A Luxury Travel Planner’s 10 Honeymoon Tips

Real talk from a travel planner who’s helped countless couples get it right.

Planning your honeymoon should feel exciting, not overwhelming. But between the post-wedding exhaustion and the pressure to plan something “perfect,” it’s easy to overthink every detail. So let’s keep it simple.

I’ve helped hundreds of couples plan their honeymoons, and over time, I’ve noticed the same truths come up again and again — the tips that make the difference between a forgettable trip and one you’ll talk about for the rest of your life.

Here are 10 honeymoon planning tips (aka my real-life honeymoon hot takes) to help you skip the stress and plan a trip you’ll actually enjoy and remember for all the right reasons. And of course, if you’re still feeling stressed after reading, I’m a quick email away and can take the planning pressure off in an instant!

1. Leave on a Monday

I get it. You're riding that wedding high and want to jet off immediately — but trust me, Monday is your sweet spot.

Taking a day between the wedding and your departure gives you space to come down from the adrenaline, repack (without champagne goggles) and breathe. Sunday becomes a soft landing — sleep in, open gifts, eat leftovers — and Monday feels like a fresh start.

Pro tip: Avoid early morning flights. Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely airport coffee. Your honeymoon shouldn't start with a sprint.

2. Cross Off the Places You’ve Already Been

Where have you already traveled together or even separately? Great! Now pick somewhere else.

Your honeymoon is a milestone. It’s a chance to create new memories together, in a place that neither of you has experienced before. Whether that’s a bucket-list destination or somewhere off the beaten path, choose adventure over comfort.

You’ll bond more deeply as you explore new territory, and you’ll never forget the feeling of seeing something for the first time together.

3. Don’t Overplan

This is a hard one, especially for the Type A itinerary-makers (you’re my people, but you shouldn’t be for this trip!).

Yes, you should have a few key experiences or excursions in mind, but leave room for downtime. One of the most magical things about travel is the space it creates: time to wander aimlessly, discover a hidden café, or take a midday nap in a sun-drenched hotel room.

You’re not trying to “do it all.” You’re trying to be fully present with each other.

4. Choose the Upgrade

Here’s the deal: You only honeymoon once.

So if you’re debating the suite with a view, the private wine tasting, or the beachfront dinner at sunset — do it. This is the time to lean into what feels special, even if it means spending a little more than usual.

The memories you’ll make are worth far more than the extra dollars.

And if you work with a travel planner (hi, it’s me!), we can often secure those dreamy extras through our hotel partnerships (room upgrades, spa credits, welcome treats) without blowing your budget.

5. Think Seasonally (and Strategically)

Just because everyone you know went to Greece in August doesn’t mean it’s the best time to go. In fact… it’s probably not.

The best honeymoon destinations change depending on the season, so choosing the right spot for your timeline is key. Italy in May is very different than Italy in August. Same goes for Bali in rainy season or the Caribbean during hurricane months.

Not sure where’s best for your dates? That’s literally what I’m here for. I help couples match their dream destination with ideal travel windows all the time.

6. Make It Yours

There’s no one-size-fits-all honeymoon. Want to backpack through Europe and stay in cool boutique hotels? Awesome. Want five days of spa treatments, beach naps, and coconut drinks? Amazing!

What matters is that the trip reflects you two — your pace, your energy, your idea of fun.

Love food? Let’s book a cooking class. Obsessed with wine? I know the best vineyard tours. Don’t love cities? I’ll help you find a peaceful village with stunning views. The more personal your honeymoon feels, the more meaningful it becomes.

7. Schedule a “Nothing” Day

This tip is simple and essential: build in a day with zero plans.

Pick a spot with a view, order room service, and just be. No reservations. No alarms. Just time to unwind, reflect, and enjoy each other’s company without distractions.

A day like this gives your mind and body a chance to reset, especially after all the wedding busyness. And it often becomes the day couples remember most.

8. Skip the 6 a.m. Flights

I had to expand on this thought. Unless you thrive on stress and very little sleep (and I know you don’t after wedding week), avoid super early flights, especially at the start or end of your trip.

Book flights that let you ease into the day, grab breakfast, and check out without rushing. Same goes for coming home — no one wants to land at midnight and head to work at 8 a.m. the next day.

If your budget allows, consider flying in a day early or staying a day longer. The calmer transition can be priceless.

9. Document but Don’t Overshare

Take all the pictures. Make the little videos. You’ll love looking back on them.

But also give yourselves permission not to post everything in real time. Let this trip be just for the two of you — a sacred little bubble before the world comes knocking again.

Capture the moments for yourselves. Share them later if you want. But don’t feel pressure to turn your honeymoon into content. It’s an experience, not a performance.

10. Get Some Help

Listen, you’ve just planned a wedding. You don’t have to plan a complex international trip, too.

This is where a travel planner (again, it’s me!) comes in. I help with everything from destination suggestions to logistics, from flights and transfers to excursions and upgrades. I’ll even make sure your room has the best sunset view and your packing list is perfect for the destination.

The best part? I take the stress off your shoulder, so you get to show up, celebrate, and actually enjoy your honeymoon.

Final Thoughts:

Your honeymoon doesn’t have to be expensive. It doesn’t have to be exotic. It doesn’t even have to be long.

But it should feel like something that matters. Something that reflects this moment in your life.

So leave room to breathe. Choose joy. Say yes to the upgrade. Let go of the pressure. And when in doubt, ask for help — that’s what I’m here for.

If you’re ready to start planning or just need a sounding board, I’m one message away. Whether you know exactly where you want to go or just know how you want to feel while you're there, we’ll make it happen.

Because a great honeymoon isn’t about checking boxes — it’s about making memories that you’ll talk about for years to come.