Planning Your Honeymoon

On your honeymoon, you may travel to a sandy beach or a bustling city, have a relaxing trip or immerse yourself in new activities - the possibilities are unlimited. Start by discussing your budget. Though you certainly want your honeymoon to be wonderful, you shouldn't have to go into debt to finance it. Calculate how much money you have or can reasonably save by the time of the trip. Then start thinking about where in the world you want to go. Look through travel magazines and guidebooks, explore the internet, or speak to newlyweds or a travel agent about memorable honeymoons she has helped plan.

Price several destinations, and determine the availability and quality of transportation and accommodations for each trip. A good travel agent can take care of all the details - plan tickets, hotel rooms, ground transportation - and advise you regarding travel documents and required inoculations, if any. She can also make reservations for meals, tours, theatre tickets, boat rentals, diving lessons, and other activities that may require advance planning, especially during the busiest seasons. Inquire about shoulder seasons, the weeks just before and after peak seasons, the weeks just before and after peak seasons, when travel costs may be reduced. A travel agent is an indispensable resource in the case of an emergency or last-minute change. When booking hotels, remember to mention that you'll be on your honeymoon - you may receive special treatment.

Special Honeymoons

Learning Vacations
Trying something new together is a perfect way to begin married life. You might take cooking lessons from a fine Tuscan chef, combine a trip to Australia's Great Barrier Reef with snorkeling lessons, charter a sailboat and crew to refine your sailing skills, or go on safari.

Cruises
The all-inclusive ease of a cruise can make your honeymoon feel like paradise. Large ships focus on on-board amenities, which can include shopping malls, wine-tasting classes, spas, and dance clubs; smaller ships tend to emphasize ports of call. Ask friends and colleagues for recommendations. It also pays to consult a cruise specialist at a travel agency who can help you find the best rates.

Driving Honeymoons
Hit the highway on an all-American honeymoon. Exploring a region by car is often inexpensive. It's also a flexible vacation - you can spend a long weekend in one place or linger there for two weeks. When you drive, you can set the itinerary on a whim.

Travel Tips

• Even if you're changing your name, book tickets in your maiden name, or be prepared to ravel with your marriage certificate.
• Keep records of important trip documents, hotel and car-rental confirmation numbers, the numbers on your traveler's checks and credit cards and emergency contacts. Photocopy all the information and take two copies with you; put one copy in your carry-on and one in your checked luggage. Leave a copy of each important document and number with a trusted - and reachable - friend.
• Make sure your renter's or homeowner's insurance covers all your belongings at and away from home, including your new gifts.
• Carry valuable jewelry and prescription eyewear on your person.
• Make specific room requests, such as nonsmoking or ocean view, well in advance. If the room is not to your liking upon arrival, don't hesitate to request another.
• Bring along a blank journal, some colored pencils, and other supplies to document your honeymoon.