Tips For Planning An Unforgettable Honeymoon Vacation

Tips For Planning An Unforgettable Honeymoon Vacation

Most couples spend a considerable amount of time and money planning their wedding day. To top off the celebration, many couples plan a honeymoon vacation. By taking the time to research and plan, couples can ensure an unforgettable honeymoon— leaving the headaches at home.

• Picking a Destination. Consider your interests. List activities you like to do as a couple and alone, then use that as a guide to help decide on a destination. Start planning as soon as possible, especially if you're looking into popular destinations or planning to travel during peak seasons. This will help to insure you get the reservations you want.

• Finding Great Deals. While you may be tempted to spend more than you typically do on a vacation, a dream honeymoon doesn't have to be expensive. To control costs, ask your travel professional about cruise specials, vacation packages or all-inclusive resorts.

Also, the Internet is a great resource for researching destinations and travel planning. The American Express travel Web site, www.americanexpress.com/travel, offers travel and entertainment resources and practical planning tools including profiles on specific cities and online restaurant reservations.

• Helping Hands. A travel agent can do everything from finding the right travel package to arranging activities and entertainment while you travel. An agent can save you time, frustration and money, especially when you're overwhelmed with other wedding-related plans. When you plan a trip, a good travel agent can be invaluable by lending a helping hand if something happens to go awry during the trip. If money is no object, ask your travel agent to drum up something really special like fine champagne, a suite full of roses or even a private gourmet dinner for two under the stars.

• Final Details. Get organized a few weeks before leaving on your honeymoon to avoid running around at the last minute. Pack all necessary travel documents such as your passport, visa and driver's license, and keep them in a convenient place.

Bring a mixture of credit cards, travelers checks and cash. Using a credit card can help you keep track of your spending. Plus, by using a credit card when traveling overseas, you'll receive a more favorable exchange rate.

If you want to carry cash bring only a small amount for tips and other incidentals, and bring the rest in the form of travelers checks, because they're fully refundable if lost or stolen.

Keeping these tips in mind will help you get where you want to go.