Whether you’re checking off an item on your bucket list, or just taking time away to bask in the glow of being married, your honeymoon is a special time of love and connection, when the two of you are focused on each other without distractions.
To help plan your once-in-a-lifetime trip, we asked travel advisors Natalie Gilliam and Veronica Lopez from Navigate With Nat to share their top honeymoon travel tips.
Discuss Your Honeymoon Expectations
No matter how often the two of you agree, you’re bound to have different ideas of how to spend your honeymoon. Take some time to discuss your expectations so you can start off on the same page.
What destination (or destinations) would you like to visit? Do you envision a more relaxing trip or one filled with adventure? How long would you like your honeymoon to last?
Talking about your visions early on will give you plenty of time to make a plan that fulfills both of your dreams and desires.
Amalfi Coast of Italy
Consider Hiring a Travel Agent
Even in the 21st century, travel agents aren’t going anywhere! In fact, hiring a travel agent can save you time, energy, and money.
“Planning a wedding can put a lot of stress on anyone’s plate, so leaving the honeymoon to a Travel Advisor means one less thing to worry about and it’s in an expert’s hands!” says Natalie Gilliam, Travel Advisor and Owner of Navigate With Nat.
A travel agent’s skills can go way beyond booking a connecting flight or making a hotel reservation.
“We complete all of the bookings and payments on your behalf and we do any and all concierge services for you, like romantic dining reservations, spa treatments, and anything else you are curious about!” Gilliam added. “Whether you want to celebrate your honeymoon by jet setting around Europe, go on an adventurous safari, or by an unforgettable stay at an all-inclusive, we have got you covered!”
Set Your Budget
When budgeting for a wedding, the honeymoon is often an unexpected wedding cost. But agreeing on—and sticking to—a budget can help to narrow down your options and make planning a honeymoon easier.
A travel advisor can help you to not only determine your budget, but help you stick to it. “We are able to work with a variety of budgets and we will tell you on your consultation call about what to expect of the honeymoon you have in mind! Once you see your customized trip proposal, you will know almost exactly what the cost is for your entire honeymoon!” says Veronica Lopez, Travel Advisor with Navigate with Nat.
Your honeymoon budget can also help you prioritize which elements of your honeymoon are most important to you.
Perhaps you’re willing to give up on a helicopter tour if it means staying in a luxury hotel. On the other hand, maybe you’d rather book a hotel room in a less expensive part of town so you can have more flexibility in your restaurant budget.
Safari in Africa
Pick a Honeymoon Destination & Date
“Our top destinations for honeymoons are Italy, Greece, and the Caribbean,” said Gillam. “My favorite way to pick and decide on a destination is to lead with what foods I love! Is sushi or ramen your favorite food to eat together? Maybe you should check out Japan! If a couple loves making pasta at home… I think a pasta-making class with views of the rolling hills of Tuscany may be in your future!”
“It is important to start [planning] at least eight months in advance, so there is no sign of low availability for your destination,” adds Lopez. “This way our clients are getting the pick of the litter when it comes to the choices offered for your destination!”
However, couples who are more flexible often find more availability and lower prices by choosing less popular locations in off-peak seasons.
Unique destinations like Chile, Africa, and Portugal might be off the beaten path, but they offer the same gorgeous views and exciting activities as more popular locations.
Honeymoon in Santorini, Greece
Consider Delaying Your Honeymoon
If you have your heart set on a particular destination, delaying your honeymoon can allow you to travel during off-peak or shoulder season.
“We have so many couples that are taking off on their dream honeymoon for their one-year wedding anniversaries, or a couple of months after their wedding,” says Gilliam. “If you are having a summer wedding, taking a honeymoon directly after may not be your best option because of peak pricing and lower availability. If you are open to a delayed honeymoon, we are able to help choose the best season for your destination!”
If you decide to postpone your honeymoon, Gilliam suggests taking a “mini-moon” right after the wedding. A shorter trip or even a staycation will offer plenty of opportunities to recharge and reconnect.
Castries, St. Lucia
Add a Honeymoon Fund To Your Registry
Credit card points and discount codes are one way to help fund your honeymoon, but don’t be afraid to ask for help from your loved ones.
“Our best tip—and most used by our brides—is to […] place a ‘Honeymoon Fund’ on your wedding website. This allows your guests to support the honeymoon of your dreams!” says Lopez.
Try New Things
You’re not just enjoying your honeymoon—you’re on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to a fabulous destination!
The team at Navigate With Nat loves helping couples explore their interests and try new things. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to go snorkeling in Hawaii, or maybe taking in the sunset on a rooftop in Greece is more your speed. Take advantage of your travel agents’ real-life travel experience and open your mind to new ideas.
Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii
Plan Not to Plan
After months (or potentially years) of planning a wedding, the last thing you might want to do is plan your honeymoon. A relaxing all-inclusive option, whether that be a resort or even a cruise, might be the perfect option for a stress-free honeymoon. Once you arrive, you only have to worry about how many bottomless drinks you want to order and how long you want to bask in the sun!
Take Time To Connect
It’s likely that you don’t have a lot of time for date nights during the hustle and bustle of wedding planning, so take advantage of the honeymoon as a chance to reconnect with each other.
Even if you’re looking forward to a honeymoon itinerary packed with activities, it’s nice to leave room for some quiet evenings and romantic dinners where the two of you can reflect on your wedding day and make big plans for your future together.
Enjoy Your Honeymoon!
Wherever you end up on your honeymoon, it’s sure to be the perfect beginning to a beautiful life together.
By planning in advance and using the services of a luxury travel advisor, you can make sure that every detail of your honeymoon is as perfect as your wedding.
At The Treasury on the Plaza, we’re here to help you on the road to “I do,” and after too! Schedule an in-person or virtual tour today to start planning your wedding (so you can set that wedding date and start planning your dream honeymoon!).
For more information on honeymoon planning services with Navigate With Nat, visit their website, navigatewithnat.com. Make sure to also follow @navigatewithnat_ and @venturewithveronica_ on Instagram for even more travel inspiration and tips!
