An Adventurous Honeymoon

By Callie Preisendorf

With the wedding over, the honeymoon is an escape for you both as newlyweds. Although a honeymoon isn’t vital, it can provide a relaxing vacation for just the two of you after the stressful planning of the wedding. It will give you uninterrupted alone time before heading back to real life.

When planning your honeymoon, decide first on a budget. Realistically plan for how much you can afford. Be sure to estimate flying or transportation costs, lodging, food, and extra costs. Can you afford to stay at a fancy hotel or can you only afford the Motel 6? If you have more money for the honeymoon, a vacation abroad can be the first adventure you share together. If you want, you can also figure in some wedding gift money to use for your honeymoon.

Next discuss your ideas for the perfect honeymoon. Try to pick a honeymoon that matches both your styles. This may require a little compromising. Do you like beaches? Do you want an active honeymoon or to stay hidden up in the mountains? Compare and discuss your ideas.

Choose the destination that fits your budget and styles. If you are going abroad, Hawaii and Mexico are popular locations, or try Fiji in October for a less crowded beach. Europe can also be very romantic, and not just in Paris but in the romantic Gondoliers and piazzas of Italy. For a change, see the history of ancient Greece. If you are more adventurous, Costa Rica has plenty of activities from mountain biking to surfing and diving. Or try hiking the Swiss Alps for an unforgettable adventure. Switzerland has plenty of breathtaking places to hike and ski, as well as numerous cultural cities that can fit your shopping, relaxing, and party needs. If you are staying stateside to save money, Colorado, New York, or Las Vegas have plenty of places to be active and have fun.

Use a travel agent to book your reservations. Let them know you’re honeymooning and some vacation spots may upgrade free of charge or find other ways to please you. When scheduling activities, schedule for free time to do nothing but relax. With everything planned, your honeymoon can be the perfect get away that you both need.