Preparing for any vacation takes time and research. But your honeymoon needs to be given careful consideration to make sure everything goes as intended. Things can never be perfect but problems can be minimized. Look over this timeline and print out the checklist of important tasks to consider while making your honeymoon decisions.
9 Months to 1 Year Before
Take our Your Perfect Honeymoon quiz to start imagining what you want in a honeymoon.
Determine what time of year you would like to honeymoon, whether directly after your wedding or a more convenient time.
Pick your honeymoon destination based on the best weather for your month of travel. Check out our Destination Weather Guide for the best honeymoon locations during certain months.
Evaluate how much money you can spend on your honeymoon and fill out our Budget Cruncher worksheet for a realistic budget.
Determine a budget.
Research your chosen destination.
Check travel-warning sites about your destination.
Find a travel agent who specializes in your destination or honeymoon type, or do the research yourself. Ask friends for insights.
If you are interested in the local language, begin learning that language.
Register for your honeymoon. Check out our Honeymoon Registry Tips.
6 Months to 9 Months Before
Book airline reservations, considering:
Time schedules – with enough time to recoup or attend post-wedding events
Food specifications
Seat assignment
Check luggage allowances
Buy travel insurance for health, weather conditions and property.
Book resort, hotel or cruise.
Choose type of room and specify for preferred view, floor or location.
Amenities preferred in-room.
Specify that this is your honeymoon for added bonuses.
Make plans for transfers to and from your resort.
Reserve a rental car or train tickets.
Keep all reservation confirmations and information organized.
Research destination for vaccinations or medical clearances needed.
3 Months to 6 Months Before
Apply for your passport or renew it if traveling internationally – make sure the name on your tickets and passport match.
Research requirements for travel visas and apply for a visa if necessary.
Make an appointment with your doctor for any vaccinations, testing or prescriptions needed.
Book excursions, shows or special dinners.
Buy or register for luggage. Or ask someone to borrow some pieces.
Make house-sitting or pet-sitting arrangements.
Assess honeymoon packing list to see what clothing or items need to be purchased. Look out for holiday sales.
Ask around to borrow any specialty clothing or equipment.
2 Months Before
Send registry items to a family or friends address to prevent packages being left when you are away or arrange for someone to come by your house daily to pick up any packages. You can also put a hold on your registries to resume mailing after your return. Some guests might mail packages not on your registry, so a back-up plan is advised.
Find out what adaptors or voltage converters are needed for your location to prevent ruining your equipment.
1 Month Before
Confirm travel reservations including hotel, air and excursions.
Make reservations for any honeymoon beauty treatments.
Check bank accounts and credit cards for ample funds. Buy something that points out that you’re honeymooners, check out our Honeymoon Shop!
