Things to know before booking a honeymoon!
After all the hard work and emotions that go into planning a wedding, you are ready for that glass of champagne at the reception -- and a fabulous dose of R&R when it’s all over! Whether you’re hitting the beach in the Caribbean, hiking a volcano in Costa Rica, or feasting your way through Italy, it’s time to unwind with your spouse and let the reality sink in: You’re married! Like all things “wedding,” your honeymoon comes with its share of questions.
When should we go on our honeymoon?
Traditionally, the newlyweds would depart on their honeymoon right away – the bride often changing into one of her trousseau outfits and heading to the airport straight from the reception, suitcases in tow. However, today’s couples know that having a wedding is exhausting. I recommend delaying departure 1-3 days so that you have a little time to wind down, get things organized and time to pack.
Who plans it?
The honeymoon used to be planned entirely by the groom and kept a secret from the bride until she arrived. But it’s stressful packing for a mystery trip, only to arrive and realize once at destination, there’s an outfit or two you really wish you’d brought! With today’s couples, more often than not the groom still takes the lead, but the bride is kept in the loop. Smart grooms pull in a honeymoon specialist to help them decipher best options for their interests. It’s a collaboration with the travel pro doing the majority of the work related to the research and booking in general. She'll also make sure their itinerary includes a little something for each of them. Hoping to keep that surprise alive? That’s still an options but much safer bet when working with an experienced honeymoon specialist.
I am out of vacation time, what should I do?
Take a mini-moon! And, delay your big trip until you’ve got more time off. If you have to wait for the big honeymoon, take a long weekend immediately after your wedding to unwind from the excitement. Go somewhere completely relaxing for a night or two. Sleep in, get massages, and scroll through your hashtags to relive all those fun memories. Taking that big trip several weeks or months after the big day, will give you something exciting to look forward to once your wedding has come and gone!
What if I have a food allergy or dietary restrictions?
Even if you are going on a cruise or to an all inclusive resort, this doesn’t have to be a problem. Your honeymoon specialist can connect you to the resorts and cruise lines that do best in accommodating your need. Once at destination you will be connected with the head chef or dining department to discuss your restrictions and lay out a plan to accommodate it in the most satisfying manner. The best properties will easily be able to work with your needs, as well as recommend menu items you will truly enjoy. For a honeymoon in a major city, read restaurants’ menus and reviews, and google search, for example “gluten free in Paris.” If traveling to a destination where they don’t speak English, be prepared to explain your restrictions in the local language. Write it down in advance, if that helps. Wherever you go and whatever kind of cuisine you are looking for, don’t forget to ask the locals’ for some suggestions. No one knows the local cuisine and what’s best better than them!
If we can’t afford an extravagant trip, should we still go?
Of course! There are many affordable ways to totally relax and enjoy your honeymoon. All-inclusive resorts and cruises are a great place to start and offer the best value since there are few expenses beyond what you pay to book the trip. You know upfront the cost of the trip before you get there. If you are looking for culture and art, and more exploration on foot, there are options for guided tours that offer exceptional value, over do it yourself options. Don’t forget honeymoon funds are also available and no different than a gift registry. Already have a coffee pot? Ask for an excursion instead! The honeymoon is a trip of a lifetime and the thing you will remember most from this time in your life – don’t skimp or forgo it.
For the best value and experience work with a travel professional and honeymoon specialist. It's the same price as you doing all the work yourself and it will give you better peace of mind and experience overall. ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com
When should we go on our honeymoon?
Traditionally, the newlyweds would depart on their honeymoon right away – the bride often changing into one of her trousseau outfits and heading to the airport straight from the reception, suitcases in tow. However, today’s couples know that having a wedding is exhausting. I recommend delaying departure 1-3 days so that you have a little time to wind down, get things organized and time to pack.
Who plans it?
The honeymoon used to be planned entirely by the groom and kept a secret from the bride until she arrived. But it’s stressful packing for a mystery trip, only to arrive and realize once at destination, there’s an outfit or two you really wish you’d brought! With today’s couples, more often than not the groom still takes the lead, but the bride is kept in the loop. Smart grooms pull in a honeymoon specialist to help them decipher best options for their interests. It’s a collaboration with the travel pro doing the majority of the work related to the research and booking in general. She'll also make sure their itinerary includes a little something for each of them. Hoping to keep that surprise alive? That’s still an options but much safer bet when working with an experienced honeymoon specialist.
I am out of vacation time, what should I do?
Take a mini-moon! And, delay your big trip until you’ve got more time off. If you have to wait for the big honeymoon, take a long weekend immediately after your wedding to unwind from the excitement. Go somewhere completely relaxing for a night or two. Sleep in, get massages, and scroll through your hashtags to relive all those fun memories. Taking that big trip several weeks or months after the big day, will give you something exciting to look forward to once your wedding has come and gone!
What if I have a food allergy or dietary restrictions?
Even if you are going on a cruise or to an all inclusive resort, this doesn’t have to be a problem. Your honeymoon specialist can connect you to the resorts and cruise lines that do best in accommodating your need. Once at destination you will be connected with the head chef or dining department to discuss your restrictions and lay out a plan to accommodate it in the most satisfying manner. The best properties will easily be able to work with your needs, as well as recommend menu items you will truly enjoy. For a honeymoon in a major city, read restaurants’ menus and reviews, and google search, for example “gluten free in Paris.” If traveling to a destination where they don’t speak English, be prepared to explain your restrictions in the local language. Write it down in advance, if that helps. Wherever you go and whatever kind of cuisine you are looking for, don’t forget to ask the locals’ for some suggestions. No one knows the local cuisine and what’s best better than them!
If we can’t afford an extravagant trip, should we still go?
Of course! There are many affordable ways to totally relax and enjoy your honeymoon. All-inclusive resorts and cruises are a great place to start and offer the best value since there are few expenses beyond what you pay to book the trip. You know upfront the cost of the trip before you get there. If you are looking for culture and art, and more exploration on foot, there are options for guided tours that offer exceptional value, over do it yourself options. Don’t forget honeymoon funds are also available and no different than a gift registry. Already have a coffee pot? Ask for an excursion instead! The honeymoon is a trip of a lifetime and the thing you will remember most from this time in your life – don’t skimp or forgo it.
For the best value and experience work with a travel professional and honeymoon specialist. It's the same price as you doing all the work yourself and it will give you better peace of mind and experience overall. ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com
