How To Plan Your Honeymoon: 8 Tips To Get You Started

So you’ve already finished planning the most romantic day of your life–your wedding. A round of applause is in order… But the job isn’t done yet.

Next up is planning the most romantic week or weekend with your now-spouse! Marriage traditionally begins with a honeymoon. It’s your first adventure together as a married couple, so you should make it one to remember.

Which begs the question: How do you plan a honeymoon?

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to plan the perfect honeymoon. One that is tailored to you and your partner’s unique preferences and interests.

8 Tips On How To Plan A Honeymoon Trip

1. Set A Budget

Many of us would dream of a month-long vacation to Europe’s most romantic cities. But it’s necessary to set realistic expectations. And to do so, ground your plan by having a honeymoon budget.

Have a conversation with your partner about your financial situation. Decide how much you're willing to spend on this special trip without compromising your future goals.

When setting the budget, take into account all expenses. This includes transportation, accommodation, meals, activities, and extras such as spa services.

2. Choose A Destination

No two ways about it–you and your partner need to be passionate about your chosen destination. Factor in your shared activities and interests. Both of you can make a bucket list of dream destinations and see where they coincide.

Then, consider practical external influences such as weather and travel time, safety issues, and visa requirements.

3. Look Up Accommodations

Find accommodations with accessibility and comfort in mind. Make sure to read about amenities, packages, and reviews before making a decision. While you don’t have a set itinerary yet, you can still figure out if the location is near historical landmarks.

If you have the budget, we suggest going for an all-inclusive package. It often includes accommodation, meals, drinks, and sometimes even activities.

Nothing to plan or think about. No worries about constantly swiping your credit card. Just complete relaxation.

4. Select Activities and Excursions

Next in the planning process is deciding what activities you want to do at your destination. Here are some ideas:

• Relax: A day at the spa or by the beach
• Explore: Try new cuisines, visit key attractions, learn new culture
• Adventure: Go for exciting activities, such as trekking and scuba diving
• Romance: Visit romantic spots and restaurants

Balance relaxation and exploration by planning ahead. Identify local attractions and romantic getaways you can try with your partner.

5. Make room for spontaneity and downtime

If you bump into a local recommending a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, you can do so if you have time to spare. Spontaneous plans can add more life and excitement to your trip.

However, don’t think you should always be on the go during your romantic holiday.

Carve in quality time and allow yourselves moments to digest your experience. Enjoy each other's company by the pool or a quiet evening in your beautiful hotel. Moments like these are what make honeymoon trips more memorable.

6. Get Travel Insurance

Any honeymoon plan should include travel insurance. After all, you’ll want to safeguard yourself, your partner, and your belongings while out and about.

For long trips, it’s normal to experience disruptions on your trip. Unexpected events such as medical emergencies, cancelled flights, and lost luggage can occur. Having travel insurance provides peace of mind and ensures your safety. Talk to a travel agent about this.

7. Create a Packing List

Avoid the stress of forgetting essentials and extras that can make your trip more comfortable.  Prepare a comprehensive list ahead of time. To make the list, consider the following:

• Destination's climate (You might need swimwear while on a tropical honeymoon getaway.)
• Planned activities
• Personal needs
• Travel essentials (documents, medications, etc,)
• Specific dress codes

8. Document The Special Moments

Keep a record of your honeymoon's special moments through photos, journaling, or even blogging. Documenting your adventures helps you relive the magic years later.

Pro Tip: Consider hiring a professional photographer in the area for a special photoshoot.

How To Plan A Honeymoon FAQs

How far in advance to plan a honeymoon?

It’s best to start planning your honeymoon 8 to 12 months in advance. When you book in advance, you can secure the best deals on flights and accommodations. This is important if you choose peak seasons and popular honeymoon destinations.

How much does the average honeymoon cost?

Honeymoon costs vary greatly depending on factors like destination, duration, and travel style.  On average, couples usually spend between $4,000 to $8,000. But this is a rough estimate. It can go either higher or lower depending on the factors mentioned above.

How many days do you need for a honeymoon?

Honeymoons typically last one to two weeks. However, you can go much longer if you want to explore multiple locations.

Do you go on a honeymoon right after the wedding?

It’s up to you. Factors, such as work schedule and travel logistics can influence your decision. The majority of couples choose to honeymoon immediately after their wedding, however.

Make Your Honeymoon Memorable

An ideal honeymoon involves careful budgeting and planning. Research honeymoon destinations, activities, and accommodations well.

Don’t forget to pack essentials depending on your destination. For example, a can cooler when hitting the tropics. You can get yours here.

We wish you a wonderful, romantic time with your spouse!