In the first article of our 2017 Honeymoon Planning series, Traveler's Joy editor Adam Warner reveals when to get started planning your honeymoon getaway and making those key reservations like hotel rooms and airplane tickets.
Don't Delay, Get Started Today
As a general rule of thumb, couples should begin booking their honeymoon accommodations and transportation at least 6-8 months in advance. This includes everything from hotel rooms to train tickets to plane tickets. For some destinations, it's even advised to start booking up to 12 months ahead of time.
Ideally, you'll want to start planning the honeymoon almost as soon as you start planning your wedding. If you do, the chances of something going wrong will be greatly reduced. Plus, you'll be able to relax knowing that you have done everything possible to make sure the trip goes off without a hitch.
What About Activities and Excursions?
Don't wait until the last minute to book that car rental, reserve that tee time, or sign up for that amazing snorkeling excursion. If you wait too long, excursions could end up being full, transportation prices will likely go up, and hotel rooms may be limited or even booked.
Also, be sure to not let last-second planning put you over your budget or prevent you from participating in amazing activities. Some of the most popular excursions or luxurious hotel accommodations at a destination may be booked a year in advance.
That said, plan out your entire trip as far ahead as you can and get those reservations set in stone. That way, you'll have your honeymoon just the way you want it.
See below for our timeline when it comes to planning out your trip:
Hotel - 9 months in advance
Airline - 6-9 months. Tip: Look for the best deals on flights during the middle of the week.
Cruise - 9 months
Car Rental - 6 months
Train Passes - 6-9 months. Book sooner rather than later if you're planning on taking any popular routes or luxury trains such as the Glacier Express or Venice Simplon-Orient Express.
Restaurants - It may depend on your dining destination. For instance, some hotspots may book months in advance like Alan Wong's in Honolulu. Meanwhile, other restaurants may have first-come first-serve policies. For peace of mind though, check the restaurant website about 3-6 months in advance and snag a reservation (if possible, of course).
Tours, Plays, & Excursions - 1-3 months.
In case you missed it:
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