The first step towards planning your dream honeymoon is selecting the perfect location. The place you choose will determine the best time to go, activities you enjoy, and the general vibe of your honeymoon.

Deciding on a honeymoon destination can be a little overwhelming. If you’re having trouble narrowing your options down, keep these tips in mind.

Select a general vibe

Before you settle on a location, it may be easier to know what kind of honeymoon you want. If you’re the adventurous/outdoorsy type, a tropical location like Bali may be best for you. On the other hand, art-lovers will enjoy more cultural locations like Rome. City slickers will thrive in metropolitan areas like New York and those just wanting a relaxing break should opt for a beach getaway like the Seychelles.

Make a list and check it twice

Now that you know the type of honeymoon you want, you can begin researching locations that offer what you want. Write a list of dream places you and your fiancé would like to travel to, and see if/which places are on both your lists.

Set a budget

It’s important to stay within budget when honeymooning. Remember, you just blew quite a bit on your big day so you don’t want to start your married life in even deeper debt. Now that you’ve got your list of destinations, evaluate which one best fits with your budget. For example, if you want a cultural experience abroad, it may be better to opt for smaller locations in Eastern Europe rather than Western Europe, as they’re often way more affordable.

Factor in out-of-pocket costs

Travelling can easily become expensive if you forget to sweat the small stuff. Things like Visa applications, the exchange rate, transportation, surge pricing for in-season activities and restaurants can all add up quickly.

Consider the time of year and weather

If you plan on soaking up the sun all day, it would be best to check ahead of time to make sure the weather will be on your side. Travelling in-season is often more expensive but it ensures you’ll be able to enjoy the activities you want, whereas off-season travelling may save some coin but run the risk of some things being closed.

Stay abreast of current events

Make sure to do your research beforehand to make sure you are aware of all the health risks and requirements of every individual destination. This is especially important if you plan to travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Some countries require certain vaccines and paperwork before entry. It is also important for many to consider whether your destination of choice is LGBQTI+ friendly.