This is part 3 of our blog series on what to pack for your wedding. Part one included items to pack for your photography details, your ceremony, and your reception. Part 2 included your getting ready and overnight bags. In this blog, we’ll share what to pack for your honeymoon as well as really pertinent tips for planning and traveling.

A Travel Agent’s Advice

I interviewed travel agent Anna Caruso with Love Travel Collection to bring you the best info on what to pack and also what to expect right now when it comes to travel! Anna specializes in all-inclusive resorts, (Sandals, Beaches, Dreams, Secrets), Cruises (such as River Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Disney Cruises), and The Disney Collection (Disney World, Disneyland, Adventures by Disney) and Universal Orlando.

Wait a Travel Agent Doesn’t Cost Me Anything …

You may be surprised to hear that many travel agents won’t charge you a penny. According to Anna, It will be the same price as booking yourself online, but you get all of her expertise, itinerary planning, and more! She says you may actually save money because of promotions she has access to for your trip.

Planning your Honeymoon

There are a few things that make honeymoons unique. Here are some things Anna suggests considering that may be different from other vacations you’ve planned.

THE PERKS- Many hotels and lots of all-inclusives offer perks and upgrades for honeymooners!
HONEYMOON REGISTRIES- Honeymooners can increase their travel budget by considering a honeymoon registry. Take a look at Traveler’s Joy. Many guests will enjoy buying experience, like an unforgettable excursion or a relaxing couples massage rather than another pot or pan.
IDs- Make sure your passport, DL, and tickets match. If you’re taking your hubby’s name make sure it’s consistent on travel documents and IDs.

Traveling Tips (Including Tips Amidst COVID-19)

Start planning travel at least 6-8 months out if you can. Now more than ever- Purchase Travel Insurance. Travel insurance is typically less than 10% of your vacation price.
Check the US Dept of State’s website for precautions and the CDC for specific COVID restrictions
Bring several different types of masks so you can choose the one that’s most comfortable for the activities and climate of your honeymoon.
Pay attention to weight and size restrictions (it can be pretty stressful to have to unpack and repack at the airline ticket desk)
Liquids. Do yourself a favor and go to your local drug store and buy a travel safe bag for your liquids. These comply with airline security restrictions and make things a little easier on travel day as well.
Check your Airline bag limits. Airlines like Southwest allow 3 free bags (one checked, one carry on and a personal item), other airlines charge for each bag. Being aware of limits will help you stay on budget.

Honeymoon Packing List

Anna put together a complete packing checklist that you can download here.

Main Bag

Clothes
Capris
Shorts
Jeans
T-shirts
Long sleeve shirts
Bathing suits/cover-ups
Your favorite lingerie
Underwear/bras
Belts
Socks
Flip Flops
Tennis shoes
Other shoes/crocks
Hoodie
Gloves/mittens/scarves
Hats/ball caps
Sunglasses
Basic jewelry
Evening wear
Watch

Toiletries

Shampoo
Conditioner
Razors/shaving cream
Makeup
Makeup remover/moisturizer
Soap/gel/puff
Brush/comb
Straightener/curling iron
Band-aids/moleskin
Medications-prescriptions
Body glide (anti-chafing & blister prevention)
Feminine products
Nail clippers/tweezers
Hair spray/gel/mousse
Medications – Tums, Pepto, Advil, Benadryl
Rubber bands/bobby pins/hair accessories
Sunblock
Lotion
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Deodorant
Bodyspray
Contact/glasses/contact solution
Foot powder
Shampoo, soap, gel, toothbrush/toothpaste
Eyedrops
Vitamins
Earplugs

Carry-on for Plane

Masks (bring several)
Ipad/Kindle/DS
Snacks
Gum for ear popping – many airports do not sell it anymore and it’s very helpful for take-off and landing
Change of clothes, food, medication
Headphones/Ipods
Kleenex
Clorox wipes
Phone Chargers/ Fuel Rod/ Portable Phone Charger
Water bottle- bring a reusable water bottle and fill it after you go through security.

Day Bag or Backpack

Camera
Phone
Money/Credit Cards
Sunglasses
Hats
Rain Poncho/Umbrella
Chapstick
First aid kit
Water
Snacks
Gum (they don’t sell it in in some theme parks)
Lanyard (waterproof if needed)
Ziploc bags
Kleenex
Wipes

Specialty

Tags for your bags with cell phone/addresses, including your park bag
Bandana for rental car antenna (to easily see which car is yours in a crowded parking lot)
Insurance docs/cards
Plane tickets
Hotel confirmations
Maps/directions
Cash for tips
Nightlights for the room
Stamps
Pop up hamper for dirty clothes in the room
Quarters/detergent/dryer sheets for laundry
Sea-bands- if you get travel sickness, pick up a pair of these- they really work!
Wine or champagne – Bring your favorite bottles. I roll mine in bubble wrap and then put the wrapped bottle in a liquid-proof sealed bag. Your local wine store may also have a specific solution. Slidell Wine Warehouse carries these.

Final Tip

Anna says that even if you use the best travel agent and have every detail planned something is bound to go wrong. Here’s her advice on handling those mishaps. “Laugh off the imperfections and make a memory of it instead. Remember that wine I told you to pack…open it up, have a glass and giggle your worries away!”