All you need to know for the ultimate trip of a lifetime.
By: Jenna MahoneyStarting your marriage off with debts and PB&J dinners is no one’s idea of happily ever after, so before you make any honeymoon plans, vow to sit down together and talk about what you can realistically afford. Also discuss your trip-of-a-lifetime expectations. Here, five tips to booking your greatest vacation.
Photo Credit: The Tea Rooms At QVB on Grey Likes Weddings via Lover.ly
1. Set a budget
Consider hotel, air travel and car rental costs, as well as excursions, meals and other needs. And don’t forget the incidentals. A dream vacation can soon turn into a financial nightmare if you don’t factor in all the little things: Bar tabs, entrance fees, gratuities, taxis or gas charges and trip insurance can really add up. Some cruise lines and all-inclusive resorts, like Sandals, cover tips and hurricane insurance, but some do not, so it is a good thing to investigate this while you’re still in the planning stages of your honeymoon. If you are going on a trip that requires a lot of guides, such as a safari, ask the operator for gratuity suggestions and add them your budget equation. And don’t forget to set aside some pocket money for souvenirs and iced coffee and sweet treats that you pick up on the fly. If you think you may want to make some major purchases—a rug in Morocco or a teak table in Thailand, for example— research any shipping, checked baggage or customs surcharges before you travel.
2. Create a time frame
Who wouldn’t love to take off an entire month to celebrate and travel? All of us—but it just isn’t possible for most people. You can, however, have just as romantic a holiday in three days as in three weeks. Set a realistic time frame for your honeymoon and don’t forget to factor in the wedding prep and actual celebration, and air travel. With baggage loss, delays and cancellations at an alltime high, remember to include some cushion time to deal with any snafus. And if you’re changing time zones, factor jet lag into your vacation-time total.
3. Prioritize
It may seem a little too businesslike, but when you know what you want from your experience it will make it all that much easier to plan. What are your top three priorities? Spa, yoga and watersports? Or do you prefer culturalsights and traditional cuisine? Have your guy make a list too—and highlight the similarities. Both of your top choices should be reflected in your final destination. If your plan is to simply relax, be careful what you wish for. In these days of 24/7 technology, it may be difficult to actually unplug.
4. Look outside the box
Always wanted to try surfing or rock climbing or yoga? Well, now’s the time to explore new experiences. Just remember—you aren’t a superhero, so be realistic. Nonswimmers, you should probably take a pass on those snorkeling excursions and look for a glass-bottom boat tour instead.
5. Don’t overschedule
Avoid doing too much on your honeymoon, because once it’s over—it’s back to the grind. Work, thank-you notes and album editing will take your focus off each other. Plan on spending special moments together; take pleasure in the small things. And don’t forget to make good use of your room’s “Do Not Disturb” sign.
