The Honeymoon

As the weather turns colder here in Chicago, I cannot help but start to think about that one aspect of your wedding that makes these months of planning all worth it. The Honeymoon. Many couples explore many different options when planning their romantic getaway. Our decision is base around a few simple guidelines. If you are planning a fall honeymoon, as we are, you may want to keep a few of these in mind.

• We just want to relax, after 21 months of planning, all we want to do is sit on a beach, and soak up the sun. Tropical it is.
  
• We are already planning to take a substantial amount of time off to prepare the week before the wedding, leaving us with about a week for our honeymoon. We want to make the most of it without spending hours on a plane. South of the border we go.
  
• Hurricane season: July through November. The majority of hurricanes hit the central to northern Caribbean islands. With the seemingly increasing amount of hurricane activity in the fall, we have cut out this area all together, and focus on western Mexico and the Baja Peninsula. Better to play it safe, you have enough to worry about already.


• Direct flights. We all know the hassle that connecting flights can be. After your wedding, you may want to consider splurging for direct flights or picking a destination that has an international airport. This will cut down your travel time substantially, giving you less of a headache, and more time to enjoy your honeymoon.


• All inclusive is the way to go if you just want to relax. Find a resort that offers all of your meals and beverages. You can plan a few extras fun activities once you have your vacation booked, but this will take the stress off of planning every single aspect of your trip.


• Start looking for airfare, and accommodations now, but don’t commit to anything right away. Once you have chosen a destination and resort, monitor the rates over the next few months. You will ideally want to have something booked at least 4 months in advance.


• Splurge, It is your honeymoon! Upgrade your suite, get massages, facials, pedicures. After all the stress of planning, this is your time to relax with your new husband.


• Make sure that your passports will be valid at the time of your honeymoon if you are choosing to go international.