Whether you’re frequent world travelers or usually don’t venture further than the next city, your honeymoon is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. It’s a chance to decompress and just enjoy one another after those crazy weeks and months of wedding prep. And, of course, it’s the setting for the first memories you’ll make as a married couple. So it’s important to plan your honeymoon with the same thought and care that you give your wedding. You may be dreaming of exploring a far-flung destination. Or you may just want to relax on a sunny beach. The important thing is to ask yourself a few key questions before you book any tickets!

Here are the 5 questions to ask yourselves as you start to plan your honeymoon.

What’s your travel style?

Everyone has different ways they like to travel. Some consider each trip an adventure or a chance to see a new place and experience a new culture. Others just want to take the opportunity to relax. Some don’t mind a long-haul flight while others would prefer not to get on a plane at all. And when it comes to accommodations, some people like the hassle-free luxury of a hotel or all-inclusive resort while others prefer the freedom of an Airbnb. None of these are wrong. You don’t have to book a Caribbean or Italian getaway just because they’re popular honeymoon destinations. Each of you may also value different things on a vacation. The key is to think about what an ideal vacation will be for both of you and then do that, whether it’s a week in Paris or a weekend at your favorite camping spot.

What’s your budget?

The next question of course is the budget. It’s important to figure out what you can afford before you start to plan your honeymoon, especially after the expense of the wedding. Will you be paying for the honeymoon yourselves, or will it be a gift from one of your parents? (You may even choose to have guests contribute instead of a traditional registry.) Identify your bottom line before booking anything and then let that budget determine your options.

How much time do you have?

Another determining factor will be the amount of time you have available for your honeymoon. For example, if you can only take a few days off for vacation, you won’t want to spend most of them in an airport or on a plane. A short honeymoon means a destination closer to home. If you have longer then the world is your oyster! It’s also a good idea to factor in a couple of vacation days on either side of the trip, especially if you’re going far away. Give yourself some breathing room (and jet-lag recovery time).

Will you honeymoon immediately after the wedding?

Of course, you don’t have to go away immediately after the wedding, even though that’s the tradition. These days, many couples are choosing to delay their honeymoon so they have more time to plan and save. The timing of your wedding may be another factor, as your dream destination may not be so ideal at the same time of year as your wedding. For example, September and October are hurricane season in the Caribbean, while the southern hemisphere is in the middle of winter in July and August.

Which requirements and expenses should we factor in?

While a US passport allows its holder to visit many countries around the world without a visa for short stays, there are exceptions. It’s important to ensure that you will be able to apply for a visa in good time to travel to your destination. Are there any vaccines needed? Any safety concerns or travel advisories? (Check the Department of State website to be sure.) If you’re planning on hiring a car, what documentation will you need? It’s also important to take account of ‘hidden’ expenses like travel insurance, currency conversion fees, etc.

One thing to remember is that even though your honeymoon is your first trip as a married couple, it won’t be your last! So while it’s important to plan your honeymoon, try not to feel pressured to do and see everything! Spending time together is what really matters.

xoxo,
Mindy