Honeymoon Packing 101

By Nicole Fallon

    The vows have been exchanged, the dance floor has been cleared, and the wedding gifts are ready to be brought home. Now you can get ready to relax with your new husband on your honeymoon. Here are some tips to help you make sure you don’t forget anything when packing for your honeymoon.

Travel documents
    What could be worse than getting ready to board the flight for your honeymoon and realize that your passport is sitting in a drawer at home? The night before you leave, make sure all of your travel documents are together in a visible spot that neither of you will miss on your way out the door. Documents include your boarding passes, photo I.D. s, traveler’s insurance papers if applicable, and passports and visas for out-of-country trips. Check with your travel agent if you are unsure about the specific documents you will need for your destination. Having everything in one spot will keep you organized as you’re getting ready to go. If your trip does require a passport, make sure it is updated at least a few weeks before your departure; if you don’t have one, you’ll need to apply in advance, as it takes minimally six weeks to process.

Toiletries
    While your hotel will probably provide basics like shampoo and mouthwash, make sure you have all the toiletries you’ll need for your trip, especially if you use specific brands. Don’t forget your shower products, moisturizer, deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, and other everyday items. Purchasing small, clear plastic bottles will create perfect travel-size versions of your favorite products so you don’t have to pack the whole container. This is particularly helpful if you’re putting these items in your carry-on bag, since airline security requires all carry-on liquids and gels to be in 3-ounce bottles and stored in a 1-quart, clear zip-top bag. Even if your liquids are going in your checked bag, you may want to place them in zip-top bags anyway—you wouldn’t want everything else in your suitcase to get ruined if your bath gel accidentally opens and spills during the flight!

Medications and health supplements
    It’s easy to forget daily items like prescription medications and vitamins when packing for a trip. Make a list of all the pills or supplements you take on a daily basis and pack them the night before. If you take them in the morning, leave out one of each pill to take on the day you leave and put the bottles in your suitcase. You’ll also want to bring any over-the-counter medications that you may need during your trip, such as aspirin, antacids, and decongestants. A splitting headache or upset stomach would really put a damper on your honeymoon, so it’s good to be prepared if those situations arise.

Clothing
    Pack appropriate clothing for your destination. It’s important to know the environment, especially if you’ve never been there before. Research the weather in your honeymoon location during the time of year you plan to go so you don’t end up packing for warm weather if it’s supposed to be cold the week of your trip. If you’re planning on romantic dinners at upscale restaurants, bring dresses or nice outfits to wear. It also never hurts to pack an extra outfit or two—you never know if you’re going to need it!

Electronics
    Though your honeymoon can be a chance to be “unplugged” for a week or so, you and your husband will probably want to bring some of your electronic devices like your cell phones, iPods, laptops, and digital cameras. If you bring these items, make sure you bring the appropriate chargers for these devices so you can actually use them! If you’re traveling outside the country, check with your hotel about the type of outlets they have so you can bring an outlet connector or converter if necessary.

Pre-purchase and pack as much as you can
    If you’re leaving the country, you may end up paying much more after currency conversion rates and taxes, or possibly not find the item you’re looking for at all. What you’ll need will vary depending on your destination, but some items that can be brought from home are makeup, sunscreen, sunglasses, beachwear and towels, and basic first aid items like bandages. Be sure to weigh and measure your luggage once you’ve packed to make certain it is within your airline’s regulations. The limit per bag on most airlines is 50 pounds and a maximum combined dimension of 62 inches, but check with your airline to be sure.

    Lastly, leave copies of your travel itinerary and documents with a trusted family member or friend before your trip. In the unlikely event that you lose your return boarding passes or identification while on your honeymoon, someone at home will have records of those items so you and your husband can get back with minimal hassle. 
    Your honeymoon is supposed to be a time of fun and relaxation with the love of your life. The last thing you want is to forget an important item and spend your vacation wishing you had it. If you stay organized, keep track of what you’ve packed, and double check your bags before you leave, you’ll be sure to have everything you need for a spectacular honeymoon.