Follow these tips for a hassle-free honeymoon holiday, either in New Zealand or abroad:
- Around the corner or around the world
Narrow down your honeymoon choices by deciding first how far you would like to travel to get to your dream honeymoon destination. If you are having a destination wedding then the honeymoon can be added on at the end without further travel, meaning the unwinding can begin within hours of your last guests leaving. Talk to your local New Zealand travel agent about your honeymoon vacation options. - Whatever the weather
Decide whether you would like sun or snow at your ideal honeymoon destination, then ask local tourism boards at your top destination pick to send brochures of things to do in the area in case the weather turns in your honeymoon skies. Check out weather reports close to your wedding day and honeymoon, so you know what to expect. - Learning together
If you and your spouse are not the idle honeymoon types, how about learning something new together? Skiing, scuba diving or even antique shopping can be a great way to form a shared passion, and each time you pursue the activity following the honeymoon it will bring back good memories. Just make sure that you choose an activity you both are sure to love – shopping for shoes is generally not a married couple’s shared passion! - Save or splurge
These days, couples have a lot competing for their cash so a luxury honeymoon just may not be affordable. Remember that the purpose of a honeymoon is to spend quality time with your new spouse, so having a cheap honeymoon doesn’t have to mean the honeymoon blues! Talk to the experts about affordablehoneymoon accommodation options. Some of the most popular honeymoon ideas need not be the most pricy: beach honeymoons, a honeymoon suite or a simple romantic getaway are all great choices. - Budget honeymoons
How about swapping homes or getting back to nature on a camping trip? Think of your own creative ways to experience your dream honeymoon on a budget, for example, if you would love to have a European honeymoon, how about visiting Eastern Europe where old world cultures can be explored at a fraction of the price: palaces, castles and the Trans-Siberian railway would make a unique and memorable honeymoon experience. Visiting in the off-season is another way to reduce costs, as is booking far in advance and taking advantage of airline specials and cheap flights. - Luxury honeymoons at home
You don’t have to fly to Paris to experience a luxurious and romantic honeymoon. How about an adventurous luxury honeymoon, tailor-made for you and your partner? Whether you are taking a private charter sail on Errol Flynn’s former yacht The Barbary on Lake Taupo, stargazing at Tekapo or vineyard-hopping across Marlborough – you will find some luxurious properties and experiences right here in New Zealand, and without the drop in buying capacity from fluctuating exchange rates! Some of the most popular local honeymoon vacation destinations are the Bay of Islands, Marlborough and Wanaka. - Second honeymoons
If you already have children, plan to leave them with family so you can enjoy a romantic holiday for two. Remember that you don’t have to trade in your spouse to enjoy a second honeymoon; how about renewing your vows or making time for a honeymoon every couple of years? Whether it’s a romantic weekend or a longer trip, a honeymoon at any time will be a welcome boost to the romance of your marriage. - Spread the word
Everyone loves a special occasion so don’t forget to let people know you are going on your honeymoon. From your travel agent to the front desk hotel staff, you may be surprised at the warm reception you will receive as part of your honeymoon holiday package! - Check the list
You will most likely have more than enough to think about prior to the big day, so remember to make a honeymoon checklist to save hassles when travelling. You won’t want to forget your camera’s battery charger for instance – just remember to make a lit and check it! - Get a package deal
Package travel deals – combining accommodation, airfares and activities – can make your holiday more affordable. Talk to a New Zealand travel agent about honeymoon packages available to you.
The groom traditionally organises the honeymoon with the bride’s input, so start planning early and don’t be too rigid on the type of experience you want on your honeymoon vacation. If you can learn to go with the flow on the honeymoon, then the marriage will be in very good hands too!
This article was kindly supplied by NZS.