Honeymoon Planning Checklist

After the whirlwind of wedding planning and the joy and excitement of the big day comes the honeymoon! Ah…a time for you and your new husband to relax and recuperate! Believe me, you’ll need it! My husband and I were married last June, and after the 22 months it took for us to save for and plan our wedding day, the week we spent in Aruba for our honeymoon was much needed and not nearly long enough! Deciding where to go is only the first step when it comes to planning a perfect honeymoon. Here are some other things to keep in mind:

1. Check to see if you’ll need a passport. The rules have recently changed. Now anyone traveling to the Caribbean or Canada will need a passport. If you’ll need one, apply as soon as possible to avoid rush fees and insure you get it in time. You’ll can download an application from the U.S. State Department website. Fill it out, get two passport photos taken and go to your local post office for processing. The State Department site will also allow you to track your application and tell you when you can expect your passport to arrive

.2. Do your homework. Check out sites like TripAdvisor to get the lowdown on the hotel you’ll be staying at. TA users provide detailed and brutally honest reviews of hotels and resorts. Find out before you go to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

3. Check the latest travel advisories. Aside from providing passport applications and information, the State Department also provides travel advisories. These advisories warn travelers of areas to avoid. For example, travel to Venezuela is not advised due to strong anti-American sentiment and widespread crime. For example:

Violence Along The U.S.-Mexico Border
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Violent criminal activity fueled by a war between criminal organizations struggling for control of the lucrative narcotics trade continues along the U.S.-Mexico border. Attacks are aimed primarily at members of drug trafficking organizations, Mexican police forces, criminal justice officials, and journalists. However, foreign visitors and residents, including Americans, have been among the victims of homicides and kidnappings in the border region. In its effort to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens are urged to cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

4. See your doctor. If you’re headed to an exotic location or prone to motion sickness or traveler’s diarrhea, check with your doctor for any immunizations you may need, such as those for malaria. Your doctor can also provide you with prescriptions for antibiotics (a lifesaver if you’re prone to UTI’s-they call it Honeymoon Cystitis for a reason!), and meds to soothe motion sickness and Montezuma’s Revenge. While you’re at it be sure to get such essentials such as birth control pills refilled as well.

5. Check with the TSA. Airport security measures are always being updated. If you’re flying to your honeymoon, check with the TSA website to make sure you’re up to date on their requirements.

6. Relax! Above all, relax and enjoy this time in your life. You’re sure to make unforgettable memories no matter where you go!