The honeymoon is a special time for couples to enjoy together, before they return to the stress of everyday life. I often hear couples say that they are going to wait and go on a honeymoon later in life. They spend the wedding budget entertaining everyone else and forget about that window of time they can enjoy together. While the intention is to go later, later usually ends up being many years down the road. Before they know it, buying a house, having babies, and being tied down to work seem to take precedence over the honeymoon they always wanted to go on. With some advance planning and budgeting, every couple can go on a memorable honeymoon. Listed below are some helpful hints and destinations for couples to consider:
- Don’t Wait. Consult with a travel professional as soon as the wedding date is selected. Many couples wait until the end, when the prices are higher and many packages are not available. Most honeymoons can be reserved with a small, upfront deposit and balances are due 75-60 days prior to departure. Payments can be made in between, allowing time to save and budget.
- Leave the honeymoon planning to the professionals. Travel consultants are experts in understanding and deciphering the complicated rules and regulations of travel, including passport regulations, age restrictions, and name requirements. Best of all, The Travel Connection professional do not charge for their services! It’s free! I often like to share the story about a groom that wanted to go to San Jose, Costa Rica and accidentally booked San Jose, California online. One key stroke can ruin a honeymoon, so leave the details to a professional.
- Determine your budget ahead of time. Your travel consultant will find the best value for you. Consider a cruise or all-inclusive resort where meals and most activities are included. Various travel agencies offer a honeymoon registry where guests can contribute to honeymoon costs.
Select your honeymoon destination together. Popular honeymoons include:
Cruises: A great value as most food and activities are included. Cruises are available around the world from 5 nights in the Caribbean to two weeks in the Mediterranean and everything in between. Couples can see many destinations without the hassle of packing and unpacking. They can even participate in the newlywed game during the evening activities onboard the ship.
South Pacific: Destinations range from a lovely beach resort in Hawaii to an over-water bungalow at the St. Regis Bora Bora in Tahiti. It is the ultimate romantic vacation offering white sand, turquoise water, rest, and ultimate relaxation.
All Inclusive Resorts: The resorts are available throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. With all of the food, beverages and activities included, all inclusives are one-stop shopping for an enjoyable honeymoon.
Regardless where you go, it is important to plan ahead and enjoy that special time as you start your life together.
