Photos shared by: AIRBNB | @AIRBNB
We are in a honeymoon state of mind during the love month of February! The Honeymooners Handbook was created to guide you through planning your getaway. Below we’ve touched on the basics of honeymoon planning. Keep an eye out for upcoming Honeymooners Handbook posts on our blog where we dive deeper into the details of planning!
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE PLANNING
The way every couple plans their honeymoon will look different, and we’re providing an overview of the many considerations for honeymoon planning, whether you’re heading 2 hours away or across the globe!
THE SEASON – If the honeymoon you’re envisioning is in the Florida Keys, you may want to plan to go in a winter month to soak up the sun and avoid extreme heat; If you’re imagining a getaway in the South of France, you should opt for late June to mid-September if you want to swim. While some destinations can be less crowded off-season, you don’t want to be surprised by arriving in Lake Como just to find most shops and hotels closed when the season ends in October!
YOUR PERSONAL LIFE – Consider your work schedules and any other commitments you may have when planning your honeymoon. Make sure to request time off from work well in advance and plan your honeymoon around any other important events or obligations.
YOUR BUDGET – Planning your honeymoon early in your engagement process gives you time to save up and budget for your trip. Consider your financial situation and plan your trip accordingly, taking into account any wedding expenses and other financial commitments, like a new house or new combined expenses. Prepare to budget for your travel transportation, a place to stay, meals, and any excursions on your itinerary. Don’t forget to cushion for unexpected expenses and emergency money.
YOUR PREFERENCE – Some couples may prefer to go on their honeymoon immediately after their wedding to extend the celebration, while others may choose to delay their honeymoon to allow for more time to plan or to take advantage of off-peak travel times. Whether you choose to depart directly from your wedding venue to the airport, book a local hotel for a few days before leaving, or choose to wait 6 months for your getaway – It’s truly up to you two as a couple.
Photos shared by: Four Seasons | @fourseasons
THE PLANNING TIMELINE
WEDDING DATE – Once you choose your wedding date, prepare to pick your honeymoon date. Whether you want your honeymoon immediately after your wedding or a season later. This will give you enough time to research destinations, book flights, and accommodations, and make necessary arrangements without feeling rushed.
PLAN MONTHS OUT – Depending on how far off your wedding is and which destination you choose, we recommend starting your planning process 6-12 months in advance. This might look like a long stretch of time, but some destinations or popular honeymoon seasons book up quickly.
CHOOSE A DESTINATION
The location opportunities are endless when planning your honeymoon. Discuss with your partner the type of destination you both prefer – whether it’s a beach resort, a city getaway, an adventurous trip, or a cultural exploration. Consider factors like weather, available activities, and travel restrictions.
OUR DESTINATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The beauty of taking a honeymoon is traveling to parts of the world where you and your partner can enjoy the beginning of this new journey. Couples often pick their dream travel destinations: a relaxing island getaway, a location that offers an exciting experience, or someplace sentimental. Below, we’ve put together 5 of our favorite destinations that speak to different preferences!
THE MALDIVES – The Maldives, an independent island country in the Indian Ocean, consists of a chain of about 1,200 small coral islands and sandbanks. This island paradise is surrounded by lagoons made up of breathtaking shades of blue, filled with colorful marine life, spectacular sunsets, and beaches filled with swaying palms. The islands are warm year-round, but the dry season takes place between November and April. The peak visitation months are between December and February. The windy and rainy season takes place between April and October but might come at a cheaper cost. If you plan to enjoy the waters by surfing and diving with whale sharks, it is recommended to visit starting in late May.
COLORADO, US – Colorado is the perfect spot for an adventurous honeymoon, whether you want to visit mountain towns near Boulder, luxe ski resorts and experiences near Aspen, or the sprawling city life of Denver. Colorado is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, the best seasons to plan your honeymoon depend on what type of adventure you want to take. Visiting during the festival season of summer, late June-August is perfect for couples wanting to enjoy the metropolitan life of Denver and enjoy the scenery. The spring months starting in May, have the perfect warm days and chillier nights for hiking and exploring the mountains. Visiting in the winter months for your honeymoon is the perfect time and destination for a trip to a ski resort by spending chilly days on the slopes, and warming up at night in the hot springs.
FRENCH RIVIERA – The French Riviera stretches along the Mediterranean from Menton and the principality of Monaco to Saint-Tropez and up into the Alps coastline of the southeast corner of France. It is home to colorful coastal towns, Roman ruins, and medieval villages, all spanning the seaside and up to the mountains. Planning your trip from May to June and September to October will be your best option if you want to avoid the busy tourism of the summer season. French Riviera is also home to the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix, plan accordingly to avoid these busy events or join in on the fun!
LAKE COMO, ITALY – Lake Como, Lake in Lombardy, northern Italy, is a fairytale experience filled with stunning villas, charming villages, and breathtaking experiences by the water. Opening of villas and gardens: between April and October. The best months for swimming and water sports: are between June and September. The best months for trekking: are April, June, September, and October.
CHICAGO, IL. US – Chicago, IL, might not be the typical honeymoon location, but it is perfect for couples who choose not to travel too far but are eager to visit new cities, architecture, food markets, and a lake that you can take boat trips on under the city lights. Chicago, known as the windy city, has very frigid winters but is perfect for exploring by foot. The spring months of May and April, along with the fall months of September and October are the most comfortable and pleasant months to visit the city.
Photo 1 shared by: @lakecomoweddings | Photo 2 shared by: @thestandardmaldives | Photo 3 shared by: @aspensnowmass
RESEARCH + BOOKING
Once you’ve chosen a destination, start researching accommodation options, activities, local cuisine, and attractions. It is recommended to search for honeymoon packages that might offer discounts or special perks. Planning the attractions you want to visit and building your itinerary, will help you decide what type of accommodation you’d like to stay in and the location you want to focus on. Prepare to plan your transportation, whether that be a rental car or learning about their cab options.
It is also important to book your flights and accommodation well in advance to secure the best deals and availability. Consider staying in romantic accommodations such as boutique hotels, beachfront villas, or luxury resorts! While booking early, remember to keep track of your important paperwork, booking information, and tickets.
ITINERARY + ROMANTIC MOMENTS
Create an itinerary with activities you both enjoy, whether it’s snorkeling, hiking, wine tasting, or exploring historical sites. Leave room for relaxation and spontaneous adventures as well. Add special touches to your honeymoon by planning romantic surprises for your partner, such as a private dinner on the beach, a couples spa day, or a surprise excursion.
A honeymoon marks the beginning of a new chapter in a couple’s life together. It’s a time to celebrate and reflect on the journey that brought them together and to look forward to the adventures that lie ahead as they embark on married life. After the stress of wedding planning, a honeymoon offers couples the chance to relax and rejuvenate together. Whether lounging by the pool, unwinding at a spa, or simply enjoying each other’s company, honeymoons provide much-needed rest and relaxation.
Photos shared by: Expedia | @expedia
THE FINAL MOMENTS
Once the wedding celebrations end and it’s time to leave for your honeymoon, you want to make sure you’re prepared and ready to enjoy your time away together!
- Remember to have your bags packed before your wedding if you plan on leaving soon after your celebration. If your honeymoon is not immediately after your wedding, we suggest packing your items a few days before you leave!
- Make sure you have all the essentials, including your passport, tickets and reservations, and important personal items. In addition, keep track of your travel and transportation time so you won’t be late when leaving.
- Prepare to unplug and simply enjoy these next few moments of alone time together. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy this special time with your partner and celebrate your new life together!
Need a little help planning? Work with a professional to help perfect your day!
- Check with your wedding planner to see if they offer honeymoon planning
- Consider using a service like Inspirato Luxury Destination Club
- Consider working with Restless Mind Travel for luxury travel planning services
Ready to start your wedding planning journey? Book a Complimentary Private Tour today to visit The Sixpence and start dreaming up your perfect day!
