Honeymoon Planning tips

Congratulations! You’re engaged and about to embark on a world wind adventure of wedding planning. You could also have been planning a while and had that complete oops moment of I forgot to plan my honeymoon and are now seeking honeymoon planning tips.

It doesn’t matter what stage you are I because there is help. This honeymoon planning guide will be filled with honeymoon planning tips to get you on your way.

Planning a honeymoon can be stressful and overwhelming. There are so many things to think about when planning. Where do the two of you want to go? How long should the honeymoon be? Why are there so many honeymoon packages?

The most important thing is that your honeymoon is a chance to relax and rejuvenate after months of wedding planning. It is also a time to celebrate your new journey as a couple.

When Should You Start Planning Your Honeymoon?

You should start planning your honeymoon around 8 to 9 months in advance. Why? This is when all the flight prices will be available to your destination. This is also when the best deals and perks may be offered by resorts and hotels.

Also, if you are working with a travel professional you can make a deposit and make payments on your honeymoon, but more on that later.

Plan Your Honeymoon Together

In the days of old (not really that long ago; maybe twenty years) it was the groom’s job to plan the honeymoon and surprise his bride to be with a fabulous trip. That is no longer the case for so many reasons. Now most couples are involved in planning their honeymoon together. They narrow down the locations as well as discuss a comfortable budget. This ensures that the honeymoon fits you both as a couple and not one person more than the other.

How Much Does a Honeymoon Cost?

Talk about loaded questions! There are several factors to consider when calculating the cost of a honeymoon. The first is will you be flying to your honeymoon destination from a major international airport.

If you will be leaving from a smaller regional airport you will end up paying more for your flight since you will need to be routed to an international airport.

Second, how long will you be staying? Most hotels and resorts offer promotions to couples who stay at least a week (7 days). Shorter stays can cost slightly less money.

Third, what destination are you traveling to? There is a huge financial difference between a honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico and a honeymoon in the Maldives.

Also, you must consider if the destination has all-inclusive resorts. If you go this route it is more possible to get more bang for your buck. Yet, be aware that all-inclusive resorts are only available in Mexico and the Caribbean. You can eliminate all US based islands and territories such as Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Hawaii since they do not have all-inclusive resorts.

Bottom line is this the average weeklong stay in Mexico and the Caribbean can average $3000-5000 per couple. Whereas more exotic locations such as the Maldives, Fiji and Bali can average $7000-10,000 per couple.

Don’t rely just on Google

When beginning your honeymoon planning Google is a great place to start. Yet, it is not the best tactic to use Google as your only resource. Many times, travel review sites and even hotel/resort sites will be misleading to visitors. The best way to gain true information about a destination you are considering for your honeymoon is to ask a family member or friend who has been there. Another great tactic is to contact a honeymoon planner who specializes in your destination.

If you are looking for a great travel resource then check out my friends over at Lonely Planet. They have some amazing destination guides.

Seriously Consider a travel agent

If you feel overwhelmed or stressed out from the honeymoon planning, then contacting a travel professional may be a smart choice. Travel professionals have insider information about the various hotels, resorts in a specific destination. They also have personal relationships with staff at these hotels and resorts. This is a great way to handle those special requests.

The best part is a travel professional can save you a lot of time chained to your computer or phone doing research. They also can help save you money by being aware the best travel time, deals and perks. If you want extra guidance planning your honeymoon, travel agents can come in handy. A great travel professional will help you choose the perfect location, book your travel plans and make sure you have the best possible experience while on their honeymoon.

Be aware of hidden costs

Most people when planning their wedding and honeymoon are working from a budget. The last thing any couple wants during this money conscious time is surprise expenses. Things that many couples don’t think about can add up fast and even break the budget. Things such as visa fees, airport transfers and daily resort fees can add anywhere from $200-500 onto your honeymoon budget.

In this case it pays to read the fine print. Most online booking engines do not include visa fees, tourism fees, resort fees and transfers to the cost of your trip. Make sure you investigate or add these extras to your trip costs. There is nothing worse than getting to your honeymoon destination and having to shell out money just to get to your hotel.

Honeymoon planning should not be stressful and overwhelming. Hopefully, you can follow these amazing tips and plan the honeymoon of your dreams.

If you need help planning your honeymoon please checkout my Honeymoon Planning Checklist.

10 Best Honeymoon Destinations

About to embark on a honeymoon journey? Need some help finding the best honeymoon destination? Sure, you do? Planning a wedding is stressful enough and then adding a honeymoon to it takes the stress factor over the moon. No worries I will share with you some budget friendly destination as well as luxury bucket list destinations. I’m sure there will be something on the list that fits your needs. Let’s get started!

Jamaica

Jamaica is the home of reggae music and a honeymoon in this wonderful island will not disappoint. Jamaica is known for its beautiful beaches, amazing local cuisine (jerk chicken!) and waterfalls. While you are in Jamaica make sure you climb the Dunn River Falls, bobsled in Ochos Rios, and cliff dive at Rick’s Café. It you aren’t feeling adventurous you can relax on Seven Mile Beach in Negril or listen to a reggae band in Montego Bay.

Cancun/Riviera Maya, Mexico

This is my favorite part of Mexico because the resorts in this area are just amazing. Cancun and Riviera Maya are on the northern side of the Yucatan Peninsula. This area is one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. While you are in this area make sure you take a chance to snorkel or scuba dive in the wonderfully calm waters, visit the Mayan Ruins, swim in a cenote and gorge on some of the best guacamole I have ever had!

Fiji

Fiji is a bucket list destination and it is also a luxury one. Fiji is comprised of 300 islands which accounts for it’s amazing shorelines. While you are in Fiji consider going diving and seeing the unique sea life native to the area. Also, learn about pearl harvesting and harvest a pearl for yourself. If you are into surfing Fiji has great waves you can ride so don’t forget your wet suit.

Related: 5 Best Resorts in Mexico

Florida Keys

If you are seeking a honeymoon option that doesn’t require a passport; then the Florida Keys is an amazing option. The southern tip of Florida is full of activities and options for honeymooners. While in the Florida Keys take a ride in a glass bottom boat and taste authentic key lime pie. If you are feeling really willing to take a chance, then go see the crocodiles in the Everglades (but make sure you have a guide).

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has over 500,000 hotel rooms and it is why it is considered one of the hottest vacation spots in the world. If you are an adventure traveler this is the perfect destination with its many adventure activities. Make sure you do a water horseback ride and zipline through the tropical forests. If you decide to visit during the months of Carnivale you will get two vacations in one with the amazing sights and sounds of this celebration festival.

St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a gorgeous island that is nestled around the Pitons Mountains. It is a luxury honeymoon destination but well worth the cost. While in St. Lucia visit the Castries Market (make sure you are hungry when you go) and taste all the foods and look at all the handmade goods. If you want a holistic experience, then take a mud bath at Sulfur Springs and before you leave take a helicopter ride over the Pitons Mountains.

Maldives

The Maldives is the perfect example of a tropical destination. The Maldives is another bucket list destination. The Maldives consists of 1000 islands. This area is known for its awe-inspiring beaches which pictures don’t do justice. Over-water bungalows began in the Maldives and are one of the most desired locations in the islands. While there don’t forget to explore the coral reefs whether via boat or diving.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui is the second most visited island in Hawaii. It is, in my opinion, the most romantic of the islands. You can relax on the beach and have some lazy days while in Maui but that is not the only thing to do in Maui. You can drive the Road to Hana which is a 65-mile road with some of the world’s most amazing scenery. If you are into beer, then visit the Maui Brewing Company and take a tasting tour. Also, do not forget to visit the Honolua Bay and snorkel with the wildlife.

Related: Maui Official Travel Site

Puerto Rico

This is the only other destination on the list that US citizens can visit without a passport. If you do not have a passport this is the best honeymoon destination for you. Puerto Rico is an amazing island in the Caribbean. If you are a history buff, make sure to visit Old San Juan which is full of history and culture. The walking tour of Old San Juan is completely worth it. Take a kayak ride through Mosquito Bay and as the name implies bring some bug repellent. Also, make sure to taste some of the delicious street food peppered all over the island.

Bali, Indonesia

You may already know that Bali is a bucket list destination. Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia and considered by many to be the best honeymoon destination ever. While in Bali make sure you visit the many active volcanoes and the beautiful coral reefs. You may also want to make your own jewelry at the many of the jewelry compounds or visit the rice fields. Bali is a perfect location for Vegans and Vegetarians since most of the diet of Indonesians is plant based.

Related: 10 Things to Do in Bali

Hopefully, now you have a list of the best honeymoon destinations for you and your future spouse. If you have chosen a destination on this list, please let me know in the comments below. Also, if you want more tips and info about all things travel sign up for my newsletter below.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean.