A honeymoon is more than just a holiday; it’s the first voyage you undertake as a newly wedded couple and a wonderful opportunity to create beautiful memories that last a lifetime.
When you plan a honeymoon, it’s all about harmonising your desires, expectations, and realities to create a journey that’s both exciting and relaxing. With the glitter and rush of the wedding behind you, this is your time to unwind, to explore new horizons, and to celebrate love in a setting that really works for you both.
As no doubt you will have had a wedding checklist to help you plan your big day, so too do you need to carefully plan a honeymoon to ensure it too is as perfect as it can be.
Our comprehensive guide helps you plan a honeymoon by taking 5 easy steps, leading to a honeymoon that promises romance, relaxation and adventure, coupled with the safety and comfort as you want, heading to your ideal destination and accommodation that matches with the budget you have.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Understand Your Budget: Establishing a budget is the foundation of any plan, including planning a honeymoon that suits both your financial circumstance and your dream destination.
- Choose the Ideal Destination: Highlighting various destination options and how to zero in on the one that aligns with both partners’ preferences.
- Accommodation Preferences: We delve into accommodation options, ranging from luxury resorts to cosy B&Bs, and how to choose the perfect one for your honeymoon.
- Create a Memorable Itinerary: Developing a detailed itinerary that blends relaxation and adventure, ensuring a honeymoon to remember for a lifetime.
- Packing and Preparations: A look into the necessary preparations and packing hacks that will make your honeymoon hassle-free.
- Manage Your Honeymoon Money: Being able to manage your finances whilst actually way is another crucial aspect as you plan a honeymoon. We look at using a cash, cards and mobile apps to help assess the best approach.
1. Understand Your Budget
Crafting a budget that is both realistic and inclusive of all your desires is a first step as you plan a honeymoon. This involves striking a balance between splurging on luxury and saving on unnecessary expenditures.
While it’s essential to dream, it’s equally important to remain grounded in reality when you plan a honeymoon. Set a realistic budget that will allow you to enjoy your honeymoon without financial stress.
Of course, your honeymoon is only part of your overall wedding expenses. Make sure as you plan your wedding and set your overall wedding budget you include your honeymoon and make sure at all works financially for you.
Here’s how to go about understanding your honeymoon budget:
Breakdown of Costs
It is advisable to break down the costs into different categories such as:
- Transportation: This includes flight tickets, car rentals, local transport etc.
- Accommodation: Factor in the type of lodging preferred, be it a luxury resort, a boutique hotel or a cosy bed and breakfast.
- Meals and Dining: Allocate a budget for daily meals, considering special dining experiences you wish to indulge in.
- Activities: List down the activities you wish to undertake and their associated costs.
- Shopping: Set aside a budget for shopping and buying souvenirs.
- Miscellaneous: Always keep a provision for miscellaneous expenses that might pop up.
You may find it helpful to create a table to record your various estimated costs. The table below is purely an example, you will need to add Items and your Estimated Costs to ensure the information is accurate for you.
| Item | Estimated Cost (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | 1000 – 3000 | Return tickets |
| Accommodation | 800 – 5000 | Depending on type |
| Meals | 500 – 1500 | For two |
| Activities | 300 – 2000 | Depending on choice |
| Miscellaneous | 200 – 700 | Shopping, spa etc. |
| Contingency | 10-20% | % of total budget |
Research and Carefully Consider Your Honeymoon Destination
Conduct thorough research on the destination, the average costs incurred for various services and activities there, and read reviews to get an estimate of the daily budget needed.
And it’s worth remembering that sometimes, a destination closer to home, with for example less travel costs, can offer as much romance and beauty as a far-off exotic location.
Savings and Financial Tools
As you plan a honeymoon, consider opening a dedicated savings account or use financial tools and apps that help in budget tracking and saving. This will help in managing and accumulating the funds required for your honeymoon.
Deals and Packages
Look for honeymoon deals and packages that offer good value for money. Many travel companies offer honeymoon packages that include a host of services at a discounted rate.
Contingency Fund
Ensure to have a contingency fund for emergencies. It is generally recommended to set aside 10-20% of your total budget for unforeseen expenses.
Professional Advice
If budgeting is proving to be a challenge, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a financial advisor or a travel consultant who can help in planning a budget that suits your financial condition while meeting your expectations.
2. Choose the Ideal Destination as You Plan a Honeymoon
Selecting the picture-perfect destination is a vital and exciting step as you plan a honeymoon. We look at how you can choose a destination that aligns perfectly with both your desires and interests.
Understanding Each Other’s Preferences
Before you start shortlisting destinations, sit down with your partner and understand each other’s preferences. Are you both beach lovers, or does a historical city with rich culture attract you more? Maybe you are nature enthusiasts and a destination offering scenic landscapes and adventure trails is more up your alley. Having a clear understanding of what both of you expect will help narrow down your choices considerably.
Research Popular Honeymoon Destinations
Once you have a basic idea of your preferences, start researching popular honeymoon destinations that cater to those preferences. You can find a lot of information and ideas in travel magazines, blogs, and websites. Create a list of top destinations that catch your eye and offer the activities and experiences you are looking for.
For example, each of the following top honeymoon locations offer different highlights:
| Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Maldives | Overwater bungalows, crystal clear waters, scuba diving |
| Paris | Romantic walks along the Seine, world-class museums, gourmet dining |
| Bali | Beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, rich cultural heritage |
| Kenya | Wildlife safaris, picturesque landscapes, Maasai Mara National Reserve |
Consider the Best Time to Visit
Every destination has its best time to visit where the weather is just right and the locale offers the best experiences. If you’re having a summer wedding, likelihood your best destinations from a weather perspective will be very different from having a winter wedding.
Research the climate conditions and the peak seasons of your shortlisted destinations. Sometimes visiting a place in the off-peak season can not only save you money but also allow you to enjoy the destination without the crowds.
Here are some of your potential honeymoon destinations and the best months to visit them, along with the kind of weather you can anticipate:
| Month | Destination | Weather | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Maldives | Warm and dry | Ideal for beach activities and water sports |
| February | Venice, Italy | Cool and crisp | The enchanting Venice Carnival |
| March | Tokyo, Japan | Mild | Cherry blossom season |
| April | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Mild and pleasant | Tulip blooming season, King’s Day celebrations |
| May | Maui, Hawaii | Warm and dry | Perfect for beach outings and hiking trails |
| June | Santorini, Greece | Warm with clear skies | Ideal for sunsets and beach outings |
| July | Seychelles | Cool and windy | Great for wildlife spotting, especially birds |
| August | Bali, Indonesia | Dry and sunny | Vibrant festivals and great for outdoor activities |
| September | Cape Town, South Africa | Springtime blooms | Whale watching season, blooming wildflowers |
| October | Quebec, Canada | Cool with autumn hues | Picturesque fall foliage |
| November | Sydney, Australia | Warm and pleasant | Spring festivals, open-air events |
| December | Vienna, Austria | Cold with potential snow | Beautiful Christmas markets, winter concerts |
As you continue planning, for any destinations that you’re interested in, you can look more into what exactly ‘mild’ or ‘warm and dry’ means in terms of temperatures and prepare accordingly. Also, you can do some research on the specific activities and experiences that each destination offers during the highlighted months so that you tailor your honeymoon experience that aligns with both your interests.
And it’s important to note that whilst this table gives a general guideline, it’s always a good idea to check the year-specific weather forecasts closer to your travel date so that you can adjust your packing and potentially itinerary if need be.
Incorporate Special Interests
Perhaps you’re both wine enthusiasts, art lovers, or history buffs. As you plan a honeymoon, incorporate your special interests into your honeymoon plan. For instance, if you’re wine lovers, a vineyard stay in France or Italy might be the perfect choice for you. Or if you’re history buffs then maybe Rome or Athens would be good destinations for you.
Determine Your Accommodation Preferences
A significant portion of your budget will be allocated to accommodation, so it’s vital to make a choice that really does fit with what you want. Is a big resort, offering all-inclusive accommodation with on-site entertainment for you? Or would a boutique hotel with very personalised service be more for you?
For example, if all-inclusive is for you, check out some of the best Caribbean honeymoon destinations. Compare prices and you’ll most likely find that you’ll end up paying much less for a package than what you’d pay for each inclusion separately.
Once you know the type of accommodation you want and start to narrow down your choices, cross-reference reviews and ratings on different platforms, such as TripAdvisor, to help you make an informed choice.
Get Recommendations
Get all the input you can! Don’t hesitate to ask friends, family, or online communities for recommendations. Sometimes, first-hand experiences can offer insights that no travel brochure or website can.
3. Create a Memorable Itinerary
Creating an itinerary for your honeymoon that is both flexible and exciting is key but to achieve this you’ll need to spend time upfront carefully planning.
Balanced Schedule
Ensure that your itinerary is balanced, incorporating both relaxation and adventure. Build in time for spa days, leisurely walks, and simply enjoying each other’s company alongside planned activities and sightseeing.
Research Your Destination
Undertake research to help you understand more about your destination, for example the local culture, any must-visit spots or hidden gems that are less frequented by tourists. Resources like travel blogs, YouTube, and travel forums can be invaluable.
Local Experiences
As you plan a honeymoon, you can enhance your itinerary by including local experiences such as a culinary class, a local festival, or a traditional art and craft workshop. All can help you create unforgettable memories.
Room for Spontaneity
While it is great to have a well-planned itinerary, leave room for spontaneity. Sometimes, the most cherished memories come from unplanned adventures!
Personal Touch
There’s nothing better than adding your own personal stamp to your honeymoon. For example plan surprise activities for your partner, incorporate places or activities that hold sentimental value to you, or try something entirely new together.
Consult a Travel Advisor
If planning is not your forte, consider getting expert advice from a travel advisor. They can help tailor an itinerary that suits both your preferences. And if your time is limited they can help and also provide insights that might not be readily available online.
Feedback and Reviews
After your honeymoon, take time to provide feedback and reviews on the places you visited and the activities you undertook – include feedback for us too on this article on planning a honeymoon.
4. Preparations for Your Honeymoon
Once you’ve chosen your dream destination, accommodation and outline itinerary, the next big step as you plan a honeymoon is getting into the details of the preparations. This involves a variety of aspects ranging from acquiring necessary travel documents to packing the right clothes for your chosen destination.
Travel Documents and Visas
Ensure you have all the essential travel documents, including passports, visas, and identification cards, updated and ready. Different destinations have various visa requirements, which may also depend on your nationality.
For example, the following are some of the top honeymoon destinations with visa requirements at the time of writing:
| Destination | Visa Requirement for UK Citizens |
|---|---|
| Maldives | Visa on arrival for 30 days, extendable up to 90 days |
| Bali, Indonesia | Visa-free for 30 days, non-extendable |
| Paris, France | No visa required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period |
| Tokyo, Japan | No visa required for stays up to 90 days |
It’s obviously vital that you check the latest information as visa policies can change. Make sure you start the visa process well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Travel Insurance
When planning your honeymoon, travel insurance is a critical aspect that can often be overlooked.
Generally, honeymoons are not covered under wedding insurance and require a separate travel insurance policy.
Travel insurance can cover a host of issues including lost luggage, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations. It brings a peace of mind knowing that you are covered in case of unforeseen events.
It’s advisable to check the terms and conditions of your policy to ensure it covers all the activities you plan to undertake during your honeymoon.
Clothing and Packing
Clothing and packing for your honeymoon should be undertaken with careful consideration of your destination and the activities you plan to engage in. Here are some general guidelines:
- Beach destinations: Lightweight clothing, swimwear, flip-flops, and a good sunscreen are essentials.
- Mountain destinations: Warm clothing, good quality footwear suitable for trekking, and a versatile jacket should be on your list.
- City destinations: Comfortable walking shoes, a mix of casual and formal wear to suit a variety of dining and entertainment venues.
Ensure you have all the essentials without overpacking. It’s always a good idea to leave some space in your suitcase for souvenirs and purchases made during the trip.
Health Preparations
Depending on your destination, you might need vaccinations or medications. Consult with a healthcare provider well in advance to address any health concerns and to understand the necessary health preparations for your chosen destination.
Itinerary and Reservations
While maintaining a spirit of adventure is great, having a well-thought-out itinerary can save you from unnecessary stress. Make your reservations well in advance, including accommodations, transportation, and any special activities or experiences you wish to include in your honeymoon.
It’s a good idea to keep digital and physical copies of all your reservations and important documents organised in a folder.
5. ManageYour Honeymoon Money
As we’ve already covered creating a budget for your honeymoon is a key first step. Being able to manage your finances whilst actually way is another crucial aspect as you plan a honeymoon.
The debate between carrying cash or relying on cards is age-old, yet it demands a fresh perspective with each trip, given the evolving nature of travel and finance dynamics – for example in the UK it seems cash is way less being used now and many prefer to pay electronically via their phone or using a card. What’s the situation though in your honeymoon destination?
As you plan a honeymoon, it’s worth researching money saving options from prepaid currency cards or the many credit cards with free overseas transactions.
Cash
Carrying a certain amount of cash is always a good idea, especially for small expenditures, tipping, and places that may not accept cards. However, carrying a large amount of cash can be risky. Here’s how to strike a balance:
- Local Currency: Always have some local currency on hand, which you can obtain before you leave or upon arrival at your destination.
- Daily Budget: Set a daily cash budget to control your spending and to ensure safety.
Cards
Using cards can be a safer and more convenient option. There are various cards to choose from:
- Debit Cards: While they are convenient, they may have foreign transaction fees. Ensure to inform your bank of your travel dates to avoid any blocks on your card.
- Credit Cards: Many offer travel rewards and protection against fraud. However, they might incur high-interest rates for cash withdrawals.
- Specialist Travel Debit and Credit Cards: Specifically designed for overseas travel payment and can provide significant savings on foreign transactions
- Prepaid Debit Cards: These allow you to load a set amount of money, helping to budget and control spending, while also offering a safe option as they are not linked to your bank account. Examples include Pockit, Monzo, FairFX, CaxtonFX and Revolut.
Mobile Payment Apps
Many make use of mobile payment apps, which are fast becoming widely accepted globally. Examples include PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Ensure to set up and test your preferred app before your journey.
Emergencies
Regardless of your preferred payment method, always have a contingency plan for emergencies, including access to emergency funds and having the contact details of your bank handy.
Combination of Payment Methods
A combination of different payment methods can often be the best approach, giving you the flexibility and security needed while travelling.
6. A Perfect Honeymoon: Practical Decisions and Personal Touches
Planning a perfect honeymoon isn’t a small task. It is a special time that marks the beginning of your journey as a married couple together, filled with new experiences and happy moments. It involves making careful choices that suit both partners, from selecting the ideal destination to figuring out the activities you want to do together.
In a nutshell, planning a honeymoon involves a blend of practical decisions and personal touches. It’s all about working together to create a plan that includes something for both partners, setting the stage for many happy memories to come.