Wedding Series: Honeymoon Checklist plus tips!

Welcome brides to the early bird special... haha. I call it the early bird because the wedding isn't even half planned and I am already onto the honeymoon. I will shamelessly admit that it is way more exciting than the wedding itself.

There are practically thousands of checklists and honeymoon tips on the internet. But here is my version :)

Firstly, you gotta consider the weather and the location. Most honeymooners aim to race off to that balmy beach resort with lots of sun. Others want to go places where there is history and architecture. It depends on what kind of traveler you are. I am probably one of the most boring brides ever in terms of picking an exciting place. I don't like water. I don't like heights. I don't like anything risky or too adventurous. I like looking at water and being in it where I can easily play around without the fear of drowning (because I can't swim!) I can be at a height (hiking or up an elevator) but mid-air on a hot air balloon? I don't think so. My goal is to step out of my comfort zone and at least try one thing that I find risky. My fiancee is the exact opposite. He wants to go snorkeling, para-sailing, motor-boating, surfboarding and everything one can possibly have on an activity list. I want relaxing massages and bubble baths with a good bottle of wine. Opposites totally attract, don't they?

Before I blab on any further... let's get back to picking a location. Most likely, we'll be somewhere in the Pacific. So, I've packed accordingly. But you definitely want to check average temperatures for the location you're going to in the month you plan to go. For example, I checked Tahiti weather in January and there have been rainfalls in that month. So, it is imperative to watch out for tropical downpours. Definitely carry a cardigan or 2 and an umbrella!

But mostly... the weather stays clear and sunny which means you'll be wearing very little. I packed according to a 7 days-6 nights trip. Before you pack anything, figure out what the hotel might provide you. You'll be able to check that on the hotel's website under their room details. If not, you can always call. That way you avoid duplicates and save space. You don't have to take towels and toiletries because they are mostly provided.

Depending on what kind of meal plan you booked for your honeymoon, you need to be prepared. If it is all inclusive - that's awesome! If only breakfast is provided, you'll be purchasing your meals at local restaurants etc. But don't forget that you will spend some time at the hotel too. Unless you want to buy your snacks at your honeymoon location, you can pack tiny snacks for the hotel room - for times you just want to munch on something.

Now this tip may seem insignificant to some - but for those who are going for strenuous physical activities... some activities require taking off your jewelry. This means your engagement ring. If you have a locker at the hotel, make sure to bring something to store them at the hotel. And I know you don't want to take it off for anything, but it's better to leave it behind than to have it lost or stolen, IF you are planning for a lot of activities. That won't be me :D

An important tip for the bride and groom - hotels will allow you to arrange for romantic surprises ahead of time. You or your travel agent (depends on your booking method) can order flowers, chocolate dipped strawberries or chilled bottles of champagne to be waiting for your arrival. For most of the Tahiti packages I saw online, these things are complimentary if you end up booking a romantic honeymoon package. They also have great complimentary romantic dinners on the beach for two set up by the hotel staff. Some have paid-for add ons where they arrange a romantic picnic on the beach for the couple and deliver a gourmet meal and champagne. So, prepare for any romantic gestures for your honeymoon (i.e. call the hotel to see if they can put together something for you - a romantic bubble bath & champagne etc.) Also, don't forget to take your favorite chocolates with you!

Another great travel tip is to take a copy of your marriage license. Why, you ask? Because a lot of hotels have specials for honeymooners. But they require to see your marriage certificate to confirm the deals. That way you don't have to pay extra for special gestures (as some are complimentary!) This might sound a little silly but tell everyone you meet that you're honeymooners from the airline check-in, plane staff, resort check-in, concierge, restaurant staff etc. This will get you the luxury treatment on your honeymoon! Nice people will want to make it special for you and always have suggestions that you might not have thought of :)

It is important to remember that honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pull out all the stops. I mean sure, you can go on a 100 honeymoons throughout your life but your first is like no other. So, if you want to splurge on some luxury and can afford to - DO IT! I've always wanted a private helicopter tour and a couple's massage!

Being the control freak that I am... this tip is perhaps the most important. Refrain from over-planning your honeymoon. Just go with the flow. I know we want it to be perfect but let's not over-do the planning. Cut down the stress and enjoy each and every moment that you spend there. Don't try to cover 50 activities in 5 days. Give time to each other before you get busy in your daily lives!

This one is kind of important too - empty out your wallet before you go. I mean, leave behind all the IDs that you don't need. Take out extra credit cards that you will not use. In case, you lose your wallet - you don't wanna lose everything. Take the most important stuff! And don't forget to take the country's currency you are travelling to (dumb proof!)

TRAVEL INSURANCE! You MUST purchase it. No other comments.

Look out for hidden costs if you are booking online. Most of them will charge you tax later at the hotel and not include it in the online price. And some other crazy gimmicks. It is better to book through a travel agent. But if you are looking for something on a budget, make sure to book through a trusted source online and do lots and lots of research! It is also worthwhile to look for fine print details. Sometimes, all-inclusive plans do not include drinks (meaning soda or liquor!) On some websites I checked, it says all meals included plus alcoholic beverages. If you are planning to enjoy alcohol on your honeymoon, make sure it is somewhere on your plan unless you wanna pay for each drink!

Those are all the tips I have! If I forgot something, you can let me know in a comment below :) I can definitely use advice from our honeymoon pros!

Now onto the packing... this is my personal checklist for a 7 days-6 nights holiday.

Important Documents + Must Haves

• Airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
• Passports/Visa
• Driver's License or other ID
• Hotel Reservations
• Travel Details (Air-taxi etc.)
• Two sets of photocopies of all the above (just in case they are lost!)
• Medical/Travel Insurance
• Prescription Medicines (Advil, Gravol, PeptoBismol etc.)
• Travel Locks
• ID Tags for luggage
• Camera + SD Card + Charger
• Phone + Charger
• Sunglasses
• Lots of sunscreen (body and face!)

The Bride

• 6 Sundresses (I know I am taking way too much but that's just me!)
• 1 formal dress (just in case you want to dine somewhere fancy!)
• 1 Pair of shorts
• 1 Light jacket or pullover
• 1 Jumpsuit/Romper
• Pair of tights (just in case for a colder day!)
• 2 Tank tops/Half-sleeved tops 
• 2 Swimsuits
• 1 Swimsuit cover-up
• Beach hat
• 1 Pair of walking shoes/sandals
• 1 Pair of evening shoes/heels
• Lingerie (the most important!)
• Bras & Panties (8 each) 
• 1 Pair of flip-flops/slippers
• 1 Handbag 
• Socks (just in case!)
• Accessories

Groom

• A pair of jeans
• 1 Light Jacket
• 3 Pairs of Shorts
• 5 Polo or button-down short-sleeve shirts
• 2 Swimming shorts
• 1 Pair of walking shoes
• Extra socks and underwear
• 1 Dress shirt with dress pants (just in case you want to dine somewhere fancy!)

Optional

• Insect repellent
• Anti-itch cream for bugs that break through
• Band-Aids
• Tampon/pads (although hotels have them!)
• Electrical converter/adapter

Toiletries + Other Basics

• Toothbrush + Toothpaste + Hair Dryer (the hotel should have it!) * 
• Deodorant/Perfume/Body Spray
• Makeup
• Hair spray/gel
• Comb/hairbrush
• Nail clippers/polish
• Shaving cream + razor (the hotel should have it!) *
• Shampoo + Conditioner + Lotion (the hotel should have it!) *
• Facial Cleanser 
• Hair clips + ties

Extras

• Inhaler
• Snacks of your choice
• Birth Control (Condoms + Pills + anything else that floats your boat!)
• Massage Oil/Bubble Bath

Also, don't forget to check your packing list before you lock all your suitcases. Double-checking never hurts. You don't wanna spend extra money for something you could have brought with you. Arrive at the airport early. Take pictures. And have lots and lots and lots of fun. That's all that matters. This is YOUR time! 

Ladies, have all your necessary beauty treatments and waxing done at least TWO days in advance of your flight. And have a great trip! I hope this helped some of you planning your honeymoon :) 

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