A Guide to Booking the Perfect Honeymoon
How much is it going to cost for the perfect Honeymoon? When working out the overall budget for a wedding, there is lots to think about; the venue, a photographer, flowers, the dress, the suit, catering…the list is endless. But have you considered the budget for the honeymoon as a part of this list? To ensure you get the perfect trip, this is something that is well worth researching early. After all, a honeymoon can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks away and as a once in a lifetime experience, it is recommended to start planning early. There are also times of the year that are better value for money, if you are happy to consider off peak travel dates. Travelling outside of school holidays or peak months can be a great way to discover premium destinations and save money on luxury accommodation what may otherwise have been out of reach. Booking earlier is always better. Couples tend to book their Honeymoon 12-18 months in advance as there is more availability for flights and hotels, meaning prices are not as high. You can also benefit from early booking offers and some hotels offer discounts and added extras for Honeymooners.
What is the best time of year for our Honeymoon and where can we travel? If you are planning to travel on your honeymoon straight after your wedding, it is important to think about the time of year that you will be getting married and the destination you will be going to. There are many factors that can affect a choice of destination and in particular, the weather is a very important to consideration for many places around the world. Monsoon season affects places in the Indian Ocean and the Far East, whilst the Caribbean experiences hurricanes every year. In the Middle East, temperatures can reach the mid 40s at the height of their Summer and no-one wants to spend their honeymoon in search of air conditioning to stay cool! If you are looking for a wildlife experience, time of year is important to ensure you get the best viewing opportunities. For example, Kenya is best in the late Summer and early autumn to catch a glimpse of the world famous migration and whale watching from Monterey is also best in our Summer months too.
If you are a same sex couple, although it can be a little more complicated to find the perfect travel destination, research and being well informed before booking can make all the difference to your experience. While some destinations openly welcome gay couples, attitudes in some places can be very different to those in the UK and laws can also vary from place to place. Your personal views and preferences on this are a key aspect when it comes to choosing the right honeymoon for the two of you.
So where can you travel? Well, the world is your oyster! For some couples who may be well travelled, finding a new destination that neither has travelled to before can be very important. For others, it might be somewhere that suits both couples’ interest where one may be particularly active and want facilities to keep them busy all day whilst their partner is happy to kick back with a good book on the sunbed. Some destinations lend themselves to relaxation and others can offer more of an adventure and action-packed stay. You may even want to combine a little of both into the honeymoon. Visit more than one country or several places within your chosen country in the same trip. Ultimately it is important to think about what both of you want to experience so you can decide where you would like to travel to and have the very best time when you are away.
What can we do on our Honeymoon? A honeymoon is the perfect opportunity to try something new together or indulge in a hobby or interest abroad. From adventure activities to cooking classes, there is sure to be something to take your fancy when you are away. In Italy, try your hand at ice cream making and limoncello tasting. Africa is home to the Serengeti and Masai Mara where you can take a hot air balloon safari over the savannah or have breakfast by a hippo pool. For adrenaline seekers, New Zealand is famous for bungee jumping and destinations across the East and West offer opportunities for white water rafting. A lot of couples take the chance to enjoy an extended holiday from work for their honeymoon and this gives you both time to take the once in a lifetime trip you have been planning. With extra time off you could plan a road trip across the USA and twin the break with some relaxation in Hawaii or Mexico. For anyone looking for cultural immersion, the Far East is the ideal choice for touring, visiting lots of places in one go. See the Great Wall of China, sail down the Mekong River or stay in overwater tents at an Elephant Camp.
Where can we stay on our Honeymoon? With so many destinations to choose from, there is a wide variety of accommodation to stay in. If you fancy straying from the norm, why not sleep in a roaming safari tent, a treehouse or overwater accommodation on stilts in the Indian Ocean. Far from the standard hotel rooms, you might like to stay in your own beachside room or treat yourselves to a luxury suite with a private pool, overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.
What are the benefits of booking with an Independent Honeymoon Specialist? When you book with a specialist you are accessing a wealth of knowledge and experience from someone who can offer recommendations, trusted travel advice and first-hand knowledge. It makes the whole process easy and stress free, giving you time to focus on your wedding plans and most importantly, to get the perfect honeymoon. You have someone to hold your hand, answer all your questions and look after you every step of the way, ensuring you are up to date with all the latest travel advice, entry and visa requirements. Being independent also enables you to work with your specialist to create a unique trip that is handmade just for the two of you with peace of mind that it is all financially protected.
