A honeymoon is meant to be a joyful, intimate celebration of your new union, in a new and alluring location. Making the most out of this indelible experience means planning well in advance, and knowing exactly what you’d want from your perfect romantic holiday.
Here’s how to plan an amazing and unforgettable honeymoon:
Set Your Budget
One of the most essential steps of any travel plan is mapping out your budget. Plotting this out ahead of time will help give you a better understanding of your means and will inform other aspects of your trip.
Here are some of the chief considerations to keep in mind when setting your budget:
- How long do you plan to stay?
- What activities would you like to do?
- How do you plan on traveling to, and around, your destination?
- Where do you plan on staying (destination, accommodations, etc.)?
- How much do you plan to spend on activities such as dining, entertainment, and shopping?
While honeymoons are traditionally pretty costly affairs, that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. According to a Forbes article, American couples spend about $4,466 on average for their post-wedding vacations, but there are plenty of amazing opportunities for luxurious, romantic experiences that don’t break the bank.
Some of the best budget honeymoon ideas include:
Charming Camping Trips: Find a nice secluded camping site in a wondrous location and get away from it all to visit some iconic landmarks, and embrace the beauty of nature with your beloved. Visit the natural hot springs in Pagosa Springs, Colorado for some rest and relaxation in a romantic and rejuvenating setting, or check out the beautiful vistas of California’s Yosemite National Park and relish the stunning natural wonders throughout.
Inexpensive Island Getaways: Enjoy a relaxing island vacation with your spouse at one of the more budget-friendly island destinations, such as Negril, Jamaica; San Juan, Puerto Rico; or Lanai, Hawaii for all the fun and allure you’d expect from a big island getaway, at a more affordable price.
Revel in Local Luxury: Plan a post-wedding stay closer to home and save on travel expenses. Check into a fancy local hotel or charming B&B and indulge in some of the local luxuries and amenities, such as a spa or massage trip, picnic in the park, brunch at a nice restaurant, or tour of the city.
Romantic Road Trips: Hit the open road with your partner. Check out the many spectacular locations along iconic Route 66, spanning Chicago to Los Angeles for an unforgettable experience. Cruise the California coast along Highway 1 and witness the sheer beauty of the Pacific. Explore the breathtaking natural wonders of Blue Ridge Parkway, a nearly 500-mile stretch extending from Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Choose the Perfect Destination
Where you choose to spend your honeymoon will largely depend on what the two of you want to do. Whether lounging by a lakeside cabin or dancing nights away in a thrilling nightclub, your honeymoon is the ideal opportunity to indulge in some quality time with each other. So why not spend it at your dream destination?
Unless you already have an optimal spot in mind, determining the perfect destination means considering all of the offerings, activities, and criteria critical to your overall experience. Decide together!
Some of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the United States include:
Maui, Hawaii: This is a favorite among newlyweds for its sheer beauty, extraordinary resorts, and amazing amenities. Walk along the crescent-shaped, white-sand beaches of the luxurious resort community Wailea, soak in the bright Hawaiian sun, and swim in brilliant turquoise waters.
Napa Valley, California: This gorgeous destination boasts plenty of romantic activities for those seeking intimate holiday experiences. Tour the vast and picturesque vineyards, enjoy a romantic dinner, take a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train for a wine tasting, and stay at one of the region’s charming and unique cottages or bungalows.
Aspen, Colorado: Famed for its incredible winter-weather activities, this is the place to go for a romantic ski or spa vacation. Whether you ski down Aspen Mountain or take a hot-air balloon ride over the lovely landscape, Aspen has everything a new couple could want in a vacation destination. Be sure to reserve a table at Cache Cache, one of the most popular restaurants in the area, for an unforgettable, romantic meal.
Niagara Falls, New York: Widely considered the “Honeymoon Capital of the World,” Niagara Falls offers an amazingly picturesque backdrop for couples seeking the magic and majesty of natural wonders. Experience the cascading water via a ferry ride or guided helicopter tour!
Las Vegas, Nevada: Combining high-end, luxurious amenities and endless entertainment and activities, couples craving excitement and adventure will find their special honeymoon spot and a whole lot more in Sin City. Enjoy fantastic shopping and dining opportunities, world-class theaters, resorts, and casinos, as well as helicopter tours, Venetian gondola rides, and so much more.
Cruises: Your perfect honeymoon doesn’t necessarily need to be on land, either. Honeymoon cruises offer exciting and convenient expeditions for intrepid newlyweds— premium amenities, exclusive activities, and an incomparable, once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate your union on the open seas. Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line are renowned for itineraries in amazing destinations all over the world!
Find the Right Time to Book & Travel
No matter when you aim to actually travel for your first post-marriage holiday, be sure to start the planning process as early as possible. The earlier you book, the better choices you’ll have regarding transportation and accommodations availability.
Consider weather conditions, crowd sizes, availability, and pricing. The right time to travel will ultimately depend on where you are going and what you plan to do. Looking forward to a ski trip in Northern California? You’ll find the best rates and favorable weather between January and February. Seeking a quiet Hawaiian getaway? You’ll find fewer crowds and perfect island beach conditions between April and May.
Finding the best time to book and travel to your destination demands ample research, but working with a travel advisor can help take all of the stress out of the process. Advisors can help you identify the best window to book your trip to secure the best rates, and the best time to travel based on your preferences.
Arrange the Ideal Itinerary
One of the most exciting aspects of travel planning is creating your itinerary and highlighting all the things you want to do or see during this momentous excursion.
Consider and schedule all the activities you’re most excited about, while leaving plenty of room in your itinerary for rest and relaxation. Plan and book reservations early for your restaurants of choice to enjoy some romantic, candle-lit dining for two. Take advantage of location-exclusive attractions and sightseeing opportunities that could make your stay even more memorable.
Hit the town and catch a show or concert, indulge in some much needed pampering at a spa retreat, or experience a beautiful sunrise together!
Another great option for an amazing post-nuptial vacation is an all-inclusive honeymoon resort or hotel package. These travel bundles are usually less expensive, making it easier to stay within your budget, and offer luxury amenities such as unlimited food and complimentary drinks, access to exclusive facilities and activities, and the convenience of having everything in one place.
Work With an InteleTravel Advisor to Plan Your Perfect Honeymoon Getaway!
While honeymoon planning may be a difficult and daunting undertaking, working with an InteleTravel Advisor to plan your trip can take all the stress out of the process so you can focus on your special vacation.
Our experienced and certified team knows the best destinations inside and out, and can add value to your trip by finding you the best offerings and amenities for the best rates available. They also provide support along every step of your journey to ensure nothing goes wrong during your holiday.
The best part: They don’t charge travelers for their services, so you can have access to a dedicated travel profession all at no additional cost.
