For many, planning a wedding is a very thrilling experience, but it can also be incredibly stressful. You should all take those checklists seriously. That's why it's so crucial to schedule some alone time with your spouse, away from the prying eyes of family and friends, where you can truly relax and take pleasure in one other's company for the first time as husband and wife. Yay!
Think about a week at sea, a weekend in the mountains, or a month spent hitchhiking across Europe. The length of a honeymoon is up to the couple, but how long should they be? Would a week off work help you get better? Just two weeks? One month? As long as you and your new husband are spending quality time together, it really doesn't matter, say the experts.
As the big day approaches, you may begin fantasising about how wonderful it will be to spend some time with your new husband on your honeymoon. All that remains is for you to put the finishing touches on the plans. Planning a honeymoon, however, frequently involves just as much thought.
Your planned destination and arrival time are only the beginning. The length of time the bride and groom want to (and are able to) spend away celebrating their marriage is a much more pressing issue for many engaged couples. To help you decide how long of a honeymoon to take, we've compiled a list of questions to ask yourselves before booking any flights.
Where do you want to go?
Choosing a location for your honeymoon is the first step in a series of decisions that will affect your entire trip. Carrie Wallace, founder and president of Cerulean World Travel, says, "If you're looking to enjoy a variety of Mediterranean locations during August high season, your dollar will not go as far, and your vacation, by necessity, would need to be shorter."
But if you choose a destination that provides excellent value, like Costa Rica, you might be able to stay there for twice as long as you might on the same budget in Europe.
Can you afford it?
A planner advises newlyweds to set a rough budget as they begin planning their honeymoon (but before making any reservations) to help narrow down their options to those that are within their means. explains that the total cost of the trip must include "all transportation to and from the destination and any travel expenses while they are there, such as rental vehicles or taxis, lodging, food and beverage, activities, and a reserve amount of money for any emergencies or added charges." You can save money on airfare and put that towards the cost of the honeymoon by signing up for email alerts well in advance.
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How much vacation time do you have?
You probably only get two or three weeks of vacation, You may not have much vacation time left for a honeymoon after paying for the wedding and any other time off you needed to take this year. Wallace suggests postponing the honeymoon so that it coincides with a national holiday, giving the newlyweds more time to celebrate their union without having to spend more money. We suggests asking for a couple of vacation days as a "gift" from your employer in honour of your wedding. It's worth a shot to enquire, right?
When will you go?
We suggests that honeymooning couples think about the time of year they want to go on their trip because it can alter the number of activities they can fit into each day. During hurricane season, writes, "couples travelling to the Caribbean may want to book a longer trip as activities may be cancelled because of weather." Keep in mind that South has the opposite seasons from United States. You need to do your homework to ensure you're taking your trip at the proper time.
The chance to take a mental break from wedding preparations and focus on other matters, like as the details of your upcoming honeymoon, is always appreciated. Many different subjects could be broached. The two of you seem like they'd enjoy travelling, so where could you want to go? When is the greatest time to take a honeymoon, and how long should it last?
(You'd be amazed at how many couples put off their honeymoon until it's more convenient for them, whether that's because of work schedules and vacation days or because it's the greatest time of year to visit their ideal honeymoon location). If you're going to put off your honeymoon, maybe you'd like to take a short trip together after the wedding as a make-up.
Start early
If you're planning a honeymoon, when is the best time to do so? If your honeymoon plans involve a European country during the summertime, you should start making preparations at least six to eight months before you actually plan to leave. According to owner of The Trip Trotter and a honeymoon travel expert based in The United States, "January and February are wonderful seasons to start planning a July or August honeymoon in Europe." The hotels are not huge complexes with thousands of rooms.
Additionally, there are situations when this occurs far sooner.
There are a lot of details to consider while planning a honeymoon, so you may want to start planning early. This is especially true if you have your heart set on an exotic adventure location. If you wish to visit Patagonia in the busy tourist season, as suggested by Freeman, you should start making preparations a full year in advance. (The Antarctica excursions are the same.)
Plan your honeymoon together
According to president of Perfect Honeymoons, while the strategy of "divide and conquer" can be effective for wedding preparations, it is not necessarily the greatest option when arranging a honeymoon. A honeymoon that is planned entirely by one person may end up being more focused on that person's preferences. Planning the honeymoon should be a collaborative endeavour between you and your partner, unless your future spouse has an unusually keen understanding of your travel preferences and pet peeves.
Don't copy anyone else's honeymoon itinerary
In the midst of all the chaos of planning a wedding and honeymoon, it can be tempting to simply steal someone else's plans. Friends may have enjoyed that stress-free, all-inclusive vacation, but you may feel it curbs your sense of adventure. Or maybe you've grown up hearing stories about how wonderful your parents' honeymoon was in Bermuda, but that doesn't imply that's the best option for you and your partner. Advice from loved ones should be considered, but taken with a grain of salt. After all, this is your honeymoon, so make it special for the two of you.
Be specific about what you want
Is a five-star resort on a picturesque island your mental image of faraway places? Or perhaps you're seeing a distant land where you can't communicate with the locals. Imagine possible futures with your partner in order to identify shared goals.
Don't rely (entirely) on online research
It's acceptable to use search engines as a starting point for your honeymoon preparation, but don't rely on them exclusively, advises Augerinos. You should not rely solely on online evaluations when deciding where to vacation; instead, you should consult with people you know who have already been there as well as a travel specialist to make sure your expectations are realistic.
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Think about using a travel agent
Travel agents are a great resource if you need some help organising your honeymoon. A room may become available at a completely booked hotel because of their exclusive knowledge of bargains and discounts and the personal relationships they develop with hoteliers. You won't have to spend hours researching the area, and you'll get advice from someone who's really been there. The triple nature of our service is important to me, adds Augerinos. "We assist in selecting a honeymoon location that is just ideal for the couple, perform the necessary planning and research, and attend to their needs while they are away. Our work is never done until my customers are safe in their own homes."
Set a budget for your honeymoon
It's tempting to go into the honeymoon fund to meet any unexpectedly high costs associated with planning and paying for a wedding. Now hold on for a second while we consider this: The typical length of a honeymoon is seven to ten days, whereas weddings and receptions take six to eight hours. Although you will always cherish the memories of your wedding, you will also make some very unforgettable ones during your honeymoon.
Be aware of hidden costs
Neither the wedding nor the honeymoon should be spoiled by unanticipated costs. According to CEO of Ever After Honeymoons and a resident "sometimes visas, airport transfers, and resort fees can cost upwards of $1,000." "Make sure you know exactly what is included in the price of your bookings, such as whether or not your hotel's fee includes transportation to and from the airport if you're staying on a truly isolated island."
FYI, you don't have to leave for your honeymoon straight away
You've seen it before in the movies, but let me refresh your memory: After the ceremony and/or reception, the newlyweds jet off to the airport to begin their honeymoon (or mini-moon). Back in the real world, our experts recommend taking a breather between the ceremony and the big excursion. There's a strong chance that you'll be grateful for a good night's sleep right after the wedding festivities, whether you're completely worn out or you just didn't drink enough water throughout the weekend. The best time to depart is on a Monday or Tuesday after a wedding on a Saturday, advises Augerinos.
Sample the culture
Do you need a break from your wedding and honeymoon preparations? You don't have to wait till your actual honeymoon to experience your ideal location. Immerse oneself in the local way of life by seeking out a local eatery or making a dish that is typical of the area. Alternative: fire up Netflix and watch a film that highlights the area's culture and landscapes while cuddling up together. In no time at all, you will be dreaming (or at least fantasising).
Post your plans on social media
Even though there will be plenty of photo-worthy events on your honeymoon, you should consider documenting the preparations for the trip as well. You should absolutely seek advice once you have decided on a honeymoon location. It will feel good to tell your loved ones, and you might even pick up some useful tips from them.
Let your hotel know if you have any special requests
It's crucial to make sure the hotel has the information you need, says Freeman; for example, if you want a suite facing West so you can drink champagne while watching the sunset from your balcony. And while you should try to maintain as much versatility as possible in your calendar, there are some tasks that must be scheduled in advance: Frederick recommends planning ahead if you want to enjoy a private supper on the beach at your hotel.
Schedule surprises
It's fun to plan the honeymoon together, but don't be afraid to throw in a few surprises! It's ideal to plan expensive or all-day outings as a pair. However, if you want to add a little spice to your hopefully unforgettable honeymoon trip, a couple's massage or a surprise meal is just the thing to do. Good luck to the two of you!
A weekend mini-moon
The crescent moon. Couples today sometimes opt for a shorter "mini-moon" instead of a traditional "honeymoon," as it can be difficult to coordinate schedules, settle on a destination, and save enough money for a longer trip. To give themselves more time to save up for the ultimate honeymoon experience, many couples now enjoy shorter "mini-moons" soon after their nuptials.
Mini-moons are great for couples who want to celebrate their marriage by getting away from it all for a little while but still want to spend time with their loved ones upon their return.
One week – two weeks honeymoon
Most newlyweds take a honeymoon lasting between one and two weeks, during which time they travel widely to celebrate their new status as husband and wife. Those who want to see more of the world should take the one or two week honeymoon option.
You couldn't exactly go for the weekend because you'd spend nearly two of those days in flying if you went to the United States or Asia, for example. A honeymoon of one to two weeks is the ideal amount of time to fully unwind, rest, spend quality time with your new spouse, and see as much of the destination as possible.
One month honeymoon
There has been a recent trend of honeymoons that include international travel, since many newlyweds choose to spend their twenties and thirties seeing the world. Those who aren't set on going to the same place for their honeymoon can benefit greatly from this alternative. Instead than seeing just one attraction, why not visit twenty? A European Interrail pass is a fantastic way to see the continent during your honeymoon because it allows you to eat, sleep, and travel around in a different European country every day.
If you're having trouble making ends meet for your honeymoon, consider starting a gift fund and asking loved ones to chip in for a day of sightseeing. In case you're wondering, the magic number for visitors is thirty.
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One year honeymoon
After the exhilaration of getting married, many couples decide against going back to their mundane 9-to-5 jobs and instead set out on a yearlong journey together. A year-long honeymoon requires a lot of preparation, but it's possible to see the world.
Feel like going on a vacation to Australia? Why not take a month off and travel the country in a rented campervan? Have you always been interested in visiting the Great Wall of China? Sure thing. Do you yearn for a safari in the Serengeti? It's completely within your capabilities.
FOREVER HONEYMOON!
Perhaps you're starting a new job, becoming tired of your current living situation, or just want to see the globe without ever coming back. It's become increasingly common for newlyweds to use their honeymoon to uproot and start a new life in another nation. You say your goodbyes to relatives after the wedding. This time, however, you can't predict when you'll see them again. Many couples who choose this route still celebrate their nuptials during their first few weeks in the new nation before settling down, starting a new job, or continuing their travels.
You and your fiancé will need as much time and money as is required to organise a traditional honeymoon, so you'll want to start your honeymoon registry early.
You should take a honeymoon after your wedding, and it doesn't matter how long it is or how long you wait to take it. Psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and co-author of Irrelationship Grant Brenner tells Elite Daily that he believes most people should take a honeymoon because it carries a lot of societal weight and because it is meant to be a joyful, formative experience for the pair to recall their whole life. Quite a few newlyweds put off their honeymoon until they've saved up enough money for a luxurious getaway, rather than going soon after the wedding.
The "honeymoon takes on less importance" these days since "people date and live together and have sexual and other intimate relations long before they ever consider about getting married," Brenner adds. Brenner, though, maintains that a vacation is essential, regardless of when it is taken or whether or not it is labelled a "honeymoon."
Your honeymoon is your chance to finally unwind and spend quality time together after all the stress of planning your wedding. Despite its dreamy reputation, honeymoon preparations can add an extra layer of stress to an already hectic period. We consulted with some travel pros to learn the tricks of the trade for arranging a honeymoon with minimal effort and maximum financial benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honeymoon
The average honeymoon lasts between 7 to 10 days. While some newlyweds may decide to extend their honeymoon to two weeks and beyond, others might decide to skip their honeymoon celebration altogether. It depends on the couple's vacation time, budget, and destination.
The word "honeymoon" derives itself from the Scandinavian practice of drinking mead, or fermented honey, during the first month of the marriage (measured by one moon cycle) to improve the likelihood of conception.
You will feel closer to your partner.
One of the things that happen on a honeymoon, or rather after a honeymoon, is you will feel a lot closer to your partner. The uninterrupted quality time, the newlywed status, the immense love, and the wholehearted conversations will bring you closer to your partner.
In these more traditional settings, it is usually the groom or the groom's parents who pay for the honeymoon. The bride's family usually handles the wedding costs, and the groom or his family handles the honeymoon.
On this page, you can discover nine synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for honeymoon, like wedding trip, post-nuptial vacation, vacation, married couple's first holiday, the first month after marriage, holiday, mini-break, wedding and honeymoon.