Honeymoon Planning Advice: 5 Tips
Planning the perfect honeymoon can be as critical as the big day itself. This article distills wisdom from seasoned travel and relationship specialists to guide couples through the process. It focuses on practical strategies that prioritize shared interests, relaxation, and smart budgeting without overwhelming the itinerary.
- Focus on Shared Interests
- Prioritize Relaxation and Flexibility
- Leverage Communication Skills
- Leave Space in the Schedule
- Budget as Part of Wedding
Focus on Shared Interests
When planning your honeymoon, I’d recommend focusing on what truly excites both of you. Think about what kind of experience you want to share together. Whether it’s exploring new cultures, hiking through beautiful landscapes, or simply unwinding in a cozy setting, make sure the destination reflects your interests as a couple. For example, instead of sticking to the classic resort route, consider a place that offers both adventure and relaxation, or a destination with a unique charm that aligns with your personalities.
When my partner and I planned our honeymoon, we took a less traditional route. We didn’t pick a well-known tourist spot. Instead, we found a small town that celebrated local food and art. It wasn’t about fancy dinners or popular tourist attractions; it was about discovering hidden gems, like a bakery where we learned to make bread from the owner, or an art gallery filled with local artists. Those moments were what made our trip feel special. My advice would be to find a place where you can have meaningful experiences that reflect who you are as a couple, not just what’s expected.
Denise Murray
Marketing Manager, Microdose Mushrooms
Prioritize Relaxation and Flexibility
Planning a honeymoon can be as exciting as the wedding itself, but it’s essential to prioritize relaxation after the whirlwind of wedding activities. One of the best pieces of advice for couples is to not over-schedule. Often, there’s a temptation to cram every possible adventure or sightseeing activity into the trip, but remember, this is a time to enjoy each other’s company and recover from weeks (or sometimes months) of stressful planning. Including ample downtime gives you the flexibility to savor spontaneous moments, like a beautiful sunset or a relaxing morning in bed without a schedule pressing on you.
From personal experience, choosing a destination that caters to both partners’ interests goes a long way in enhancing the honeymoon experience. On our trip, we balanced days of exploration with quiet evenings, which truly made our time memorable and relaxing. We spent a few days in a mountain retreat where we enjoyed hikes and the outdoor scenery but also took time to explore local cuisine and culture at a relaxed pace. This balance kept our trip from feeling too packed and allowed us time to really connect and reflect on our journey together. Always keep in mind that the honeymoon is your first memorable adventure as a married couple, so make sure it encapsulates relaxation, adventure, and, most importantly, celebration of your new life together.
Alex Cornici
Writer, Cheap Places To Go
Leverage Communication Skills
One piece of advice I would give to couples for planning their honeymoon is to leverage the communication skills you developed during your wedding planning. My partner and I found that the experience of learning how to talk and listen to each other during our wedding preparations was invaluable when it came to planning our Italian honeymoon. Because we had already established a strong foundation of effective communication, we were able to plan our trip efficiently and with minimal disagreements.
Based on our experience, here are a few tips:
Open Dialogue: Keep an open dialogue about your individual preferences and expectations. Whether it’s about the destinations, activities, or budget, make sure both voices are heard.
Compromise: Be ready to compromise. Not every aspect of the trip will be perfect for both of you, but finding a middle ground can make the journey enjoyable for both partners.
Stay Organized: Use planning tools or apps to keep track of your itinerary, reservations, and important documents. This reduces stress and ensures you’re both on the same page.
Enjoy the Process: Remember that planning your honeymoon is part of the adventure. Enjoy the process and build excitement together for the trip ahead.
By applying these communication strategies, our honeymoon planning became a smooth and enjoyable experience, setting the stage for a memorable trip.
Joe Hawtin
Owner, Marin County Visitor
Leave Space in the Schedule
One piece of advice I would give couples planning their honeymoon is to leave some space in the schedule. After the wedding, you will probably be more exhausted than you expect, and if every day is packed with activities, the trip can start to feel like another event to manage. Having a few things planned is great, but giving yourselves time to slow down and enjoy the destination makes everything feel more special. Choosing a place where the hotel or resort feels like part of the experience instead of just a place to sleep can make a big difference. If you have a great view, good food nearby, or a relaxing atmosphere, you do not have to go far to have an amazing time.
When I planned mine, I made sure to mix in downtime, and those moments ended up being some of the best. One afternoon, we had no plans, so we wandered around and stumbled into a tiny cafe where we ended up having one of our favorite meals of the trip. The owner gave us local recommendations we never would have found on our own. Those unplanned moments are what make a trip feel personal. A honeymoon is not just about the location. It is about enjoying the time together, and sometimes the best memories come from the things you did not plan.
Katie Breaker
Sales Director, BirdieBall
Budget as Part of Wedding
My biggest piece of advice for honeymoon planning – Budget for it as part of your wedding from the start! We approached our honeymoon using a start-from-scratch method–before picking a location, we asked ourselves: Who are we as a couple? Adventurous? Luxurious? Relaxed? Once we knew the kind of experience we wanted, we chose destinations that matched that vibe.
We went for a ’round-the-world’ style trip with three phases:
1. Fast-paced & touristy – to soak up iconic sights
2. Outdoorsy & adventurous – to explore nature
3. Resort & relaxation – so we could return home refreshed
We budgeted backwards from our goal and hunted for the best deals:
Signed up for flight/hotel rewards programs
Had a family member add us to a cheap flights program (less flexibility, but huge savings!)
Used Visit-a-City to itinerary everything from transport to activities and restaurants
Set up a Honeyfund–this let guests contribute to experiences like a special dinner or excursion (but we budgeted 100% ourselves, just in case!)
Final must-dos:
– Aim high, then trim the excess to match your budget
– Keep a cash kitty for unexpected expenses
– Get travel insurance – always!
– Pack light and use a prepaid travel card for safety
– Leave your real rings at home! Take cheap fakes if you still want them for photos
The key is to plan for your dream experience first, then strategically cut costs without cutting corners. Happy honeymooning!
Chel Dillon
Manager, La Bella Wedding Umbrellas