Top Ten Tips for Having a Happy Honeymoon
Your honeymoon should be a magical, memorable experience, but things don't always work out that way for some couples. Below you'll find a list of the top ten ways to ensure that you'll have the kind of honeymoon you've been hoping for from the moment you got engaged.
10) Pay for your wedding without using credit
If you've gone into debt to pay for your wedding either by racking up bills on credit cards or taking out a loan to cover the costs, then you're going to have that debt looming over your heads while you're trying to enjoy your vacation. Try saving for your wedding and cutting corners on expenses whenever possible so you don't have to borrow money or, at least, so you don't have to borrow as much.
9) Choose honeymoon location you can afford.
While you may have dreamed of going to Europe for two weeks for your honeymoon, if you have to struggle to cover the costs then the trip isn't going to be much fun. Having to keep close count of how much you spend really ruins the fun. If you're on a budget, choose a more affordable honeymoon spot and save up for that more expensive trip so you can take it together a few years down the road.
Leave pets, plants, and kids in good hands.
No matter what living things are your responsibility you're not going to be able to enjoy yourself if you have any doubts about how well they are being taken care of. Your top priority needs to be finding someone you trust completely to take over these responsibilities while you're away. In fact, some couples have even taken their pets and/or their kids along for the honeymoon – it may not seem as romantic but it does give them peace of mind.
7) Check all reservations a week in advance.
One of the worst things that can happen on your honeymoon is for you to arrive at the hotel, the rental car agency, etc. only to find that your reservations have been lost. That's why – about a week before the wedding – you should contact any place where you have reservations and make sure those reservations are in place. Also, take down the name of the person who told you the information so if a problem does arise when you arrive you'll be in a position to proof the mistake was on their end.
6) Make back-up plans in case of bad weather.
Honeymoons, like most vacations, typically involve a lot of outdoor activities but the weather doesn't always cooperate. While a thunderstorm may ruin your beach plans, it doesn't have to destroy your whole day. Plan a few indoor activities and be flexible about your schedule so if it rains one day you can switch your activities around and still enjoy yourselves.
5) Protect yourself from stolen or lost money
Another honeymoon disaster would be the loss of your money. You may not be able to stop that from happening, but you can't take precautions so that if you do lose your money you'll still be in good shape. First, invest in traveler's checks and make multiple copies of them so if they are stolen you can have them replaced almost immediately. Second, split the money and credit cards up between both of you so if his wallet is stolen you don't lose everything. If you have a safe in your room, keep some of your credit cards and traveler's checks tucked away there so if you lose something you won't lose everything.
4) Bring appropriate clothing and accessories.
You shouldn't pack every outfit you own, but you should bring enough clothes so if there is a shift in the weather – a sudden cold spell, for example – or a fancier restaurant you want to dine at then you'll be prepared. Make sure to bring a jacket, an umbrella, and any other accessories you might need while you're away. Buying these items while you're on your honeymoon can be both expensive and anti-climatic.
3) Be careful about sun and food.
For some reason, people on trips of any kind tend to throw caution to the wind. They may spend all day on the beach without applying enough sunscreen. They may eat food without knowing what it contains or how it was prepared. As a result, some honeymoons are ruined by severe sunburns, allergic reactions, and food poisoning. When you're away from home, you should still use the same precautions you would take at home.
2) Don't do too much.
No matter where you choose to go for your honeymoon, you'll probably be able to create a mile long list of things to do and see while you're there. However, if you try to do too much then you'll end up running into trouble. It's easy to become exhausted, especially when you combine the effects of air travel and wedding stress. Don't plan to do anything on the first day of your honeymoon except relax, then for the rest of the trip take it slowly and give yourself plenty of chances to recuperate.
1) Remember the real reason for the trip.
The best way to ensure a happy honeymoon is to remember that you're on the trip for one main reason: to enjoy each other's company. Nothing else – the food, the money, the weather – really matters as long as you're able to spend each day together.
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