SIX TIPS ON CHOOSING THE PERFECT HONEYMOON DESTINATION
So you have it all planned – you know exactly how your wedding day is going to be. You have every little detail memorized and you picture it all flowing smoothly to the point where you kiss your friends and family goodbye and that one final emotional wave… and then what? Where are you going to go? What’s next?
Most couples put in so much effort and time on making that one day of their together-forever journey perfect that they completely miss out on the all-important Honeymoon plans until it’s too late. In reality, couples should make preparations for their honeymoon about the same time as they book the vendors for their wedding. But how exactly does one get about planning that perfect honeymoon to write home about? We just might have the answer for you.
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that choosing the perfect honeymoon destination requires a heart to heart conversation between the two of you. There’s no such things as an ideal honeymoon; it only matters that you choose what you as a couple find to be important. Sit down and decide what works for you. Figure out if he’s a beach person or she’s a mountain person, whether you would like to just forget the wedding rush and relax doing yoga and sipping on cocktails to amazing views or prefer to pack in as much memorable adventures and exploration.
To splurge or not to splurge
Your budget for the wedding will already have your hands tied when you have to allocate funds for your honeymoon. However, while it is important to spend on your guests, it is equally important to budget your honeymoon, and not be miserly about it either. Factor in whether you would like to travel overseas or travel around paradise isle together. Since you wouldn’t want to be roughing out on your first outing as Mr. and Mrs., make sure you leave enough to spend. Consider spending on clothing if you are travelling to cooler climes, local cuisine and fare and other activities such as sightseeing and tickets, in addition to accommodation and transport.
Duration
To choose your location, you need figure out how long you will be spending in blissful romance. If you have planned two functions and plan to use the gap between the two functions for your honeymoon, it wouldn’t be wise to choose an overseas destination. Luckily for us Sri Lankans, whether you want to get your extra dose of Vitamn Sea at the crystal blue beaches of Sri Lanka or whether you want to escape to the chilly hills and lush greenery, all of this is easily accessible within a day in our island nation. If you are not pressed for time, you can consider an overseas trip or a cruise or even choose to go on an adventure staying in multiple locations across the island.
Choosing Accommodation
While how you spend your budget will greatly depend on where you stay, remember that Honeymoons are all about the destination and not just the journey. Whether you choose a free-standing scenic villa, a secluded and cosy bungalow or a luxury holiday in a star class hotel, keep in mind that what matters is that you get to do things that you love. For a truly unique experience watch out for exclusive facilities such as private plunge pools, spa and wellness therapies for couples and hotels that offer personalized services such meals under the stars on the beach.
Also, don’t forget to explore unique options and wander off the beaten path by choosing options such as camping or glamping for that perfect honeymoon under the stars, or staying in a movable option such as a sail boat or caravan – all of which are available in Sri Lanka and gaining popularity fast.
“Whether the weather be fine”
This one is a no-brainer or so you think. Getting married in Sri Lanka, most couples avoid the rainy season. However, though the forecast may be bright and sunny at your wedding venue, your honeymoon destination might be otherwise. Although our country is suitable for travel all year round, it’s best that you avoid the inter-monsoonal seasons. The best times to travel Down South and to the Central or Badulla Provinces would be from December to March and if you are travelling to the East, plan your honeymoon between May and September.
If you are travelling abroad, be conscious about the seasons and pack accordingly. As much as it may seem romantic to be cuddled during a cold night, it might be a mood dampener if you don’t get to do the activities planned.
All about the fun
Once you have gotten it all figured out, how you spend your honeymoon is the most fun part. If you are travelling to unfamiliar cities, make sure you explore new cultures together and try new food and experience how the locals live. If either of you are adrenaline junkies it would be fun to get involved in activities such as snorkelling or kite surfing if you are travelling to the beach or go chasing waterfalls if you are headed to the mountains. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and include fun activities such as a one day pottery or art workshop, a cookery class or a private wine-tasting session – these will be experiences that you will speak about to your grandchildren someday. Needless to say, make sure you include activities that each of you like even if the other isn’t particularly a fan of it – after all that’s what marriage is about, compromises and new adventures and you honeymoon is the best place to do this.
Wherever you choose to go and whatever you choose to do, make sure you enjoy each other’s company and collect memories together. Here’s hoping you have a blissful honeymoon and even better life’s journey to follow.