10 Tips for a Happy Honeymoon

You’ve planned the wedding and said your vows, and now it’s time to take some much-needed relaxation time and head out into the world as a newly married couple.

Whether you’re looking to relax by the poolside, play tourist for the day, hike, or soak up some history, your honeymoon should be one of the most exciting, romantic trips of your life.

Besides being on exciting vacation as newlyweds, taking a honeymoon together is surprisingly important. Your honeymoon is your first foray into the world as a married couple. Here are 10 tips to make your honeymoon a fun and memorable occasion.

1. Go somewhere you are both excited about

It’s sweet to want to plan a surprise honeymoon for your spouse, but this is truly a vacation you should be planning together. Be sure to select a destination you are both interested in that has plenty of activities that you both like to do so that neither of you finds yourself bored or feeling left out of the fun.

2. Tell people it’s your honeymoon

Whether you’re just booking your trip now or you have just arrived, don’t be shy about telling people it’s your honeymoon when you’re traveling. Your resort or hotel may have specials for honeymooners and may even offer gifts or special services to help you celebrate your marriage.

3. Plan ahead

There is an art to planning your vacation on the go, choosing what to do once you’re already on your honeymoon. However, many couples find it beneficial to plan ahead. You do not have to make a minute-by-minute itinerary of your honeymoon, but it is helpful to make a list of sights you would like to see each day that you are gone.

Planning your days around certain tourist destinations will help you make the most efficient use of your time in that area. It also helps reduce the stress of deciding what to do, which route to take and gives you more time to enjoy with your sweetheart.

4. Book under the correct name

ID, please! Brides, when booking your honeymoon, don’t forget to use the right name! Will your name be legally changed by the time you leave? Even if you’re excited to use your spouse’s surname, you must book your vacation under the same name that appears on your photo identification.

5. Check passport validity

One important thing to consider when planning your honeymoon is to check your passport validity. You may still have months before your passport expires, but many countries require you to hold a passport that will be valid for six months after your intended travel date.

If you don’t have a passport, you should get one as soon as possible if you are traveling outside of your country. The average passport takes about 4-5 weeks for processing, so be sure that you have dealt with acquiring or renewing your passport and dealing with any legal names changes well in advance.

6. Packing and essentials

One of the best pieces of advice when packing for a honeymoon is to be prepared. Check the weather forecast online for your destination to see what temperatures you should be packing for. You may be going to sunny Hawaii, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring a pair of pants and a sweater just in case.

Other items you may not think of that will definitely come in handy are your preferred contraception, a swimsuit, sunscreen, a mini first aid kit, sunglasses, a hairbrush, books or magazines, hand sanitizer, and photocopies of any important travel documents.

7. Jet lag and time changes

Whether you are traveling across your country or are traveling overseas to a new one, a time difference is inevitable. While a two-hour time difference may not impede your vacation time, a five or six-hour difference will.

Many find it helpful to stay fully hydrated when experiencing jet lag. Get a good night’s sleep before you fly, avoid coffee or any other caffeinated beverages or snacks until you’re adjusted to your new time zone and try and stay awake until the local bedtime. Don’t forget to plan ahead for a time difference with regards to such things as setting your morning alarm or taking your birth control pills.

8. Decide how long is too long

As a couple, sit down and talk about how long you would like to go away for. Each couple is different. Some may love the idea of spending two weeks alone together, while others may enjoy a five-day getaway and then look forward to getting back home.

Budgets, responsibilities back home, and time off work are also important considerations when planning how long to go away for. The important thing is that no matter how long you are gone away for you are enjoying each other’s company.

9. Don’t be afraid to head back to the hotel

Many couples feel that if they head back to the hotel at night, they will officially join the ranks of the “old and married” club, but this simply isn’t so.

If your whole vacation revolves around a “Go-Go-Go!” mantra, you’ll soon find yourself feeling more burnt out than relaxed by your honeymoon. Instead of planning an activity for every hour of the day, schedule in some downtime so that you can refuel and relax together.

10. Have fun

Your honeymoon is one of the most exciting times in your life. You’re celebrating a new marriage and having your first getaway after beginning your lives together. This time away should not be a stressful experience, it should be a positive one. Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy each other’s company while you are away.

Final thoughts

By planning your honeymoon thoroughly and anticipating any hiccups along the way, you’ll be able to remedy stressful situations and focus on having a wonderful time together.