The tradition of the honeymoon can be dated back several centuries. Following the wedding ceremony, the happy couple were presented with a pair of bridal goblets and a supply of a fermented honey brew called ‘mead’. The tradition states that the couple would share the brew for a full lunar cycle, or ‘moon’, which lasted for approximately one month. It was thought that the delicate, yet volatile honey brew would bestow virility and fertility on the newly married couple. And so, the ‘honeymoon’ was born.
Well things have certainly changed since then. You can thank you lucky stars that the modern honeymoon is less about ‘making babies’ and more about a holiday involving sipping Pina Coladas by the pool with your new hubby!
After all the months of planning, your wedding will have come to an end and you’re certainly going to be ready for a well-deserved break. Make sure that during the process of organising your wedding that you also allow some time to carefully plan your honeymoon. It will be your first trip as a married couple, and you’re going to want to make the most of it.
Planning Your Honeymoon
It’s important that both you and your fiancé are on the same track when it comes to planning your honeymoon. His idea of a 3-week fishing trip whilst camping in the national park, may not sound as attractive to you as your thoughts of soaking up some rays by the pool in the Maldives!
In the months leading up to your wedding set aside some time to discuss your thoughts and ideas when it comes to your honeymoon. Try to be a little flexible and remember that your honeymoon is for both of you to spend time together and to have fun. In saying that however, it doesn’t mean that you can’t do separate activities while you’re away.
If his idea of a holiday involves adventure, whilst you’re more into relaxing and pampering, try to find a destination that involves both. A tropical island could be just the setting. Whilst he’s off jet skiing and parasailing for the day, why not take time out in the resorts day spa, or better still take your towel and umbrella down to the beach and relax while watching your husband enjoying himself out on the water.
There are so many destinations that involve an array of activities and adventure to suit everyone. From sailing in The Whitsundays, to trekking through Nepal, if you plan your honeymoon well you are sure to have a fantastic time and be left with many memories for years to come.
Have a chat when planning your destination and decide on what you want to see and experience including the style of accommodation and resort facilities, day trips, and the weather at that time of year. When you’ve agreed on a destination, it’s time to discuss whether it is within your budget.
Budgeting For Your Honeymoon
So finally you have both agreed on a 2-month Arctic adventure, taking happy snaps of polar bears in the wild. You can picture yourself waking to the sight of glaciers and penguins on parade, when you suddenly come across the travel magazine sitting on your coffee table. As you flick the pages, you’re still in a state of contentment as you imagine colonies of seals and icy blue waters, when quickly your thoughts are interrupted as you avert your eyes to the package deal in the travel magazine (apparently a special of the month). You rub your eyes in disbelief - no, that cannot be right!
As you collect your jaw from the floor, realising that the package deal doesn’t even include airfares, you now realise that the closest you’ll be getting to a polar bear on your honeymoon, will be at Sea world! It’s important that you be realistic and consider all costs that may be associated with your honeymoon. These may include:
Accommodation
Airfares
Allowances for currency exchange rates
Car hire
Food
Passports
Souvenirs
Spending money
Taxes and tipping
Tours and day trips
Travellers cheques
Visas
Add up all of your estimated costs in order to ascertain exactly what you can afford when budgeting for your honeymoon. A travel agent will be able to assist you in planning a honeymoon that suits your budget. They will also be able to offer you advice on destinations and ideas specifically suited to honeymooners. Many companies offer special honeymoon packages and rates, so make sure that you shop around for the best deals.
Be sure to book your airfares and accommodation as soon as possible to avoid missing out. The earlier that you book, the more likely that you will also be eligible for early bird discounts and special offers.
Top Honeymoon Destinations
If you’re stuck for ideas, and just don’t know where to go for your honeymoon, here are a few of the most popular honeymoon destinations for Australian brides:
Bali
Caribbean
Cooke Islands
Europe
Fiji
Great Barrier Reef
Hawaii
Langkawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Phuket
Tahiti
Vanuatu
Whitsunday Islands
And if camping in the great outdoors is more your style, then go for it! Don’t be limited to the romantic island getaway - there are even some great honeymoon 4WD packages. There is something to suit every couple and budget, so get planning and have fun!
Travelling Overseas
If you have both decided on an overseas adventure for your honeymoon, then there are some certain things that you should consider. First and foremost, you will need a passport. If you already have one, ensure that it will be valid for your dates of travel. If there is one piece of advice that we can offer, then it is this – ensure that you book your airline ticket in the name that is listed on your passport.
Passports and Visas
Don’t get too excited, and book your airline ticket in your married name, knowing that when you arrive at the airport you will now be Mrs Smith! This will only lead to despair when you go the check in counter and you are rejected. This will be due to the fact that your passport will be in you maiden name, and will not match your airline ticket if you have booked it under your married name. Always book you airline ticket in your maiden name, as it is unlikely that you will have time to change your passport details prior to departing for your honeymoon.
If you do not have a passport, then apply for one as soon as possible. You will need to apply for this in your maiden name as you can only change to your married name once officially married and have the supporting documentation.
To apply for a passport you will need to complete an official application form. This needs to be accompanied by certified photos and documentation such as a birth certificate. Passports may be lodged at some post offices and at the Australian Passport Office. You should check as to whether an appointment is required. A passport usually takes approximately 10 days to process, however it’s a good idea to allow plenty of time for your passport in case there are any delays in the application process.
You may also require a Visa for the country that you are travelling to. Be sure to check well in advance as to whether a Visa is required as they may take several weeks to process.
Health Matters
Another aspect to consider is whether you will require any immunisations or medication prior to travelling. African, Asian and various other exotic countries are examples of where you may require immunisations or medications for diseases such as Malaria, Typhoid and Hepatitis.
Check with your local doctor or travel clinic well in advance as to whether you are required to be immunised or commence medication in preparation for your honeymoon.
Be Organised
If travelling overseas ensure that you purchase or borrow a travel guide or book, specific to that country. These books offer an abundance of information on local culture, language, places of interest and other handy points of reference. Do not travel without one.
Remember to pack an electrical plug adapter relevant to the country that you are travelling to as their electrical outlet points are more than likely going to be different to those here in Australia. This will ensure that you can use your hairdryer and breathe a sigh of relief that you’re not going to have a bad hair day on your honeymoon!
Arrange some traveller’s cheques and local currency before you travel, so that you will have some money on hand when you arrive at your honeymoon destination.
Ensure that you purchase travel insurance that adequately covers the cost of your luggage and personal effects, medical expenses as well as your flights and accommodation. Do not travel without insurance.
Make at least three copies of your flight information and tickets, passports, visas, insurance policy, traveller’s cheques and any other documentation. Keep on you at all times, a spare with your luggage and one with a friend or relative back home. This way you will be able to access all of your travel information if you misplace it or it is stolen. Another good idea is to send this information to your email address. This way, you will be able to access it at any Internet café. Just be aware that the Internet is not always a secure place to store information.
What To Pack
There is one main piece of advice when considering what to pack, and that is to pack lightly. Although it may be tempting to pack your whole wardrobe, keep in mind that you will have to cart your suitcase around, and if you are travelling overseas this could potentially be a major hassle.
Consider how long you will be travelling for, the weather and the fact that you will probably want to purchase souvenirs and possibly clothing while you are away.
Pack items that may be mixed and matched with others and ones that may be dressed up or down simply with the addition of accessories. You’ll thank yourself for it later when you don’t have to haul your heavy bags around from hotel to the airport (especially if you’re staying at more than one location). The list below will give you an idea of what you may want to pack.
Clothing:
Bathing suit
Beach towel
Clothing for during the day (appropriate for the climate)
Clothing for the evening (appropriate for the climate)
Hat
Jewellery/accessories
Sarong/beach attire
Shoes (everyday, walking, beach, evening)
Sleepwear
Underwear
Work out gear
Medical:
Bug repellent
Contraception
Fake Tan
Hair dyer/straightener (although many hotels supply these)
Hair ties
Lip balm
Mini first aid kit (especially if travelling overseas) containing:
Anti-diarrhoeal medication
Antiseptic cream
Bandaids / bandages
Pain relief medication such as paracetamol
Travel sickness medication
Moisturiser
Prescription medication in their original packaging (official documentation may be required in some countries – always check before travelling as to whether there are any restrictions on medications)
Shaving gear
Sunscreen
Tissues
Toiletries
Tweezers
Wet wipes (great for on the plane and if travelling to a hot or humid climate)
Copies of all relevant travel papers (Passport, visas, insurance, travellers cheques, flights and accommodation bookings etc)
Copy of itinerary
Copy of vaccination certificate and any relevant medical records
Emergency phone numbers (family and friends, embassy details, airlines etc)
Photo ID
Other:
Camera, film, batteries and charger
Cash
Luggage locks
Mobile phone and charger (and phone cards if necessary)
Reading material
Sports gear (snorkel, flippers etc)
Sunglasses
Travel diary
Travel guide/maps
Video camera and charger
Other Handy Tips
A few more of these handy tips listed below may assist you in planning and enjoying your honeymoon to the fullest.
Ensure that when make any travel arrangements to mention that it is for your honeymoon. Many companies will offer honeymoon packages, bonuses or discounts for newlyweds.
You may wish to leave your engagement and wedding ring at home. The thought of losing your new accessory while on an adventure is not a pleasant one. Many couples will share stories of where they lost their wedding rings whilst on their honeymoon. My friends’ husbands’ wedding ring is currently located at the bottom of The Great Barrier Reef! You can always purchase a cubic zirconia for your holiday - at least it’s replaceable!
Ensure that you shop around when planning your honeymoon. There are many different packages to suit everyone and their budgets. Don’t book the first thing that is offered to you. Many travel agencies and alike will match or even better other companies deals.
Gain expert advice from a travel consultant. Ensure that you discuss your honeymoon with an experienced professional who will be able to assist you when planning your honeymoon. A travel consultant will be able to advise you of various options and activities in relation to your honeymoon, and may be aware of honeymoon ideas that aren’t in the brochures.
Although it’s your choice, it may be worth avoiding booking your honeymoon the day after your wedding. Chances are that you will be exhausted and will need a day or two winding down from your big day before jet setting away on your holiday. Spend the day after your wedding relaxing with your husband perhaps dining out for lunch, or a quiet picnic. You can also spend time opening your presents together. It’s best to leave the travelling for at least 2 or 3 days after in order to allow you sufficient time to pack and not have to worry about rushing to the airport.
Confirm all flights and reservations at least 24-48 hours in advance.
If you are travelling for an extended period, ensure that you arrange for any bills to be paid, garden to be watered, mail to be collected (or re-directed) and pets to be cared for at least a month or two before travelling.
If you’re not a ‘good’ traveller and cannot stand the thought of long flights and several transfers, avoid a destination that involves these. Opt for a destination that involves a direct flight and a single transfer from the airport to the resort door!
Ensure that you receive all booking confirmations in writing (whether it be for flights, accommodation or day trips). Keep these documents handy and ensure that you always read the fine print.
Most importantly, remember that your honeymoon is about sharing time together as a married couple. Leave behind all the stress, enjoy the romance and most of all, have fun!
