Planning a wedding is stressful, and honestly, planning the part that’s supposed to alleviate all that stress is stressful too. We’re talking about your honeymoon, the most memorable trip of your life. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when planning a vacation that’s supposed to be...well, perfect. Remember, planning your wedding and honeymoon should be fun, so don’t stress and check out our tips for planning an unforgettable trip!
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Plan ahead. It’s really never too early to start planning your honeymoon (unless you haven’t gotten engaged yet. If that’s the case, it’s probably safe to hold off). Planning ahead allows you to book those hard-to-get hotel suites, collect travel documents, and even get better pricing. If you don’t give yourself enough time, count on your stress levels going through the roof the month before your trip.
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Be open-minded. The best way to get disappointed is to have too narrow an idea of what your honeymoon should be. Discuss with your fiance what kind of trip he or she would most prefer and what experiences are most important to them. Compare your needs and figure out a place that will work best for both of you.
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Do not book with your married name. This is important, guys. If your last name will be changing, do not book hotels, airfare, or other reservations with your new married name. You’ll want to make sure your travel documents match the name you use to book reservations. You can change the name on these documents when you return home.
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Pack smart. Too much luggage is annoying and makes you apt to lose or forget something wherever you’re honeymooning. Pack light and only bring the essentials. Your honeymoon will (probably) not include a fashion glamor shoot, so it’s ok to leave those heels you won’t wear at home.
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Consider somewhere other than the beach. There’s nothing wrong with the beach, and if that’s what you’ve both always dreamed of, by all means, go for it. However, don’t feel like you have to plan your honeymoon in Mexico or the Caribbean because it’s traditionally what many couples do. If the beach isn’t your thing, consider mountains, a safari, or somewhere a little more unconventional. Your honeymoon should be unique to you and your fiance as a couple, not a line in a fairy tale.
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Don’t get hung up on reviews. Yelp and other travel review sites are helpful and can definitely provide good insight, but don’t base your honeymoon decisions solely on some random’s opinion. Realize that everyone has different tastes and preferences. If the same issue has been mentioned again and again, however, it’s probably safe to assume it’s a valid complaint and consider other destinations.
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Be realistic. With regards to money, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. We’re all for a good deal, but many times, travel bargains are for a reason. Stick to your budget and don’t set your expectations higher than what is realistic. The last thing you want is to be bummed out because the bar selection sucks or the hotel’s A/C doesn’t work as well as it should.
Your honeymoon is supposed to be one of the best times of your life, so don’t let stress or poor planning ruin your trip. Remember, you can’t get to the honeymoon without buying the ring first! For the perfect engagement ring, visit us at Sartor Hamann!