TRAVEL TIPS

Top 10 tips for
Honeymoon Planning

Deadman’s Beach at Peter Island Resort, pictured below, in the British Virgin Islands. Visit www.peterisland.com.

1. Wait a full day or two before you take off for your honeymoon
Your wedding will be one of the most exhausting days of your life. The last thing you should be doing is waiting in lines at airports and dealing with the stress of getting to your destination. Take a day or two to unwind, you'll be glad you did. 

2. Do not use the bride's new married name for the reservations
It takes more than a few days to get your name changed. Your first snag will come when the airline will checks to see if your photo ID matches the name on the airline reservation. If this is a second marriage, make sure that the bride has all necessary documents to show proof of name changes from her original maiden name to the one on the current picture ID. 

3. Always ask for a queen or king bed when making your reservation
Recheck this before you depart.  

4. Always tell your travel agent and the resort/cruise/ hotel that you are honeymooners
Bring proof. Many hotels now require proof that you are newly married before giving free upgrades, and honeymoon amenities. 

5. Do Not skimp on accommodations
Think of your honeymoon as an investment in a lifetime of memories. You can always earn more money to make up for the difference in what you were hoping to pay. But you can never go back and relive those moments, no matter how much you spend. 

6. Be very careful about taking honeymoon travel advice from friends and family
Just because your friend loved a resort or destination does not mean that you will agree (and a big disappointment based on their advice will hurt your relationship). No matter how highly they recommend a place, remember that they have different tastes, different expectations, and completely different travel experiences for comparison. Listen to all unsolicited advice graciously and then go find an experienced travel professional. Ask to see the agent's own pictures, look at virtual tours, and video clips.  

7. If you are on a fixed budget and haven't found anything that fits into your dream honeymoon, consider the following:
- Postpone your honeymoon until you have the budget to do what you really want.
- Shorten the trip. It's better to stay at your dream destination for only four nights than a less desirable budget hotel for seven nights.
- Sign up for a honeymoon registry. Give guest friends and family the chance to contribute to your honeymoon fund. 

8. Plan together
Each of you should list separately three dream destinations, three activities you want to do or try, and your ideal budget for the trip. Share this information with each other then go to an experienced travel agent who specializes in honeymoons. 

9. Consider looking at all inclusive resorts
They offer one price to cover the cost of your room, food, drinks, and tips. Many also include activities as well. Do not book an all inclusive if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing or renting a car. You'll be less inclined to get out and explore if you're missing all the food, drink, and activities back at the hotel.  

10. Choose a destination that neither of you have been to before
Do not re-visit a place you've already been to with someone else. Visiting a new
destination together will be an important shared experience. It creates an atmosphere filled with excitement and newness.

Honeymoon planning tips courtesy: Renee Duane-Meyer, Unforgettable Honeymoons. Visit www.unforgettablehoneymoons.com.

For more romantic destinations click on the Romance Travel button on the Home page.

www.WeddingsHoneymoons.com | February 12, 2007