How to plan your honeymoon!

Ah the honeymoon. A reason in itself to walk down the aisle (joking lah)!

But seriously, one cannot discount the importance of planning an amazing honeymoon. You’ve had your wedding, your parents (and in-laws) are finally happy and the only way to usher in the matrimonial bliss would be… to embark on a romantic holiday with your spouse! In present times, it’s not longer a must to skip off right after the wedding – nowadays, couples can wait months (some years..!) before going on a honeymoon.

So if you’re thinking where to begin, firstly start with the BUDGET.

Budget
Besides time, the only other constraint really holding you back are the dollar signs. Some couples I  know spent soooo much on their wedding they had to forgo their honeymoon! This is a no no in my books. If you’re going to be starting a life together (that lasts forever), shouldn’t it be a dream to travel to some equally dream-like location? My advice is to put some money aside for the budget, or at least make a plan that will help you afford your honeymoon in say ‘X’ number of months. Another suggestion, is to forgo wedding registries and tell friends and family to instead give “honeymoon ang pow”. Also, spend some time researching for deals! Websites like agoda.com offer great deals on hotels and budget airlines seem to reach all parts of the world nowadays.

Where to go
There are 196 countries in the world (avoid the 4 not listed with the United Nations), so you really are spoilt for choice! If you’re wondering what type of honeymoon to go on, perhaps do a little personality quiz on yourself. I’ve used myself below as an example, haha.

Quiz: Steph’s ultimate honeymoon (with Daniel Henney? Hehe)

1. Do you like traveling?
Of course. What a silly question.

2. Then you won’t mind going far. What’s most important to you – adventure, romance or discovery?
Romance, discovery and adventure can take a backseat thanks.

3. Do you enjoy outdoor activities such as camping or skiing?
Not for my honeymoon! I was always last to be picked for sports teams… so nothing but massages please.

4. Right, a honeymoon in New Zealand or Africa may be out for you. Are you a city girl or a nature girl?
City to live in… but for a holiday I definitely would love the beach.

5. Have you backpacked before and would you be up for ‘roughing it’?
Backpacking may break my back so no thanks! I don’t think bunk beds in the YMCA would be very romantic. So I’ll have to decline!

6. Great, so you’d like something luxe by the beach. Would you prefer a happening beach or a secluded getaway?
Secluded. I do not want to spend my honeymoon at a Full Moon party with drunk teenagers…

7. We’re getting close! Our top beach destinations for you are – the Maldives, South Thailand, Bali, Seychelles, Bora Bora and the Cook Islands.
Ooh! Maldives please!

8. Then start saving now woman. Maldivian resorts range from say USD 500 up to the thousands. Hop onto atollparadise.com to find the finest resorts in the Maldives at the best deals.
Thank you. Could you recommend one for me?

9. We think you’ll like Huvafen Fushi. Why? Because it has an underwater spa where you can get rubbed down while staring at the fishes swimming away…
I’m sold!! As long as Jaws doesn’t make a comeback.

*Err, well that was fun interviewing myself..! You can do that too WGA readers and discover your dream destination. It would probably be a good idea to ask your spouse as well, and find out what they would like to do. However, as a slight feminist, I say overrule ladies! If he wants to catch a football match or go fishing, put your foot down. Remember honeymoons are like weddings, they only happen once! Well, cross fingers ;)