Planning your honeymoon is one of the most enjoyable parts of getting married. Deciding on where to go and what to do once you get there is just as exciting as arranging the wedding itself.
Your honeymoon is the first holiday you’ll take together as newly-weds and needs to be full of wonderful experiences you’ll treasure forever. It will also need to provide plenty of opportunity for romance and time to relax and recuperate after your big day.
Here are a few things to consider to make sure your honeymoon is as perfect as possible.
Where to honeymoon
The most important thing to consider when choosing your destination is what you both want from your honeymoon. Whilst lounging on a beach for two weeks might be one person’s idea of heaven, the other might need some injections of adrenalin pumping adventure to enjoy themselves. If you both want something different then take this into account in your plans.
Discuss what you both want from your honeymoon beforehand and do a bit of research to make sure you choose somewhere that reflects and caters to both your interests.
When to honeymoon
Once you have chosen your destination the next consideration is to make sure you’re going at the right time of year. Honeymooners looking for a beach holiday will want to make sure the sun is shining, skiers will want a guarantee of snow, whilst scuba divers may choose the best time to encounter manta rays or whatever marine wildlife they are particularly fond of.
If the date of your wedding and conditions at your chosen destination are incompatible, do not despair. There will be many other possible destinations that could offer a similar experience. Speaking to a travel advisor at this point is likely to throw up some exciting new possibilities for you.
Budget
For each destination there will be many options to suit every budget, from the luxurious to best value for money hotels. If you’re on a tight budget but want a taste of luxury consider shortening your honeymoon and having a few nights at a fantastic venue. Alternatively asking for contributions towards your honeymoon, rather than a traditional gift list, can really help towards getting the honeymoon of your dreams.
Something else to check when booking your holiday are the little extras your resort or hotel will throw in for honeymooners. Many offer exclusive extras for newly-weds such as room upgrades, complimentary spa treatments and candlelit dinners, to name just a few. Don’t be shy about using the phrase “it’s our honeymoon” regularly and repeatedly. You will be surprised and delighted at the extras it can bring you.
Passport information
You will need to decide whether to change your name before or after your wedding to ensure the name on your passport is the same as the one on all your holiday documents and booking details. If you do decide to change the name being used on your passport make sure you allow plenty of time, at least 3 months, to send off all the documents.
