• Are you interested in a location with lots of activities, like horseback riding, hiking, swimming and golf?
• Are you looking for a destination that's beautiful, peaceful and filled with good drinks and great cuisine?
• Better yet, you may be looking for a place that is all of the above.
• Do you want a destination wedding (getting married in the same place you plan to honeymoon)?
• Do you want to travel around the world, or stick fairly close to home?
• Do you want to relax on the beach, or ski in the mountains?
• Do you want to take a cruise or stay in posh resort?

Talking with your mate about what each of you envision for the honeymoon is a great way to make sure that both of you will have an incredible time. There will be plenty of things you want to do together and possibly a few things you may want to do separately, like golf lessons and spa treatments.

Planning the Trip
After you and your fiancé have outlined some general ideas for your honeymoon, you can start to plan the trip.

• Communicate your ideas, interests and budget to the travel agent
• Ask for options within your budget.
• Get specific. Let the agent know your preferences:
  • King or queen bed
  • Smoking or non-smoking room
  • Window or aisle seats
  • Departure and arrival dates and times
  • Plan specific activities
    • Ask about transfers (how you get from your hotel to the airline or cruise terminal).
    • Read about your destination
    • Know what activities are available
    • Understand the location of your hotel or resort in relation to activities you may want to try.
      
    • Know, understand and respect local customs & traditions.
      
    • Find out if special vaccinations are recommended or required.
      
    • Find out if you need a passport to enter the country or simply an I.D. and your birth certificate.

  

Destination Weddings
Destination weddings are becoming a more and more popular alternative for couples that want to avoid the fuss of a traditional wedding, without sacrificing any of the beauty of the event. These weddings are a great option if you have a tight wedding budget because they normally combine the wedding and honeymoon into one package.

Couples can bring a few friends or family members or can turn the trip into a romantic getaway from start to finish. Most resorts will handle all of the arrangements for you and require only simple paperwork to make the marriage legal.

• Check your options. Tell your travel agent about your idea and see what kinds of packages are available. Some resorts will arrange your wedding for free or can provide a truly unique setting for your nuptials.
• Make sure you check all requirements to ensure the ceremony is recognized in the U.S. Check with your travel agent or on-site wedding coordinator at the destination.
• If you are bringing a guests or wedding party, book their rooms well in advance.
  
• Depending on your destination, you may both choose formal wedding attire or something more casual.
  
• If you want particular music played at your ceremony, talk to the on-site wedding coordinator or take your own CD. Check to see if they have a player or if you'll need to pack that, too.
  
• Some countries require that you be in the country for 2-3 days before they can perform your wedding ceremony. They often have to process legal documents prior to the wedding. Allow for this in your planning.
  
• Once you arrive, meet with the wedding coordinator and select or inspect your wedding site.
  
• You'll probably have to plan for all of the same things you would at a traditional wedding, only on a much smaller scale.
  
  • Color theme
    
  • Your bouquet
    
  • Decorations
    
  • The cake
    
  • Time of day
    
  • Post-wedding options
    • Dinner
      
    • Drinks
  • Photography
    • Have cash on hand to pay the photographer, even if the hotel arranges it. If you have special requirements like black & white photography or videography, talk to the on-site coordinator about your options.
  

Tours
If you prefer to take a tour on your honeymoon, the more carefully you plan, the more fun you will have. Think about the following:

• Set a budget.
  
• Pick a destination.
  
• Consult a travel agent.
  
• Determine what meals, beverages and activities are included in the price.
  
• Plan and budget for other meals and activities.
  
• Make sure transfers (transportation to and from the airport and hotels) are included.
  
• Make sure the tour returns to the point of origin.
  
• If you have to fly to and from the departure location, make sure you budget for that expense.
  
• Make sure you have some free time all to yourselves!
  
• See if the trip requires a deposit.
  
• Get a written contract outlining the details of your trip.

  
  

Cutting Honeymoon Costs
Having the time of your life can cost a pretty penny if you're not careful. See below for some great ways to cut costs without sacrificing the quality of your honeymoon.

• Decide what is important.
  
  • Make a list of what is most important to you on your honeymoon.
    
  • Think about what you can afford.
• Get a travel agent.
• They get price breaks due to the volume of travel they book.
  
• They where and when to book your trip to get the best rates available.
  
• They are aware of special promotions, hotels geared toward newlyweds, etc.
  
• They are normally experienced travelers and can provide valuable advice from everything like how and when to avoid hurricane season to which resorts provide the best value for your money.
  
• Consider a honeymoon registry.
  
  • Some travel agencies, tour operators and web sites offer a registry service that collects, tracks and applies monetary gifts from your guests toward your honeymoon expenses. Some even allow guests to sponsor individual aspects of the honeymoon, like a romantic dinner.
• Book early.
  • You'll get the room you want, normally at a cheaper rate.
  • This applies to flights, cruises, etc.
• Look for special rates.
  • With today's economy, the tourism industry is slashing rates to encourage people to travel.
  • Sign up for e-mails from US Airways and other airlines to get notification on special flight rates and package deals.
• Consider an all-inclusive hotel, cruise or tour.
  • Select a trip you can afford, live like a king and queen and you won't have to worry about money.
    
  • Packages vary so make sure all-inclusive includes everything you want, or be careful to budget for extras.
• Book on-line
  • Some hotels and airlines offer discount rates for booking on-line.
    
  • Check sites like www.webflyer.com, www.travelocity.com and www.priceline.com
• Do your own cooking.
  • Get a condo or an efficiency room and cook simple meals like breakfast and lunch to save money.
    
• Then you can still pull out all the stops for dinner!
• Ask about packages.
  • Packages normally have great rates and tons of amenities and they often include taxes, tips, transfers, etc.
    
  • They normally save you a great deal of money over regular room rates, even after all the included extras.
• Tell people you're on your honeymoon.
  • Let everyone from your travel agent, airline personnel, restaurant personnel, front desk clerks, etc. know. People love to help newlyweds celebrate, and will shower you with well wishes, smiles and maybe even a few good perks!

  

Packing for the honeymoon

• After all the honeymoon details are worked out, you'll need to think about what to pack. Looking your best on your honeymoon does not mean you have to take tons of clothing or luggage. Keep in mind your destination, length of stay and activities, and choose your clothing wisely. Make a list of all the items you want to take and then carefully review it to see what you really need.
• Select items you can mix and match, or dress up or down with accessories. Select shoes that will work with a variety of outfits, so you don't have to take a pair for each.

  

Tips

• Luggage with wheels and pull-up handles is a must have! Lightweight garment bags have more flexibility than standard suitcases and are a good option if there are weight restrictions on your luggage. Don't forget to tag each piece of luggage with your name and address.
  
  
• Pack tickets, passports, hotel voucher, credit cards, cash, medicines, etc. in a bag you can fit under the seat on the airplane or in the overhead compartment. Each of you should carry one and include above items as well as toiletries and a change of clothes.
  
  
• Buy travel size toiletries and dispose of them as you use them up. This makes more room for souvenirs on your return trip!
  
  
• Prescriptions and even over-the-counter medicines must be packed in their original containers or they may be confiscated by customs officials. Avoid taking unnecessary medications.
  
  
• Check to see if your hotel will provide hair dryers, irons alarm clocks and other appliance that take up valuable space. If not, you may want to check into purchasing travel size versions.
  
  
• Trousseau - from the French - traditionally means the possessions, like linens and clothing, a bride assembles for her marriage. Nowadays, it is more about clothing. Shopping for items for your trousseau can be great fun for your and your girlfriends and should include everything from sexy nighties to pretty, but practical everyday clothes.
  
  
  • Select items that reflect your sense of style and adventure and that are well suited for your honeymoon destination. Will the honeymoon be laid back and casual, adventurous, romantic or a combination? Plan accordingly, and make sure you have something appropriate for every occasion…including romantic evenings.
    
    
  • Think about the weather and climate and be mindful of customs and traditions if you are going to a foreign country. For example, in traditional Fijian villages in the South Pacific, it is disrespectful for women to expose their arms or legs. Check in travel books or magazines to familiarize yourself with the culture so that you don't offend people native to the areas you will be visiting.

Most importantly, don't forget to sit back and relax on your honeymoon. It should be a great beginning to the rest of your lives together.