We’ve been sending couples on romantic vacations for more than 30 years. Here are some tips from the experts!

What to Bring

  • Make sure to put some clothes for yourself in your spouse’s luggage and vice versa.  This way, if one of you loses their luggage, you still have something to wear until you get a chance to buy some clothing.

  • You should never pack valuables in luggage that you plan to check at the airport.  Pack a carry-on bag with valuables, prescriptions, and your travel documents.  You can also pack suntan lotion, swimwear, and sunglasses into your carry-on bag so you can begin to enjoy the water immediately, even if your checked bags are delayed.

  • Consider purchasing Travel Insurance to protect against the unexpected.  Make sure to confirm your coverage and if it protects against failure or a default by the tour operator.

  • Pack light.  Most people over-pack.  In most cases, people only end up wearing about half of the clothing they bring with them when traveling.  Clothes that you can mix and match are best.  If the situation arrives that you must wear an outfit that you have already worn, chances are that everyone else is too busy with their own vacations to notice.  Regardless of where you're going, always make sure to pack one formal outfit and one bathing suit.

  • While sightseeing, make sure you have a daypack containing maps, a guidebook, some toiletries, a camera, a first aid kit, and a water bottle.

  • Carry most of your money in traveler check form, but don't forget credit cards and cash.  It is a good idea to always make a list of your credit cards and traveler's checks numbers.   Make sure to leave a copy of this information with friends/family at home.

  • Most countries will not accept US stamps, so instead of bringing stamps, be prepared to purchase stamps at your destination.

  • If you are traveling to a different country, consider getting some of that country's currency in advance.  Often, you can obtain a better rate if you wait until you arrive in the country, but if time at your destination is more important to you, then having this detail taken care of in advance is the option for you.  For currency exchange rate information and to purchase foreign currency visit the Money section under our Travel Resource page.

  • To help lessen the effects of jet lag, try drinking lots of water.  Also, set your watch to local time while in flight.

  • Don't forget to pack emergency items such as a first aid kit, a travel sewing kit, a stain remover, some laundry detergent, and extra batteries.

  • Instead of folding your clothes, consider rolling them.  Rolling up your clothes will take up less space then folding them.  You also may want to consider purchasing special bags that vacuum-pack your clothes, giving you more space.

  • Purchase a security pouch.  These pouches are discreetly worn under your clothes.  In this way, your most important documents and some emergency currency can be kept safe from pickpockets and muggers.  There are even waterproof security pouches available.  These are worn around the waist and can go with you when you are snorkeling or swimming, allowing you to keep your valuables with you and not exposed on the beach.

  • Most luggage is black, so tie or attach something unique to your bag to help you distinguish it from other peoples bags.

  • The new scanners used at airports can damage your film so be sure to use a special x-ray-proof camera bag if you are putting it inside checked luggage.

  • Pack your sense of adventure.   Keep in mind that although you have done everything in your power to plan the perfect trip, sometimes things go wrong.  Remember to relax and enjoy yourself even if some things don’t go as planned.

  • The majority of countries require that you have an international driver's license if you plan to do any driving.  You may be able to purchase these locally or online.

  • If you are traveling outside of the country, bring along a calculator to help with figuring out currency exchange rates.

  • For destination weddings, remember to bring something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.

Where to Go 

  • Decide how long of a honeymoon you can have.   If you only can be gone for a few nights, try to find a close destination.  If you have a week, try to limit the time you spend traveling.  If you have a couple weeks or more, the options are endless.

  • Your family and friends can give you lots of honeymoon destination ideas

  • Consider going camping.  Snuggling up to your new spouse in front of a fire with the stars above you can be very romantic.  If you are well prepared with the right equipment (warm sleeping bags, a nice mattress pad, and a waterproof tent, at least) a few nights under the stars is a great way to lower your overall cost while having a unique honeymoon experience.  At only $10 to $20 per night at most campsites, you can mix a few nights of camping with a few nights in hotels to make your honeymoon more affordable.  Don’t forget about cabins available for rent.  Some locations even have honeymoon cabins available!

  • Call the Bureau of Consular Affairs for travel advisories and other related information or visit: www.travel.state.gov on the Internet.

How to Pay

  • Pay for airline tickets with a credit card.

  • Check in early, even if you already have printed boarding passes from the internet. Sometimes, these boarding passes aren’t recognized and can delay the check-in process.

  • Some cruise lines offer discounts if you are able to pay in full in advance.

  • Use a travel agent.  Good travel agents almost always save their clients time and money.  

  • Register for your honeymoon.  Boscov's Travel offers a Honeymoon Registry Program.  Friends and family are able to put money toward the total cost of your trip.  On average, couples that use a registry get between  $500 to $1,000 towards the cost of their trip!

Tipping Guidelines

  • Doormen: $1 to call or hail a cab

  • Bellhops: $1 per bag

  • Valet parking: $1 to park car or retrieve your car

  • Taxi: 15% of the fare

  • Tour guides/bus driver: $1 - 2 per day

  • Chambermaid: $1 - 2 per day

  • Powder room attendants: $0.25 - $0.50 cents

  • Coatroom attendant: $0.50 - $1.00 per coat

  • Waiter/bartender: 15% - 20% of the bill. Be aware that many countries will automatically add the 15% gratuity to your bill.

  • Porters at loading: $1.00 per bag

  • Cabin Stewards & Waiters: $3.00 per passenger per day

  • Assistant Waiters: $1.50 per passenger per day

  • Maitre D: $5-$10/passenger for the entire cruise, depending on how helpful they have been.

All tipping is taken care of at the end of the cruise. You are usually given an envelope for each of the services at the end of your cruise.

Make it Romantic

  • You might want to combine your honeymoon with a golfing, skiing, sailing school or a tennis camp to learn a sport that the two of you can enjoy together for years to come.

  • Scatter rose petals all over the bed.  You may want to put rose petals in the bathtub as well.

  • Spray some perfume on your room’s light bulbs.  When the light is turned on, the scent of the perfume will fill the room.

  • Remember to enjoy planning your honeymoon.  This is the beginning of your married life and you are making “couple memories” starting now.

Destination Wedding Documentation

  1. An affidavit from a Solicitor confirming that you are both free to marry.

  2. Marriage License from the country you will be getting married in.

  3. Your passports.

  4. Your birth certificates.

  5. Registration form

  6. If applicable, a previous marriage certificate/decree absolute

  7. If adopted, an adoption certificate

  8. If under 18, a letter of consent from a parent or guardian

  9. Proof is required if you have changed your name by deed poll

Meal Plan Terminology
While planning for your honeymoon or destination wedding, you may find it difficult to understand the terminology used on hotel brochures and websites to describe meal plans.  Below are the most commonly used phrases when describing inclusive meal plans at hotels and resorts worldwide.

    • Modified American Plan (MAP): Full breakfast and lunch OR dinner are included daily.

    • American Plan (AP): or Full Pension/Full Board: Price includes three meals a day.

    • European Plan (EP): No meals included.

    • Continental Plan (CP): Continental breakfasts provided daily. In the Western Hemisphere, this usually means breakfast rolls and coffee or tea. In Europe it can also include cheeses and sliced meats.

    • Bermuda Plan (BP): Full breakfast each day, usually including juice, eggs, toast, coffee and tea.

    Mini-Moons
    If your job makes it impossible to take one or two weeks off, consider a Mini-Moon.
    Taking a day or two off after the wedding and traveling to a bed and breakfast within a few hours drive from your home can provide a nice honeymoon for the two of you.  You could also choose to go to the closest major city, check in to a nice hotel suite, put out the “do not disturb” sign, and enjoy your time together.

    If you have a couple more days, you could take a quick trip to any of these popular US destinations:

    • Cape Cod, Massachusetts

    • Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

    • Palm Beach, Florida

    • The Poconos (Pennsylvania)

    • Las Vegas, Nevada

    • Napa Valley, California

    • San Francisco, California

    • Grand Canyon, Arizona

    • Sedona, Arizona

    • Vail, Colorado

    Miscellaneous Tips

    • Try to avoid booking your flight for early in the morning on the day after your wedding, especially if your reception will be in the evening.  In this way, you will be able to sleep in and get ready for your trip in a relaxed manner.

    • If traveling abroad, try to learn some basic phrases in that country’s native language.  This will help you to feel a little more comfortable and in control.

    • Be aware of medical and personal safety assistance resources, such as SOS Global Traveler (www.internationalsos.com), which provides telephone access to Western doctors; 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.  This way, if you need help, you'll know how to get it.

    • International SOS provides emergency assistance services around the world.  This includes medical evacuation, repatriation, and 24/7 access to SOS doctors.  International SOS provides services to the majority of America's Fortune 500 companies and performs more than 12,000 evacuations per year.  Membership can be purchased for short trips or annual plans.  You can purchase this service through your travel agent, or by visiting SOS online at www.internationalsos.com, or by calling (800)-523-8662.

    • Remember to suspend your mail and newspaper services

    • If you have pets, don’t forget a pet-sitter

    • Plan the trip together.  If only one person handles the planning, they will feel responsible if things don’t go as planned.

    • You may want to enjoy some activities separately.  In this way, you can both enjoy activities that the other may not particularly care for.

    • Organize a list of sites, tours, restaurants, and any other places that you would like to visit while at your honeymoon destination.

    • Remember that emergency exit row seats and seats behind the bulkhead have more legroom than others when you are requesting your seat assignments.  A seating assignment is not guaranteed, but it is worth requesting these more spacious seats.  Also, keep in mind that children, overweight persons and the disabled will not be given emergency exit row seats.

    • Call your airline a day or two before your honeymoon flight. Airlines often allow you to order special meals and a choice of seating.  Some airlines may offer honeymooners perks like free champagne.

    • If you are staying at a high-rise hotel, try to get a room on the club floor.  Most club floors will not only have their own concierge but also have a lounge, serving breakfast, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres.

    • To avoid contaminated water, always drink bottled water that has been sealed.  Be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables (fruits and vegetables that you peel are preferable) and cook your food thoroughly.  To fully avoid the possibility of contaminated local water, remember to avoid ice cubes and washed salads as well.

    • Your honeymoon is meant as a time to unwind and relax with your new spouse, now that the stress of planning the big day is over.  Whatever you desire, be it seizing the day or letting the day just pass you by, do it.  Don’t worry about what a honeymoon should be; make it whatever you want it to be.

    • Most cruise ships do not allow their restaurants, shops, bars, and other services to handle cash.  Most often, you are asked to sign for any purchases.  Usually, an imprint of your credit card is taken when you board the ship and you are then issued a Cruise Card.  This card is used like cash on all purchases and other expenses you may incur while on the ship.   When the cruise comes to an end, your credit card will be charged for all of your expenditures.  It is very important not to lose your Cruise Card.

    • Often, your luggage will not arrive in your cabin until after your first dinner.  For this reason, it is a good idea to bring a carry-on with 24 hours' worth of clothing and any other necessities.  In this way, you will be prepared for anything while waiting for your luggage, regardless of when they are delivered.

    • Remember that current airport policy forbids you to have any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage.  For tips on airport safety regulations, visit http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=183 on the Transportation Security Administration website.

    • Often, cruises require that you leave your luggage outside your cabin the night before your departure. Once your luggage is placed outside your cabin, it’s possible that you won't see it again until you arrive at your final destination.  For this reason, make sure to have your carry-on with any valuables, 24 hours' worth of clothing and any other necessities. 

    • Book early and use a travel agent who specializes in cruises, such as Boscov’s Travel.  Two–for-one specials sometimes occur (airfare usually not included) so keep your eyes peeled.

    • Verify the number of days that you legally need to be in the country before your wedding ceremony can take place.  Some countries don’t allow you to marry until the second week of your stay.  Also the offices that handle these details are usually only open Monday thru Friday.

    • Check whether your guests need day passes from your hotel (especially if your hotel is all-inclusive) in order to attend the wedding.  This is only a potential issue if your guests are not staying at the same hotel.

    • Discuss with your travel agent how the airline will be transporting your wedding dress.  Some airlines will let you bring your wedding dress as hand luggage; others will only let you transport it in the hold of the plane.

    • Lots of free information can usually obtained from your destination’s tourism board.  Most have toll-free numbers and websites, which provide free information on hotels, restaurants, activities and any upcoming events.  Some tourism boards even provide coupon books.

    • Begin planning your honeymoon at least four months in advance.  If possible, it is preferable to plan your honeymoon eight months to a year in advance.  By doing this, you will have more options and a better chance at getting the best rate.  This also gives you more time to save up money for your trip if you find that your honeymoon will cost more than you anticipated.

    • If you are having a destination wedding, you should visit the destination once, if possible, to scope out any potential problems and finalize any remaining details.

    • To give loved ones an easier time when they are picking you up from the airport, consider using Flight Status Notification through voice or text messaging.

    • If going on a destination wedding or honeymoon, couples are usually able to check in the night before their flight and print their boarding passes.  By doing this, you can go directly to security in the morning.

    • Check your passport expiration dates.  Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your return date.

    • Always check your car insurance policy to see if it includes coverage on rental cars.  If you are renting a car inside the United States, it should.  International travel coverage differs by insurance companies.

    • Put your name and address on the inside of your luggage as well as on the outside for added protection against loss.

    • Consider placing a copy of your itinerary tucked in with your nametag.  By doing this, if you lose your luggage, the itinerary can be checked and your bag can be sent to you wherever you are on your trip.
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