Honeymoons and romantic escapes
How to choose the destination, the time of year and the kind of trip for a honeymoon or a getaway for two, with practical advice from people who plan trips every day.
A honeymoon is often the most personal trip a couple takes. Before choosing where to go, agree on three things: how many days you have, your budget, and what you want to feel - rest, discovery or a bit of both.
When to book
- 6 to 12 months ahead if you travel in high season or want a small hotel, where the rooms with a view sell out first.
- Check the weather at your destination on your wedding dates. In the Maldives the dry season generally runs from December to April; in Bali, from April to October; on the Amalfi Coast, May, June and September combine good weather with fewer crowds than July and August.
- Public holidays and long weekends push up flight and hotel prices: moving your dates by a few days can make a real difference.
Choosing the kind of trip
- Beach and rest: resorts with half board or all inclusive make the budget easier to manage.
- City and beach: a few days in a city followed by an island, so the whole trip doesn't run at the same pace.
- Road or rail trip: Italy, Portugal or Scotland work well for couples who like a change of scenery.
- Once-in-a-lifetime moments: a hot-air balloon flight over Cappadocia at sunrise, a private dinner or a night in a cave hotel.
Details that make a difference
- Tell the hotel it's your honeymoon. Many hotels offer small touches for newlyweds, and some ask for proof of the wedding date.
- Documents: check that your passports are valid. Some countries require the passport to be valid for at least six months after arrival, such as Indonesia (Bali) and Thailand. If you change your surname after the wedding, the name on your tickets must match the document you travel with.
- Travel insurance with cancellation cover, especially for a trip booked many months in advance.
- Pace: after months of wedding planning, leave a few days with nothing planned.
Romantic getaways
Not every celebration needs a long trip. Two to four nights in a city with charm, such as Paris, Venice or Prague, or in a country hotel, are enough to celebrate an anniversary.
How a Travel Partner helps
An iCliGo Travel Partner knows the destinations and the hotels, compares options within your budget, handles the bookings and is there for you before and during the trip. You always pay iCliGo, through its official channels.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should we book our honeymoon?
Ideally 6 to 12 months before, especially for high season or small hotels. It is possible with less time, but there will be fewer flights and rooms to choose from.
Which honeymoon destination should we choose?
It depends on your dates and what you are looking for. For a beach from December to April, the Maldives are in their dry season; from April to October, Bali; to combine culture, food and sea in late spring or September, the Amalfi Coast.
What documents do we need?
A valid passport (some countries require six months of validity after arrival) and, depending on your nationality and destination, a visa or electronic travel authorisation. The name on the tickets must match your travel document.
Is travel insurance worth it for a honeymoon?
Yes. A trip booked months in advance is exposed to the unexpected; insurance with cancellation and medical cover protects what you have invested.