OK, so all of your wedding plans are in motion and the work is out of the way, right? Not so, if you want your dream day to be followed by a memorable honeymoon. In order to ensure that bonded bliss carries on after the vows, pre-considerations are a must, and provided below is a check list that will get you moving!

 First of all, though, you’ll need to decide what type of honeymoon to take, and who should make the arrangements. If you haven’t had many opportunities to collaborate on decision making, there’s no better time and place to start. What could be more fun than planning the holiday of your dreams? The honeymoon is a retreat for both of you and it’s important to reach consensus on, not only where to go, but what type will meet both of your desires.

HONEYMOON TYPES

 Below are seven popular prototypes, honeymoon haunts, so to speak. And at the end of each, is the link to a website, specifically providing that type of honeymoon service.
 
1. Sun and Surf  – Although you may need to head to a hot spot like the Caribbean, this trip type is sure to lure out the beach bum in both of you. As well as snuggling on a blanket next to a sandy shoreline, you’ll share crimson sunsets and moonlight walks. Rather than going ala cart, and paying separately for airfare, accommodation and meals, you may want to try the popular all-inclusive, whole meal deal, which usually provides one stop shopping. Just make sure that you know what is and isn’t included. You don’t want to be starting your new marriage with a thinner wallet than you anticipated. http://www.bestathoneymoons.co.uk/pages/Caribbean/

2. Cruisin’ & Honeyschmoozin’ – Sunshine will glisten off surrounding waves and the salty breeze will brush your faces as you share a loving embrace.  No it’s not a scene out of The Titanic, but a deck-side scene that you’ll experience while on your honeymoon cruise. Over the past decade, this mode of travel has evolved by leaps and bounds. No longer are vacations at sea all about buffets and cabarets. Each cruise company competes with the next to offer the finest in cuisine, entertainment and activities. And it may be so romantic, while you cruise from port to port, you’ll feel just like Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. http://www.ecruises.com/cruiseresources/honeymoons.htm

3. Spa-tacular Honeymoons – Not too long ago, spa retreats were geared to women, and their gal pals. Now, more treatments are attracting the guys, together with their significant other. Bilateral bliss, paired paradise, whatever you want to call them, treatments for two are hot, hot, hot. And what a great way to start your life together. From manicures to massages, you’ll walk away hand in hand feeling nurtured in mind, body and spirit. Some properties even combine the spa pampering with a round of golf, yoga classes and other recreation opportunities. Just make sure you enjoy them all together! http://www.lovetripper.com/search.spas.html

4. Road and Rail Romantics – The popular saying ‘the journey is the destination’ really applies here, and if you’re both interested in re-tracing the footsteps of time, this trip type may suit your need. Preliminary research will help you decide on the route, and may also shed light on interesting landmarks along the way. If you’re going via rail, stops are pre-scheduled and hotel rooms may be pre-arranged. But if you’re behind the wheel, it’s wise to pre-book your accommodation. This can usually be done online at each property’s web site. Determine how long you want to drive each day, then look forward to working in partnership with your co-pilot. http://www.bcpassport.com/trains/index.html

5.  Livin’ on the Wilder Side – You don’t have to be an Olympian or the winner of Survivor to get your holiday adrenaline soaring. Tourism agencies and operators are pushing soft adventure thrills everywhere. After shedding your tux and veil, you might choose to strap yourselves together for some zip tracking, go with the flow on a white water raft, or get up close and personal with some real wildlife, the African safari way. Innovative ideas are flowing with abundance and, chances are, you can even find one not too far from your own back yard. http://www.adventuretravel.com/Vacation/default.asp

6. Cultured Couples – History and romance seem to be a perfect fit, so it’s no surprise that many couples choose destinations with older roots. Although Paris and Rome are certainly hot honeymoon spots, cultural diversity makes its way into other major city centers that are more affordable. As well as meandering through markets and museums and browsing galleries and gift stores, couples choosing this honeymoon scene will have a wealth of opportunities at their fingertips. Theatre, dining, shopping and those quaint sidewalk cafes. It all comes in one bundle –and with varied cost, whether your budget is limited, or the sky is your limit. http://paris.travelape.com/

7. Laying Low – ‘All you need is love’ and maybe that’s all you really want. The wedding’s over, guests have departed and you are with the love of your life. Do you need more? You may just want to just hibernate for a day or two, (or more) and enjoy some together time. Maybe it’s at a favorite hotel, or a quaint B&B, or maybe you’ll just stay at home – It’s cheap, comfortable and as they say it’s where the heart is! Immediate bliss!

CHECKLIST
 
 Now that you’ve chosen your theme, it’s time to put your check list into action. By planning ahead, your first romantic getaway as ‘the Mr. and Mrs.’ should be stress-less and glitch-free.

Immediately!!:

•  If you are disciplined at paying off credit cards that accrue frequent flyer points, start using them to charge all of those wedding expenses. Even though the accumulated tally may not be enough for two round trip tickets to an exotic destination, they may boost your airline seats to business class or upgrade your hotel accommodation. http://corp.aeroplan.com/
 
Six months prior:

•  If you’re not internet savvy and prefer personal contact with an agent, select one who you both agree on.  Agents can offer benefits that you may not have time to find at your keyboarding fingertips. As well as knowing about discounts that are not widely advertised, they can sometimes arrange package deals that include more than you had hoped for. If you go this route, some of the following do-it-yourself pointers may not apply. If, on the other hand, you are web gurus and choose to surf the net, these suggestions and web sites may come in quite handy.

•  Check out guidebooks, travel magazines, and travel ezines. http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/

•  Update your passport and necessary immunizations. http://www.allamericanpassports.com/index.php

• If you are traveling to a non-English speaking country, pick up or order a guide book online. http://www.transparent.com/products/languagenow.htm

•  Research options around your trip theme, i.e. cities, hotels, tour operators. http://www.travelinformation.com/

•  Book airline tickets, through your travel agent or online. http://www.cheaptickets.com/

•  Arrange your hotel room and make sure to ask about honeymoon specials. Be specific with your requests i.e. non-smoking, ocean view. Although most major hotel chains have a toll free reservation line, it sometimes pays off to call the main switchboard to gather information. Which room is farthest from the pool or closest to the beach? If you seek a quiet escape, choose one far from the restaurants, and night club. If it’s a family friendly property, ask whether there are any adults-only pools or restaurants. Ask if they offer a "romance" package. Add-ons like a chilled bottle of champagne, fresh flowers or a fruit basket may enhance this special getaway. But make sure the ala carte charge is worth the treat. 

•  Record all confirmation numbers.

•  Book your rental car http://www.nationalcar.com/

•  Keep incoming paperwork together, either in a large labeled envelope or file folder.

Two months prior:

•  Confirm flight reservations, desired seating and, diet restrictions.

•  Purchase necessary luggage, as well as travel accessories: money belt, special adaptors, memory card for your digital camera, film, sunscreen, toiletries. http://www.ebags.com/travel_accessories/department/index.cfm?sub_site_id=24

One month prior:

•  Deal with money matters: traveler’s cheques, valid credit cards, obtain specific currency. Make sure you have enough cash when you arrive to your destination.

•  Confirm all reservations.

•  Reserve special tours, dinners, spa treatments, tee off times.

•  Prepare itinerary, complete with contact information of where you’ll be staying and give a copy to a relative in case of emergency. 

•  Prepare a packing list. See the ‘Honeymoon Love List’ below for more details!

•  Arrange pre-payment of household bills, house sitter, care of animal(s), management of paper, mail, and plants.

•  Assign someone to store your wedding presents

Two weeks prior:

•  Pick up airline tickets or confirm e-tickets.

•  Copy down traveler's check numbers and make a copy of passports. Keep both in a separate safe place from the originals

One week prior:

•  Pack suitcases and carry-on bags. Include reading materials, thank-you notes to write on the plane, toiletries, and a change of clothes in case your luggage goes astray.

Three days prior:

•  Final confirmation of all reservations

•  Purchase reading materials and cards for the flight.

•  Arrange transportation to and from the airport.

Departure day:

•  If it’s your wedding day, have an attendant confirm flight times

•  Have your tickets and passports easily accessible.

•  Get to the airport on time. Check in is usually one hour prior for domestic flights and two hours for international flights.

•  When checking in, mention to that you are leaving on your honeymoon. You may get an upgrade or even some special V.I.P treatment!

•  Relax and romance! You’ve made it!

HONEYMOON LOVE LIST

You might not need additional love-making fuel for the first couple of nights, but slip this list of romance boosters into your suitcase. A couple of these suggestions may come in handy as the trip rolls on.

• Jot a few of these love quotes down onto separate pieces of paper and place one on your partner’s pillow before each bedtime. http://www.love-quotes.org/

• Pack a few extra surprises – a CD of love songs, candles, rose petals to sprinkle on your bed, bubble bath, intimate apparel, your partner’s favorite candy, sexy honeymoon games. There are a number of tasteful sex shops that offer a variety of treats! Or if you’d rather not go in person, check them out here: http://www.romanticrendezvous.com/
  
• Make sure your arrival is special –call ahead to arrange a welcome treat like champagne, a fruit basket, a dozen roses. If the hotel is aware that you are newlyweds, they may provide a few surprises as well.

• Conjure up your own love coupons, each providing a passionate ‘pass time’ and present this to your partner on arrival. This will give him/her lots of time to cash in each one. http://www.romanticprintables.com/
 
• Take along a book on massage techniques and follow the instructions on your partner. http://www.amtamassage.org/a/shoppingmall/ProductDetail.aspx?SiteMapId=6&ProductId=265
 
• Write love thoughts on a pad of ‘post it’ notes and tack them up where your partner will see them. http://www.romanticprintables.com/

Your honeymoon should provide you with wonderful and lasting memories. It’s the first time you venture out as a married couple and it deserves the time it takes to prepare and plan. Hopefully this information will provide you with the tools to make it all happen and set you sailing on your romantic journey together.