1. Discuss a few basic questions before choosing a destination to make sure your honeymoon will appeal to both you and your partner. Do we want to save or splurge? Travel near or far? Do you want adventure or pleasure? Deciding this beforehand will help avoid any conflict.
2. You should book your honeymoon as far ahead as possible to ensure you secure the flights an accommodation you have your heart set on. A good travel agent will have a good idea of the likely times specials are released for particular destinations.
Your agent too will be able to ensure you’re travelling to a destination at a good time of year. There’s nothing like going to an island paradise during the monsoonal season!
3. Check everything in your room is to you liking before you begin unpacking. If the taps
drip, the television is faulty or the view is not what you requested, inform the reception that you are on your honeymoon and politely request a room change.
4. Get information about your destination before you leave home. Find out the best restaurants, the most interesting museums or the notable activities in the region.
5. Read the fine print to determine what transfer fees, meals or sightseeing tours are included in your trip. This will avoid surprise costs at the end of your honeymoon.
6. Have any recommended vaccinations and take along your own mini first-aid kit.
7. Carry some spare clothing in your hand luggage so if you’re travelling overseas and your bags get lost, you don’t get caught totally short.
8. Put any cash or valuables in the safety deposit box at your hotel. Nothing will dampen your honeymoon faster than returning from a day trip to find passports, jewellery or travellers cheques missing.
9. Make sure you have a camera in good working order. Also, ensure you pack the battery charger and sufficient memory cards. It’s one of the most special times in your life, so make sure you have a record of it for years to come. And while you’re away, safeguard your memory cards and camera – you don’t want your romantic moments splashed on youtube!
10. Lastly, do not treat your honeymoon as just another holiday – it’s a time like no other. Plan it well, rely on the advice of a top travel agent and by the time you get back, all that pre-wedding tension will have disappeared.
Glistening waters and tropical temperatures make Tahiti a postcard-perfect spot to say ‘I do’ and enjoy an idyllic honeymoon.
The lush landscapes, crystal clear azure lagoons and soaring volcanic peaks will make for a beautiful and romantic day of matrimony and lead into a heaven-on-earth holiday.
Visitors were previously unable to wed in the luxurious location unless they resided in the country for 30 days before announcing their nuptials.
But a change in legislation now allows guests to legally tie the knot in the islands which are sprinkled over five million sq km of South Pacific ocean.
“The changes mean getting married in Tahiti is now a realistic option for couples all over Australia,” Tahiti Tourism regional director for Australia Robert Thompson says.
To make it a breeze, couples can skip much of the pre-wedding stress by planning their marriage and honeymoon at any of Tahiti’s 40 hotels and resorts.
“Tahiti’s stunning hotels and resorts - there are 13 on Bora Bora alone - will soon launch a range of wedding packages to make a wedding and honeymoon in any of Tahiti’s 48 communes (municipalities) even easier to organise,” Mr Thompson says.
Bora Bora’s Four Seasons Resort offers a colourful and charismatic ceremony in their stunning chapel which overlooks a blissful blue lagoon.
Newlyweds can then relax by the tranquil beaches, take sunset strolls or enjoy relaxing massages before retiring to an opulent over-water bungalow.
French cuisines and champagnes are served in style across the five archipelagos.
Those with energy to burn can thrill-seek in style by taking a 4WD safari, shark swim, helicopter swoop or atoll drift dive.
Or, flow with the tides and glide with the South Pacific currents by booking a calm and caressing cruise.
For more information on how to get married in Tahiti visit www.tahitinow.com.au, contact Tahiti Tourisme on 1300 655 563 or see your travel agent.
How to get there
The Faa’a International Airport is about 5km west of Papeete near major hotels.
Airlines flying to Tahiti include Air France, Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, Hawaiian Airlines and Lan Airlines. Most of these have code-share arrangements with other airlines such as Air Europe, Alitalia, Iberia, Lufthansa, Qantas and Virgin Atlantic.
Qantas has flights from Melbourne to Papeete for $1322 per adult return via Auckland.
Can’t decide on your ideal honeymoon destination? Travel adviser Karin Vanner offers some advice
What are some of the most popular honeymoon destinations?
Honeymooners love to travel to a range of destinations but in particular Bali, Thailand, Cook Islands, Tahiti and Mexico. Couples like to mix it up and these days they can be more adventurous than an island theme. Some people get too bored just sitting on an island and want to be more active and explore more destinations. Africa, Vietnam and India are suited to this theme. A combination is available and honeymooners can enjoy an adventure-packed time with a lovely relaxing beach backdrop.
Where are some of the best places to honeymoon within Australia?
An Australian honeymoon can be convenient because couples can also be married in the same location. Hayman Island and Hamilton Island are very popular for wedding and honeymoon packages. Couples can bring over their family and stay and enjoy the time together in a tropical location.
How long do couples honeymoon for?
Honeymoons generally last for two to three weeks. But depending on how lucky the
couple is, they have been known to stretch as long as six months. It depends on the destination and how much the honeymooners want to, and can afford to, take in.
How much do most couples spend?
Once again it can vary depending on the destination. Honeymoons can be as little as $3000 and as much as $15,000. Wedding costs need to be taken into consideration. If a couple chose to have a lavish wedding they may not be able to put as much into their honeymoon. Different destinations will also have different rates for activities and accommodation.
Is the honeymoon registry popular?
Absolutely. Because most modern couples have most things these days it is an excellent idea for a wedding gift. It is very popular with our office and it saves on trying to think what to buy. Also, if the cost of the wedding was high the money will come in very handy on the honeymoon.
How does the registry work?
The registry is set up with a cover charge. The names of contributors are listed on a contribution letter which is given to the honeymooners on the closing date. The honeymooners are then able to reply to the contributors with a letter of thanks.
What are some essential suitcase items?
A suitcase can limit you to what you want to take and it does depend which climate you are travelling to. If travelling somewhere warm remember a good pair of sunnies, hat and sunscreen. Pack a range of clothing for both smart and casual events. Throw in your bathers regardless of weather, because remember even if you’re in a cold climate there could be a warm bubbling spa waiting for you on arrival. Don’t forget the staple items for travelling overseas- your passport, airline tickets and accommodation vouchers.
Do parents take children on their honeymoons?
In a word, no. I’ve known couples who have taken kids and even other couples on their honeymoons and generally it should just be the newlyweds. Leave the kids at home with someone and take the time out to enjoy yourselves. This is the start of the rest of your life together and the kids will be there when you get back.
Karin Vanner is the owner/manager of Harvey World Travel Geelong West.
