You’ve got your honeymoon destination picked out. You’ve ordered the tickets and booked a cozy room for two. So what else do you need to do to make your honeymoon a sweet success?
About the Luggage
You need to make sure to tag your luggage thoroughly. Placing tags on the outside of your suitcases will let you keep an eye on them. You need ID tags on the inside of your luggage too.
There’s some research that you should do before you leave the house. Airline weight restrictions (physical and dimensional) are very important. It’s a good idea to measure your luggage to make sure you’re within the limits.
The Essentials
Paperwork
Make sure you both have your driver’s licenses, your passports, and your visas. You should also print out your reservations, including restaurant reservations. Don’t forget the plane tickets!
But you also need to have backups with you. Make sure to photocopy all of your paperwork and keep it at hand. Keep another backup copy at the hotel, in case you lose your wallet.
Additionally, don’t forget to pack photocopies of your travel and medical insurance. If you’re driving, check your car insurance and your license plates well in advance.
Credit Cards
Only bring credit cards that you’ll be using. Again, it’s important to make photocopies, just in case. You may also need the contact information of your credit card company.
Water Bottle
How are you planning to stay hydrated? Eco-conscious travelers prefer to use a water bottle instead of buying bottled water. You can get matching stainless steel bottles for you and your spouse.
If you’re heading to a frosty honeymoon destination, you should bring an insulated bottle. Sharing a bottle of coffee or hot chocolate would set the perfect romantic tone.
But what about locations where it’s not safe to drink tap water? Unfortunately, bottled water might be your best option in some places. You can also buy a portable water filter or UV sterilizer.
Medication
If you or your spouse is on prescription medications, make sure to bring them in original bottles only. Don’t forget your inhaler if you need one.
Here are the emergency medications that you may need:
- anti-diarrhea medication
- aspirin
- antihistamines
- medicine for motion sickness.
UV protection is very important too. In addition to sunscreen, you should pack protective lip balm. Aloe vera can help you tend to your skin if you do get sunburned.
Don’t forget to pack your birth control if you’re on it. You should also pack your preferred brand of menstrual pads, cups, or tampons. Emergency shopping runs aren’t always an option.
Toiletries
Anti-bacterial sanitizer and wet wipes will definitely come in useful. Pack your favorite cosmetics too. But don’t forget to consider the liquid rule if you’re traveling by plane.
Outfits and Accessories
Fit Your Clothes to the Occasion
If you have restaurant reservations, it’s a good idea to google ahead and get some idea of the ambient. This will help you choose the right style.
It’s also important to learn all you can about local customs and expected attire. If your honeymoon is going to feature museums and historical site, there may be some dress restrictions that you need to keep in mind.
Are you planning a more outdoorsy honeymoon? If so, make sure to plan layered outfits that you can adjust to the weather. Comfort is especially important if you’re planning to go on long hikes.
Winter honeymoon trips have a different dress code altogether. Pay attention to the small details, like warm socks.
If your honeymoon involves the beach, your clothes need to be wrinkle-free. Don’t forget to pack swimsuits for you and your spouse.
Comfortable Shoes Are a Must
Both of you will need comfortable footwear.
While buying new outfits for your honeymoon is fun, this isn’t the right occasion for new shoes. If you absolutely need new dress shoes or sandals, spend a few days before your wedding breaking them in. Blisters can ruin your honeymoon.
Keep the Weather in Mind
If you’re going on a summer honeymoon, sunglasses and sun hats are must-haves. But sunglasses can be useful on a ski trip too. You may want to bring an umbrella as well.
Make Sure to Have Enough Bags
What do you need in addition to your suitcases?
A handy backpack can make your honeymoon easier even if you’re not planning to go on hikes. An eco-friendly tote bag can be very useful too. You should also consider packing a few ziplock bags, to contain spills or store keepsakes.
Electronic Gadgets and Entertainment
Chargers and Adapters
Guidebooks are no longer the best option for exploring new places. Instead, most traveling couples rely on apps and other online resources. This is the best way to make sure your information is up-to-date.
But the downside is that you’ll need to keep your phones charged at all times. So make sure to bring a charging cable or two. If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll also need an adapter.
Camera
Your honeymoon is the perfect occasion to take professional-grade photos with a camera. Packing a camera also means you’ll have to take care of the batteries or charging cable.
Books and Movies
Even if you plan everything down to the last minute, you’ll need some entertainment. You can always run into rainy afternoons or flight delays. It’s a good idea to pack something that can help you and your spouse unwind from all the excitement.
Ebooks are generally a better option than paperbacks, though this depends on your taste. You should also consider packing a deck of cards.
It’s a good idea to bring an iPad loaded with movies and albums that you can both enjoy. Including your spouse’s favorite film is a good way to show that you care.
What Should You Leave at Home?
After the stress of wedding preparations, your honeymoon is the perfect occasion to cut out all distractions. It can be tempting to go off the grid and make yourselves unavailable.
But you will want to make sure that your family or friends can reach you in case of emergencies. So print out your itinerary and the number and address of your hotel. Your house sitter or pet sitter needs to be able to reach you too.
It’s also a good idea to leave emergency papers with your friends or family. Make sure they have a copy of your driver’s license, passport, and visa as applicable.
A Final Thought
Since the wedding is going to have you overwhelmed, it’s important to pack for your honeymoon ahead of time. You and your new spouse deserve a carefree vacation after all the work that you have put in. You deserve some time for yourselves and for your new marriage.
