When to Book Your Dream Honeymoon (Without Breaking the Bank!)

Planning a honeymoon might be one of the most important (and memorable!) trips you will plan and take in your lifetime  A honeymoon is the first trip you will take as a married couple, therefore it holds high expectations. It is important to give yourselves plenty of planning time to make this the ultimate memory.

I recommend at least 8 months or more to start planning the honeymoon. I know you will read in a lot of your wedding planners that the honeymoon planning starts 4 to 6 months prior to the wedding. Well, apparently those people who print those planners don't travel a lot themselves. Travel has changed in the last 5 years and there are fewer flights being offered to the exotic Caribbean destinations and around the world. Not to mention, when flights are near full they get more expensive.

 
Although you want the ultimate honeymoon, if you plan ahead it doesn't always mean you pay the ultimate price tag!  Remember, in most cases you don't pay everything up front when booking through a travel agent. Many online booking engines require you pay in full to make the reservations, but travel agents have different channels they can use that will allow for a small deposit and possibly airfare due at time of booking. There are a few companies that will take a small deposit even on the all inclusive packages with final payments not due until 45 days prior to travel in most cases.

 
I highly recommend the use of a professional travel agent in your area. Make time to meet with them and let them qualify you for what you are looking for in a honeymoon. A good travel agent will get you to the right location, in the right suite, on the right island, with the perfect view...if that is what you want!  Many travel agencies do not charge fees for their planning services, but do ask that up front to make sure you aren't surprised with a “planning” bill at the end. The couples I help don't get charged an extra fee by me when booking a package, cruise or tour of their liking.  Use the agent’s knowledge and let them take this weight off your shoulders by taking care of the planning for you!

 
Finally, many companies will allow bookings for the resorts and cruises 18 months prior with airfare being added in 11 months prior to your date. The days of last minute deals and actually getting want you want are gone. If you wait too long you may have to settle for something less than you dreamed of, so plan early to get your perfect honeymoon!