All the “Musts” for Honeymoon Packing and Planning

 Any time you plan a trip there are very important thing to remember as you prepare to leave. A honeymoon is no different, unless you want to consider the added stress of planning the wedding, getting ready for the wedding, going to the wedding, and remembering all the other things that go along with the pre-honeymoon phase. Here are some tips of things to do and remember when planning and packing for your honeymoon so that you can relax and enjoy a stress free departure from your wedding.

No matter where your destination is for your honeymoon, there are some staple things that apply to all planning. First off create a honeymoon folder (some people would prefer to get a zipping planner or multi-pocket wallet that also will allow a place for cash, ID cards, and credit cards). Print all travel confirmation and agenda information and put it in the folder. Put the folder somewhere you can leave it until right before leaving for the honeymoon. Ideally, you will have all this done a week or more before the wedding. Ideas of where to put them include, the car you plan to leave in for the honeymoon, a suitcase you will be taking (put it in an outside pocket so it is easily accessible and can be removed before items are check at the airport), in a bag that will remain on you during travel (especially if flying). I have had friends purchase one brightly colored closeable bag that they use for all the most important wedding related “things” such as marriage license, rings, honeymoon travel documents, passports, etc. Also, create a list of the phone numbers where you can be contacted in case there is an emergency and give to one or two individuals you trust to utilize discretion in contacting you. Also, consider leaving your house and an extra set of car keys behind with someone. If you were to loose them on the trip it would make for a very stressful honeymoon. 

As far as items you should pack, consider taking a small umbrella. Hand sanitizers are also nice items to have for travel. A scarf can come in handy even if you are headed for a warm destination. The plane or airport may be chilly where you depart from or who knows, there could be a chilly breeze on a night when you want to have dinner outside or take a walk on the beach.  In today’s culture almost everyone has a cell phone, however; sometimes a phone plan doesn’t include calls you might need to make while away. In this case, a phone card with minimal minutes is a great option and very inexpensive. Never assume you won’t want to call home…it may not always be to chit chat.

Other items that can be costly to purchase in unfamiliar areas if you forget them are sunglasses, sunblock, and a camera. These are great to pack because they will be needed whether you are going where there will be snow or to the beach. Bandaids are good must have items. As women, we often pack the newest and cutest pair of shoes we own which can lead to many blisters from short amounts of walking. Even if you take walking shoes, climate differences and longer than expected distances may leave you with blisters that can prevent enjoyment of remaining sight seeing days.

Lastly, if you planned the honeymoon yourself and it isn’t a package deal you might consider getting a local guide. Even if your trip is relatively planned out you may find yourself wanting to venture off one evening to visit a trendy bistro. You can order these guides on-line. A great place to go is zagat.com.

If you still aren’t sure you have everything you need ask your travel agent or a contact at the site where you will be staying for additional suggestions. This should be the best vacation of your life so don’t let a lack of preparation interrupt your joy!