A timeline can help you to plan your honeymoon getaway. As with any major project, planning, organizing and scheduling a honeymoon will be easier and less stressful if you break it down into manageable parts and allow time to plan for your post-wedding vacation.
While it's certainly possible to accomplish everything below in less time — some couples can pull off a last-minute honeymoon in a week — following this timeline will minimize problems and disappointment on a more well-planned honeymoon.
SIX MONTHS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR HONEYMOON...
Set a Budget
- Read "Your Vacation Travel Budget"
- See What other couples plan to spend on their honeymoon
- Subscribe to "Planning the Perfect Honeymoon" free newsletter
- Fill out the Travel Budget Worksheet
- Learn 10 Things Every Honeymooner Needs to Know
- Determine if a Honeymoon Bridal Registry is right for you
FIVE MONTHS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR HONEYMOON...
Determine Your Destination
- Discover the Top 50 Top Worldwide Honeymoon Vacation Spots
- Fill out the Honeymoon Compatability Matcher
- Understand the advantages of different types of lodging
- Explore romantic honeymoon destinations:
- Consider an all-inclusive resort
- Check out classic honeymoon destinations
- Hedge your bets and pick a place with good weather
FOUR MONTHS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR HONEYMOON...
Make Reservations
- Learn ways to save money on honeymoon travel
- Work with a travel agent - online or offline
THREE MONTHS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR HONEYMOON...
Attend to Details
- Obtain passports and, if necessary, visas
- Get any vaccinations you may need
TWO MONTHS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR HONEYMOON...
Get Organized
- Select luggage
- Know what items you cannot pack
- Find out your airline's carry-on luggage limits
- Purchase travel guidebooks
- Plan your honeymoon wardrobe (don't forget the lingerie)
- Arrange care for your pets
ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE OF YOUR HONEYMOON...
Finalize Honeymoon Plans
- Obtain your marriage license
- Confirm reservations
- Draw up a packing list
- Don't forget birth control
- Consider a small wedding-night gift
- Choose a travel camera, buy film for non-digital models, brush up on photography skills
- Prepare to fly smart
ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE OF YOUR HONEYMOON...
Get Ready to Go
- Pack
- Secure tickets
- Decide how much cash and traveler's checks to take
- Learn how and where to exchange currency and find an ATM in your destination
- Make photocopies of passports, airline tickets, travelers' checks numbers, and credit cards. Store one copy in a place separate from your wallet and leave another at home with a reliable person
- Arrange for the post office to hold your mail (or for a friend to pick it up) while you're away
- Suspend newspaper subscriptions
FINALLY, YOUR HONEYMOON!
Time to Go Away Together
- Deal with last-minute changes if necessary
- Check out Sex FAQ
- Above all, relax on your wedding night.
Congratulations...and bon voyage! Your honeymoon is just the start of exploring the world together.
