Honeymoons

Planning checklist

6 months to one year ahead

Determine the type of honeymoon you and your future spouse want to go on and can afford. Talk about exotic and exciting destination. Narrow your list until you both agree on a on a romantic spot.

Once you both decide on a destination, start gathering as much information as you can on your choice. Search the Internet, call or write tourist bureaus, hit the library or public book stores. The more information you have on your destination the more you will be able to enjoy it when you arrive.

You will need a major credit card to reserve hotels and rental cars. If you do not have a credit card now is the time to get one. A word of warning. Credit cards can be very dangerous if you go over board with them. Only use the cards to reserve rooms and cars, try your best to pay with travelers checks while on your honeymoon.

Decide if you are going to use a travel agency to book your vacation. We highly recommend the use of a good travel agent. Not only can they take the worry out of planning your trip, but they can offer invaluable information regarding your choice of destination. They will also be able to help you find the best possible deal.

Reserve your airline tickets and hotel accommodations far in advance. By booking well ahead of time you will be in a good position to find the best deals.

After you make your reservation, follow up with a call, e-mail, or letter requesting confirmation on your reservations.

Three to six months ahead

If you haven't purchased your travel tickets yet you had better get going.

If you will be leaving the United States chances are you will be needing a passport. Now is the time to get all documents you will need when traveling outside of the country. Make sure you know all documentation you will need to enter a foreign country safely and legally.

If you will be visiting a foreign country, find out if you will need your inoculations. If you do, make sure you get your shots.

One month ahead

Make a list of everything you will need to take along with you on your trip. You will be updating and changing this list constantly.

Purchase what you will need for the trip. Luggage, alarm clocks, travel irons, clothes etc... Also, many countries outside of the U.S. have different electrical services. Make sure your electrical items such as hair dryers will work in that country. Special adapters can be purchased if needed.

It is always handy to have maps and phrase books for the area you are going. Now is the time to make those purchases.

If you are on any medication make sure you get refills so as not to run out on your trip. Take a couple days extra with just in case your trip is unexpectedly extended

Collect all of your confirmation info on your hotel, car rental, or travel plans. Make sure to have this information with you on your trip.

One Week Ahead

Purchase travelers checks. Know what to do if your checks are lost or stolen. Put emergency phone number listings in a safe place away from your traveler checks. Also take copies of your checks and passports. Leave one copy with friends or family.

Start packing your clothes and other items you will be taking with you. Don't forget sunscreen, prescriptions, and snacks.

Three days before leaving

Arrange to have a friend or family member pick up your mail or news papers, water your plants, and take care of your pets. Don't forget to leave a key to the house with them.

Continue to pack. Read over your checklists to make sure you have everything you will need.

One Day before your departure

Complete your packing, reconfirm all reservations.

The night before you leave turn off gas stoves, and outside water faucets. Make sure all lights in rooms not often used are off. Lock windows and secondary doors. If you have a timer connected to your lights make sure it is working properly.

Day of your departure

Make one final check to see if everything is packed. Check again to make sure lights are off and doors and windows are locked.

Make travel plans to get to the airport if needed.

Remember as you leave, this will be one of the most exciting and memorable experiences in your life. Enjoy it from the minute you walk out the door to the minute you come back home.