By Jodi Harrelson, owner of Starfish Travel

Of all your vacations, your honeymoon may just be the most important vacation you’ll ever take.  And while preparing for any type of vacation takes time and research, honeymoons particularly need to be given careful consideration.  What’s more, for some couples, planning a honeymoon can be especially challenging while planning a wedding at the same time. You may want to consider talking with a professional travel planner and save your sanity!

To help you get started, first ask yourselves some questions to determine what kind of honeymoon you want: 

• Do we want to have our honeymoon immediately after the wedding or wait?
• How long can we be gone?
• Do we want to drive, fly or take a cruise?
• Do we want to go international or stay domestic?
• How much can we afford?
• Is all inclusive important?
• What do we want to do on our honeymoon? 
• How much time do I have to plan?
• Should I call a travel agent?

Traditionally, the honeymoon takes place right after the wedding.  In these more modern times, it’s becoming quite common for couples to wait a few days, weeks, or even months after the wedding to take their honeymoon.  As for the length of time, the average couple puts aside 5-7 days for their honeymoon, while some opt for a short 3-day getaway. 

If you’re considering an international destination, keep in mind that a passport is required in most countries and also to return to the United States, including cruises beginning June 1, 2009.  Passports can be expedited but typically arrive within 8-12 weeks once applied for. But you don’t have to go that far from home. Tropical destinations in the Caribbean and South Pacific tend to be the most popular honeymoon choices and there are also plenty of beautiful locales along the United States coastlines.

When planning your honeymoon, don’t forget to calculate the travel time to wherever you’re going & getting home.  You don’t want to plan a 3 day getaway that’s going to include an entire day’s travel to and from the location.  Research online your destinations of choice and things to do in that area.  Some excursions may come with a price tag and you’ll want to factor that into your honeymoon budget. But, don’t forget, you can take advantage of the many honeymoon registries out there and ease some of the financial burden. Honeymoon registries work like bridal registries and can give you the dream honeymoon you’ve always wanted.

If you’re having a tremendous amount of anxiety trying to plan your honeymoon, contact a travel agent.  They will do all of the research for you and guide you to your perfect honeymoon destination wherever it may be.  They are experts in their field and most do not cost more than if you were to book online.  Many of them also have a payment plan, can book far in advance or on very short notice.

Above all, be sure to keep all of your travel documentation and information organized.  Confirm all of your reservations at least 2 weeks prior to your departure date.  Leave a copy of your itinerary with family and friends in case of an emergency and do consider buying travel protection insurance.  Some policies have a ‘cancel for any reason’ option and can give you more peace of mind. And for many brides and grooms, one less thing to worry about before the wedding is priceless.