8 simple steps for planning a honeymoon — Abbay's Escapes

Are you overwhelmed trying to plan honeymoon during COVID-19 amidst ever-changing travel restrictions? Or are you just trying to stay sane while you’re navigating the ever-moving parts of planning a wedding right now? As a recently engaged gal myself, I feel your pain. Left un-checked it can be a stressful and challenging rollercoaster ride.

While it may feel like planning a dreamy honeymoon during COVID-19 is more complicated than finding true love, I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be.

I’m sharing my 8-step approach to planning the perfect honeymoon. Hopefully either you’ll learn more about how we can help take this off your plate or you’ll walk away with some helpful tips!

Abbay’s 8 step approach:

1. DEFINE YOUR COMFORT ZONE FOR TRAVELING.

While some couples are eager to grab their passports and jet set abroad, others may want opt for something drivable and closer to home. There isn’t a right or wrong answer here. We share our latest experiences and realistic expectations with you on the latest in air travel, hygiene standards, and all things COVID-related, so you and your honey can make the best decision based on your level of comfort.

2. TO DRIVE OR TO FLY?

Driving will allow you to limit your interactions based on your own terms. Did someone say road trip!? It’s an incredible time to see the USA by car.

However, airlines have stepped up their safety and hygiene and are strictly enforcing mask-wearing. So if you’re flying, be sure you’re OK wearing a mask for the entire duration of your flight. Also, are you OK with someone seated next to you? Many airlines have set expiry dates on middle-seat blocking, so check the latest with your airline of choice.

3. CHECK YOUR PASSPORT.

If you’re considering the idea of international travel, check your passport’s expiry date. If your passport is set to expire in 1-2 years, I recommend preparing and submitting the paperwork now. Most countries require at least 6 months’ validity on your passport, and due to recent limitations in passport services, it could take longer than 6 months to renew your current one.

4. DO YOUR HOMEWORK ON YOUR HOTEL & DESTINATION.

When I recommend hotels and/or destinations, I consider a variety of factors outlined below, so you can carefully weigh your options. I recommend going through a similar process to determine which hotel property and destination is best for you.

Hotel.
Carefully review a hotel property’s, deposit, refund and cancellation policies. If it’s unclear, ask more questions. Check the hotel’s COVID-19 protocols, i.e., social distance in hotel areas, masks, and cleaning. Most hotels have this posted on their website. Due to restricted capacity, you may need to make reservations in advance whether that’s for dining or time at the pool.

Destination.
Check destination restrictions. Even if you’re staying domestic, certain states require negative COVID-19 tests or a mandatory quarantine period. Also, check restrictions in your own state; whereas, you may be required to quarantine upon return.

Also consider what that destination will be like when you arrive. For example, certain museums and other popular tourist areas may not be open to the public, or you may need to reserve your activities, e.g., dinner, wine tastings, or tours, well in advance due to limited capacities.

Pictured: Mandarin Oriental, Canouan in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

5. BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE.

I always recommend that my clients purchase travel insurance, but I recommend it now more than ever. Currently, many destinations require that you show proof of travel insurance that covers medical costs in case you were to contract COVID-19 outside of your home country and need to be evacuated. We can help you navigate the different types of travel insurance so that you can choose the option that is best for you.

6. STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS.

Travel restrictions are fluid, so you’ll want to revisit these up until the time of your trip. There is no shortage of news articles and coverage on COVID-19, however, I recommend the following reputable resources: World Health Organization, CDC, and the U.S. State Department’s COVID-19 Country specific information.

7. GET A COVID-19 TEST 72 HOURS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE.

Some destinations, even domestic ones, may require a negative COVID test for entry. The rules for each spot are fluid and can change at a moment’s notice, so avoid the risk of getting caught without one and go ahead and get that negative confirmation

8. ENJOY YOUR HONEYMOON!

It’s time to relax – you and your sweetheart deserve it!

READY TO PLAN YOUR HONEYMOON NOW?

If you have questions or are still feeling overwhelmed, please contact me. I would LOVE to help you plan for this milestone celebration!

I'M READY TO PLAN!

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Abbay's Escapes is a boutique travel advisory company. As an independent affiliate of Brownell Travel (the oldest travel agency in the USA), we have preferred relationships with the industry's best hotels, resorts, and tour operators across the globe. This means VIP status, extra perks, and upgrades for you, our client.

8 simple steps for planning a honeymoon right now.