Honeymoon Planning Guide: Plan the Perfect Trip

Choosing a destination, setting a budget, and building a honeymoon that actually feels like a honeymoon

A honeymoon carries more pressure than almost any other trip we plan — it is often the first vacation a couple takes together as spouses, and expectations run high. The good news is that a great honeymoon rarely comes down to picking the "best" destination; it comes down to matching the trip to how the two of you actually want to spend the week. Here is the process we walk every couple through.

Step 1: Decide One Destination or Multiple Stops

A single, slow destination — an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora, an all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya — suits couples who want to unwind completely. A multi-stop itinerary or a cruise suits couples who want to see more in one trip without the fatigue of planning multiple hotel stays.

Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget

Honeymoon budgets vary enormously, but most couples spend more on a honeymoon than any other trip they have taken — decide on a number early, and remember many resorts and cruise lines offer honeymoon package amenities (room upgrades, champagne, private dinners) at little or no added cost when booked through a preferred travel partner.

Step 3: Choose the Right Format

Step 4: Book at the Right Time

Book 6–9 months ahead for the widest selection of honeymoon suites and package amenities, especially for peak wedding season travel dates (late spring through fall). Waiting until closer to the date limits both room category and available upgrades.

Step 5: Build in Romantic Touches

Step 6: Handle the Logistics Early

Confirm passport validity for both travelers well before the wedding, since name changes on travel documents can take time to process. Purchase travel insurance within 14–21 days of booking to protect the trip in case wedding-related delays affect travel dates.