Springtime is near, and wedding season is blooming. After the flights are booked and the hotel rooms reserved, it’s time to pack for a once in a lifetime trip: your honeymoon.
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of the wedding and the travel season. A little extra organization goes a long way to prevent last minute panic and disappointing mistakes. Plan ahead with these travel and packing tips.
Your best honeymoon: planning do’s and don’ts
Common sense packing habits tend to fly out the window in the rush of planning a wedding. It helps to review the basics before you go.
Do this
Make a packing checklist. Starting two weeks to a month ahead, write out what you think you’ll need. That leaves plenty of time to edit and revise toward an efficient suitcase.
Pack light. It’s easy to get lost in everything you’ll want to wear and carry. But overpacking is the biggest headache, especially in transit. Run through your suitcase the night before and pull anything you won’t absolutely need, but keep the bathroom essentials, especially if you’re headed abroad.
Pack for changing weather. In the days before takeoff, keep an eye on the forecast. An extra hoodie or a pair of jeans is worth the room, even for a beach destination.
Bring a day bag or backpack. Your suitcase hauls the clothes and hair products, but think about the adventures you’ll take. An easy to carry day bag makes it simple to go with the flow when you and your sweetie want to be spontaneous.
Keep important items on the plane. Think itineraries, documents, hotel reservations, keys, and any books, magazines or puzzles for entertainment.
Share your travel info with family. You’re an adult, and you can take care of yourself. But odd things happen on long trips, so give your parents copies of the travel details. Better safe than sorry.
Ask someone who’s been there. The perfect destination may not be so perfect if you aren’t prepared. Read plenty of reviews of the place you’re visiting, and ask friends about anything unexpected.
Don’t do this
Wait until the last minute. Sorting out everything you’ll need for a honeymoon is a big job. Give yourself at least a week to run through the checklist and settle the suitcase.
Bring bulky toiletries. Pack the necessities, like toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant. Look for travel sized options whenever you can, even if you’re not flying.
Bring brand new shoes. Those heels might be precious, but nobody wants to break in shoes on their honeymoon. Leave them at home.
Forget healthy habits. It’s fun to splurge when you’re caught up in the celebration. But you’ll feel much better if you take small bites, eat your greens and drink plenty of water.
Forget to make copies. Run your passports, credit cards and itineraries through the scanner. It never hurts to have a backup set tucked away in your suitcase.
Remember why you’re going
At the end of the day, it’s all about celebrating a new relationship. Plan ahead, but don’t get bogged down in the details. Have fun and soak in every moment.