How to Plan a Honeymoon

Get ready for the ride of your life. The honeymoon is a great opportunity to get away from the real world, relax, and be together as one. The obvious first step is to decide where you want to go and how much you're willing to spend.

Jamaica, Ireland, Branson... its not the honeymoon destination that counts. Remember to place the focus on celebrating your new marriage, and be sure to make the most of your time together.

Do your research. You've heard all about Paris, but do you know what you're going to do once you get there? Pick up a travel guide or two for the region you'll be honeymooning in, and read it cover to cover. You'll be surprised at the out-of-the-way activities, restaurants, and sites you'll find buried in those pages. If you're traveling to a country where you don't know the language, look into taking a crash course before you go.

Get organized. Buy a large, heavy-duty folder and label it "Honeymoon Details." Use it to store everything related to your honeymoon trip, including travel tickets, confirmation numbers, reservations, and coupons. Make two copies of everything, one for you to stash when you travel in case of loss, and one to leave with your mother or best friend for the same reason. If you're traveling out of the country, be sure to make copies of your passports and credit cards as well.

Book your flight at least 5 to 6 months in advance. You will get a much lower rate. Be sure to record all confirmation numbers and keep them with the rest of your honeymoon materials. Confirm your flight 3 months, 48 hours, and the day of your departure to see verify departure times and/or changes.

Shop smart for hotel rooms. Find the best room you can afford for your honeymoon vacation. Ask hotels for specific information on which rooms are most private, quiet, and have the best views. Don't forget to tell them it's your honeymoon (because they're sure to have some perks for you), and don't forget to record all confirmation numbers and keep it with your honeymoon materials.

Pack wisely. Although it depends on where you're going, for most vacation destinations, the best rule is: bring one of everything. One little black dress, one jacket, one sweatshirt, one pair of jeans. If you're going somewhere tropical, you may want to bring a couple of bathing suits, and several tops that can double as casual/presentable in case you decide to duck into a nice restaurant (or historical church) while you're out and about. Don't forget to pack a carry-on with a change of clothes for each of you, your toiletries, and all your paperwork in case they lose your luggage or it's delayed in arriving at your destination.

Papers, proof, and shots. Make sure you have proper certification in regards to current passports, proper health certificates, and all the vaccines you will need to enter the country you're traveling to. It takes time to secure some of this paperwork, so start early.

Exchange your currency here. You'll need some money when you get off the plane, most likely, and many times the currency exchange charge is more at an airport than if you go to the bank or traveler's service. Exchange some of your cash, or all of it you want to use, before you leave for the airport.

Leave your info. Don't forget to leave all your information with a friend or family member. One copy of your passports, health certificates, flight and hotel reservations, confirmation numbers, and the phone numbers of places you'll be staying should be in the hands of someone close to you in case you lose something or lines get crossed once you're overseas. You should also find out where the local U.S. Embassy is located in the area you will be vacationing, just in case there are any problems.

Remember, its your honeymoon. Don't forget, you just came off one of the most stressful events of your life. Scheduling fun things to do might be great, but you may want to avoid wall-to-wall activities and opt for more R&R. The two of you choose a few things you really can't live without (whether they be together, or separate activities - a few hours apart won't hurt), and then make plenty of time to lay around, look at the scenery, have cocktails, and other relaxing activities.

Tell everyone you're on your honeymoon. We mean everyone! Many hotels, restaurants, and other establishments have special offers, perks, and free gifts for honeymooning couples. You never know when you'll get a free meal or at least a complimentary bottle of champagne out of the deal.

Honeymoon Planning Resources

All-Inclusive Honeymoons - Learn all about all-inclusive honeymoons.
Traveling Abroad on Your Honeymoon - Ways to remain stress-free when traveling abroad.
Honeymoon Travel Tips - What you need to know before embarking on a honeymoon vacation.

Become our STL Weddings Facebook friend and tell us all about your honeymoon plans. Take a bunch of photos and share those as well.

Before the Honeymoon

Don't get ahead of yourself. Figure out how to propose marriage, and learn how to buy a diamond engagement ring in the Groom's Corner.