Where to start?The honeymoon is a goal that calms even the most frazzled bride and groom and should be decided early on in the planning process. How much easier is it toiling over guest lists and scouring the market for the best travel deals with the knowledge that an indulgent retreat awaits you? Interspersing the nitty-gritty wedding details with honeymoon plans will maintain the exciting momentum.
You should start looking for great deals and researching the travel market 12 months before the wedding. It is the groom’s project to manage but, of course, all decisions need to be shared. Planning this early will allow you to work out your wedding date or make changes if necessary and secure time off work. The booking should be made between nine to six months in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on your dream destination. All deposits and details will need to be finalised a couple of months before the wedding and the tickets picked up at least four weeks in advance.
Organising a holiday can be quite demanding and it’s vital you choose a friendly and helpful travel agent to guide you to the best deals. Ask friends for recommendations and chat to a couple of agents when you initially drop in to collect brochures. Choose a company that will match any other going deals and take them up on it. Travel shows are also a great source of information, contacts and special offers.
Once you have established a relationship with your travel agent, keep in email contact with any queries or changes. They are usually kept busy in store and this is the ideal way to save time and energy. You will need to make a deposit and this is usually non-refundable, so be sure what you’re booking is what you both want. You can then make regular payments or pay in full by a certain date. If you’re going overseas or booking several holiday components, it can take a few weeks for the tickets to arrive, so mark out a time line of when everything needs to be finalised. You should pick up your tickets within the month before the wedding. Remember to make all reservations and bookings in your maiden name, to be consistent with your passport.
TimeThe first thing to determine when planning your honeymoon is time. How much time off work can the two of you spare/afford? This may influence how far you wish to go and what you can pack into a honeymoon. While you might be dreaming of an overseas destination that’s a 24-hour flight away, your available 10 days won’t do it justice. Time spent in the air needs to be compensated with enough time to really enjoy the jaunt. DestinationThe next thing to consider is the style of honeymoon you wish to have. Do you want to plunge into an exciting cultural adventure, an adrenaline-filled escape or a beachside retreat? What is going to bring you closer together and give you golden memories? It may be that you want a bit of everything from your getaway, therefore plan a “destination hop” that allows you the best of all worlds. A full-on tour is fun and adventurous but you might find it leaves little time for romance, so team it with a short break to simply chill out. Whatever your choice of dream destination, the time together is sure to be unforgettable. AdventureBegin your marriage with a roaring start on a safari in Africa. Far from roughing it, there are plenty of luxury accommodation options and packages, with five-star tent-style cabins allowing you to sleep in comfort under the starry sky. At the other temperature extreme, why not cosy up in a chalet and hit the slopes of Switzerland or Austria? Romantic, cultural and adrenaline filled, this covers many bases. If action is what you’re after, why not explore a World Heritage national park, go trekking in Nepal or South America or jet set to some of the world’s best diving locations? ParadiseWhite sandy beaches, azure waters and endless sun — sounds like paradise found? For those after a beachside haven, an island honeymoon is just the ticket. Many island resorts offer honeymoon deals and include meals and some activities, making it easier on the budget. By day you can laze by the sea, try your hand at scuba diving or sailing, check out the local markets and laze by the pool for a change of scenery. Ensure you are both up for a relaxing escape and plan activities in case you tire of the easy life. Night-time entertainment can be quiet on the more secluded islands, so if you’re up for cocktails and the crazy party life, head for a more populated locale. City escapeA luxury hotel suite in one of the world’s hot spots or cultural landmarks will be unforgettable. Paris, Barcelona, Prague... the list goes on. Immerse yourself in the culture and discover the art, history and charm of somewhere new. A city escape is sure to interest both of you and offers a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Going globalThe world’s your oyster, so research all the options. The Maldives, the Bahamas or the Caribbean are popular honeymoon destinations and can be experienced in many ways. A cruise offers a unique way of travelling in style and minimises expenditure, as most meals are included. For something a little more exotic, South-East Asia is only a stone’s throw away. Bali, Thailand and Vietnam are favourites with Australian honeymooners for their rich cultural offerings, spectacular natural beauty and easy access. The Pacific islands bring paradise even closer — to our back door, in fact! Sitting under a coconut tree and basking in the beauty of the surroundings, you will find it hard to consider ever returning home. Domestic blissAustralia offers an amazing combination of landscapes and is sure to provide the ideal honeymoon getaway. From rolling green hills and lush rainforests to stunning beaches, exotic islands and the spectacular red centre, we really do have it all. The Whitsundays, tropical North Queensland, the Hunter and Yarra Valleys, the Great Ocean Road and Tasmania are all popular spots for honeymooners. Save money and time and discover more of your own country with a honeymoon at home. BudgetThe budget for your honeymoon needs to be realistically set. While the groom is usually given the task to manage, it is a joint planning process and is usually paid for by both bride and groom. The eventual cost of a wedding often surprises even the most organised of brides, so factor this into the equation when planning your honeymoon.
The honeymoon is a well-deserved break and much needed kick-start to your marriage, so try to get the best for less. Skimping on this wonderful experience can leave you feeling short-changed. Splash out in the right places and you can have a luxury holiday for a reasonable price. Write a list of what is important to you both and what you would rather pay more for, be it location, activities or accommodation.
Resorts across the globe offer honeymoon packages that often include extras such as upgrades, complimentary champagne, breakfasts, picnic hampers and more, so do your research. Many reception venues offer packages that include first-night accommodation, saving you valuable dollars. If at all possible, plan your wedding out of peak season to take advantage of budget deals. And if you have your heart set on five-star treatment, break your honeymoon into segments so the first week is spent in luxury and perhaps the second in a less expensive locale. Always over-budget, as you will inevitably spend much more than you think. With eating out all the time, plus hidden activity and travel costs, it’s better to be safe than sorry. After all, you only go on your honeymoon once!
Packing and preparingPacking and preparing for the perfect oasis should also be carefully considered. Immunisations, visas, travel insurance and, most importantly, passports all take time and should be completed with plenty to spare. If you are going to a foreign country, why not do some research into the culture and what to expect and learn a little of the language? Political and religious constraints may influence the type of wardrobe you select and what type of activities you can enjoy. Read, read and read some more!
Remember to pack all essentials for the wedding night. Don’t forget your toothbrush! If you’re travelling to your honeymoon destination straight from the hotel, keep your essentials at the top so you don’t need to rummage through your carefully packed case. Remember to pack sunscreen and a good moisturiser and skincare range. If you’re going to a different climate, this is paramount. Research the weather, prepare for all eventualities and take your sunglasses, regardless of rain or shine.
When it comes to money, don’t forget your traveller’s cheques and credit cards and keep them on your person at all times when travelling. Before you leave, sort out international phone banking so you can make transfers if needed. Take cameras and plenty of film.
Romance should not be forgotten. Pack massage oil, candles, all your sexy lingerie and (if appropriate) birth control. Last but not least, don’t forget any medications and take extra supplies with your medical kit.
Enjoy!
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