Trip of a lifetime
There is a seemingly endless list of questions when planning a wedding - what kind of ceremony to have, how many guests to invite, what style and color dress to wear. Therefore, it is a wise groom who gets involved in the wedding plans.
While tradition states that it is the groom's responsibility to plan the honeymoon, many couples plan the trip together. No matter where you decide to go and what kind of budget you're on, planning your honeymoon in advance can save you not only money, but headaches as well.
Use this honeymoon checklist to help you plan the perfect getaway.
- Begin discussing possible destinations with your fiance.
- Draw up a honeymoon budget.
- Plan for vacations from work at the appropriate time.
- Consult a travel agent, or do it yourself through Internet research.
- Make hotel or resort reservations.
- Book your flight and be sure to save confirmation numbers.
- Arrange for a rental vehicle.
- Arrange for the proper documentation if honeymooning abroad.
- Purchase honeymoon attire.
- Arrange for the care of your pets while you'll be gone.
- Arrange for transportation from the airport to the hotel.
- Arrange with the post office to hold your mail while you're away, or ask someone to pick it up.
- Arrange for transportation to and from the airports.
- Pick up tickets, passports, etc.
- Pack.
- Leave numbers with relatives so you can be reached in an emergency.
- Get traveler's checks, if necessary.
- Change your voicemail messages at work.
- Tie up any loose ends.
In the midst of your pre-wedding whirlwind, it's too easy to leave the paperwork until the last minute. Don't. In some cases, it can take six weeks to get the necessary documentation.
If your destination is either the Caribbean, the U.S. Virgin Islands or Canada, you'll need an original birth certificate with a raised seal (not a copy) and a picture I.D., preferably a driver's license. If you don't have a driver's license, you must have a state or federally issued picture identification.
Other points abroad: You'll need a passport, which can take six weeks to obtain. Pick up an application at a post office and mail it in with two passport photos. If there is urgency, you can go to your regional passport office and get one much more quickly. (Visit this site for an office near you.) Again, you'll need an original birth certificate and a picture I.D.
