5 Tips For a Foolproof Honeymoon

The honeymoon is meant to be a stress-free reward following the pomp and circumstance (and laborious planning) of a wedding. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as the journey often comes with as much expectation and logistics as the wedding itself. Details like airfare, restaurant reservations and touring—not to mention choosing the right destination—can be tricky to plan and must be done right. To help ease the process, we've rounded up five expert tips for pulling off a smooth and seamless honeymoon, whether it be a long weekend or a multi-stop adventure.

Contact Indagare for assistance planning a customized romantic getaway.

A well-packed, organized suitcase can mean the difference between rummaging through sundresses and speeding out the door in minutes, allowing more time to enjoy the destination. We recommend spending a few hours packing your suitcase to include pieces that can be worn multiple times (a crisp linen shirt, gladiator sandals, a pashmina scarf). This way, you won't pack any extraneous items and will save considerable time each day. It's also important to bring a well-stocked carry on. Be sure to pack all your essentials for 48 hours, including cosmetics, medications and a change of clothes, just in case your luggage is delayed.

Related: Indagare Matchmaker: Best Honeymoon Destinations for All Kinds of Newlyweds

2. Don't over-plan your itinerary.

While it may be tempting to plan your itinerary hour-by-hour to include all the best sites and experiences, the best parts of the honeymoon are often downtime and discovery. We recommend allotting a handful of afternoons, mornings and evenings for free time, which can mean relaxing at your hotel, getting lost in a city or trying out an excursion recommended by a local.

Related: Indagare Favorites: Romantic Escapes

3. Upgrade your airport experience.

4. Don't forget the unsexy details.

Honeymoon planning is all about delayed gratification. We recommend over-preparing so there are no issues on the ground. For instance, make sure your credit card is set for international spending; pick up foreign currency; arrange all transfers ahead of time; and do as much research on the destination as possible to avoid any logistical snafus later. Indagare members can work with a Trip Designer who will take the guesswork out of planning.

Related: Indagare’s Honeymoon Guide By Season

5. Consider a mini-moon.

Planning a honeymoon—especially to far-flung and complex destinations like India, Thailand or Chile—can take months. For this reason, many couples opt to postpone their journey and escape for a quick and relaxing mini-honeymoon following their nuptials. Some of our favorite destinations include the Caribbean (such as Turks & Caicos and St. Lucia), Mexico (such as Riviera Maya or Tulum) and Napa.

Related: Five Tips for Mastering Jetlag