Picture this: you’ve tied the knot, the confetti has settled, and now it’s time to escape together. A honeymoon is your first big adventure as a married couple and should feel completely yours. Whether you see yourself sipping cocktails by the beach or exploring buzzing city streets, the key is planning with intention.
Get these details right now, and you’ll thank yourself later when watching a sunset with zero stress!
Nail your budget
Start by agreeing on a realistic budget before you dive into dreamy destinations. It’s easy to get carried away, but getting hitched isn’t often cheap, and knowing your limit helps you avoid financial stress later. The most common cap falls between £2,000 and £3,000 for UK couples.
Factor in flights, accommodation, meals, activities and a little extra for surprises. If you’re flexible on dates, look at shoulder seasons ‒ those sweet spots between peak and off-peak. May is the new June this year, according to the Irish Independent.
Choose your experience and vibe
Think about what feels right for both of you. Do you want pure relaxation, or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? To help, picture your ideal days: lounging by an infinity pool, or hiking through lush landscapes, for example. When you know the vibe, you can narrow down options and avoid disappointment on both sides.
If one of you loves beaches and the other prefers culture, consider destinations that offer both. Take Bali, where calm shores meet temples and local traditions that feel a world away from your everyday. Marriage is about healthy compromise!
Pick your ideal destination(s)
Once you’ve nailed the mood, pick a holiday destination that matches it. For tropical trips, places like the Maldives or Mauritius deliver postcard-perfect beaches and luxury resorts. Prefer city breaks? Paris and Rome are romantic classics ‒ or you could join the crowds going long haul, heading further afield like New York or Sydney.
Multi-stop honeymoons are popular, too ‒ think a week in Thailand’s islands followed by a few days exploring Bangkok. Whatever you choose, check visa requirements and travel times, so you don’t spend half your romantic escape in transit.
Use planning tools and registries
You’ve got a lot on your plate with the wedding, so make life easier with online tools or providers that compare flights, hotels and packages in one place. Need help with itineraries? Turn to the robots ‒ 54% of UK travellers now feel confident using AI to plan their travel, according to Skyscanner.
Honeymoon registries are another brilliant tool in your arsenal. If you’d rather receive experiences than traditional gifts, guests can contribute to excursions or even your flights, making your dream trip more achievable. Plus, for guests, it feels more special than gifting a material object.
A honeymoon should ideally feel like the perfect start to your married life, not a logistical headache. Try to plan early and focus on what makes you both happiest. When you’re clinking glasses under the stars, you’ll know every bit of effort was worth it!
