Top Tips for Couples Planning Their Upcoming Honeymoon Abroad

Among the many things you’ll enjoy about married life, perhaps the one you’re anticipating the most right now is your honeymoon abroad with your new partner. Few things are more romantic than exploring a destination far from your comfort zone. In another country, you’ll be able to learn each other’s love languages, spend quality time together, and work on solving everyday concerns like how to budget money and what experiences to prioritize as a unit.

It may be hard to prep for a trip abroad if you’re already planning your wedding and your eventual move to a new household. But these tips should help you get the most important details of your honeymoon down within a few months to half a year of your actual departure date:

1) Set a Budget for Your Honeymoon

First, you must know how much you will spend to avoid additional financial stress. You’ll want to approach this first adventure of your married life with financial clarity, make the most responsible decisions about your expenditures, and avoid overspending while still making the most of the experience.

Discuss the total amount you can allocate for the trip with your partner. You must be able to include all potential expenses, such as flights, accommodations, meals, activities, and souvenirs. Once you have a total figure, break it down into categories so that both of you are more aware of how you’ll manage your funds. To account for unexpected costs, consider setting aside a contingency travel fund.

Another aspect of budgeting together is prioritizing your expenditures. Decide what’s most important for both of you so that you can allocate portions of your budget accordingly. For some couples, staying in luxurious accommodations highlights a honeymoon. In contrast, others preallocate more toward dining and specific tourist activities.

You and your partner should also take some time to research and compare prices for flights and accommodations well in advance of your honeymoon date. You can secure good deals on significant expenditures, like flight and hotel bookings. In that case, you’ll be able to save a lot more for the trip itself or future travels together.

2) Take Advantage of High-Interest Banking Products When Saving

The two of you may also be better equipped to save for your honeymoon and other travel pursuits if you explore high-interest banking products well before the trip. High-interest accounts can significantly boost your honeymoon fund and ensure you have sufficient resources to enjoy your experience abroad fully.

Compare options from various financial institutions to find the best rates and terms that suit your needs as a traveling couple. Honeymooners from the Philippines can check out a high-interest savings account through the digital bank Maya. This account boasts a base rate of 3.5% interest p.a., higher than many traditional banks offer. Users can also boost this rate by up to 15% p.a. by simply using Maya as their preferred mode of payment for everyday spending, such as bill payments, buying prepaid network loads, getting coffee, or shopping and dining.

Other digital banking solutions you can explore for your honeymoon and future trips include Maya’s Personal Goals and Time Deposit Plus. The former will reward you with a 4% interest p.a. when you use this feature, while the latter lets you earn up to 5.75% p.a. interest when you hit your target amount and term. You can use Maya’s Personal Goals in the months leading up to your honeymoon to set aside funds and budget for upcoming honeymoon expenses. At the same time, Time Deposit Plus will allow you to earn more on an initial deposit and harvest the savings you’ve accrued in the long term—which you may want to use for more travel adventures or even a babymoon.

3) Consider the Season When Selecting Your Destination

When planning your honeymoon with your partner, you’ll want to consider the season for practical and financial reasons. The time of year can significantly impact the weather, crowd levels, and overall trip cost. Choosing the right time to travel means avoiding extreme weather conditions and overcrowded tourist spots, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable for the two of you.

Research the climate of your desired destinations during your planned travel dates to ensure you experience favorable weather. For instance, visiting tropical destinations during the dry season can enhance your experience if you don’t mind the heat. You’ll likely want to avoid rainy or hurricane seasons if you and your partner want to do many things outdoors.

If your itinerary is flexible, consider traveling during the off-season or shoulder season. These periods typically feature lower prices for flights and accommodations and fewer tourists, allowing for a more intimate and relaxed experience. Just be aware of potential drawbacks of booking during the off-season, such as limited availability of certain activities or attractions during off-peak times. Balancing your desire for good weather and affordability will help you and your partner arrive at the ideal destination and travel time for your honeymoon.

4) Be Smart about Booking Your Accommodations

Your accommodations will significantly affect how fun and restful your honeymoon is. Knowing that, research various options that fit your budget and meet your preferences as a couple. Discuss beforehand whether you should book a luxurious resort, a cozy bed and breakfast, or a unique vacation rental in your country of choice. Read reviews on websites and travel booking platforms to gain valuable insights into the quality and service of your potential accommodations.

Look for amenities that enhance your stay, such as complimentary breakfast, romantic packages, or on-site spas. In addition, consider the location of your lodging and the activities and attractions you have on your bucket list. This will save you time and allow you to spend more reasonably on transportation costs.

5) Check Travel Restrictions and Requirements for Places You Want to Visit

Before finalizing your honeymoon plans, you must check your destination’s travel restrictions and requirements. You’ll want full details on the country’s travel visa regulations, vaccination requirements, and other applicable entry stipulations. Researching these details well in advance will help you avoid last-minute surprises and ensure a smooth entry into the country.

Stay informed about any travel advisories or safety concerns issued by your home country’s government. This information will help guide your travel plans and ensure your and your partner’s safety while you’re abroad.

6) Plan an Itinerary You and Your Significant Other Will Enjoy

Lastly, remember that the ideal honeymoon depends on what you enjoy as a couple. You already know what makes the other tick and what activities you like to do together. But all the same, list what you’re both interested in and agree on a list of must-see attractions or experiences.

Finalize your sightseeing, relaxation activities, and dining plans to create a well-rounded experience. Plus, allocate some downtime to relax and enjoy each other’s company without a strict schedule. It may also be good to leave room for spontaneity and flexibility to explore unexpected opportunities together, such as hidden gems or side trips that take place off the beaten path.

If planned well, a honeymoon can do a lot to set the tone of your relationship and allow you and your partner to kick off married life on the happiest of notes. Use these tips to plan an unforgettable honeymoon abroad—one where you can focus on celebrating your love.