My advice for booking your honeymoon

Rachael Higgins 04 September 2019
For most people, a honeymoon is one of the biggest trips they will ever take and is understandably laden with high expectations. It is very exciting but can also be overwhelming for some couples. I have over 20 years of experience in planning and booking these special trips. I have several hints and tips below to help you plan the perfect honeymoon.

Not sure where to start? -Make a bucket list of destinations (separately) you would love to see, then grab a coffee and sit down to go through both options. In most cases there will be a few places that you both want to see, and if not, you can be sure there will be a compromise where you can combine 2, 3 or even several of your ideas if time allows!

-Think outside the box! Your honeymoon doesn’t have to be sun and sand if you don’t want it to be. Have you always wanted to take a hot air balloon ride, learn to scuba dive, go whale watching or even learn how to make the perfect curry? All you need to do is let me know, I work with fabulous local ground handlers and if it’s possible, I can make it happen!

-Try and be flexible. Sometimes couples come to me with a very specific destination in mind, which can be a great thing. However, some circumstances can change may cause you to change these such as weather, vaccines, religious festivals etc.

-Delaying a honeymoon has become very popular in recent years and for each couple it can be for a different reason; maybe to avoid a rainy season, perhaps due to annual leave at work and sometimes just to savour the moment and have something to look forward to once the dust has settled after your big day!

-Decide on a budget. Your budget won’t be the deciding factor in how enjoyable your honeymoon is, but it will give me realistic parameters for where is feasible for you to travel to.

-Speak to your GP or local vaccine centre if possible before booking your trip. Many long-haul destinations will require vaccines or anti-malarial medications so there is an extra expense and in most cases, they need to be in your system for a few weeks before they are active so it’s important to plan in advance. Keep in mind that some countries still have specific entry requirements surrounding Covid, so its a good idea to keep up with your vaccination programme and any applicable boosters.

-Book early where possible and the reason for this is simple – it usually saves you money! We also have a fabulous app and one of the most popular features for my honeymoon couples is the ability to make payments off your honeymoon quickly and conveniently.

My ultimate advice would be to book with someone you can trust and who is there for you whenever you need them. This is the most special trip you will ever take, so it’s imperative that it runs smoothly. The assistance and financial protection I can offer is second to none! I can help you choose the perfect destination to ensure the memories you make will last a lifetime!

Still looking for inspiration? - Below are my top five honeymoon destinations for 2023...

1) Maldives - A chain of approximately 1200 islands make up the Maldives and they truly are a 'Robinson Crusoe experience' - barefoot luxury at its best. With some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world, the Maldives truly are remarkable! 2) The Caribbean and Mexico - Picture turquoise water with white sands and luxury all-inclusive hotels. The Caribbean and Mexico are perfect places for honeymooners to rest and relax. If you want to see more you can enjoy day trips like Chichen Itza - the Mayan ruins (Mexico), Stingray City (Antigua), the Mount Gay Rum Tour (Barbados) or enjoy a fun packed day at a waterpark! 3) Cruising - Such a wonderfully relaxing way to see lots of places without the hassle of 'packing and unpacking' and it’s all done in luxury aboard a state-of-the-art ship with fantastic service and mouth-watering food! Personally one of my all time favourite holidays. 4) South Africa - Honeymoons in South Africa are remarkable. Renowned for amazing safari experiences, but that's just one of the great opportunities you have when visiting South Africa. Most first time visitors spend a few days enjoying iconic Cape Town, and then hire a car and drive the infamous Garden Route which is picture perfect, with pretty towns, vineyards, sea life and dramatic scenery and of course bags of culture. It's a great spot for foodie's and good value when you get there too! A South African honeymoon is truly memorable. 5) North America - There is so much to do; from vibrant cities like Las Vegas and New Orleans, to beautiful islands Key West or Maui. For anyone seeking adventure I recommend National Parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone, or epic train journeys through the Rocky Mountains... The USA and Canada really does have something for everyone.

My husband and I enjoyed a fabulous honeymoon in the USA and Canada in December 2006, and I have a few photos attached! If you're thinking about your honeymoon or holiday of a lifetime, why not contact me to find out more!