Honeymoons
Think about a budget
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10 items to consider when booking your honeymoon:
Whether your ideal honeymoon is a luxurious week in the Maldives or a week stateside, make sure to consider these tips when you start planning!
1. Destination
Is there somewhere special that you have (both!) always wanted to go? Then make this your honeymoon destination. Don’t choose a destination simply because it’s a honeymoon destination. After all, it’s your honeymoon.
2. Type of Honeymoon
What type of honeymoon do you want – adventure, pampering, sightseeing, sun holiday, safari, cruise, island hopping? Your interests or choice of activities will greatly narrow down the list of destinations. But be considerate. You and your spouse may not have the same interest, and your idea of the perfect honeymoon may vary greatly. Remember, marriage is all about compromise. You can always incorporate both of your honeymoon choices.
3. Budget
Are you looking for a budget holiday or do you want luxury all the way? Unfortunately, your budget may have the final say in your choice of destination/level of luxury on your honeymoon. But don’t panic. There are many options available out there.
If you want the luxury honeymoon, but can’t afford it after all your savings have gone on the wedding, consider delaying the honeymoon until the following year, or asking family/friends to contribute to the cost of the honeymoon as their wedding present.
Had you planned on a 3 week romantic getaway but the budget just won’t allow it? Perhaps consider combining a luxury, pampering holiday for a week with a less expensive sightseeing holiday or city break.
Get Suggestions from other Couples/Honeymooners
4. Suggestions from other Couples/Honeymooners
There’s no point crossing a destination off the list because a close friend or relative has just been there. They’ll be able to give you honest feedback that you won’t get from a travel brochure. They may even suggest a destination that you had not previously considered.
5. Time off Work
How long can you go on honeymoon for? Are you restricted as to the time of year you can take your holidays from work? How long can you take off from work (don’t forget to factor in the days before your wedding also). Have you been saving up those holidays from last year or can you use some holidays from next year, or take unpaid days? Make sure you confirm with your boss or HR department before booking anything.
Make sure you find out if you need to get Vaccines.
8. Vaccinations and Paperwork
Make sure you check out whether you need vaccinations when travelling to a particular region. Also check out how long before travelling you need to get these vaccines administered. Ensure all your paperwork is in order – Passports, Visas etc. Don’t forget your driver’s license if you intend to hire a car while honeymooning. Some countries will not allow you to travel if your passport is due to expire within a certain period of time, so ensure that your passport is up to date. You do not want to be stranded in a foreign country while your other half heads home without you!
CHERISH YOUR HONEYMOON BY BOOKING
Consider the Time of Year
6. Time of Year
The time of the year could have a huge impact on your choice of destinations. Remember the weather in December in Australia is completely different to Ireland in December. Staying in a vineyard in France may sound very romantic, but not when there are no grapes on the vine, so make sure you do your homework! If you are keen on a particular destination, but the weather doesn’t suit immediately after your wedding, you can always postpone the honeymoon until the weather is better.
7. Distance
Soaking up the sun in Fiji sounds amazing, but consider the length of time it will take to get there and back. Australia is a popular destination, but how much of the vast continent will you get to see if you only have a couple of weeks to travel.
If you don’t want to be jetlagged for the first few days on honeymoon or for days after you come home, don’t venture far. There are many fabulous European honeymoon destinations
All inclusive can be great a great option
9. All Inclusive Packages
These may seem very expensive, but if you plan on staying in a resort that offers full board, check it out - it may not be as expensive as it initially seems. Do your homework. Check out restaurants in the locality. All Inclusive may appeal to you if you plan on lazing by the pool and don’t want to venture very far. But if you plan on day trips and excursions, then you may end up paying on the double.
10. Transportation
Some hotels offer airport pickups, but check if this is included or an extra fee. It may be cheaper to hire a limo yourself then avail of a hotel arranged pickup. Depending on your destination, hiring a car may be the ideal way of getting around and seeing the sights, but remember which side of the road to drive on at all times!