You've dreamed about it for as long as you can remember, and now the time has come to plan your honeymoon vacation. What is your idea of honeymoon paradise and where in the world are you going to go?
Those are just the introductory questions to ask because perfect honeymoons don't just happen. They have to be carefully planned. The more you do your honeymoon homework, the more romantic - and the more fun - your honeymoon will be.
Where to Begin
Communicating with your partner about each of your honeymoon expectations will make the honeymoon planning easier. A few basic questions you should discuss are:
- Do we want to get married in the same place we honeymoon?
- Do we want to go around the corner or around the world?
- Do we want to save or splurge?
- Do we want sunshine or snow?
- Do we want to be lively or lazy?
- Do we want to learn something new that we can enjoy together?
- Do we want a cruise, a honeymoon package an all-inclusive resort or a trip tailored just for the two of us?
- What are your honeymoon dreams and fantasies?
How much can you afford?
While not the most glamorous part of planning your honeymoon, setting a budget will become one of the most important steps you make in preparing for the escape of your dreams. While the most important part of the honeymoon is to have fun together, if you work out how much you can afford and set limits on spending before you embark on your trip of a lifetime, you will avoid a lot of unnecessary future stress.
There are ways to lower the cost of your honeymoon. The following suggestions can help you cut costs.
Plan in advance: By giving yourself plenty of preparation time, you'll have time to research your options and a better chance of getting into your chosen lodging. Fashionable hotels are often reserved as much as a year in advance during peak seasons. Also, you will be able to take advantage of early-booking incentives.
Minimize transportation costs: Driving to a destination can significantly lower the cost of a holiday from flying. If you must fly, investigate airfares and don't forget to use the Internet to search for cheap fares and options.
Consider packages: Honeymoon packages often feature upgraded rooms and romantic outings. Some include airfare, a rental car, and meals. All-inclusive packages and cruises make budgeting easy by supplying the entire cost of the trip in advance.
Register for your trip: There are now a few websites that allow couples to register for a honeymoon.
Leaving the Country?
If you plan to leave your home country for your honeymoon there are some steps that should be made long in advance of the honeymoon and certainly before the wedding day if you plan to travel shortly after the wedding date itself.
- Determine if you need a passport to travel to your honeymoon destination. If so, and both you and your partner already have passports, ensure they are valid before leaving for the airport and make sure they will not expire while you are on your trip.
- Determine if you will need a visa to enter the country you are travelling to. If a visa is required, obtain it from the appropriate foreign consular representative before traveling abroad. Submit your visa application for processing several months before your planned departure in case of any delays. As soon as you receive your visa, check it to make sure no mistakes were made.
- Determine whether any immunizations are required before travelling to your honeymoon destination. Prophylactic medication for malaria and other preventive measures are recommended for travel to certain countries.
A honeymoon is such a very special occasion in one's life. With the proper advanced planning it can be the dream you always imagined it would be.
