When you’ve saved long and hard for your honeymoon, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t disappoint. There’s a lot of pressure on couples to make this post-wedding tradition epic, so it’s worth doing your research; a little savvy planning and imagination can make all the difference. Here are my tips on how to make the most of your special trip.
Choose the right hotel
Wherever the destination, it’s your honeymoon, so you’ll want somewhere extra special to stay. Ask tour operators or hotels for their nicest suite. Alternatively, book a regular room and see if you can wangle a free upgrade when you arrive. Booking a luxury suite will ensure all those little extras; you may even arrive with a bottle of champagne on ice in your room. Research hotels in your chosen destination to find out which ones have extras like in-room hot tubs and find out where the top swim-up suites are. They give you a little extra privacy – just step out from your room and immerse yourself in the pool. An infinity pool surrounded by Bali beds and loungers will also up the ante.
What’s your style?
Think about what you and your significant other are into. If relaxation and indulgence are top of your list, then go for an exotic long-haul escape. Somewhere like the Maldives or Caribbean may well fit the bill, and there’s also the option of snorkeling and scuba diving. However, if you’re both more into adventure and sightseeing then why would you go for a week on a sun-lounger for your honeymoon? Go for something more exhilarating such as a Kenyan Big Five game safari or Thailand adventure. Think about your tastes, what makes you tick and what you expect from your time away – make sure you’re both on the same page.
Avoid airport stress
In the midst of your planning, don’t forget to organize how you’re getting to the airport. Couples used to go straight from the wedding to their honeymoon but this doesn’t tend to happen these days. However, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t arrive in style so why not book a limousine instead of a taxi to take you to the airport. For example, you can always book a limo service from Corpus Christi airport. It’s also worth paying extra for an airport lounge to avoid hanging out with hundreds of other travelers while waiting for your flight. Airport lounges offer a relaxed, attractive environment with complimentary drinks, snacks, and comfortable seating to enjoy. It’s well worth the money. When you arrive at check-in, drop the ‘H’ word and see if you can get upgraded to business or first class.
Enjoy fine dining
Make sure your hotel has a good selection of restaurants; there’s no good gazing at each other over a candlelit table only to discover the food is awful and the service unfriendly! If the hotel itself doesn’t have a restaurant, check out what options there are in the vicinity. Book yourself a top-notch dining experience for your first night, so you can get your romantic trip off to a flying start. Of course, you may want to be a little adventurous and dine in some locals hangouts, too; try out the jerk chicken in Jamaica, the street food in Thailand. Luxury and authenticity don’t have to be mutually exclusive, so make sure your honeymoon has a little bit of both.
Consider All-Inclusive
If you want luxury but have a budget, consider going for a good all-inclusive hotel. The great thing about all-inclusive is that all your meals, locally produced drinks, and lots of entertainment are included in the upfront price of your holiday. In the Caribbean, non-motorized water sports are often part of the package too, so it can be a cost-effective way to enjoy a luxurious honeymoon break.
Book some romantic experiences
Even if your idea of the perfect honeymoon is sipping cocktails on a sun lounger, try and enjoy at least one experience together. You could book a hot-air balloon ride with champagne, indulge in a couple’s spa treatment, or sign up for a scenic day trip or evening boat excursion. Consider trying out some new hobbies, too; water sports can be a fun pastime so check out the surfing, kayaking, and jet-skiing options at your resort. Even if you don’t have any spare money for excursions, enjoy the sunset on the beach – it doesn’t have to cost a lot to be romantic.
Finally, don’t stress. Whatever happens, you’ll hopefully only get one honeymoon, and you’ve got the rest of your life to enjoy travel together. Don’t put too much pressure on yourselves; research, plan, and then just roll with it.