Kellie Collins from Reis & James Travel Associates is one of our honeymoon experts. Below she shares some of her tips for planning your honeymoon.
Groom ... tick. Celebrant ... tick. Photographer ... tick. Now where to go on your honeymoon? Planning your dream honeymoon is too important to be left to the last minute, so here are some tips to help you create the perfect honeymoon to complement your perfect day.
Aerial view of The St. Regis Bora Bora, Tahiti. Image: Starwood Hotels & Resorts
1. What type of honeymoon do you want?
Many honeymoon couples dream of lazing on a warm white sandy beach, with the only decision being which cocktail to order while you watch the sunset.
But increasingly couples are opting to combine their honeymoon with an all-inclusive touring holiday for a hassle free escape, while others prefer a cruising honeymoon on one of the luxury cruise liners or sailing the Greek Isles on a yacht.
Other honeymooners are opting for adrenalin-filled adventure while still others are combining their honeymoon with volunteer work.
Honeymoons are everything from pure luxury in a 5-star resort, dreamy relaxation in an overwater bungalow, snuggling in a cosy B&B, living a fantasy in a romantic castle, or getting back to nature in a tent under the stars.
You also need to decide if you want a single plane flight and simple cab transfer to reach your destination, or if you prefer the adventure of different planes and boats before finally reaching your honeymoon home.
Honeymoons are now more a reflection of the couple's interests and personalities, than in our parent's generation. The key is as a couple you need to decide whether you are looking for simple relaxation or something more active. Choose the destination that matches most of your shared need.
2. How long do you plan to escape?
Honeymoons can be as little as one night or stretch to a few months. How long do you intend to be away? Many couples underestimate the stress they had been under during the lead up to the wedding, and find they are quite exhausted when they finally reach their honeymoon destination.
Wherever possible add in extra time to your honeymoon so you can spend time together reconnecting after the hectic previous weeks.
3. Check the weather
Your preferred honeymoon destination may be perfect only during certain months of the year. At other times it may be rainy, foggy, humid, or just plain uncomfortable.
Check the expected weather conditions for the time of year you will be travelling before you book your honeymoon.
4. Plan for memorable moments
It pays to take the time to plan for romantic memorable moments on your honeymoon. If your room has a spa or Jacuzzi in it, pack some scented bubble bath and tea light candles to create the perfect mood.
Find out where you can watch the sunrise together, or where you can walk under the light of the moon while you talk about your dreams for the future. Book a picnic for two in a secluded cove, or take a horse drawn cab through the city.
This is a once in a lifetime event, so splurge a little on a helicopter ride over the reef or a stretch limo tour around the town. It is the memories of these romantic moments that you will bring back with you, and these are the memories that will last a lifetime.
5. Remember the details
It is very easy to get caught up with the plans for the wedding and forget to organise the appropriate passports, visas and vaccinations for the places you intend to visit.
Make sure you allow plenty of time to organise these essentials as well as your travel and accommodation bookings, and then double check all of the tickets and details to make sure everything has been correctly booked.
Take copies of all your booking details with you when you travel, as proof of your bookings and payments.
You also need to plan for worst-case scenarios - in case your luggage is lost or stolen, if you fall ill or injure yourself, or if something happens and your destination is no longer available. Good quality travel insurance is highly recommended to protect you financially in case the worst happens.
A good travel consultant can help make this side of your honeymoon easier, acting as a single point of contact and a source of great information.
The most important detail is to of course relax, enjoy each other's company and to have fun on your honeymoon.
