names and travelling with a copy of your marriage certificate!
Be resourceful
While it’s certainly fun and exciting, planning a honeymoon can also be very stressful, so don’t forget that there are many helpful resources available. There are countless honeymoon websites and magazines available, as well as creative sites such as Pinterest. For a completely stress-free experience, let the experts take over – they have the experience and knowledge necessary to create the perfect honeymoon package, and can often help you save money on flights and accommodation.
