Honeymoon Timeline

Get your honeymoon
​in order with this helpful
HONEYMOON TIMELINE!

8-12 Months Before The Honeymoon

Decide Where To Go
It is one of the most difficult decisions couples face. Ideally, it will be a destination that is new to both of you. The dream location should satisfy your criteria as a couple; of course with some romance thrown in! If you need help deciding visit 'Guide To Lead You to the Perfect Honeymoon Destination'

Set A Budget
A wish list is great, but at some point, reality has to set in. Determine what you can realistically afford, where there might be compromise and what you absolutely can’t live without.

Decide If You Will Go It Alone, Or Contact A Travel Agent
Many people love planning their own trips. Remember, planning a wedding takes lots of time away from other things; contacting a professional to help can save time, money and stress.

Obtain A Passport
If you are traveling outside the country and don’t have a passport, go get one! Don’t worry about your name changing, if you apply for a name change within a year of getting your first passport, there is no fee. https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/services/correction.html
If you have a valid passport, be sure it is in ‘good condition’; no water stains, rips, folds, etc. Be sure it has at least 6 months validity from time of return from your trip - otherwise, you will need a new one. (some country requirements vary, 6 months is a good rule of thumb) Also apply for visas if required for your destination.
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6-8 Months Before The Honeymoon

Whether you are working with a travel professional or planning on your own, these key items should be in place about 6-8 months before the trip.

Purchase Plane Tickets
Flight schedules are usually released 330 days in advance. For best pricing and availability on international flights, book early. Cheapair.com conducts studies analyzing the best time to purchase flights and they found that international flights generally don’t go down from the initial price. Booking early is also helpful when using frequent flyer miles since the number of seats allocated to reward travel is limited.

Reserve The Hotel/Resort/Transportation
Pricing and availability are best early in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season. The desirable room categories such as suites, concierge and butler service sell out fast. If you have a multi-destination itinerary, securing the hotels will enable you to put transfers and rail passes in place later. Note: Eurail tickets become available approximately 60 days in advance.

Purchase Travel Insurance
Some insurance policies require the purchase of travel insurance at the time of deposit in order to cover preexisting conditions. Check with your insurance provider regarding coverage that is best for you as well as requirements for purchase.

3 Months Before The Honeymoon

Secure dining reservations and excursions
Check out that amazing restaurant or book the helicopter tour with a thrilling view!

Get vaccinated
Know your destinations requirements and be sure you are prepared. Even if you are working with a travel agent, be sure you are familiar with the requirements. https://www.vaccines.gov/travel/

GO SHOPPING!
Well, you do need a few things, right? And finding just the right item takes time!
Decide if you need new luggage, a new video camera or anything else. Clothes and toiletries are obvious; but you might need other things such as converters.  And don’t forget bug spray and sunscreen - they are the two most forgotten and overpriced items to buy while on vacation!    

1 Month Before The Honeymoon

Add Finishing touches
This is the time for the icing on the cake. Will you be surprising your fiance with something special? Maybe a candlelit dinner for two on the beach or a relaxing couples massage. (This is my favorite part of working with newlyweds! I love to add romantic surprises to the trip!)

Fill Prescriptions
Be sure to have enough medication for one week past your return date. Check expiration dates on pills and epipens.

Call Your Credit Card Company
Let the credit card company know you will be traveling and confirm that your card will be accepted. Ask about foreign transaction fees as well.

Call Your Cell Phone Provider
Let the telephone provider know where you will be and find out about additional charges or ways to avoid them. Many hotels/resorts offer free wifi so look into apps that offer texting and calling without data.

2 Weeks Before The Honeymoon

Organize
Print travel documents. Having emails of your reservation on your phone is nice, but if your battery is dead, the wifi isn’t working or you need to be on a call, it can be helpful to have a printed copy. If you are working with a travel agent you can request documents be mailed to you in addition to email. Some hotels, excursions, car rental companies require a printed voucher, check with your travel agent or call the provider directly to be sure you have everything you need.

Leave An Itinerary With Someone At Home
It is a good idea to leave an itinerary with someone you know at home… just in case. Leaving copies of important documents, such as passports, can be helpful in the event of lost or stolen items during the trip. 

Input Phone Numbers
Add phone numbers you may need to your contacts. Names and numbers of your travel agent, trip insurance provider, tour companies, 24 hour helplines, credit card companies, etc. and be sure to have an ICE number.

Get Some Cash
Be sure to carry some small bills for tips; taxi drivers, transfer drivers, curbside check-in attendants, etc. If you will be in a foreign country consider having a small amount of local currency for incidentals. ATM's are generally available but you may need to take a cab or buy a necessity along the way.

Pack
Of course! But since you are getting married and it is a crazy time, you might consider packing in advance. Do what you can ahead of time to make your life easier. Consider making a list and crossing off what you already packed to be sure you don’t forget anything (belts and glasses are commonly forgotten!)

Well, there you have it, a honeymoon timeline! There are many things to remember along the way, I hope this outline helps! Of course, you can always call or email me, I remind my clients about important information regarding their trip along the way so it doesn't feel overwhelming.
Bon Voyage!

Help me with the honeymoon planning!