The vows have been said, the rings exchanged, and the wedding bells have rung. Now comes the fun of running off on your honeymoon with your new spouse, the first of many trips together! Planning your honeymoon should be an exciting romantic adventure that helps you relax after the craziness of your wedding.
Planning Tips
When it comes to planning your honeymoon it can be as difficult as organizing your wedding. We’ve put together a few tips to help you decide on what type of trip is right for you.
Make a List of Dream Destinations
A great place to start is putting together a list of all the places you both would love to visit. You can think big and then narrow it down to what you can afford or facilitate by taking time off work. But why not go big for your honeymoon, theoretically you only get one!
Think About What Is Important To You As A Couple
What do you want out of the trip? What is important to you? Seeing the sights of Europe, getting some alone time while hiking and glamping in Alaska, or taking in the sun while drinking a cocktail on the beach. Many people will tell you where you should go, but it’s important to keep true to yourselves and go on a honeymoon you and your new spouse will love.
Set A Budget
We all know that the price automatically goes up when it comes to weddings and honeymoons. Decide on a budget and stick to it! Prices will of course vary depending on where you want to honeymoon, activities you may want to do, and if any air travel is involved. When setting a budget it’s best to include it in your budget for the wedding. This way you don’t start your new married life in debt.
Research the Time of Year
Though you may be in love with a honeymoon location, it can drastically change depending on the time of year. For example, if your wedding is in December, a glamping honeymoon may not be the best idea. If you’re going to Paris, the summer would be expensive and busy, so maybe think about Spring or Fall instead.
Now that you have an idea of your priorities, budget, and timeframe, here are a few honeymoon destination ideas!
Honeymoon Locations
Choosing where isn’t easy, there are so many fantastic places to go. Before you make any reservations or pay for any plane tickets why not consider our picks?
Luxury Trip Locations
- The Maldives – If your ideal honeymoon is laying in hammocks in an over-water villa while a butler brings you a cocktail by boat then this is the honeymoon for you!
- Amalfi Coast, Italy – Italy’s Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful coastlines, known for its white-washed villages, and shimmering sea. If you’re a couple searching for a honeymoon spot filled with photo opportunities then
- Paris, France – Paris is the city of love, and is a phenomenal location for two newlyweds to enjoy. Find a cozy restaurant for people-watching, go to the Louvre to see famous works of art, or walk around the city taking in all the sites. It’s best to go between October and April offering both balmy climes and fewer crowds.
Sweet Spot Trip Locations
- Aruba – While this is usually thought of as just a cruise ship destination, Aruba has enough to offer that you might want to consider it for your entire honeymoon! Unlike other tropical islands, Aruba is outside of the hurricane zone, so you won’t be at the mercy of a storm ruining your trip.
- Sonoma, California – the lesser-known neighbor to Napa, Sonoma has a quaint charm without the big price tag. Explore wineries or spas without the big crowds that are drawn to Napa. Skip the chain hotels at this destination and instead look for a charming B&B, many of which even offer evening wine and cheese receptions.
- Disney World, Florida – If you’re both “Disney Adults”, then it’s an obvious choice to go to Disney for a few days. You can get newlywed t-shirts and get a memorable photo with Mickey! With so many parks and activities to keep you busy, you’re sure to have a memorable honeymoon. You can spend a day at Epcot and you’ll hit multiple “destinations” in one day.
Down To Earth Trip Locations
- Moab, Utah – The perfect honeymoon destination for those who like to grab a pair of hiking boots and a tent. You can explore scenic sandstone cliffs and breathtaking desert skies. Consider booking your trip in March, April, or October for fewer crowds and the weather is bearable!
- Kennebunkport, Maine – It may not seem like a normal location for a honeymoon. Unknown to many, Kennebunkport Maine offers a unique experience in that it has sandy beaches for relaxing, a bustling downtown for shopping, and all at a much more affordable price than other locations.
- Cape May, New Jersey – Conveniently located less than three hours away from New York, this town has multiple wineries and dozens of tempting seafood locations. You can choose from beautiful Victorian Inns or hotels.
Wherever you end up going on your honeymoon we know it’ll be amazing! Just remember it’s not where you are or what you’re doing it’s who you are spending it with! If you’re postponing your wedding for a time when you can afford a flashier honeymoon then make sure to save this article. If you’ve already enjoyed a honeymoon we want to hear where! Leave a comment below and let us know where you went and what you did!
Lucy is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork, Ireland. Originally from America, she is now settled in Ireland with her husband and Corgi-mix puppy Dug (yes, like from Disney’s UP!). It’s the simple things in life that matter, so give her a bag of M&M’s and she’s happy. She loves to relax with a good book, cozy up on the couch for a movie, or go to the park for a stroll with the family.
