How to plan your dream Honeymoon
The wedding experts here at CLAY Venues know how stressful wedding planning alone can be, not to mention adding honeymoon planning to that list as well! We know the ins and outs of making your wedding day the best it can be, so let us guide you in planning the best honeymoon you and your partner could dream of.
How to Start Your Honeymoon Planning
First and foremost, start your honeymoon planning 8 to 12 months in advance. This allows for ample time to plan travel accommodations and ensure your dream honeymoon can be achieved with your timeline and budget in mind. The rest of the details will fall into place!
Interested in touring CLAY Venues? Book Your Tour Today.How to plan your honeymoon
When it comes to planning a honeymoon, there are a lot of moving pieces to consider much like planning a wedding and picking out the perfect wedding venue. Thankfully, you only have to worry about yourself and your partner so that makes the planning a heck of a lot easier. A honeymoon is not only about your first trip together as a married couple but a chance to relax and rewind after what was likely a very stressful wedding planning season. We’ve collected our top tips to help simplify your honeymoon planning and even make it enjoyable:
Start by Narrowing down your options
Spend some time with your soon-to-be spouse writing down all the places you would like to visit. Once you have your top destinations listed, spend some time reading through them and writing down the pros and cons of each destination. Decide on your top two, or if you are feeling indecisive, put them all in a hat and draw two out. However, if you decide to narrow it down, make sure you do. Nothing is worse than research overload on 20 different locales.
After narrowing down your list of potential honeymoon destinations, it's crucial to take into account the time of year you will be traveling. For instance, if you are planning a beach getaway, it's advisable to steer clear of hurricane season or the chilly winter months. On the other hand, if you plan to hit the slopes for a ski trip, it's essential to travel during the peak snow season. Additionally, considering the cultural festivities and events taking place in the region during your stay can significantly add to your experience. By taking the time to plan and weigh all the factors, you can ensure that your honeymoon is a memorable and ideal start to your married life.
Set your budget and then set that money aside
Weddings are expensive and almost always go over budget. Don’t let your wedding spending creep into your honeymoon fund. Your wedding fund is for the big important pools such as the perfect wedding venue, catering, florists, rentals, and more! Your honeymoon should be a separate expense. Once you have set your honeymoon budget set it aside and don’t touch it for other bills that come up. While planning, make sure to only look into destinations that fit your financial plans. If your budget doesn’t allow for you to travel to your dream destination consider other ways to get the funds.
Many couples are now opting out of gifts and have a honeymoon registry or fund instead. This is a great option if experiences and travel are more important to you than blenders and dishware. You will forget about the silverware you got from your registry, but the honeymoon you shared with your new spouse will not be forgotten.
Being open to adjusting your travel dates is a great way to stretch your honeymoon budget. Opting to travel during the off-season or on weekdays can often mean lower costs and fewer crowds at your destination. It's also worth considering alternative types of accommodations such as vacation rentals or homestays, which may offer more affordable options than traditional hotels. Additionally, utilizing loyalty programs or credit card rewards can be a smart way to save on travel expenses. With some careful planning and flexibility, you can maximize your honeymoon experience without overspending.
Another consideration is to be mindful of the activities you plan during your honeymoon. While it may be tempting to splurge on expensive tours or excursions, there are often many free or low-cost alternatives that can provide just as much fun and excitement. With some creativity and planning, you can have a fulfilling and unforgettable honeymoon without breaking the bank.
Think about what you want to experience
To help narrow down your search, take some time to discuss what you and your spouse most want to see and do. Your honeymoon is an important trip that you will not soon forget. Often times your honeymoon spot will be a destination you will want to return to on at least one future anniversary trip.
Are you looking for a city with history, good food, and cafes? Are the tropics with their warm beaches, Mai Tais, and waterfalls more your speed? You could even plan a trip with a bit of city and beach depending on where you choose to go. There are the typical places everyone thinks of when the word “honeymoon” comes to mind, but you don’t have to stick to the most common destinations. Discuss this with your partner to help you in deciding where to go and where to start in the planning and research process.
Don’t forget to CHECK THE WEATHER
Depending on your destination and the time of year you are traveling, the weather can determine how your trip will be enjoyed. You’re probably looking at the weather and deciding on the perfect wedding date and location too to capture the best images the day of. Your dream destination won’t be so dreamy if it is below zero or unbearably hot. If the weather is going to hinder you from enjoying your bucket list destination then think about delaying your honeymoon for a few months or choosing another location. Delaying your honeymoon can provide a less stressful planning process since your will already have wedding planning on your to-do list. Traveling during the off-season, or shoulder season as it’s called in the travel industry, can provide more affordable flights and accommodations as well as fewer tourists.
Not only can it result in lower airfare and accommodation costs, but it can also mean fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere. Exploring popular destinations during the off-season can also provide unique experiences that you may not get during peak travel periods. For example, visiting a beach town during the off-season can give you a chance to enjoy the peacefulness and tranquility of the area without the hustle and bustle of crowds. With some flexibility and research, you can find the perfect time to take your honeymoon that fits both your budget and desired experience.
When should you leave for your honeymoon?
If you are getting married on a Friday or a Saturday, it is best to wait until at least Monday, if not Tuesday to travel. Traveling early in the week often means lower ticket prices! You will also have a few days to recoup from the wedding festivities. The extra days between your wedding and flight will give you time to wind down, spend extra time with family and friends, pack your bags, water your plants, and drop off your fur children. Having time to get these tasks done after your wedding day will make your honeymoon travel less stressful and far more enjoyable. Not to mention who doesn’t love a little staycation before the real vacation?
MIX ADVENTURE WITH RELAXATION
Create a trip with contrasting experiences and destinations. This gives dimension to your trip as well as allows for adventure, relaxation, and site seeing. Think Paris with its bustling streets, Michelin-rated restaurant, museums, and history followed by Iceland with its rugged coastline, blue lagoon, and hikes to beautiful waterfalls. Including both adventure and relaxation in your itinerary will keep the trip fresh and give you time to recoup when you need to.
Not every second of the trip needs to be planned out either. Make sure you give yourselves time to go to things that you find along the way. There will always be surprises, some of them good and unfortunately some not-so-good. Traveling can be stressful on your body so rest is necessary to avoid getting sick (speaking from experience here).
The key to a dream honeymoon is planning surprises
Plan a candlelight dinner near the beach with live music for your spouse. If adventure is more your speed, plan an off-roading adventure in the jungle. Do you want to really surprise your new spouse? Plan ahead and call their boss asking to extend their time off without them knowing. Nothing is better than a few more days of rest and relaxation when you think you have to head home. Be open to little surprises along the way since nothing goes exactly according to plan, which can oftentimes be a very good thing!
It's also important to remember that the honeymoon is just the beginning of your new life together. Use this time to reflect on your relationship and set intentions for your future together. Consider taking a yoga or meditation class together, or simply spending time in nature to connect with each other and your surroundings. Remember to take time to relax and enjoy each other's company without any distractions or outside obligations. By focusing on each other and your relationship, you'll be setting a strong foundation for your future together as a married couple.
consider immersing yourself in the Local Culture while planning your honeymoon
Once you have decided on a locale, do your research, and find out all the best local spots. Eating local, drinking local, and adventuring locally will elevate your cultural experience and is almost always less expensive than eating at a resort or hotel.
Immersing yourself in the local culture is a great way to make your honeymoon one to remember. From exploring the sights and sounds of a new place to tasting unique flavors from around the world, there are plenty of ways to experience something different while on your romantic getaway.
Be sure to look into the free excursions and activities that your destination offers. You should also research the things that you want to splurge on. Experiences like a luxury spa day, dining at a Michelin-star restaurant, or deep sea fishing will help you fully experience the culture or location you chose. The few listed are just a few examples, the list is endless and specific to the location you and your spouse choose.
how long should your honeymoon be?
The length of a honeymoon can vary depending on a couple's preferences, budget, and work schedules. Traditionally, honeymoons were one to two weeks long, allowing the newlyweds time to relax and enjoy their first days as a married couple. However, in recent years, many couples have chosen to extend their honeymoons to three weeks or even a month. This longer timeframe allows for more extensive travel and the opportunity to visit multiple destinations.
The most suitable duration for a honeymoon primarily relies on the couple's specific circumstances. A shorter honeymoon may be more realistic for those with restricted vacation time or financial constraints. Conversely, couples with more time and resources at their disposal might find a more extended trip beneficial to make the most of their quality time together. Regardless of the length of the honeymoon, what matters most is that the couple can cherish their love and embark on their new journey in a way that holds significance to them.
Reminders about safety
Apart from cultural and weather-related safety factors, there might also be health concerns depending on your destination. Bringing sufficient medication and being up-to-date on vaccinations can ensure that you can enjoy your honeymoon without any medical issues.
Take care to eat and drink safely, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Make it a point to research local food and drink options, and carry a water bottle with you at all times. It’s always better to take precautions and stay prepared before embarking on your honeymoon.
Also, make sure you know and understand the safety rules of your travel insurance (if booked). Making an investment with travel insurance is wise, but it’s always best to be well-informed about what you signed up for!
Don’t forget about alternative routes and modes of transportation. Will there be taxis or Lyft where you’re going? Or should you plan to rent a car to ensure you have access to transport at all times? A couple of questions for you and your partner to discuss well before your travel date.
In no way are we trying to scare you before your honeymoon, these are only reminders and things to consider as you plan. We always hope that you and your partner have the best dream honeymoon and that you are safe at the end of the day! If you’re still planning your wedding, make sure you ask your venue the right questions before booking.
Cheers to your dream Honeymoon!
Whatever you choose, be sure to plan way ahead (but not every minute of your trip as spontaneity is key!). Your honeymoon will be a trip that you will remember for the rest of your life much like the wedding of your dreams, so make it one worth remembering! Consider budget, weather, timing, type of trip, and the culture you want to see when planning your adventure. This trip is about getting away from other people after celebrating your marriage with everyone so do what will help you connect, not what will make your Instagram feed look good.
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