A well-deserved break for you and your loved one to enjoy each other’s company after the stress of the big day will definitely be needed, but with so many destinations and types of holiday to choose from where do you start?
How to Start Planning your Honeymoon
After spending months (or years, even) planning the wedding, discussing colour schemes and stopping a drunken brawl between relatives or friends after one too many glasses of Pimm’s, the last thing you want to be doing is planning the honeymoon.
With this in mind, the earlier you start planning the better and for those of you holding off for a last-minute deal at the local travel agent, many companies now offer discounts for booking early! So, where should you start?
The first thing you should do is discuss how long you would like to honeymoon for, and check that work or life commitments fit with this. Traditionally newlyweds choose to honeymoon shortly after tying the knot, but this doesn’t always have to be the case and depending on your commitments, or the type of holiday you are planning, your honeymoon may have to wait a couple of months.
If this is the case, it may be worth considering a honeymoon weekend shortly after the ceremony, to Europe perhaps, if your budget allows.
Next is budget. Probably the most gruelling part of honeymoon planning, but without a set budget you and your partner could be left disappointed if you are unable to afford the dream honeymoon you’ve been researching.
The key to setting a budget is to be realistic about the amount of money you will have to spend on the honeymoon, and remember you have just paid for a wedding! Many couples have a separate fund for the honeymoon or ask guests to contribute towards the cost as a wedding present, so this may be something for you to consider.
Once you know how long you have to honeymoon and how much you will be able to spend, you will need to decide on the destination and type of honeymoon you’re after.
You may already know where you would like to honeymoon (but if not, keep reading as we have some great suggestions in the next section) and if so, it is a good idea to check the time of year you have chosen is suitable for the destination – no-one wants to be on Safari in the middle of a monsoon or heading to the Caribbean just as hurricane season is starting!
Some newlyweds will be dreaming of romantic candlelit dinners, picturesque scenery and champagne on tap but others may be itching to parasail down mountains, discover ancient ruins and get up close and personal with exotic wildlife – either is a perfectly acceptable honeymoon, but deciding which one you and your partner would prefer can be difficult so spend some time research different options and be prepared to compromise to reach a decision you are both happy with.
If you and your significant other are adventurous, look into an activity holiday that‘s packed full of excitement and will get the adrenaline pumping. If you both prefer the quieter life, why not look for a location with remote golden beaches or hidden retreats?
Depending on the destination you and your partner have chosen, you may need to apply for a visa and/or arrange vaccinations. Visa’s should be applied for in plenty of time and always check the expiry date of your passport as some countries will require at least six month’s validity left on your passport from the date you are due to return home. Speak with your doctor about vaccination requirements and remember, you may require more than one dose so ensure you have enough time for these to be administered before you travel.
In the mist of your research – and excitement – don’t forget about the little, honeymoon extras.
Your honeymoon is the perfect opportunity to inject some luxury into your life so, if your budget allows, spend a little more on upgrading flights or treating yourselves to the honeymoon suite. If the price of the honeymoon suite is a little out of your budget, you can try contacting the hotel or accommodation company in advance and just casually let them know it’s your honeymoon… some companies will offer to upgrade you or may offer you a complimentary bottle of champagne for your room.
After you have reached all the important decisions for planning your dream honeymoon, it’s time to book the tickets.
If you are booking through a travel agent or tour operator it is worth asking if there are any deals or added extras available. Likewise, if you are booking independently online spend some time looking at a couple of different travel companies to find the best price – and make sure you read the reviews!
Once everything is booked, it’s time to find a suitable travel insurance policy – and we have everything you need to know below.
What are the best honeymoon destinations?
Struggling to decide on the perfect destination? Take a look at our top nine honeymoon destinations.
Nothing says ‘honeymoon’ quite like the water villas of the Maldives. Renowned for picture-perfect beaches, delightful cuisine and exotic sea life, it’s no wonder the Maldives is one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world. Whether you’re looking to escape from reality, indulge in a taste of luxury, fly-and-flop or try your hand at snorkelling, the Maldives really does have it all. Weather-wise, the best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April but even during the rainy season of May to July the temperature still reaches beyond 30oC.
For the animal lovers, Kenya is a must! Come face to face with lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs and much more on an African Safari, or why not treat yourself to a bird’s eye view of this beautiful country in a hot air balloon ride? The best time to visit Kenya is between April -May or September-October and unless you like cold evenings and mornings, avoid June to August. Looking for adventure? Kenya is waiting to be explored! 
Combining historic ruins, sandy beaches, and incredible nightlife Greece is the perfect honeymoon destination for newlyweds looking for a little bit of everything. Spend the morning indulging in Greek culture before heading to a sun-drenched terrace to enjoy freshly-caught seafood and a glass of champagne. Finish the day wandering around the marina admiring the crystal-clear waters and quaint boutiques. When to go? Greece is best enjoyed between late May and early October.
Romantic beach walks, glorious sunshine and crystal-clear waters, what’s not to love about Fiji? This tranquil location offers the ultimate in relaxation for newlyweds who want nothing more than to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate their marriage with a glass or two of champagne. Avoid rainy season by visiting between May and September or for temperatures averaging at 30oC try December to February. 
Famous for sun, sand and shopping! Dubai is a delightful mixture of old and new where skyscrapers neighbour ancient mosques. Indulge in complete luxury and enjoy breath-taking aquariums, vibrant nightlife and exquisite cuisine in one of Dubai’s most prestigious hotels; Atlantis The Palm. The weather in Dubai is either hot or hotter, but the best time to visit is between November and March. Just ensure you spend some time researching Dubai’s laws and culture as it is much stricter than the UK.
From the bustle of Mexico City to the spectacular coastal retreats, Mexico is a forgotten gem for honeymoons. Uncover Mexico’s hidden culture, visit historical landmarks or simply spend your honeymoon lounging on sun-drenched beaches – just make sure you pack plenty of sun cream! Weather-wise, to avoid the rain visit between December and April and remember hurricane season is between June and November.
From the Great Barrier Reef to the bustling streets of Sydney, Australia is brimming with adventure. Take a climb across Sydney Harbour Bridge before heading to the cosmopolitan city of Perth for a cocktail or two. The stunning scenery and friendly atmosphere promise to make this a honeymoon to remember and a visit during Autumn is ideal for a hot, dry climate.
Discover true paradise with white-sand shores and incredible natural beauty. Bali is bursting with charm and romance making it the perfect honeymoon destination for those looking to relax and enjoy each other company. Embrace a starlight dinner on the sand, unwind in one of many luxury spas or head into the sunset on a private boat trip. With hot temperatures all year round, Bali offers plenty of flexibility in relation to timing.
Famous beaches, dolphin watching and water sports make Hawaii the dream destination for couples with a love of the deep blue. Spend the days exploring tranquil waterfalls and the evenings indulging in fine cuisine – the many islands of Hawaii are waiting. The best time to visit is between March and September when temperatures peak and the rain holds off. 
Before travelling to any destination, we advise you check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website for the latest travel advice and travel safety tips.
Honeymoon Travel Insurance
We know what you’re thinking, with so many travel insurance policies to choose from how do you know which one would be most suitable? Well, the three main things to consider when finding travel insurance for your honeymoon is your destination, the duration and your individual needs.
To break this down if you are planning a two-week relaxing beach honeymoon in Greece, then a ‘Single Trip’ policy would be best. However, if you are planning a six-month honeymoon-adventure across Asia then a ‘Longstay’ policy would be more appropriate. Single trip travel insurance policies are suitable for a one-off break with a duration of less than a month, whereas longstay travel insurance policies can be more cost-effective and are designed with longer trips in mind.
We spoke about adventure honeymoon holidays, so if you are planning on ticking a few activities off your newlywed bucket list don’t forget to ensure these are covered under your travel insurance policy. In most cases, travel insurance policies cover a number of activities as standard and will require a small additional premium to cover those that are a little riskier – some policies will cover more activities as standard than others, so if you are looking to take part in several adrenaline-inducing activities it may be best to look for one with more cover. It is important to bear in mind, sustaining an injury while participating in activities without appropriate cover could mean the policy will not pay out for any medical or associated expenses!
Just a small consideration, before purchasing your travel insurance make sure yours and your partners surname is consistent. As excited as you may be, changing all of your documentation i.e. passports, driving licences etc. to your married name can be a lengthy process so if you’re jetting off straight away, it’s probably best to keep your pre-marriage surname for booking references and travel insurance documentation.
Lastly, it is important that you make sure the wedding rings are covered, after all they are brand new without any scratches on yet and the last thing you want is to lose one or have it stolen! Typically, travel insurance won’t have high enough limits to cover the total cost of your engagement or wedding rings. It would be best to make sure you have worldwide all risk cover for your possessions under your home insurance policy. We also advise leaving them in your hotel room, locked in the safe to reduce any loss or theft risks when you are out exploring.
Travel advice for your honeymoon
Missed Connecting Flights
Depending on your destination you may need to catch a connecting flight, but if your first journey is delayed you may find yourself missing the connection and having to pay for the next available flight.
Check your travel insurance policy offers to cover the costs associated with missed connection as not all polices will have this as standard and you may be required to pay an additional premium to add it on. It is also worth checking which connections this will cover – some travel insurers may only cover the first connecting flight so if you have multiple connections this is something to look out for.
Water-Based Activities
Beach activities are becoming more and more adventurous as holiday resorts try to provide guests with endless thrills and spills. But are you covered under your travel insurance policy for all of the activities available? On a standard travel insurance policy, this may not be the case, you may be covered for banana boat rides, however, when it comes to the newer activities like jet packs and parasailing this may not be covered.
Check the activity pack cover under your travel insurance, some riskier activities may require you to pay an additional premium to add on the cover. Most travel insurers will allow you to add activities on whilst you are on holiday, for those spontaneous moments, but not all do so check just in case!
Honeymoon Package Holiday’s
After spending months, or even years, planning your big day you’ll want nothing more than to just sit back and relax on your honeymoon – right?
A honeymoon package holiday is perfect for those couples who just want to unwind and enjoy each other’s company without having to worry about the little things. Many travel providers will offer all-inclusive honeymoon packages that include accommodation, food and drink in the price and some will also include excursions or spa days too – which may be something to consider if you are looking to keep the cost down.
Personal Belongings
We know it is difficult to live without your mobile phone, as it doubles as a camera and music player, however it is best to ensure it is out of reach not just from potential thieves but animals as well!
Items that are left unattended may not be covered by your travel insurance so it is best to keep your belongings on your person or left locked in the safe in your hotel room. It is also a good idea to check the personal possession cover limit on your travel insurance policy and make sure the single article limit is high enough to cover your items.
Wear and Tear
Most travel insurance policies work on what is called the ‘principle of indemnity’ which means that the policy puts you in the same position after the claim as you were before it. In English, that means that they will consider the age of the item and any ‘wear and tear’. So, the claim is calculated on what they originally cost less a percentage for wear and tear, and not on how much it will cost for you to replace them new for old.
If you are concerned about having wear and tear deducted if you need to make a claim then it may be worth either checking the wear and tear scale your insurers use or look for a policy that will replace new for old. Also, if you do need to make a claim make sure you send in copies of receipts or proof of purchase.
Lost Passport
You’ve had an incredible honeymoon and are ready to head home to enjoy married life together, but where’s your passport? If you do misplace your passport, or it is stolen, find out where the British Embassy is as they will be able to issue you with an emergency passport so you can return home to the UK.
Most travel insurance policies will only cover the costs of your travel to the Embassy and for the emergency passport. You won’t be necessarily covered for the costs of your new passport that you have to get when you return home or any associated costs, such as missing your flight because you didn’t get your emergency travel documents in time, and an extra night or two in the hotel etc. If this is something you are worried about we suggest looking for a policy that does cover these costs.
Useful Links
- You can never have enough useful information when it comes to planning your honeymoon, so check out this guide: Destination Wedding Guide
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