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The wedding day has come and gone, and now it's time to enjoy your first days as husband and wife on your honeymoon. Before you choose your perfect location, however, make sure to check out these exclusive tips from professionals that will help you skip nine common honeymoon mistakes.
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Not Considering The Season
When selecting a location, you should always be mindful of weather considerations such as hurricane season, says Megan Velez, Destination Weddings Travel Group. "Also, try to avoid peak season if you’re able, so overcrowded resorts and inflated pricing is one less thing to be concerned with as you near the big day," she explains.
Relying Too Much On Advice
While advice is nice, the range of destinations and previous vacation experiences is expansive, says Cassie Staiger of CS Travel Planners. She says that couples really need to consider their budget and time available before choosing a destination, preferably with a planner. "I interview my couples and match them with a destination and resort to make them fall in love all over again," Cassie says.
Failing To Set A Budget
While you might have your eye on Tahiti or Bora Bora, can you really afford it? Be mindful (and honest) about how much you can spend on the honeymoon. You don't want to start your new life off in a heap of debt.
Not Communicating Your Vision
If the bride is looking to relax, spa every day and savor the moments with her hubby, while he wants constant activity and adventure, one of them may go home feeling unfulfilled, Cassie says. Be sure to sit down and discuss what you both want for the trip before you book.
Not Researching Activities
Megan says that every destination has their own favorite excursions and activity recommendations for guests, so you’ll want to book a spot that has activities that will match your personalities. For example, you may not want to consider Costa Rica if you aren’t up for a little adrenaline adventure!
Not Looking Into Travel Requirements
You need to know if your location has any requirements regarding passports, vaccinations and the like well before your travel date. You should also make sure that your passport isn't expired, and that you have all of the proper documentation you need for traveling both near and far.
Assuming You Must Go To A Foreign Destination
Not everyone is going to be comfortable traveling out of the country, says Elizabeth Avery of Solo Trekker 4 U. Dealing with a different language and currency can be daunting. If either of you feel this way, look into a U.S. destination for your honeymoon.
Choosing A Faraway Location
Why could this be a problem? Planning weddings is exhausting--and a long flight to a remote island can be the last straw, Elizabeth says. You don't have to travel to the other side of the world to find the perfect tropical location. Sometimes, staying closer to home makes more sense.
Forgetting About Holidays
Look into any special holidays--such as Mexico's lively Independence Day--that will involve more crowds, higher prices and a potentially less relaxing experience for you and your groom, Megan says.
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