Honeymoon Timetable

10–12 months before Your Wedding planning timeline isn’t the only schedule you should be following.

You’ll definitely need to follow a timeline when planning your honeymoon to ensure it will be the trip you’ve really dreamed of sharing together as husband and wife. Here’s a great guideline to getting ready for the vacation of a lifetime.

Set your trip budget. Talk about your travel desires. Discuss destinations that you’ve always wanted to see. Maybe you met somewhere and want to revisit the place you first met. Do some research on the internet, talk to friends and relatives that have done some traveling or are familiar with a particular destination you are considering. Visit a travel professional to get brochures and information. Determine the amount of time you will be able to take for your trip. If you determine you would like to travel to an exotic locale, you will want to make your reservations as soon as possible as space both in transit and there is often limited.

8–10 months before

Though you may feel confident booking most of your own travel and may have done a lot of the honeymoon research yourselves, you might want to have a professional take care of the actual arrangements and reservations. An agent that specializes in honeymoon travel can be extremely adept at getting you special amenities and upgrades for this special occasion. Have them reserve a king-size bed for your room. Check every detail twice for your accommodations and tickets such as dates, times, and locations. You may want to purchase travel insurance in case of an unforeseen event.

6–8 months before

Obtain any necessary travel documents, such as passports and visas. Make sure the name on your travel documents matches that of your identification. Research any special activities or tours you’d like to do or take on your honeymoon, like a hot-air balloon ride and picnic in Napa Valley. If you are heading to the Caribbean and would like to scuba dive, you’ll be better off getting certified before you get there.

4–6 months before

Begin to collect the goods you’ll need specifically for your trip, like luggage and baggage tags for your suitcases. Register for luggage if you don’t have any or if your current suitcases are on their last legs. Compile a list of what you’ll need to pack, especially if you’ll need any items that are more plentifully available in season, like bathing suits and suntan lotion. If you will rent any equipment for sports activities, like clubs, skis, etc, while you are there, investigate suppliers and costs. Research the cost and features of any travel-related equipment you would like to purchase, such as a digital camera or video camera.

Countdown From 2 Months

Make reservations for any special dinners, spa treatments, or tours you don’t want to miss. Many resorts have special services for honeymooners, which can include romantic activities like a moonlight champagne cruise for two, a private dinner for two on the beach, or a couples’ massage in your own private beach cabana. However, space is usually limited, especially in high or heavy honeymoon seasons, so book them early.

1 month before: Make your packing list and gather any missing items. Reconfirm reservations and review your travel documents for any missing items. Make arrangements for any items that need special care, such as your home, pets, and, plants, while you are gone.
2 weeks before: Purchase your travelers checks and write the numbers somewhere secure in case they are lost or stolen. Make two copies of your passports, credit cards, and your insurance cards. Give one to a friend or relative and place an extra set in your luggage in case your originals are lost or stolen on the trip. Book any transportation needs for your rides to and from the airport. If someone is taking you, confirm with them. Check with your cellular phone company to ensure you will be able to use your phone at your honeymoon destination in case of emergency. You may have to change calling plans for overseas destinations.
1 week before: Fill out forms at the post office to have your mail held and stop your newspapers. Make arrange-ments for your bridal registry to hold any shipments of gifts until your return and confirm transport of gifts from your reception if you are leaving on your honeymoon right after the wedding (or early the next morning). Refill the prescrip-tions of any medication you will need on your trip. Carry them in their original containers for customs and security clearance.
3 days before: Pack your extreme essentials in your carry-on bag – like medicines, glasses, contacts, etc. Pack the rest of your luggage – consider putting half your items in his suitcase and vice versa, just in case one or the other is lost. Change any outgoing messages on your voice-mails at work or home. Make sure the house-sitter has any necessary keys or security codes. Check the weather forecast for your departure date and your destination.
1 day before: Reconfirm your flights. Check to see that your luggage has your identification both on the inside and outside. Get plenty of sleep.