Amanda Phillips1. Consider which honeymoon locations best match your budget
After the expense of a wedding, a luxury honeymoon can seem out of reach for many newlyweds. However, regardless of your budget, there are dream destinations available for all tastes.
For those wishing to splurge on their dream escape, the tropical paradises of the Maldives & Bora Bora simply ooze opulence and exclusivity.
However, if you’re on the hunt for luxury on a slightly smaller budget, destinations like Bali offer breath-taking beauty and intimate resorts without the extravagant price tag.
If long-haul remains out of reach, destinations like Malta and Croatia are up and coming on the Honeymoon market! These locations offer boutique hotels and restaurants where you can unwind with your significant other.
2. Make sure you factor in some romantic alone time
Honeymooning no longer means just lying by the pool. Newlyweds are now booking bespoke holidays where touring, adventure trails and unique cultural experiences are all part of the trip. However, it’s important to make sure you allow yourself some downtime to unwind, romance and enjoy one another’s company.
Extravagant tours of Asia or the USA are incredible honeymoons. However, if the entire trip is spent on the road or exploring, you risk missing out on those precious moments unwinding and enjoying quality time together.
To combat this problem, opt for a multi-centre trip! Spend 10 days exploring the USA’s electric cities, and round off with some time at a Mexican beach resort – modern honeymoon meets traditional romantic getaway.
3. Think about what kind of Honeymoon suits you
The ‘stereotypical’ honeymoon is not for everybody!
Some couples may desire nothing more than sparkling azure seas, balmy island resorts and intimate eateries for a fortnight of unhindered relaxation. Destinations like the Maldives & St Lucia are dreamy bases for these Honeymooners, offering unencumbered luxury and traditional romance.
On the other hand, the thrill-seeking couple keen to engage in active pursuits may find themselves easily bored on an extended beach escape. Destinations like Thailand and Mexico serve as a perfect middle ground. Simultaneously offering sugar soft beaches, extensive water sports and unique cultural excursions, couples can ensure their romantic getaway is filled with adrenaline-fueled fun!
4. Take the time to speak to a travel agent
In this digital age, a couple can easily book their honeymoon using an online travel website. However, as one of the single most special trips of your life, taking the time to seek expert advice will ensure you tailor-make the honeymoon of your dreams.
Visit us in store and speak to a Barrhead Travel Honeymoon specialist. They will use their expertise and knowledge to create your perfect romantic escape!
They can also advise you on any added extras that can be included to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime. This ranges from rose petals in the hot tub to champagne in the airport lounge!
5. Indulge in some added extras
You’re likely to go on many holidays with your loved one over the years, however most of us only have one honeymoon! Think carefully about ways in which you can make your trip extra special!
Many of our honeymoon recommended resorts boast extravagant Spas. Treat yourself and your other half to a joint massage and spend some quality time unwinding together for some well-deserved pampering.
If you’ve opted to celebrate your vows with a European city break, make sure you take advantage of the old fashioned glamour and romantic charm of its cobbled streets. After all, a Venetian Escape wouldn’t be complete without a Gondola Ride with your very own Romeo!
6. Think about the time of year to go on your Honeymoon
In the past, it was traditional for newlyweds to jet off on honeymoon directly after the Wedding. However, that’s no longer the case. It can also be a bad idea depending on your chosen location!
Many couples choose to honeymoon on far away sands, indulging in the luxury holiday or dream destination they’ve always dreamed of. Unfortunately, many tropical and long haul destinations experience their worst weather periods between May and August. Consequently, they may not be the best idea directly after a summer wedding.
If your heart is set on a specific location, do some research and select the best time to book. This will be worthwhile, even If you have to wait a while before jetting off.
7. Be prepared for the climate of your chosen honeymoon destination
If you’re splurging on an extravagant and exotic holiday, make sure you’re aware of the likely temperatures.
Two weeks with blistering sun burn won’t make for a very enjoyable honeymoon, so make sure you’re prepared for temperatures in the high 30s when visiting places like the Caribbean and the USA during their summer months.
Similarly, if you’re a magnet for midges and mosquito’s, invest in a good anti-insect repellent before jetting off. This is especially important when visiting tropical climates.
Finally, if you’re fortunate enough to boast luscious locks, be prepared when going to climates with high humidity. A decent hair care regime should be enough to tame any frizz, and you won’t have to worry about the holiday snaps!
8. Know your honeymoon flight times
Booking without a prior knowledge of flight times can be a fatal error when deciding on a honeymoon destination.
Whilst many people choose to indulge in an extended trip of two weeks or more, some of us can only afford a week away. Others would struggle to get any more time off work. In these circumstances, long haul destinations may be inadvisable.
Flight times to exotic escapes like Mexico and the Caribbean can be over 10 hours from the UK. This can account for over a day of your holiday, and many couples have been disappointed to find their trip inadvertently shortened.
Do some research or speak to a travel expert before booking and make sure lengthy flight times won’t get in the way of one on one time with your other half!
9. Make sure your ticket and passport names match
With the whirlwind and excitement of a wedding and planning a honeymoon, the finer details can often be overlooked.
However, it’s essential to remember that your name on your passport and the name on your booking must match to meet airport security!
If you’ve changed your name following your wedding, and use this to book your romantic escape, ensure your passport is updated correctly before travelling!
Don’t compromise the trip of a lifetime with an admin error. Make sure you think ahead and have this arranged well in advance.
10. Don’t forget about honeymoon travel insurance
Prior to your honeymoon, you’ll spend most of your time dreaming of sparkling waters, champagne sunsets and uninterrupted romance with that special someone.
As you plan your dream trip, however, don’t forget that it’s still extremely important to take out travel insurance.
Whilst nothing is likely to interrupt your dream honeymoon, it’s important to be prepared. This will ensure that your romantic escape is stress free and full of happy memories.