Planning key for a perfect honeymoon getaway – News

While a couple’s wedding can be arguably one of the most frustrating and blissful times, the honeymoon should only be the latter.

If a couple is planning to go on their honeymoon shortly after the wedding, they should include planning for it along with the preceding ceremony.

Chad Cotter of Cotter Travel says the first thing the couple should do is nail down a solid budget with a little room to move around. He says his clients usually spend around $2,000 to $2,500 for an all-inclusive vacation.

In addition, Lisa Deal of Deal Travel and Cruises LLC in Savannah, Mo., says getting insurance, which usually runs about $120 per person, is a must, as it helps cover any problems that might come up or if the price on the vacation drops in the interim.

“I have lots of clients that I get to make a call to months down the road and say ‘Hey, your payment is going to be $800 less than when you started,’” she says. “You can’t get that benefit without the insurance.”

Next, couples need to choose a destination. Some of Cotter Travel and Deal Travel and Cruises’ most popular spots are Mexico, Jamaica and Hawaii. Just make sure to do the booking ahead of time.

“Don’t book at the last minute because you run the risk of places being sold, low availability at most places and higher rates,” Cotter says.

Married in 2012, Alex and Tabitha Walters say they planned for their honeymoon in Jamaica far later than they wanted to and ended up having to cut the trip short.

“We got all caught in the details of the wedding that I think didn’t really matter in the end,” Alex says.

Cotter says it’s a problem he sees people deal with that can be easily avoided. He suggests planning the honeymoon about nine to 10 months in advance, which helps him secure the spot, as well as set up a payment plan if it’s needed.

From there, the couple and their travel agent can fine tune the vacation to their desire and interests. When they arrive at their destination, Deal suggests they bring a marriage certificate to see if there’s any added bonuses at where they’re staying.

“A lot of hotels will do some extra perks for honeymooners, but you have to take a copy of your marriage certificate to prove (it),” she says.

In addition, Deal also suggests taking the first day to take in the view and prepare, with subsequent days being used to sight-see and have fun.

It’s something the Walters say they regrettably didn’t do.

“I would highly, highly recommend that others take their time and book in advance,” Tabitha says.

Cotter agrees.

“You don’t want to leave saying ‘I wish we could have done that,’” he says.