The Best Time to Start Planning Your Honeymoon
Posted on 06. May, 2008 by Theresa Ritchie in Travel Information
Ahhh, yes, the honeymoon – the light at the end of the wedding planning tunnel – the vacation of a lifetime! Don’t let this post-nuptial bliss become an afterthought. It just so happens that the most popular times to honeymoon coincide with many top destination’s peak tourist seasons. Here is a general timeline for the savvy couple.
Honeymoon Planning Timeline
AFTER YOU’RE ENGAGED OR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS AHEAD
Explore your honeymoon fantasies. Discuss what would be an ideal honeymoon: Beaches and sun? Non-stop action and nightlife? Museums and monuments? Arm yourself with your desires, thoughts about destinations and a budget range, then speak with a travel agent.
Better yet, find a travel agent who specializes in your destination, activity, or mode of transportation (i.e. an accredited cruise counselor). Partner with this travel counselor to develop your honeymoon itinerary, then secure your vacation with a deposit.
Also inquire about travel insurance coverages, entry documents, and any necessary vaccinations required for visiting your destination.
THREE MONTHS AHEAD
Obtain your passports and visas, if necessary. Ensure that any required entry documents are issued in maiden name as you most likely won’t be able to have your name legally changed before departure. In order to avoid travel snafus, your travel documents (airline tickets, cruise tickets, etc.) must match your official IDs.
TWO MONTHS AHEAD
Discuss and book tours and any other must-do activities that require advance reservations with your travel agent. Place final payment on your honeymoon travel package.
ONE MONTH AHEAD
Meet with your Travel Specialist to review your travel documents, review your recommended packing list, and confirm any final preferences. Have a copy of the name pages of your passports or your photo ID for your agent to keep safe. Order any prescription refills, arrange for your mail to be held and any necessary house, pet, and/or child sitting!
TWO WEEKS AHEAD
Buy travelers’ checks if desired. If you’re traveling abroad, exchange about $50 into small bills in the currency of the country you’ll be visiting so that you’ll have some money on hand for taxis, snacks, or miscellaneous upon your arrival.
THREE DAYS AHEAD
Make any necessary arrangements for your ride to and from the airport.
ONE DAY AHEAD
Re-confirm your airline flight schedule. Label your baggage both on the outside and inside with your name and phone number.
DEPARTURE DAY
Relax, have fun, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Make the most of every honeymoon day with your new spouse!
