You’ve said “yes,” maybe even picked a date—and now the dreamy Pinterest boards are filling up fast. But between booking vendors and trying to remember which cousin you forgot to invite, don’t forget one of the best parts of wedding planning: the honeymoon!
Whether you’re dreaming of sipping piña coladas on the beach or hiking mountain trails with your new spouse, here’s your guide to planning the perfect honeymoon—without the stress.
When Should You Start Planning?
The sooner, the better—especially if you’re eyeing a popular destination or traveling during peak seasons (summer, winter holidays, spring break). A good rule of thumb:
- 6–12 months before: Research and book flights and accommodations.
- 3–6 months before: Plan excursions, make restaurant reservations, and gather necessary documents (hello, passport!).
- 1–2 months before: Buy travel insurance, confirm reservations, and start packing essentials.
Pro tip: You don’t have to leave right after the wedding. Many couples wait a few days—or even a few weeks—to decompress and avoid that post-wedding exhaustion.
Where Should You Go?
Start by asking: What kind of vacation do we want?
- Beach lovers: Think Maldives, Maui, Tulum, or the Amalfi Coast.
- Adventure seekers: Try Costa Rica, Patagonia, or New Zealand.
- Foodies: Italy, Japan, or Charleston, South Carolina.
- Budget-conscious: Portugal, Mexico, or even a cute local getaway in your home state.
- Off-the-beaten-path: Consider Slovenia, the Azores, or a scenic train ride through Switzerland.
Make it personal: Pick a destination that reflects your shared interests and travel style—not just what’s trending on Instagram.
Budgeting for the Honeymoon
Let’s be honest: weddings are expensive. But your honeymoon doesn’t have to be.
- Set a realistic budget that includes flights, hotels, food, excursions, transportation, tips, and emergency funds.
- Use your wedding registry to fund parts of the trip! Sites like Honeyfund or Zola let guests contribute to airfare, romantic dinners, or spa days.
- Travel during shoulder season (right before or after peak travel times) for major savings.
- Look into travel credit card points or deals—you might already have enough points to score a free flight or hotel stay.
Tips for Booking Smart
- Use comparison sites like Google Flights, Kayak, or Hopper to find the best deals.
- Book accommodations with free cancellation in case plans change.
- Notify your bank about your travel dates to avoid any card issues abroad.
- Check passport/visa requirements early, especially for international trips.
- Add a few buffer days post-wedding before you travel, so you’re not dragging your dress through TSA the morning after your big day.
Bonus tip: Download offline maps and translation apps before you go!
Don’t Forget the Romance
Amid the planning and budgeting, remember: this is about celebrating your first adventure as a married couple. Whether you’re traveling across the world or taking a cozy weekend road trip, the magic comes from being together.
