Honeymoon Planning: Packing + Traveling Tips

In case you've missed every wedding planning post I've written up to now, you should know, I love to pass on wedding advice to my bride friends. That, of course, includes advice on honeymoon planning! I haven't blogged much about that yet (save for a guest post), but what better time to start than now?

Getting ready to travel is one of the most stressful parts of honeymoon planning, especially if you're planning it yourself. There's the hassle of figuring out what to pack and the stress of arranging transportation. Help ease the stress with these honeymoon planning tips.

Packing Tips

1. Create a packing list in advance. As soon as you know where you're traveling to, start making a list of the things you want to pack. The more time you give yourself to make your list, the less likely you'll be to forget something. (And to help with that, check out my packing list suggestions below!)

2. Include outfits on your packing list. Don't wait until the last minute to plan your attire or you'll end up either over-packing or, worse, under-packing. Use down time before your wedding to take an inventory of pieces you have and items you'll need to buy. Also look for ways to make multiple outfits with the same pieces by mixing and matching coordinating clothes.

3. Trim your packing list. Okay, this is me preaching to the choir because I always over-pack. However, it's a really good idea to eliminate some of the non-necessities, like that extra dress or unnecessary pair of shoes. You won't want to be bogged down by a heavy suitcase or run out of room for any souvenirs you may find.

4. Pack as early as possible. Whatever you do, don't leave packing to the night before you leave, it will only add to the stress and cause you to pack more than you need. I recommend starting packing the week before if possible. Obviously you can't pack anything you'll need to wear, but you should at least start filling your suitcase with whatever you can. You can always throw in a few things last-minute, like your phone charger, camera, and some clothes.

5. Bag your liquids. Protect your clothes and accessories from potential spills by putting all your liquids in zip-top bags. Even if you're not flying to your destination, you always run the risk of something leaking. Save yourself the trouble of having to clean up your suitcase and bag up anything that could leak!

Travel Tips

1. Shop around. Always compare prices on anything for your wedding before you buy, and that includes your honeymoon travel. Don't settle on the first thing you find as there could be a money-saving alternative.

2. Consider an all-inclusive option. When we were planning our honeymoon, we mapped out prices and found that the best deal was an all-inclusive resort. It covered our room, all meals and drinks, transportation, and entertainment. Depending on where you are going and what you want to do, an all-inclusive could be the best option for you.

3. Check out RelayRides. If you need to rent a car when you reach your domestic travel destination, look into RelayRides, a peer-to-peer sharing car rental service. They have cars available at airports across the country and can help renters save money with great, low-price options. Check out their site or download their app, available in the App Store or on Google Play.

My Packing List

Some things to consider putting on your list:
scarf / bobby pins / facial cleansing wipes / bronzer / spray-able sunscreen / headphones
a catch-all bag / flip-flops / phone charger / camera / wide-brimmed hat / skin-nourishing spray / lip balm
sparkly earrings / cardigan / reading material / sunglasses / wide-tooth comb / journal / pen
card game / hair ties / necklace / passport / sleep mask / beach cover-up