Honeymoon Planning

Planning the Perfect Honeymoon
By Sue Durio

As you are whisked away to the airport and board your flight, you can relax and unwind. All your careful planning now pays off, as you begin your journey to the honeymoon of your dreams.

You have spent countless hours planning every detail of the wedding ceremony. Now it’s time to enjoy the honeymoon of your dreams.

Consider Destinations. The first step to any successful trip is to understand each traveler’s idea of ‘the perfect destination’. As a couple, agree on the type of getaway you seek. Are you looking for something active and adventurous, or laid back? Romantic seclusion or mega-resort? Warm, cold, domestic or international? If you have different likes and dislikes, a bit of compromise may be required as well. One of you may be into golf, while the other is looking for a hammock under a palm tree.

Set A Budget. Let’s face it, most of us don’t have unlimited travel dollars, particularly after the expense of a wedding! So, agree on what is a realistic, won’t-break-the-bank budget and then determine priorities. What are the absolute must-haves and what can you do without if necessary? With a little creativity and compromise, you can customize a trip that meets your budget and fulfills your dreams. For instance, perhaps you can save a few dollars by staying at a quaint off-beach property instead of the pricier glitzy resorts. Or, splurge on premium theater tickets in lieu of the convertible rental car. Again, communicating what’s really important to each of you is the key.

Research, Research, Research. Once you’ve decided on the destination and budget, do your homework. You’ll find there’s no shortage of travel information. Great online sources include www.lonelyplanet.com, www.frommers.com and www.virtualtourist.com – all of which feature detailed information on locations, activities, hotels and restaurants. Their message boards are a great source of first-hand feedback from travelers themselves, but a word of caution. Many times, message board postings are actually marketing spin by hotel or tour representatives, disguised as travelers. Take a look at the hotel’s own web site, and read how travel sites like hotels.com and travelocity.com rank the hotels you are considering.

Call in the Pros. Airfares, schedules and vacation packages are constantly changing. Travel agents are a knowledgeable source of up-to-date information, and an objective perspective. Look for agents who have personal experience with your intended destination and can provide pros and cons of various accommodations, tours and other activities. Most agencies specialize in specific types of travel, and locations. Austin Travel & Tours, for instance, specialize in cruises, and travel to Mexico, Europe, South Pacific and Caribbean. Their honeymoon package to Fiji includes everything from champagne to a trip to the famous Bouma Waterfalls, where you will receive blessings for your marriage when you take a swim in the fresh water pool!

The agency you select should be a member of the American Society of Travel Agents, Inc. (ASTA). In addition, look for agents who are certified with the Institute for Certified Travel Associates. These Certified Travel Counselors (CTC) complete an 18-month continuing education course and have been in business for at least five years. Check www.icta.com for a listing of local CTC agents.

Use Your Resources. Take advantage of all those frequent flyer points you have accumulated. Give your travel agent a list of your hotel, airline, rental car and travel club memberships. And stay flexible. Your agent will have better luck finding frequent flyer seats and special promotions or discount fares if your time frame is flexible.

Ask Questions

Before booking your trip, don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you know, the less likelihood of surprises during your honeymoon stay. Things to check on include:

• Deposit amounts and dates Airline, cruise or hotel cancellation policies
• Airline baggage limits, and their charges for extra bags or overweight luggage
• Transportation from the airport to your destination - is it included in the package price, what’s the distance and what type of vehicle?
• If you are considering an all-inclusive property, ask about the number and type of available restaurants, and whether advance reservations are recommended.
• What travel documents are needed? How about immunizations?
• Do you need to book special activities in advance, such as golf tee times, spa treatments, theater tickets, tours?
• Is this property family-oriented or adult only?
• Do you need travel insurance? If you are concerned about weather, personal safety or a health issue, travel insurance may be a good investment. Compare coverage offered through your credit cards and through the travel agency.

Last-Minute Details. The trip is booked and your wedding just days away. Along with your packing list, make a checklist of things to do in the week before your departure. Some things to remember:

• Stop the paper and mail delivery.
• Fill prescriptions. Carry all prescriptions in their original bottles to avoid hassles at customs.
• Reserve a kennel or arrange for a house sitter.
• Arrange to have gifts picked up by a relative, or ask stores to hold any gifts until your return.
• Make copies of passports, insurance cards, driver’s licenses, tickets and itinerary.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary and destination contact information with a friend or relative.
• Buy extra film, sunscreen and medications.
• Get small bills for tipping cab drivers, porters and bell staff.

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