HONEYMOON PLANNING

Honeymoon planning isn’t simply a case of putting a pin in a map and seeing where destiny takes you. Unless you're a little strange, you'll want to do plenty of research to determine the best possible options for both you and your partner. This article takes a closer look at honeymoon planning and highlights all the aspects that you need to consider.

Introduction

You could be mistaken for thinking that the only thing you need decide when honeymoon planning is where to go - however, this couldn't be further from the truth. Even before you settle down and get destination specific, there are a host of other things to focus on, and by tackling each one in turn, it will make it far easier to choose the ultimate honeymoon location.

So what options are available to honeymooners and what things need to be considered? Well let's take a brief look at the various things that need to be focussed on...

Hopefully by now you will have set your honeymoon budget. If you haven't don't panic, but do try to do this asap. Your honeymoon budget should form part of your overall wedding budget, and for those of you looking for help on this matter, we do have a host of budgeting articles on our site to help point you in the right direction. Only once you know how much you have to play with, should you go on to honeymoon planning in earnest.

Honeymoon Planning - Style & Activities

One of the most important honeymoon planning decisions of all centres around what is it that you want to get up to whilst you're away. From exploring underwater shipwrecks and trekking through the jungle, to tranquil exclusivity and fine dining, there are a host of options out there. Determining the activity focus of your honeymoon early on is essential.

Honeymoon Planning - Accomodation

From buzzing hotels with kids activities a-plenty (ideal if you're honeymooning with little ones) to cottages and country retreats in the middle of nowhere - the world is literally your oyster. This decision often goes hand in hand with the overall style of the vacation you're after, so look to consider this element closely early on.

Honeymoon Planning - Food & Drink

For many couples, a honeymoon signifies the ultimate in relaxation and pampering. Whether it's all inclusive or full board with top notch restaurants on tap, the last thing many want to think about is what to cook for dinner. On the other hand, some couples love the thought of rustling up their own local cuisine or heading off into the local villages and backstreets to track down rustic cafe's and taverna's. Whatever your preference, make sure you understand what it is you want from the food and drink element of your honeymoon and look to pinpoint a destination that will accomodate.

Honeymoon Planning - Travel

Travelling from one corner of the globe to another is no longer the difficult and time consuming process it once was, but still for some the thought of several hours on sea or in air fills them with dread. It's imperative that you consider just how do you want to get to your ultimate honeymoon hotspot - after all, it's no use planning a 3-week cruise if your partner gets seasick at the mere sight of water!

Honeymoon Planning - Duration

We can all dream of taking several months out and honeymooning till our heart's content, but we all have commitments of one form or another. It's important to focus on this aspect of your honeymoon planning carefully, and be realistic about your options. The Seychelles may sound fantastic, but if you can only make it away for a weekend, then there are more practical options. Look to consider both work and family life when thinking about your honeymoon duration.

Honeymoon Planning - 'The First Night'

After a day of celebrations and non-stop fun, do you really want to be travelling or would you prefer to be relaxing? Sometimes overlooked, it is important that you pay close attention to the 'first' honeymoon night and decide where, and how, you'd like to spend it.

Honeymoon Planning - Pre-Departure

Not all couples will jet off into the sunset the minute the last guest leaves the reception, with many choosing (or given little choice by flight times etc) to remain in their home country for a short while. So, if you aren't heading off straight after the wedding, what will you get up in the time in between?

Once you have given detailed consideration to all of the above questions and thought carefully about all your options, you should be in a great position to get location specific. Our Honeymoon Destinations section should provide some great ideas and inspiration on potential hotspots around the globe and is well worth checking out.