Planning Your Dream Honeymoon: A Journey to Remember

The honeymoon is more than a vacation, it is the first page of a new book, a reward after months of wedding planning, a time to slip away, unwind and create memories that will stay with you forever. Planning a trip can be as daunting as it is exciting, and it's all too easy for your head to be spinning with all the details, however, there are a few things you should do to try and move from overwhelmed into joy, so it can be as amazing and unique as you envisage.

1. Common Accord

You two have to hold common and have a common accord. It is very planned however communication should be open. Perhaps one partner is imagining a week of doing nothing on a private beach with a book in hand while the other is ready to explore ancient ruins or indulge in a local culinary experience. Crucial is a conversation about what you both want from this trip. Maybe it's a mix of both — some days of tranquil solitude, some days of cultural inundation. Keep in mind, you are both on this trip, and sacrifice is necessary in order to put together a plan that encompasses both of your common loves and your loves for certain other things.

2. Budget

Once you have an idea of what you're looking for in an experience, it's all about the budget. The honeymoon is not cheap, obvi, and you don't want to worry about money while trying to focus on your new spouse. Plan out the details, and don’t forget to account for every little thing you will spend money on, this includes: Flights Accommodation Meals Activities Transport Travel Insurance (if required) And a buffer that you set aside for unexpected spending and/or for a once in a lifetime experience. All-inclusives are generally a good bang for the buck and keep the planning easy, but boutique hotels result in a more unique experience. The idea is to have a fantastic time without starting your married life under a burden of debt.

3. Timing

Timing is another critical element. Think about the season where you're going, as well as the timing in respect to your wedding. The honeymoon is traditionally the trip a couple takes soon after getting married when the nuptial knot is freshly tied, but travel so soon after the big day can be exhausting, so some couples are now going the “minimoon” route to get away in the days immediately after the ceremony but waiting several months for a longer, more extravagant honeymoon. This gives you time to recover from the wedding excitement and to build up excitement for the ceremony itself. Also important is to study your destination's climate and the time it is flooded with tourists. You wouldn't want your perfect beach break to fall during monsoon season or to coincide with European peak summer, if you like things quieter and cheaper.

4. Choosing a Destination

What your destination will be should reflect your dreams as a couple, but should also be a realistic choice. Consider the time it takes to get there, especially if you only have a few days. Sure, you might want to spring for a long-haul flight to a far-flung paradise for a three-week trip, but on a weeklong honeymoon you might find it easier to hit the beach and start relaxing — no lengthy recovery session necessary. And do consider the speed of your itinerary. It's hard to resist packing your days there with events and sightseeing, but remember: This is also a time to reconnect and recharge.

Just give your experience some breathing room, the best memories turn up when they're least planned or least expected. After all, a honeymoon is not about perfection, or about trying to mimic what someone else's dream trip might look like. It's about accepting your particular union. Because once you make the effort to plan together, talk about what's important to you and prioritize one another, you will begin your trip on the right foot and for the rest of your lives together.