The Ultimate Honeymoon Planning Checklist

You’re about to embark on a new life journey! What better way to start things than with an epic honeymoon? We know it can be stressful wondering where to begin. With so much time and effort spent on wedding planning, our honeymoon planning checklist is an easy way to get things organized for the honeymoon too.

 

Honeymoon Planning Template

Whether it’s a honeymoon planning checklist printable, honeymoon planning templates, honeymoon planning websites, or honeymoon planning apps, there are many great resources out there to help make your planning experience easier.

Here are a few that can help:

 

Honeymoon Planning Websites

• TripCreator – This is an interactive travel planner that suggests itineraries based on personal preferences and allows you to customize everything online.
  
  
• My Honeymoon Planner – You’ll find almost everything you need here when it comes to planning a honeymoon.
  
  
• Honeymoons.com – This site features destinations and experiences to pique your interest. From beautiful destinations to all-inclusive trips, this is a place where you can discover your dream honeymoon.

 

Honeymoon Planning Templates

If you’re looking for a honeymoon planning checklist, these sites offer high quality options to work with:

• Etsy – Etsy has quite a few template options you can purchase. Some sellers offer a variety of templates you can use to create a customized honeymoon planner book.
  
  
• Honeymoon Always – In addition to great honeymoon planning advice, you can fill out this site’s travel style worksheet to help you figure out where you would most enjoy visiting.

 

Honeymoon Planning Apps

Let’s face it: we live in a mobile-driven world, so having an app to help plan your honeymoon may be the logical choice. Here are some of the most popular apps:

• Honeyfund Registry (IOS & Android) – This is where you list where you’re going so people can help fund your trip.
  
  
• TripIt (IOS & Android) – This app keeps things organized and puts your information into a daily itinerary.
  
  
• Viator (IOS & Android) – Looking for activities at your destination? Viator offers passes to attractions, VIP excursions, and more.
  
  
• Packing (IOS) – This app is like your own personal concierge that lets you make customized packing lists and check things off as you go to ensure you don't miss anything.

 

Use a Honeymoon Planning Timeline

Use this 12-month honeymoon planning timeline to help you stay on track. But when it comes to planning for a honeymoon, there is no one-size-fits-all formula. Adjust your timeline as needed.

 

12 Months

• Start considering the best honeymoon destinations for you and your partner.
  
  
• Decide on important logistics, like when to go on a honeymoon and how long your honeymoon should be.
  
  
• If you’re considering working with a travel agent, this is the time to research and talk to a few that appeal to you to decide on whether this is a good route to take.
  
  
• Create a savings plan.

 

8-10 Months

• Add your honeymoon registry to your wedding website. This will come in handy as you’re planning, because it gives your weddings guests an opportunity to contribute to the honeymoon of your dreams.
  
  
• (Optional) Select a travel agent.
  
  
• Research what to do at your top destination.
  
  
• Start working on a honeymoon budget.

 

6 Months

• Solidify where you’re going and start booking your accommodations and flights. The earlier the better. Last-minute trips usually cost the most unless there is a bargain-basement special.
  
  
• Review passport and visa requirements for international trips. Apply for all necessary travel documentation.
  
  
• Consider activities, restaurants, and all the other things you want to do on the trip and factor them into the budget. For example, if you’re planning a European honeymoon, make a list of museums, historic sites, parks, restaurants, shops, and more that you want to visit on your trip.

 

 

3 Months

• Start looking at any travel restrictions and requirements for your destination country. Some regions may require COVID tests or proof of certain vaccinations. It’s always good to start monitoring what’s going on early—especially if you’re going out of the country. Check these restrictions periodically leading up to your departure date.
  
  
• Research additional items you might need to purchase beyond just clothing, such as packable floaties and water shoes for a beach vacation. This can be especially important for more adventurous honeymoon trips.
  
  
• Take care of any medical needs. If you need shots or medicine, make an appointment to see your doctor with plenty of time left over.

 

1-2 Months

• Purchase tickets for activities and make any other necessary reservations.
  
  
• Make sure you have proper luggage and gear for your trip. Depending on where you’re going, what you are doing, and how long you’re traveling for, you may need to purchase proper luggage you don’t already have. If you are flying to your destination, don’t forget to review your airline’s luggage requirements.

See a carry-on luggage size chart for major airlines and a checked luggage size chart for major airlines.

• Start gathering toiletries. Sunscreen, toothpaste, and all the items you will take should have their own case ready to be packed. You can buy travel-sized items at the store or travel-sized bottles to pour your own products into. Not having to rush out and get something you’ve forgotten makes things so much easier.
  
  
• Solidify your wardrobe. This is the time to get all the bathing suits and trunks, sunglasses, hats, shoes, and anything else you’ll need.
  
  
• If you have pets, ensure you have a plan for their well-being while you’re gone, whether that means booking a kennel, hiring a pet sitter, or having a friend stay over. If you’re traveling over the holidays, you may need to book your pet’s stay with a kennel even sooner (often 3+ months in advance).
  
  
• Purchase travel insurance or travel medical insurance to ensure you are covered for unexpected medical emergencies or trip interruptions that can be covered by insurance. Learn why trip cancellation insurance may be worth it for you or how travel medical insurance could benefit you on your trip. Interested in the difference between travel insurance and travel medical insurance?

 

 

The Week of

• Check your travel documents.
  
  
• Finish packing your bags.
  
  
• Upgrade your phone plan to include international coverage.
  
  
• Make sure the house is secure. (Have the post office hold your mail or have a friend come by if it’s a longer trip.)
  
  
• Confirm all your travel arrangements (hotel, airline, etc.) and confirm reservations for your activities and restaurants.
  
  
• Check the weather reports.
  
  
• See if any travel restrictions have changed.

Sticking to this timeline can help you stay on track with your trip planning.

 

Download your honeymoon planning timeline.

 

Honeymoon Travel Agents

Now let’s talk about travel agents. You always have the option of contacting a honeymoon travel agent to help you with your trip-planning needs. The best honeymoon travel agents give you pointers on the best places to visit at certain times of year, the most economical options, and all the things you may have overlooked. They may also have access to exclusive discounts you couldn’t get elsewhere.

A travel agent also gives you the advantage of a more hands-off approach to planning if you don’t have the time. To find the right travel agent for your trip, ask around for recommendations or search top travel agencies to find someone to help you out.

 

Check out this Frommer’s article with four things to know when choosing a travel agent.

 

How to Plan a Honeymoon on a Budget

It can be tough figuring out how to plan a honeymoon (and how to plan a honeymoon on a budget) that checks your boxes. Many couples set a specific budget they are willing and able to spend, but things can go off the rails easily once the planning starts. 

Those who know their way around an Excel spreadsheet can create a honeymoon budget spreadsheet (or download a spreadsheet) to keep your focus and money on track. You can also check out these money-saving tips if you are wondering how to save money on honeymoon expenses:

• Book everything early. Booking your trip at the right time can end up saving you a lot of money. There are sites where you can set alerts to let you know when hotel and airline rates for your destination are lower.
  
  
• Compare all your options. Don’t settle for the first thing you see – shop around! Play with different dates to see if the costs will be lower.
  
  
• Create a registry. While many people think wedding registries are just for household items, honeymoon registries are gaining popularity – especially for couples who already live together.
  
  
• Start a savings fund. From the moment you decide you’re getting married, start stocking away money in a separate account.
  
  
• Travel during the off-season. Traveling when it’s popular can leave your pockets burning. The off-season at your destination can be perfect for you.

 

For even more tips for budget planning, check out our “How to Plan a Honeymoon on a Budget” page.