Destination weddings have become increasingly popular over the last ten years. More couples want to go somewhere exotic to exchange their vows. Destination weddings generally cost less than a traditional wedding and most are all- inclusive, which means they may provide unlimited food and beverages for your guests (excluding alcohol of course). There may also be personnel on hand who specialize in helping to reduce the stress of planning your wedding day, including coordinating your guest list. Last, but certainly not least, a destination wedding provides an amazing memory for you and for all of your guests, who get a vacation along with a wonderful celebration.
Another great thing about a destination wedding is that you can combine it with your honeymoon! You can tie the knot on the large island of Hawaii, and then take a quick flight to Maui for the week following your wedding. Or, if you prefer, you can board a cruise ship, say your nuptials at the beginning of your cruise, and enjoy the rest of your trip as a newly married couple.
Traditionally, the honeymoon has marked the first time that a couple was alone together. It was the time for the official consummation of the marriage. These days, a honeymoon is considered more of a romantic getaway vacation, and a special chance for newlyweds to devote time only to each other, away from the demands of work and the “real” world. This is a fabulous chance to relax together and remember all the special wedding day memories you’ve just created.
According to traditional wedding etiquette, it’s up to the groom to plan the honeymoon. Today, travel agents can handle every detail imaginable. They can book airline flights, package and charter tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals and much more. Travel agencies will first inquire about your budget for the honeymoon. Your budget for the honeymoon should be carefully planned and included as a part of your wedding budget. If you’re beat after the big day, don’t worry – you don’t have to rush off to your honeymoon. Some couples are too exhausted to enjoy their honeymoon because of the stress and pressure of the wedding and choose to take their honeymoon a couple of weeks later.
Couples should communicate to each other about the type of honeymoon they would prefer. Your partner might want to sleep in, lounge on the beach, and stay up late at night clubs, while you want an action-packed vacation full of hiking, scuba diving, biking, boating and water skiing. Make it the trip you both want by talking and planning ahead.
TRAVEL TIPS
Whether you are going away for your destination wedding or off on your honeymoon, one thing is the same. You have to pack properly! Roll, don’t fold, your clothes and make sure to pack tightly. This can help to prevent wrinkles and usually allows for more room in your suitcase. You can also lay your clothing out on hangers or in dry-cleaners’ bags. When choosing what to pack, try to go for wrinkle-resistant fabrics like nylon and lycra.
Stuff your socks and underwear in shoes and bags to help these items keep their shape. Wrap any belts around the inside of your suitcase to save space. Make sure to bring along an extra empty bag for any souvenirs and other goodies you might pick up while you are traveling. Put your valuables, a change of clothes, and minimum toiletry needs in your carry-on luggage. Check with the airport you are flying out of for carry-on restrictions.
You don’t want to worry about money while you are on your romantic trip, so take care of business before you leave. Know your limits and carefully consider the mix of cash, traveller’s cheques and credit cards you want to take. Check your travel destination – are there ATMs? If not, you will want to take more cash (this isn’t usually a concern in more popular tourist locations).
MORE ADVICE
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, passport and emergency list with at least one person at home.
- Assemble a list of all the emergency contacts you will need if your wallet goes missing.
- Conceal your money by stashing it under your clothes or in a front pocket.
- Get any necessary vaccinations and preventative shots you will need – check with your doctor and your travel agent.
HONEYMOON CHECKLIST
- SIX MONTHS OR MORE AHEAD
Investigate destinations and set budget
Reserve airline tickets Reserve the hotel
- THREE MONTHS AHEAD
Obtain your passports Arrange for necessary visas Finalize all the reservations
- TWO MONTHS AHEAD
Make a shopping list of what you’ll need
Get any required vaccinations
-
ONE MONTH AHEAD
Confirm all reservations
Book any special trips (i.e.: tee times, tours, spa days, etc)
Make kennel reservations if required
Arrange for your mail and newspaper to be picked up
-
THREE DAYS AHEAD
Reconfirm overseas flights
Buy books for plane and poolside Arrange transportation to and from airports
Leave your itinerary with relatives Check the weather reports
- ONE DAY AHEAD
Reconfirm domestic flights Get your home ready – clean out your refrigerator, take out garbage, etc.
Pack your suitcases!
PACKING CHECKLIST
Please see below for a quick reference on what should go into your suitcase. You might not need all of it or you might have more, but this is a easy reference for packing.
DOCUMENTS & NECESSITIES
- Hotel Reservations
- Tickets
- Insurance Information
- Passport/Visa (& photocopies)
- Car Rental Information
- Emergency List
- Cash/Traveler’s Cheques/Credit & Debit cards
- Driver’s License/Membership cards
- Medical/Vaccination records
- Guidebook & Day pack
- Other ____________________
PERSONAL ITEMS & HYGIENE
- Toiletry Bag
- Body Lotion/Suntan Lotion
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Cosmetics
- Deodorant
- Contact lenses & solution
- Curling iron/Hair straightener
- Feminine hygiene products
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste & Floss
- Soap/Body wash
- Hair care products (hairspray, etc)
- Brush & Comb
- Glasses
- Razors & Shaving cream
- Towel/Wash cloth
- Hand sanitizer
- Nail polish & remover
- Make-up remover
- Other ____________________
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals
- Socks (one pair/day & one extra)
- Sneakers
- Hiking boots
- Dress shoes
- Swimsuit(s)
- Beach cover-up
- Underwear(one pair/day & one extra)
- Belt
- Dress(es)
- Jacket Suit(s)
- Pants/Trousers
- Shirts/Blouse(s)
- Pajamas/Sleepwear
- Shorts
- Hose/Stockings Skirts
- Sweatshirts
- T- shirts
- Beach Hat
- Raincoat/Rain boots
- Long underwear
- Scarf & Mittens
- Slippers
- Knit Hat/Toque
- Jewellery/Watch
- Other ____________________
MEDICATIONS & HEALTH
- Current Prescriptions
- Allergy
- Motion sickness
- Nausea/Diarrhea
- Contraceptives
- Pain relievers (Tylenol, etc)
- Vitamins/Herbal supplements
- Anti-itch cream
- Other ______________________
GADGETS
- Camera & charger
- Batteries
- Cell phone & charger
- Converters & adapters
- Extra memory cards/Film
- Laptop & accessories
- IPOD/MP3 player
- PDA
- Travel alarm clock
- Video camera & charger
- Other ______________________
THE PLANE
- Books/Magazines
- Earplugs
- Eye mask
- Pillow/Blanket
- Carry-on bag
- iPod/MP3 Player
- Other ______________________
THE CAR
- Radiator fluid, windshield fluid & oil
- Directions & Map
- Jumper cables
- Spare tire & jack
- Ice scraper
- Pillow/Blanket
- Music
- Food & Drinks
- Other ______________________
OUTDOOR GEAR
- Air mattress
- Towels (beach/dish)
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Camping stove & fuel
- Lighter/Matches
- Cutlery & dishes
- Can opener
- Large umbrella (beach size)
- Insect repellent
- Compass/GPS
- Fresh water
- Binoculars
- Flashlight/Lantern
- Other ______________________
KIDS
- Diaper bag (with cream, diapers, etc)
- Baby food
- Car seat
- Bottles/Sippy cup/Pacifier
- Formula/Juice/Water
- Food/Snacks
- Changing pad & bag for dirty diapers
- Nursing pads
- Extra clothes
- Bibs
- Colouring books & crayons/Markers
- Games/Cards/Toys
- Stroller
- Extra wipes
- Other ______________________