The Only Checklist You Need for Planning a Honeymoon

Planning a honeymoon isn’t something you want to leave until the last minute. You wouldn’t wait until the week before your wedding to book a venue, so why risk scrambling for flights and resorts when prices are sky-high and options are limited? The best honeymoons don’t just happen—they’re planned with the right steps at the right time to lock in the best rates, rooms, and experiences.

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The problem? Most couples are so wrapped up in wedding planning that they push the honeymoon aside, thinking they’ll “figure it out later.” Then later comes, and suddenly flights are double the price, their top resort is booked, and they’re left with whatever’s available.

Avoiding that kind of stress is simple with a solid plan. Instead of guessing when to book what, this checklist breaks down the key steps to planning a honeymoon the right way—so you don’t end up overpaying, settling, or worse, skipping the honeymoon altogether. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Get on the Same Page About Your Honeymoon Vision

The earlier you start planning, the better—especially if you’re eyeing high-demand destinations like the Maldives, Hawaii, or Italy. Flights, resorts, and excursions book up fast, so waiting too long means paying more or missing out on the best spots.

First, decide on the overall vibe of your honeymoon. Do you want adventure, relaxation, culture, or a little bit of everything? Are you dreaming of a secluded overwater bungalow or a boutique hotel in the heart of a bustling city? Figuring this out now will save you from going down a million rabbit holes later.

At the same time, set a realistic budget. Be clear on what you’re willing to spend on flights, accommodations, meals, and activities. If you have no idea where to go, this is where a honeymoon travel specialist (🙋🏻‍♀️ me) can help match you with the perfect destination based on your vision and budget.

According to Brides.com, 75% of couples wish they had started planning their honeymoon earlier. Don’t let that be you.

Step 2: Book Flights, Accommodations, and Transfers

Now that you know where you’re going, it’s time to lock in the big stuff. Flights are often cheaper and have better seat selection when booked six to nine months in advance. The same goes for resorts—if you want a swim-up suite or a room with the best view, book it now. The best rooms are the first to go, and waiting means settling for whatever’s left.

Once your flights and accommodations are locked in, don’t forget about airport transfers. The last thing you want after a long flight is to be standing in line for an overpriced taxi or getting stuck on a slow shared shuttle. Pre-arrange a private transfer so you can just show up and relax.

Also, this is the time to book travel insurance. Flight delays, lost luggage, unexpected medical emergencies—these things happen, and without insurance, you’re the one footing the bill. A certified travel advisor (like me) can help you pick the right coverage so you’re protected.

And before you think you’re done, check your passport. It needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your return date, or some countries won’t let you in. If you need a visa, now’s the time to take care of it.

Pro Tip: If you want the stress-free version of honeymoon planning, let me handle these details—so all you have to do is show up.

Step 3: Plan Your Must-Do Activities and Excursions

This is where the fun begins! Start thinking about the experiences you want to enjoy together and book them ahead of time. The best excursions and dinner reservations fill up quickly, so don’t assume you can just wing it when you get there.

Look into things like sunset cruises, snorkeling, private tours, or cooking classes. You’ll also want a balance of downtime and exploration—if you pack in too many activities, you’ll come home exhausted instead of refreshed.

If you’re staying at a luxury resort, specialty restaurants often book out months in advance. Want a romantic beachfront dinner? Lock it in now.

Nothing kills the honeymoon vibe like wasting half your trip scrambling to book last-minute activities. Get it done early, and you’ll actually have time to enjoy the trip.

Step 4: Make Special Requests and Upgrades

If you want honeymoon perks like champagne waiting in your room, a private butler, or a surprise romantic gesture, now’s the time to request it. Some resorts offer complimentary honeymoon upgrades, but only if you ask. If you’re working with a travel specialist (like me), I’ll take care of this for you and make sure you get every honeymoon freebie available.

Step 5: Make Sure Your Payments Are Up to Date

By this point, your honeymoon should be fully booked, but check to see if you have any remaining balances. Many resorts and travel companies require final payments around this time, and you don’t want to risk losing your reservation because you forgot.

P.S., one of the perks of working with an agent is that you can get into a payment plan which might help ease the financial burden. You are paying for a wedding, so more expenses that loom over you are the last thing you need.

Step 6: Create a Packing List and Start Prepping

You don’t need to start packing yet, but you do need a solid list so you’re not forgetting key items. Think about what you’ll need for the climate, activities, and any dress codes for resort dinners. A few essentials to remember:

• Travel adapters and chargers
• Swimsuits and lightweight clothing for tropical destinations
• Comfortable shoes for excursions and walking tours
• Any special outfits for romantic dinners or events

If you’re traveling somewhere remote, check if you need anything specific, like reef-safe sunscreen or bug spray.

Step 7: Final Prepping

As your honeymoon gets closer, double-check that everything is in order so there are no last-minute surprises.

If you still haven’t checked your passport, do it now. If it expires within six months of your return date, ask your honeymoon travel advisor (🙋🏻‍♀️ me) about the entry requirements for your destination. Some countries are stricter than others.

Step 8: Confirm All Reservations and Print Documents

You’re almost there! Use this time to confirm that all your reservations—flights, accommodations, transfers, and excursions—are correct. As your honeymoon travel agent, I will do this for you, but it never hurts to review everything yourself.

Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member for peace of mind. If anything happens while you’re away, they’ll know where you’re supposed to be.

WiFi isn’t always reliable when you need it, so print out copies of your itinerary, hotel confirmations, and emergency contact numbers.

Step 9: Pack Smart and Avoid Last-Minute Chaos

Start packing a week before departure so you’re not frantically throwing things into a suitcase the night before. Rolling clothes saves space, and bringing a carry-on with essentials—like a change of clothes, toiletries, and important documents—can be a lifesaver if your luggage gets delayed.

Step 10: Relax and Enjoy Your Honeymoon

After all the planning and excitement, it’s finally time to go. Whether you’re sipping cocktails in Bora Bora or hiking the Amalfi Coast, this is your moment—so enjoy it.

And remember: No itinerary is more important than simply spending time together. Some of the best moments happen when you leave room for spontaneity.

Bonus Tip: Leave a little wiggle room in your plans. Some of the best experiences aren’t the ones you schedule—they’re the ones you stumble into.

Planning a Honeymoon? Skip the Stress and Let an Expert Handle It

Planning the perfect honeymoon doesn’t have to be a full-time job. Sure, you can take this checklist, spend hours researching, price-checking, and booking everything yourself—but why would you when you can just hand it off to someone who does this for a living? Your honeymoon should be stress-free from the start, not just when you land in paradise. If you’re ready to skip the hassle and lock in an unforgettable trip without the guesswork, let’s make it happen. Schedule a complimentary consultation, and I’ll take care of the details while you focus on enjoying the best part—actually going on your honeymoon.