A honeymoon is supposed to be a vacation filled with rest, relaxation and romance. But when your mind
is spinning with details of the florist, caterer, wedding party, rings and dresses, how can you plan
this important vacation? With the tools below, you'll be able to plan your first trip as
a married couple with ease.
The first step is to start planning early, especially if you'll be taking your honeymoon during the
high season. Many popular getaways will fill up early for the late spring and summer, so try to start
thinking about potential destinations at least six months prior to the trip. Ourmarriage.com offers
this thorough checklist that outlines
what needs to be done when.
Second, you'll need to choose a destination and set a budget. If you don't want to blow your bank
account on the honeymoon, consider a retreat closer to home. Browse our
Bed and Breakfasts page to find quaint inns around the country.
Although it is traditional for the groom to take care of honeymoon arrangements, more and more couples
are sharing the planning and financial responsibility. Consider using monetary gifts from the wedding
or bridal shower to help finance the honeymoon. Check out this helpful
budget calculator from Moonrings to get started.
Couples should ask themselves, "Do we want snow or sand? Adventure or pure relaxation?" Many people
envision spending their honeymoons on a sunny beach with a fruity cocktail in hand. Popular destinations
include Hawaii,
Jamaica and
Mexico.
And while the Poconos may still be a popular
destination for the mountainous beauty and heart-shaped tubs, more couples are forgoing traditional
destinations for more exotic locales.
Depending on your tastes, you can spend your honeymoon hiking in Colorado,
cruising the Greek Isles or wandering the countryside of
Ireland. The only limits are your budget and your imagination!
If you still need inspiration, VacationIdea.com,
TheKnot.com and
Modern Bride offer great, general honeymoon guides.
Since you'll be planning the honeymoon during a time that's already incredibly busy, consider enlisting the help
of a travel agent. A good agent will be able to craft a trip that suits you and stays within your budget.
Visit Tripology to find one near you.
If you're a bride planning on taking your husband's last name and your honeymoon is scheduled for right
after the wedding, use your maiden name when making reservations. Even though you'll be married at that
point, your identification will still reflect your maiden name, and that's what counts when
checking in at the airport.
Be sure to confirm all arrangements before the wedding. While you're on the trip, tell people you're on your
honeymoon. You never know when this might result in a room upgrade, free cocktail or other special attention!
--- S. Twetten
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