If you got engaged last night, you better start working on your honeymoon today!
The world is booking up fast in 2023. OK, so I might be kidding just a bit about today, but post-Covid lots of folks are taking those once-in-a-lifetime trips now, not later. This has resulted in sold out hotels, crowded destinations, and increased pricing. Couples planning honeymoons need to start early to optimize your experience and to get the best pricing possible. This is especially true for LGBTQ+ couples who might need to do additional legwork to determine the safety and comfort of their desired destination.
Here are some things to think about when planning a honeymoon:
- Before you set your heart on a specific destination, make sure you understand how the weather and local festivals and/or holidays could affect the quality of your honeymoon. For example, if you want to honeymoon in the Caribbean in September, you need to be aware that hurricane season could affect which island you choose. Doing your research can help you have a more memorable honeymoon.
- Another important aspect of your honeymoon is the budget. In 2023, the price of travel – especially air travel – has significantly increased. Keep that in mind when determining the type of honeymoon you want, and what you’re willing to pay for it. For tighter budgets, pinpoint the non-negotiables and spend the money there. And while you never want your honeymoon to bankrupt you, this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so splurge a little! I have never had clients come home unhappy because their hotel room was too nice.
- If you find you are doing tons of research and getting overwhelmed, ask for help. When I got married in 2000 before I became a travel advisor, I had my heart set on a cruise but my spouse did not. He didn’t want to wear a tie, eat with strangers or be on a ship with tons of people. In June 2000, that was the only choice… or so we thought. Then I called a travel advisor and explained my dilemma. She described a cruise line with small sailing vessels a maximum of 300 guests, no set dinner hours or forced dinner companions, and no dress code. My husband was sold. We ended up on a spectacular cruise in the Mediterranean. If I had not found that travel advisor, I’m sure my honeymoon would not have been as memorable.
Planning a wedding is equally exhilarating and exhausting but keep everything in perspective. You’re not alone. There are great resources for LGBTQ+ couples out there on websites like Knot.com, EveryQueer, and EquallyWed. Think about what you really want, talk it out so you are on the same page, and try to enjoy the process. You’ll be creating unforgettable memories to reminisce about for years to come.
