Once the ceremony is over, where will you spend the first few weeks of the rest of your life together? Will the two of you end up in a secluded villa in Tuscany, on the white sands of the Caribbean, or in a cozy mountain cabin? Wherever you go, make sure that your honeymoon is as perfect as your wedding.

Use this checklist to plan your fabulous getaway.

Six Months Prior to Departure

• Discuss the specific type of honeymoon you each want - tropical resort, cruise, adventure, exotic, romantic, safari, etc.
• Get recommendations from friends and family members on potential locations, hotels, and resorts.
• Set a budget and stick to it. Be sure to include: airfare, ground transportation, lodging, food and beverage, sight seeing trips, entertainment, gratuity and shopping.
• Shop for a travel agent and begin reading up on destinations.
  
  
  
  

• Finalize your choice of travel agent and honeymoon destination. Be sure to ask about special packages and discounts created just for honeymooners.
• If traveling to a foreign location, ask what official travel documents you will need including passports, visas, and proof of vaccinations.
• If you're making your own reservations, begin to research hotels, airlines, and car-rental companies.
• Make sure to submit applications for necessary travel documents.
  
  
  

• Make your reservations and send in all necessary deposits.
• Keep record of all your reservations and confirmation numbers, as well as the telephone numbers of your travel agent, hotel, and car-rental company.
• When purchasing airline tickets, have your travel agent confirm your seat assignments and issue your boarding passes if you're traveling within 30 days.
  
  
  
  

• Add items such as luggage, a travel iron, beach towels, and blow dryer to your registry.
• Find out the easiest way to use money/credit. You may want to purchase traveler’s checks.
• Create an activity itinerary by researching local restaurants and events available at your destination.
• Make a list of everything you will need for your trip including clothes, toiletries, extra batteries, sunglasses, film, camera and accessories.
  
  
  

• Consider purchasing travel insurance.
• Make sure all of your credit cards are up-to-date.
• Make a copy of your travel itinerary, phone numbers where you can be reached, important documents, including your passport, to leave with someone you trust. It is also a good idea to leave a copy of your house keys with that person.
• Make sure you have a reliable camera.
  
  
  
  

• Reconfirm all reservations.
• Pack a change of clothes and any other essentials -- such as a toothbrush and medication -- in your carry-on bag incase your suitcases get lost or stolen.
• Check weather forecasts for your destination.
• Pack all of your un-crushable items: T-shirts, socks, underwear, bathing suits.
• Contact the post office and ask them to hold your mail.
• Discontinue newspaper delivery until you return.
• Make a list of all the valuables you are carrying including the numbers of your credit cards and traveler's checks and put copies in your luggage.
• If you will need foreign currency for your honeymoon, exchange at least enough money ahead of time to get you from the airport to your hotel. Get travelers checks if necessary.
• Make arrangements for your trips to and from the airport. Day of Departure
• Make sure that you have your money and any travel documents (passports, hotel confirmations) in your carry-on baggage -- not packed in your checked luggage.
• Reconfirm the flight once again right before you leave home.
• Arrive at the airport early to avoid any last-minute problems -- one hour for domestic flights, two hours for international flights.
  
  Copyright 2008 by Fusion Innovative Marketing