Overseas Vacations Create Honeymoon Memories

Europe is a destination that many honeymooners dream of — what could be more romantic than strolling hand in hand along the Seine in Paris, taking a gondola ride in Venice or taking a dip in the Mediterranean with your sweetheart? There are many ways to have a perfect honeymoon in Europe and it will depend largely on your two personalities and your budget.

What are the things to consider when planning a honeymoon in this part of the world?

First of all you will require a valid passport. For any of the 26 countries in the Schengen area, American citizens require a passport that is valid for three months past the return date of your flight. We suggest you have your passport valid for six months past your return date just to be on the safe side. The airlines are very strict about the three-month rule, so don’t even think you can be even a day or two off with the dates!

Then you will have to decide the budget you can afford to spend for this special trip and where you wish to go. If you have never been to Europe, and even if you have, we suggest consulting with a travel professional because more often than not, they know the lay of the land, they know what is possible in what period of time, they know the best places and they will come up with the best options for you for the proposed budget. The last thing you want to do is bite off more than you can chew and try and do too much and wear yourself ragged on your honeymoon! A travel professional will help you avoid this pitfall and many others, making sure you get the most from your trip.

The next thing to decide is whether you wish to stay in one or two spots or if you wish to move every few days. Both types of trips can be fantastic, but  it depends on the individuals. Renting a beautiful apartment in the Riviera with a view upon the Mediterranean for example can be very romantic, every day venturing out to market day, museums, attractions, finding your way together, figuring things out, doing a little cooking or not. So this can be a culturally immersive way to experience a small French or Italian town. You could either take a train around, or you may have to rent a car to really venture out to hilltop medieval villages, etc. Driving is relatively easy because on the continent they drive on the same side as us, and if you can’t drive a stick shift, you can rent automatic cars for a premium.

Another way to experience Europe for those that prefer to move every few days is to road trip around a region or two of France, Italy or Spain as examples — with a set itinerary, car rental, GPS, and charming characteristic historical inns booked for you along the way. Each day you will move and experience new places — together. This was how I spent my own honeymoon 8 ½ years ago in Southern Spain and it was great!

Carol Murray is with Your Vacation Home.