- Shop around. Check the rates booking with the resort directly, versus booking through a travel agency. Sometimes travel agents have deals worked out with the hotels where you would receive complimentary upgrades or amenities, while paying the same price or less as booking direct with the hotel.
- Don’t leave anything to chance. Research the property reviews online, or discuss your options with a travel consultant, to make sure there are no unwelcome surprises, such as hotel remodeling, that would affect your honeymoon stay.
- If you can, try to upgrade some part of your trip: consider flying first-class, upgrade your room to a suite, or consider hotels that offers honeymoon packages which are all-inclusive. This is a special trip you will want to remember, so try to splurge in at least one area if you can.
- Research travel requirements for your destination of choice. Passports are needed for all international travel, so allow enough time for your passport to process prior to your trip. And brides, if your passport is issued in your maiden name, make sure that information on your air and hotel reservations matches your passport and any other required travel documentation. Airlines have gotten strict, and even want your middle names on the record if they are on your passport. Don’t risk disappointment – make sure names match.
- It is not recommended that you fly out on the day of your wedding. Chances are you will arrive late to the resort and be paying for a room to just sleep. You will also be exhausted from the wedding. Try to fly out the next day – not too early if you can avoid it, and plan on arriving to your destination around 2 or 3 p.m. Keep in mind you cannot check into the resort until 4 p.m. anyway, so there is no need to rush and arrive early unless there are no other flights.
- Try to pick a destination that has activities that both of you will enjoy, or are willing to try for the first time, such as horse back riding, scuba diving or perhaps swimming with the dolphins. Talk about your expectations in advance. Do you both want to stay in a place that has lots of activities and dining options, or do you prefer a secluded villa somewhere with a private pool where you can order room service and not leave your room?
- Bring a copy of your marriage certificate if you are receiving gifts or amenities for being a honeymoon couple. Many hotels will want the proof you are in fact married in order to give you these added benefits.
- Be patient! Chances are something will go wrong such as a flight delay or long lines at airport security…don’t take it out on one another. Accept what you cannot change. There are things that happen that are beyond your control. Take them as part of the experience…a small, perhaps challenging part of the overall trip, but do not allow it to impact your overall experience on your honeymoon.
- If you have long layovers at the airport, make sure you each have an Ipod, favorite book or something to pass the time.
- Don’t forget your camera, charger and plenty of memory to capture some of the special moments on your honeymoon.
- Remember: once you arrive at your honeymoon destination, enjoy yourselves. Relax, rejuvenate, and make the most of your time together.
Honeymoon planning is one of our specialties — with over 30 years of experience, we’ve planned thousands of perfect romantic getaways. For destination guidance, see How to Choose Your Honeymoon Destination before finalizing your plans.
