Picking the Perfect Honeymoon

 Photo Source: Fairy Tales Are True

Every day I am constantly brainstorming ideas for this blog when I realized that I have never talked about picking your honeymoon destination (one of top three favorite things involving planning our wedding.) I have discussed picking the perfect dress, selecting your first dance jam (yes jam) and finding your venue but never honeymoon locations. Can you guess how I am going to tell you tips on picking the perfect honeymoon destination? If you guessed a list, well then you get 1,000 points. What do points earn you? Uh a lot of love from me? Candy bars? Well, the points are like Whose Line is it Anyway where the points don't really matter. You are still special in my eyes and really talented at ad-libbing Irish drinking songs.

Onto the list.

1. What is your style? When you think about a vacation what do you envision? Skiing the slopes and hiding in a rustic cabin, traveling scenic streets and visiting historical landmarks or lounging on the beach with a fruity cocktail in hand? Finding your vacation style is important. When you picture a week together what are you going to do? That helps determine the style of vacation that will make your honeymoon unforgettable.

2. Scout out a budget. Yes, most family members will pay for the honeymoon but for most that still requires a budget. Make sure that the vacation and your style correspond with your budget. A two week trip along the California coast may not be realistic. Also remember that for some trips you will need money once you arrive to your destination. Who will cover these expenses? Talk over the budget with your spouse and whomever is helping pay for the trip whether it is you both as a couple or the groom's parents. No matter the size of the budget you can have the perfect trip especially when you follow step #3.

3. Research. I cannot stress this enough. Do not just choose a location because everyone tells you it is great. Look it up! A week's stay at a private resort may not be the trip for you even though cousin Susan loved it. Once you have agreed upon a style, look into what suits you and stays within budget. This trip is all about you. You have the right to have the perfect trip. Hey, you just got married!

4. Remember the seasons. When planning your honeymoon keep in mind the time of year you are getting married. If you want to visit Europe in the warmer/summer months getting married in December does not coordinate. Time and location do matter!

5. To sight see or not to sight see? That is the question. I think this is important when picking a honeymoon. Are you truly wanting to spend your days sight seeing or do you want to spend your days lounging around? If you want a little of both, make it happen. A weeks stay at Disney World may not be for you if you are not wanting to be out and about. Make arrangements for things that you can do as a couple whether touring the streets of Italy or cuddled up in a hammock by the ocean.

6. Travel agent or online booking? Booking online has become the norm. The advantages are that you get to do it from home and it is free (the booking). Make sure that you are selecting the right options. Also call and verify all details once your trip has been booked. The benefits of a travel agent is they take care of everything and I mean everything! They make sure reservations are completed correctly and often times have stayed at a lot of the places they are recommending. The only disadvantage is that you do have to pay for their services. Whichever one you prefer both are great options for making sure your vacay is a-okay. (You are welcome for that little rhyme.)

7. How much luxury are we talking? This may sound silly but it is a good point! If you are wanting to spend time alone in your room make sure you book a hotel that has excellent rooms, room service and plenty of space. If you are wanting to lounge by a pool or beach, how nice are those accommodations? If you are wanting to ski every day, how is the transportation to the slopes? These things do matter. Make sure you pick a hotel or lodging with great reviews and excellent customer care. Do not feel guilty about being pampered! Also look into couple packages. Some destinations offer romantic dinners, spa treatments or private tours. Keep luxury in mind while traveling!

8. Make sure you have enough time. This one is self explanatory. Waiting until the last minute to plan your honeymoon make result in disappointment. Leave enough time to follow the steps above. Like I have mentioned the honeymoon is about you returning to sanity and leaving the taffeta nightmares behind. You are celebrating your first week or weeks as a couple, just you and your husband. Planning your honeymoon is a top priority!

All these things can guarantee that you will have a splendid honeymoon, one for the books actually! Have you started looking for honeymoon destinations? What type of honeymoon are you looking for? Will you be vacationing beach side or touring wine county? I would love to hear from you!