How do I plan the honeymoon?

This is a special, romantic getaway you'll both remember for the rest of your life... you'll need good planning to make it a success.

Yeah, we know this is the most difficult part of the whole thing. You're being forced to take a nice, long vacation with the woman you love at some romantic destination.

Seriously, it can be difficult to narrow down your options and settle on one perfect spot. First, you need to consider your and your bride's interests and how you want to enjoy your honeymoon. If you enjoy museums and historical locations, consider visiting London or Paris. If you want to get a great tan and engage in water sports, go to the Caribbean or an exotic resort location.

Once you decide what you want to do, it will be easier to decide where you want to go. But remember, it doesn't have to be expensive or exotic for it to be fun ... as long as it's the two of you, it will be a special way to start your new life together.

Here's a simple timeline to help plan your honeymoon:

At least six months in advance:

• Set a budget and a spending limit for all your expenses.

• Decide upon a destination option. Talk to a travel agent, friends, family or scout the Internet for ideas.

• Book airline tickets and get your confirmation number.

• Reserve hotels and room type (smoking, beachfront, etc.).

• Book a rental car and get a confirmation number.

• If you're going overseas, consider taking language classes or buying instructional tapes.

Four months in advance:

• Get passports and any required visas.

• Finalize your reservations.

Two months ahead:

• Prepare a shopping list of everything you need for the trip (sunscreen, film, clothes, etc.)

• If necessary, get vaccinations.

One month:

• Confirm all reservations.

• If you have special meal requirements, speak with the airline.

• Book dinners, massages, tours, theater tickets or other activities that need reservations through your concierge, travel agent or tour operator.

• Make house/pet/plant-sitting arrangements for while you're gone.

• Be sure to refill prescriptions or medications you'll need.

Two weeks:

• Get your tickets, vouchers, passes, etc. from your travel agent.

• Purchase traveler's checks and keep a safe copy of the numbers (not in the same place where the cheques are stored) in case they are lost or stolen.

One week:

• Make arrangements for your mail to be held or have someone get it while you're gone.

• Cancel newspaper delivery for the length of your trip.

• Request stores where you're registered to temporarily stop delivering gifts or ask someone to collect them.

• Start packing.

• Get your addresses organized so you can write thank-you notes on the plane.

Three days before:

• Reconfirm overseas flights.

• Purchase books and magazines.

• Arrange for transportation to and from the airport.

• Prepare an itinerary for friends and relatives in the event of an emergency.

• Keep an eye on the weather reports for your destination.

Two days before:

• Reconfirm domestic flights.

• Make sure your house is in order before you leave (take out the trash, adjust the thermostat, set timers on lights, etc.).

So get your luggage out of the closet, buy some new clothes and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. Enjoy your honeymoon!

 

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