PLANNING YOUR HONEYMOON

Copyright ©2001 Glenna Tooman
all rights reserved
Memory Makers Event Planning LLC
www.memorable-events.com

Planning your honeymoon can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the wedding planning process as you dream of exotic locations, relaxing on the beach, or zipping down a snow-covered mountain on skis.
Planning should begin right after you become engaged, especially if a foreign trip is planned. First, you will need to choose a destination. Then, you should decide whether you want to plan the trip yourself or engage the services of a travel agent. If planning a foreign trip or a cruise, it is highly recommended that you use the services of a travel agent who is knowledgeable about travel to the area that you plan to visit. A travel agent will be able to make reservations at hotels or resorts, arrange for car rentals and other travel accommodations, and advise on foreign currency exchange, required vaccinations, local customs, and other important issues. Travel agents also may have travel packages that are less expensive than planning a trip yourself.

When choosing a honeymoon destination, remember that many places offer reduced rates during their off-season. Ski resorts are great places to visit in the late spring, summer, or fall. A visit to the coast can be planned for winter, spring, or fall if you don't plan to swim or surf. Not only will the rates be less, but hotels and resorts will be less crowded.

If you plan to travel outside the U.S., you may need to obtain a passport and possibly one or more visas. The U.S. State Department provides information about most countries and their requirements on the Department's Internet site. The site can be accessed at http://travel.state.gov/.

It is not necessary to have a passport to travel to Canada. However, you must carry proof of citizenship, such as a certified copy of your birth certificate, your naturalization certificate, or green card. You must also carry at least one form of photo identification with you.

If traveling by air, reservations should be made well in advance in order to obtain the best rates. With the change to ticketless boarding procedures, you will be required to provide photo identification when checking in. Be certain to book your reservations in the same name as that on your ID. This is particularly important for the bride. Do not use your new married name on your airline tickets unless you carry your marriage license with you.

No matter where you travel, be sure to leave an itinerary with someone at home who can find it quickly if necessary. Include the names and phone numbers, if possible, of places you will be staying. If traveling outside the US, leave a photocopy of your passports, visas, and driver's licenses. Also list the numbers of all credit cards and travelers checks that you plan to take with you. That way, should a loss or theft occur, the information needed to report it can be quickly secured. Also, place your name and phone number inside each piece of luggage as well as on the outside. That way, if a luggage tag is lost, the airline can still locate you. Since you will be traveling, you may want to use the phone number and/or address of a parent, your office, or someone that you know will be at home, should a bag be lost and an airline needs to contact someone immediately.

Planning the honeymoon can be an exciting time to explore locations and ideas, limited only by your imagination and your budget. Whether you choose to take an exotic foreign trip or visit a nearby resort, you will want to begin planning early to be sure you get just the trip that you want. Bon Voyage!