After months of planning your wedding, you and your honey get to now get the most exciting post-wedding event: your honeymoon!

First, work together and come to a compromise about the place you want to go. You have the world at your disposal: a tropical paradise, a European getaway, a cross-country road trip... You can sit by the beach with drinks in hand, or visit historical monuments and museums; romance is not isolated in one corner of the globe.

Can you take two weeks off to explore all of the Hawaiian Islands or can you only squeeze in a long weekend? Make sure you and your hubby can take the same amount of time off from work and other obligations. Give yourself at least a full week if possible, so you'll have a nice, relaxing time and be able to see and do everything you'd like.

Next, budget your trip. If you can, use a little of your wedding gift money to treat yourselves to the nicer hotel and extra night or two stay at the place of your dreams. If you can't afford to spend a lot of money, a long weekend or "mini-moon" in Las Vegas or Disney World can give the two of you just enough special time, without burning a hole in your wallet.

Remember to think about the time of season you're going in regards to the cost. For example, honeymoon spots such as ski and spa resorts, like those found in Aspen, Colorado, have different rates for holidays and skiing seasons. Going in an off-month can help save.

Honeymoon Hot Spots

Beautiful Beaches:
Atlantis – a resort destination like nowhere else – features sugar white sand beaches, thrilling waterpark and nightlife attractions, fine dining, championship seaside golf course, and an indulgent spa.

St. Lucia - This Caribbean tropical island is perfect for couples that enjoy beautiful weather, palm fringed beaches, acres of rainforests and exotic flowers, animals and island cuisine.

Exotic Countries:
Athens, Greece - Spring and early autumn are the prime times to visit Athens. You'll experience great weather and the cities of Plaka, Gazi and Psirri, filled with neoclassical buildings and beautiful sites.

 

New Zealand - This honeymoon spot has it all: glaciers, rain forests, beaches, waterfalls, amazing hotels and resorts. Enjoying the beaches of the Northern Caper and Lake Tarawera with a cruise and couples spa treatment are just some of the possibilities.

For the Unconventional Couples:
Take a cruise to Alaska - Sail along the ocean, stopping at various locations and taking in the sites on your way to one of the newest honeymoon hotspots.

Go on a South African Safari - Travel through the jungles in Kenya and spend time with some amazing creatures, beautiful beaches and romantic hideaways.

Once you've found your place, prepare to go. Here are a few tips to make sure the two of you have the time of your life.

• If you're traveling overseas, make sure you have your passport up to date. It will take at least 6-8 weeks to get an updated passport.
• If you're going somewhere where mandatory vaccination shots are required, make appointments ahead of time to get them.
• Nothing's more difficult than trying to find a room in a foreign country, so make sure you reserve all of your hotel rooms. Don't wing it with sleeping arrangements, or else you may end up in sleeping bags somewhere!
• If you're going to a foreign country, make a stop at a bank and get your money switched into the countries currency. It saves you time and money--you'll get a better exchange rate from home.
• If you're still stuck finding a location, hiring a travel agent can help you put together all of your honeymoon details. Without any additional costs, a specialist can plan your airfare, hotel package and events.