The perfect honeymoon
Your honeymoon is a great way to unwind after the wedding, and spend some relaxing and romantic time together. Follow these steps to ensure you have the best holiday to kick-start married life . . .
perfect planning
Decide together on the style of honeymoon you’d like, perhaps taking inspiration from your shared interests. Are you a pair of adventure-seekers? Prefer relaxing on the beach? Or keen to experience a new culture?
Think about the season and climate when choosing your destination and dates of travel. For example, it’s best to visit the Pacific Islands during the New Zealand winter – from May to October – when the weather is drier and more settled.
If your budget is limited, consider all-inclusive packages, travelling in the off-season, destinations where the Kiwi dollar goes further, enjoying your honeymoon at a beautiful spot in New Zealand, or having a contribution to your honeymoon as a gift option for your guests.
Pay for wedding expenses with a credit card that earns you air miles – it may even cover your flights!
Do your research. Chat to people who have been there, enlist the help of a travel agent to source the best deals, and visit independent websites with reviews and photos from real travellers, such as tripadvisor.com.
Check your passports are valid, have at least six months before they expire, and are under the same name in which you book your air tickets!
safety first
Take out travel insurance to protect against travel delays,
lost luggage and medical emergencies, which can be very expensive in some countries. Check it covers your new finger bling!Have a major credit card available to reduce the amount of cash you carry, and to provide emergency funds if you need them.
Pack a first-aid kit. Depending on your destination and the season, you may need to include: hand sanitiser; sunscreen; insect repellent; antihistamine; medication for motion sickness; plasters; pain relievers; cold remedies; anti-diarrhoea tablets. Carry all medications in their original packaging to avoid delays at customs, and don’t pack any liquids (including sunscreens) in your hand luggage.
Be sure to take a list of emergency contacts with you and leave your hotel details and itinerary with family.
romance abroad
Make sure your airline and hotel know you are on honeymoon – you may be lucky and get an upgrade or extra goodies such as bubbly and chocolates.
Pack little luxuries that will make your holiday super romantic: your favourite music, massage oils, scented candles, bubble bath etc.
Remember to get photographs of yourselves together!
Turn off your phones and schedule time to do nothing at all. If you do plan to use your phone while you’re away – to check emails, send text messages or use the internet – be sure to check the roaming costs with your provider before leaving so you don’t return home to any nasty surprises.
Plan a surprise for your spouse. You could treat your beer-loving guy to a brewery tour, or spoil your girl with a private dinner on the beach or a couples’ massage.
For a memorable end to your honeymoon, save something special for the last night – maybe a moonlit cruise, a special dinner, or the night in a five-star hotel.