There really isn't one kind of honeymoon. For some couples, it's a beach, a great resort and a week where nobody has to think about very much. For others, it's Italy, Hawaii, a cruise, Costa Rica, or finally taking the bigger trip they've always talked about.
And the two of you don't have to picture the exact same vacation at first. One of you might want to relax while the other wants to get out and explore. One might care about the room and the resort while the other is already thinking about the food, excursions or places you can see.
The goal isn't finding the honeymoon everyone else says you should take. It's finding the trip that feels right for the two of you.
That's why I like to start with how you actually want to spend the trip. Once we know that, it gets a lot easier to figure out which destinations, resorts and types of vacations are worth looking at.
You don't have to pick the destination first. Start with the kind of trip the two of you would actually be excited to take.
A great resort, warm weather, good food and plenty of time together without feeling like you need to be somewhere every hour.
Maybe Europe, Hawaii or another destination where the places you see, food you try and things you do are a big part of the honeymoon.
A better room, a beautiful view, a private pool, great service or a resort that makes the honeymoon itself feel like an occasion.
A cruise or multi-stop trip can work really well when you want to see several places but still have some downtime built into the vacation.
Hiking, snorkeling, wildlife, waterfalls, road trips, excursions and scenery can be just as memorable as sitting on a beach.
You can have beach time, a nice resort and plenty of relaxing without spending the entire honeymoon in a lounge chair.
A great honeymoon doesn't have to fit neatly into one category. Sometimes the best trip gives both of you a little of what you were hoping for.
You don't have to know where you want to go yet. Some couples know they want the Caribbean. Others start out thinking beach and end up looking at Europe, Hawaii, a cruise or somewhere completely different. Start with what sounds good to the two of you and go from there.
The destination gets most of the attention, but some of the smaller decisions can make just as much difference once you're actually there.
The wedding date doesn't always have to decide the honeymoon date. Weather, airfare, crowds and hurricane season can make waiting a few days — or sometimes a little longer — worth considering.
A five-night trip can work great somewhere easy to reach. If you're spending a good part of two days getting there and back, adding a night or two can completely change how rushed the trip feels.
Adults-only doesn't automatically mean better. Some couples love the quieter atmosphere. Others would rather have more restaurants, entertainment or things going on. It depends on the two of you.
This is one trip where the room may matter more than usual. A balcony, view, private pool, better location or a little extra privacy can be worth comparing instead of automatically choosing the least expensive room.
Trying to see everything can turn a honeymoon into a schedule. On the other hand, seven days at a resort can feel too quiet for couples who like to explore. Finding that balance ahead of time helps.
Two trips with similar prices can include very different things. Meals, drinks, transfers, excursions, resort fees and transportation can all change what the vacation really costs.
Sometimes narrowing down the honeymoon is less about finding one perfect place and more about figuring out what you definitely do — and don't — want.
You don't have to spend months comparing every island, resort, room category and flight combination yourself. That's where I come in.
If you already have a destination in mind, great. If you don't, I can compare a few directions based on your dates, budget and what the two of you actually want to do.
I look beyond the pictures and compare the things that can actually affect the trip — location, room choices, beach, pools, dining, atmosphere, activities and what's included.
If one of you wants to relax and the other wants to explore, that's not a problem. We can look for a honeymoon that gives you both something to look forward to.
Flights, transfers, hotels, cruise nights, excursions and other pieces can matter just as much as the resort itself. I'll help you look at how the trip fits together instead of treating every part separately.
My job doesn't end when the reservation is made. If questions come up before the honeymoon — or something needs attention while you're traveling — you still have someone to contact.
You don't need to have the destination picked or every detail figured out. Tell me a little about the two of you, when you're thinking about traveling and what sounds like a great honeymoon. I'll take it from there.
Start Planning My Honeymoon →