Don't let nonstop wedding planning or potential travel obstacles prevent you from crafting the perfect honeymoon. By implementing these key organization tips, newlyweds can anticipate many travel issues, remain a step ahead, and ensure their once-in-a-lifetime getaway is stress-free.
1) Plan early
Don't wait until the last minute to begin organizing your trip. Leading up to your big trip, it's common for couples to only concentrate on wedding planning, leaving honeymoon planning by the wayside. However, by getting organized early, you'll stay on top of your itinerary and avoid a number of potential issues down the road, especially if you're forced to make last-second decisions.
2) Maintain a honeymoon folder
This is ideal for organizing all key travel documents, photocopies, reservations, and other confirmations. Keep the folder with your main briefcase or travel day bag that you carry at all times. Whether at the airport or when exploring an exotic city, a simple honeymoon folder enables you to access vital information within seconds. Plus, you'll feel confident, prepared, and best of all, stress-free. Also, make copies of your most important documents and keep those extras in your hotel safe until departure.
3) Use TripIt to keep your schedule organized and up to date
Through the travel app TripIt, fill out your daily itineraries to get a better sense of what you will be doing and where you will be going. For instance, if you're in Paris for two days but your favorite museum is closed on Monday, then you'll definitely want to set a time frame for visiting on Tuesday. Likewise for any advanced dinner reservations or planned excursions, add it to your master itinerary and secure a reservation to ensure you can participate. Trust me, you'll feel relieved that you scheduled it. Plus, you won't have to worry about potential obstacles had you not planned ahead. Be sure to check out a previous TJ blog feature on other useful travel apps that will come in handy for your upcoming getaway.
4) Be flexible
While it's important to have a general plan for your honeymoon, you should also consider going off the schedule every once in a while. For instance, instead of plowing ahead and hiking on that rainy day, head for some local indoor attractions like museums or interesting shopping spots. Or if you feel like simply relaxing at the beach on the heels of a rigorous hiking excursion, go for it. Don't worry about that deep-sea fishing trip you had penciled in. Don't be afraid to change things up.
5) Break up relaxation with new experiences and adventures
Since honeymoons are once-in-a-lifetime experiences, often taking newlyweds to places they've never traveled to before, many couples feel the need to completely load up their schedule with activities and experiences. However, this can sometimes lead to more stress, especially during the first few days of a trip when your body is still getting adjusted. Therefore, set aside time to just be together and relax, whether you decide to get rejuvenating spa treatments or just lounge under a palm tree.
6) Learn about your destination(s)
Consult guide books, restaurant guides, and travel experts. Learn about local customs, simple phrases, culture, and history. Also, pick out a number of "must-do" experiences and block off time on your trip to make those happen.
Got any other organization tips to add to the list? What kinds of things have you implemented for your honeymoon to stay organized? Let us know on Facebook or e-mail us at blog@travelersjoy.com.