The Honeymoon: Adventure Begins

At long last, the time for your honeymoon arrives. You and your groom should view the honeymoon as the beginning of a lifelong adventure together, not just the end of a hectic wedding schedule. It should be one of the most memorable of journeys, not only in destination but in learning more about each other — how to plan together, play together and explore the many opportunities that lie ahead for both of you.

It is important that you and your fiancé discuss honestly your expectations for your honeymoon. Do you want a quiet, secluded destination with plenty of time alone or a trip to Europe touring new sites and meeting people? Do you want your honeymoon to include activities that you both enjoy, such as skiing or scuba diving, or do you simply want to relax? Would you enjoy a resort or perhaps a cruise? Sunshine or snow? Beaches or mountains? City or countryside? The choices are many.

You also should be clear about your preferences in creature comforts. Your fiancé may find a rustic cabin ideal, while you dream of a luxury hotel with room service and a whirlpool bathtub.

Whatever choices you discuss, be confident that you and your fiancé will know when you’ve found the perfect honeymoon just for the two of you.

Once you have decided on the type of honeymoon, the dates you wish to travel and your budget, consult a travel agent. This is the best thing you can do for yourselves. The travel agent can handle all the details of the honeymoon, and there is no charge to you for the services.

A travel agency with experts in honeymoon planning will not only help you with the best destinations, accommodations and travel arrangements, but it will assist you in all areas of planning. Agents can give you top-notch advice regarding money exchange, insurance needs and packing. They also will inform you of necessary documents, such as passports, visas or records of inoculations you might need to have, and provide you with travel confirmations. Your travel agent can make all the difference for smooth sailing on your honeymoon.

Traditionally speaking, your fiancé should handle all the finances of the honeymoon with the travel agent, including necessary deposits. He will want to be careful to stay within the guidelines of the budget so there are no unexpected bills to pay when you return home. A week before the wedding he should make a final check with the travel agent to confirm that all is in order.

Remember, your honeymoon does not have to begin immediately after your reception. If you are planning a long honeymoon or going to a remote destination, you should allow yourself some time between the wedding and the honeymoon. If so, you still can make your wedding night a special occasion by staying at a nearby bed and breakfast or a luxury hotel.