8 Steps To A Perfect Honeymoon

The wedding is only half the fun. It’s the honeymoon that promises a more intimate time. To ensure a glitch-free ride into the sunset, follow our guide to a truly romantic honeymoon.

1. Paradise For Two
Where you choose to honeymoon is a matter of your inclinations and preferences. If you both love diving, you can book yourselves to the ultimate divers’ paradise in Maldives. But the main idea is to have a romantic time together to grow closer to each other. That means going for something that offers you privacy for mutual exploration. If you’re going to Bali, a quiet villa in Ubud would be better than the bustling Kuta area. If you fear you might be bored with each other for this short time, why are you getting married?

2 Net It Out
If you’re not using a travel agent, use the ’Net to suss out honeymoon spots. You can click your way to information to help you plan your honeymoon to the last detail, from accommodation to spa treats, to the most scenic dining spots and breathtaking vistas from which to shout “I love you!”. It’s also a good place to learn more about the place so you can prepare yourselves for it. Er, just be sure to get broad band to avoid an astronomical bill from all that web-surfing.

3. Great Timing
When booking your flights, take note of the arrival time so that it coincides with your hotel check in time. This will make things easier. If this is not possible, make arrangements with the hotel to stow your luggage until check-in time so you can still move around without lugging your bags.

4. Safe Keeping
Once you’ve booked up, be sure to keep your tickets, visas and hotel confirmation slips where you won’t forget. Get a travel wallet where passports, tickets, booking details and foreign currency can be stowed neatly. If you know you are a Miss Forgetful, get a reliable person to be in charge of it along with your luggage and get it over to you when required. Speaking of passports, be sure yours are valid for at least six months.

5. Plan Your Wardrobe
Now that you’ve identified where you’re going, you can plan your wardrobe. For sure, you want to look your sexiest, plus you also want to look good in your photos. You can pick out suitable things while you’re out shopping for your wedding items. No need to put them into the luggage too early if they’re going to get wrinkled. Just stash them in one area of your room and pack them in just before the wedding.

6. Be Cash Smart
Make your money arrangements according to where you’re going. Established cities like Paris, San Francisco and Melbourne should pose no problems since you can charge most anything to your credit card and not have to worry about carrying sums of cash with you. You’ll, however, need to be prepared for off-thebeaten- track places where shops may not be equipped with credit card facilities. In case you need to exchange for cash while you’re there, the best rates are usually found at the banks. If it happens to be a weekend and the banks are closed, go to an authorised money changer. Beware of unauthorised dealers, say in Bali, where changing a US$50 bill will mean stacks and stacks of Rupiah, and you may find yourself shortchanged. Those guys are so quick, even the most careful will get caught. Exchange money at hotels only if you need, as they may charge a service fee for it.

7. Little Touches
Unlike other holidays you may have taken together, make this one truly special by taking the effort to create a romantic setting for yourselves. Check with the hotel you’ve booked. Some will do little extras to make your stay more memorable. If not, you can always pack in some nice massage oil – hand carry this or buy it over there to avoid the chances of it spilling out into your luggage and ruining everything inside – to pamper him with. Alternatively, you can book into a couple treat at a spa, or bring some romantic music CDs and scented candles to sweeten things up.

8. Remember Your Loved Ones
Yes, a honeymoon is a special time for the two of you. But don’t forget that you’ll be coming back to people who care a great deal about you too. Bring along your address book so you can send them postcards. Use it as a name list for getting little gifts. Avoid made-fortourists things that are of no use to anyone. Instead look for pretty functional items that still fit your budget.