THE HONEYMOON

You should plan your honeymoon together – discuss how much money you can afford to spend, the length of time you can take for your honeymoon, and where you would like to go. It is best to plan the honeymoon well in advance, so that you both can start to save toward the kind of honeymoon you really want. Both the availability of funds and the location chosen for your honeymoon will help determine the length of your trip. Also, be sure you can get away from your place of employment. Do you have vacation time coming or will you have to take time off without pay? If your vacation isn’t due at the time you are getting married, you may want to postpone your honeymoon for awhile.

In planning your honeymoon, discuss what both of you like to do. Write for brochures from resorts, hotels, etc. Contact a good travel agent who can provide you with information on special package deals, airline fares, hotel reservations, etc. If you are under about 25 years old, be sure you will be able to rent a car and if not, make other transportation arrangements. Some car companies will not rent to young drivers. A travel agent can also help you get the most for your time and money.

What's your idea of the perfect honeymoon? Incomparable scenery? Exotic, far-away lands? Maybe you're looking for a little R&R at a day spa. Or perhaps a few cocktails on a balcony while you enjoy the romantic glow of a setting sun. Whatever the idea, taking a cruise can turn your dream into a reality. When you cruise, you never have to worry about making hotel reservations or searching for the right restaurant. Today's cruise ships are filled with everything you could ever hope to get from an all-inclusive vacation.

Some of the popular cruise destinations are: Western Caribbean with Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Europe including Barcelona, Palamos, Port Verdres, Sete, Marseille, Cannes, and Nice. Southern Caribbean including San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Aruba, and Curacao. 7 to 14 nights cruise through Alaska, Hawaiian Islands and then Greek Isles including Turkey.

Helpful Tips

• How long do you want to be away on your honeymoon?
• Do you want to be economical or can you afford to splurge?
• How much do you want to spend?
• How far do you want to travel?
• Do you want to fly, drive, or take a cruise?
• Do you want to spend the major part of your honeymoon in a sophisticated city, a small town, a big resort, or a small hide-away?
• Do you want a honeymoon package, a group tour, or an independent itinerary tailor-made just for the two of you?
• Do you want to stay in an isolated, self-contained resort, or a hotel that’s right in the middle of the action?
• Do you want to do some sight-seeing, learn a new sport, shop for bargains, study something, or just simply relax?
• Do you want to leave the continental U.S.?

What to Take With You

• Coordinate your honeymoon attire with your fiance so you have the appropriate clothing, whether you are going hiking or dining, and so that you look like you really belong together.
• Take with you any reservation confirmations or deposit slips.
• Make sure you have necessary tickets.
• Label luggage with names, address and phone number, both inside and outside.
• Try to use traveler’s checks or credit cards instead of carrying large sums of cash.
• Credit card with pin number - check ahead for ATM machines near where you will stay. Also be sure it won't expire while you are on your trip.
• Take proper identification with you – driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.
• If traveling abroad, be sure you have your passport or visa in order.
• Check on insurance – whether it covers your belongings while on a trip. If not, buy additional insurance.

After all the excitement of planning the wedding, and the wedding day itself, you will need some time to just relax and enjoy each other. You might want to give consideration, therefore, to a more quiet time so that you aren’t exhausted from running the whole time.