5 Tips to Planning the Perfect Honeymoon & Where to Go
Your wedding day might get all the spotlight and professional photography, but your honeymoon is where the real adventure begins. And just when you’re in the thick of wedding planning, you’re expected to sort through the mountain of honeymoon possibilities. (Who knew choosing between overwater bungalows or vineyard villas could feel so daunting?)
Whether you're drawn to secluded beaches or city exploration, thoughtful planning can transform this special trip from a source of stress into that meaningful, romantic getaway you deserve. Here are five game-changing tips to balance your travel fantasies with some refreshing reality checks, so you can focus on making those memories of a lifetime. We're Vesper — honeymoon heroes at your service.
Plan ahead
There’s no doubt that planning early is one of the best ways to make sure you get the honeymoon you’ve imagined. Popular destinations have peak seasons that fill up quickly (some more than a year ahead), so try to lock in your hotels as soon as you decide where to go. Then you can take more time to fill in the activities, tours and transportation around the hotels. Cruises are a little different — many cruise lines release schedules years ahead, so if you opt for a cruise, you will likely be able to book more than a year ahead.
Work with a travel advisor
There’s some mystery around using an advisor, but the reality is a travel advisor can transform your honeymoon. They offer not only expert destination intel but also industry connections so you’ll have access to perks and VIP . Beyond saving you countless hours of research and coordination, Fora Advisor can book equal or sometimes better pricing through Fora’s booking platform. You’ll also get a custom itinerary (or just hotel recs if that’s what you prefer) that’s suited to what you want for your trip.
Set a budget
It’s hard to know exactly what your dream trip will cost. Start by assessing your available funds and go from there. Take a realistic look at what your finances will allow. Your travel advisor can help you estimate a realistic cost for the entire trip, including all the details you may miss, like entry ticket prices, dining and city taxes on hotels. Be transparent about what matters most to each of you — whether it's luxe hotels, unique tours or fine dining — and allocate your budget accordingly.
Make time to relax
Traveling takes a lot of energy — the logistics, new cultures, unfamiliar transit systems — it can be a lot. And after the excitement and stress of wedding planning, don’t forget to factor in some down time to your days of exploration. Build in days for relaxation in between the activities, so you’ll have time to debrief about all the sights and experiences, locking in those incredible memories.
Protect your investment
Planning a trip is a big investment, so it makes sense to add a layer of protection. Purchasing travel insurance can give you peace of mind by covering all the basics — trip cancellation, medical emergencies and lost luggage. This is especially important for a honeymoon, which often represents significant financial investments. A travel advisor can help you navigate the options to find the right coverage for your specific itinerary. Vesper offers a insurance services as well.
Where to stay on your honeymoon
Fora Advisors have planned honeymoons near and far, using their network of industry relationships to make every trip special. Here are some of the top destinations where couples spend their honeymoons, including everything from beaches and cruises to adventure and urban travel.
Grab inspiration from our list below, and make sure to connect with your advisor about VIP perks, like free breakfast, resort credits and upgrades whenever possible.
Romantic adventure
South America: Chile makes an unforgettable honeymoon destination, with landscapes that stretch from the driest desert to the glacial landscapes of Patagonia. Start at Awasi Atacama - Relais & Chateaux, an all-villa retreat in the desert where couples can explore otherworldly terrain with their own guide and unwind under star-filled skies. Then fly south to Explora Torres Del Paine, set deep inside a national park, where daily adventures are paired with panoramic views and cozy luxury. Together, these two properties strike a balance between romance and nature.
Domestic: Stay closer to home by heading to Wyoming’s Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, where horseback riding and fly fishing co-exist with five-star dining and massages. Or go all in with a stay at the mesmerizing Amangiri, where design mirrors its spectacular surroundings — the perfect setting for a romantic stay.
Tropical beaches
Maldives: The Maldives isn't just a honeymoon destination — it's nature showing off. At One&Only Reethi Rah, private villas on white beaches or perched over turquoise waters become your personal slice of paradise. Spend mornings snorkeling, afternoons being pampered at the spa, and evenings savoring feasts under stars.
Sardinia: Sardinia delivers that perfect Italian love story where rugged mountains flirt with crystal-clear waters. At Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda, you'll wake up to gorgeous sea views. Think private beach access where glamorous yachts bob offshore, a pool scene that rivals any celebrity hotspot, and staff who remember not just your names but how you take your morning espresso. The sophisticated honeymooner's ultimate insider choice.
Mexico: Mexico's honeymoon game goes way beyond the expected with these two resorts. At Our Habitas Bacalar, you'll pinch yourself daily wondering if that seven-shades-of-blue lagoon is actually real as you float from your minimalist-chic cabin to morning yoga. Next, head to Be Tulum, where coastal luxury meets jungle vibes in a brilliant blend of design-forward suites, private plunge pools and sunsets that dazzle. A twin Mexican experience without a single all-inclusive wristband in sight.
Cultural hot spots
Italy: Pair the chic Portrait Milano with the gorgeous coastal Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino for a mix of urban style with laid-back luxury. Both properties feature all the amenities you’ll want for your wedding trip (think spa, divine dining and luxe design), plus you’ll get to experience iconic shopping in Italy’s fashion capital, then unwind with spectacular sea Mediterranean views.
Prague and Budapest: For a double-shot of romance, these two cities are the ultimate in chic urban getaways with a heavy emphasis on culture. Prague seduces with its fairytale architecture and cobblestone lanes, while Budapest counters with its grand boulevards and thermal baths. Just a quick train ride apart, these Central European stunners deliver the perfect balance of shared history and distinct personalities — think mornings that linger over fresh pastries in Prague's hidden cafés and sunset cruises along Budapest's Danube. And the romance factor is off the charts (without the eye-watering prices of Paris or Venice). Try the Andaz Prague for your first stop, then head to Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest to feel like royalty.
Cruises
Oceania: This is your splurge cruise. Picture sipping champagne on your private balcony while sailing into charming Italian ports — that's the Oceania honeymoon vibe. You'll fall in love with their famously good food (seriously, some of the best at sea), with restaurants serving everything from steakhouse classics to Asian fusion. The ships feel uncrowded, so you can actually get that poolside lounger without waking up at dawn. Plus, the spa suites come with unlimited access to thermal suites and private hot tubs — perfect for newlywed bliss. Note that kids are allowed but the majority of cruisers are adults.
Virgin Voyages: Think of Virgin as the cool, not-your-parents' cruise where you can actually have fun. These ships have a buzzy, yacht-club energy with multiple bars serving cocktails late into the night and DJs spinning by the pool. All restaurants are included (no upcharges!), from Korean BBQ to upscale Mexican, plus they throw in free WiFi and basic drinks. The cabins have mood lighting, rainfall showers and beds that convert to loungers. With tattoo parlors, drag brunches and dance parties under the stars, it's perfect for couples who want celebration vibes with an adult-only crowd.