9 Steps to planning the perfect honeymoon
Let’s be honest here, after the months and months of wedding planning, your honeymoon is just what the Doctor ordered! But where do you start when it comes to planning your perfect honeymoon?
1. It's a team effort
When it comes to wedding planning most couples compile a list of ‘to-do’s’, divide the list and knuckle-down to get the job done! But this is not the best approach when it comes to your honeymoon. Too often, if one person handles the planning, you end up with a honeymoon that’s more tailored to his or hers wants. Unless you know your future husband/wife’s travel desires inside-out, honeymoon planning needs to be a joint effort.
2. Start planning early
“When is the best time to book my honeymoon?” It’s a question I get asked all the time, and the answer is simple. The ideal time to book your honeymoon is about 11 months in advance as this is when flights first go on sale, and you’ll be able to grab the best airfares! Also, by booking well in advance you’ll be able to secure the best rooms in hotels, as premium rooms book up early.
3. Choose a honeymoon that suits you
Planning your wedding can be overwhelming, and once you have it all organised it’s tempting just to copy someone else’s honeymoon itinerary. After all, your best friends rave about their honeymoon, so why don’t you do the same? But maybe that 5* luxury all inclusive resort doesn’t appeal to your adventurous side. Everyone looks back on their honeymoon with fond memories, and just because they had the time of their life – doesn’t mean it’s right for you!
This is your big trip – tailor it to you and your fiancé.
4. Simplify your itinerary
A common mistake that I often see couples make when planning their honeymoon is trying to cram too many items off their bucket list on the one trip, which can be exhausting, and not the point of a honeymoon!
When planning the perfect honeymoon itinerary, think about what you ‘must do’s’ are and make sure you get enough quiet time together amongst the sightseeing/activity days planned.
5. Don't rely entirely on the web
Don’t get me wrong – starting your honeymoon planning with a Google search is perfectly fine, but don’t just rely on online searches. With the rise of fake online reviews, sometimes reviews can paint a picture that is far from reality!
It’s best to talk to someone that has actually been to your chosen destination, so they can give you first-hand advice. Travel Counsellors is a unique network, sharing the destination knowledge and experience of more than 1,800 caring travel professionals, so you could say we’ve got the world covered!
6. Consider using a Travel Counsellor
Naturally, I’m going to say this! But while it can be fun scouring Instagram for travel inspiration, the reality is that creating a full travel itinerary is a ton of work. So don’t sweat the details – consult an expert!
As a Travel Counsellor I have insider knowledge on deals and discounts and cultivate personal relationships with hoteliers, which can help secure extra little touches for your honeymoon. There’s three key stages to the service I provide – I help you choose the perfect destination with the right fit, I do all the planning and researching, and I’m always here for my clients while they’re on their honeymoons.
I don’t just book your honeymoon and forget about it – My job is not finished until my clients return home.
7. Figure out your budget
After you’ve short-listed on some dream destinations for your dates, consider your budget before landing on a destination. Every couple is different and every budget is different. While you don’t need a huge budget for many destinations, you’ll want to make sure you are choosing somewhere that is feasible for your budget range. For example, an over-the-water bungalow in the Maldives is going to be a lot more expensive than an all-inclusive resort in Mexico.
Not sure where to start with your budget? Give me a call for a free consultation to help you get started.
8. Beware of hidden costs
Weddings and honeymoons can be an expensive business, and the last thing you want is to be caught off-guard with any last minute expenses. Items such as visas, departure taxes and attraction tickets can really add up, so its best to understand what is included in the cost of your trip – for example if you’re going to the Maldives is the cost of the seaplane transfer to get to the island included?
9. You don't have to leave straight away
You see it in the movies – the happy couple leaves their reception for the airport and the start of their honeymoon. Yes, its great to continue the high of your wedding and head straight off onto your honeymoon, but does your wedding date match up with the best time to visit your honeymoon destination?
Before setting your heart on a particular destination, make sure to research the best times to go there. If your honeymoon dates don’t align, how about taking a mini-moon and wait to go on your honeymoon at the perfect time of year for your chosen destination. Many of my clients loved doing this as it gave them something else to look forward to after the wedding.