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TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR ADVENTURE
Honeymoon How-To’s: Tips for Making the Most of Your Adventure
Choosing the right adventure for your honeymoon can be a challenge. A full-scale adventure might not be for everyone. How can you compromise to make sure that both you and your new spouse get the most out of your trip together? You may need to find a place that has a beach and a relaxing atmosphere, as well as some prime activities for a fun adventure together, such as what you might find in Costa Rica. If your partner is a little less – or a little more – adventurous than you are, then you’ll need to find a few ways to make it fun for you both. Keep your honeymoon in the “honeymoon phase” a little longer with these tips on how to make your trip seamless and enjoyable.
Destination Checklist
Choosing a honeymoon destination is half the fun of planning your trip. Use these nine questions to create a honeymoon destination checklist. It will help you narrow down the endless list of possibilities.
- Do you want to leave for your honeymoon directly from the wedding reception, or do you want to wait a day or two before heading out on your trip?
- Do you both have passports, and if not, is there enough time to get them before your wedding?
- How much time do you want to spend away on your honeymoon?
- Is there a limit on how far you would like to travel?
- Do you want an active vacation, a relaxing one or something in between?
- Are there any special adventures you would both like to do?
- Will you plan out all of your activities before you leave or leave some time for spontaneity and decide once you get there? What type of environment and climate do you want to experience – beaches, mountains, desert, snow or sun?
- Do you want to be in a busy city or a quiet town?
The Compromise
Remember that marriage is both an adventure and a compromise. If you’re interested in different levels of an adventure honeymoon, you’ll need to compromise on how much or how little you do. Consider what types of activities might be fun for either one or both of you, and how to strike a balance to make it a fabulous vacation.
- Don’t be shy about communicating what you would really like to do.
- Choose a location that offers most or all of your wish list activities.
- Plan it together and discuss your options.
To get the most out of your honeymoon, it shouldn’t be filled with things that you can do any day of the week at home. A honeymoon destination with variety in its landscape and climate can accommodate more items from your wish lists. If you need to find a comfortable compromise, perhaps you can spend one week lying on the beach and going sightseeing, then another on a true honeymoon adventure . Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Deep-sea fishingtour
- Kayaking
- White-water rafting
- Riding a zip line
- Snorkeling
- Relaxing on the beach
- Dancing
- Boating
- Reef diving
- Surfing
- Hike in the jungle
- Visit a volcano
- Wine or food tasting
- Horseback riding
Packing Lists
Before you can create a list of things to pack, you’ll need a firm idea of where you’re going to go. Consider what you can and can’t take through airport security, as well as what you should put in your suitcase versus your carry-on luggage. Also think about any items that will be easier to purchase upon arrival. Some personal items are difficult to replace while you’re on vacation, like your credit cards, passport and prescription medication, so don’t forget to put them on your list. Bring a sweater or jacket for your in-flight needs. Here are some basic adventure honeymoon packing essentials to get you started.
Carry-On Flight Bag and Purse
- Airline boarding passes and ground transportation tickets
- Driver’s license
- Credit and debit cards, insurance and auto club cards
- Travelers checks and cash
- Hotel and other reservation confirmations
- Emergency contact phone numbers for doctors, family members, embassies and credit cards
- Mobile device
- Headphones
- Camera
- Eyeglasses or contacts
- Pain reliever and motion sickness pills
- Comb or brush
- Make-up repair kit
- In-flight reading materials
- One lightweight change of clothes in case your suitcase is lost
Suitcase Essentials
Depending on how long you’ll be gone, include at least two or three of each type of clothing. Try to include items that can be worn with more than one other item, when possible. Do some weather research to get an idea of how warm or cold it will be while you’re there. Be conscious of airline baggage weight, number restrictions and fees.
Allow extra space or an extra bag for your return trip with souvenirs.
- Pants
- Shorts
- Socks
- Underclothes
- Casual tops or shirts
- Dressy tops or shirts
- Jewelry and accessories
- Skirts, dresses, dress pants or suits
- Sweatshirts or sweaters
- Nightclothes or lingerie
- Slippers and shower shoes
- Shoes, sandals and boots
- Toiletries and hygiene items
- Evening bag
- Coat or wrap
- Shaving kit
- Bathing suit
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Lotion and lip balm
- Rain gear
- Sunglasses
- Camera memory cards or film
- Digital and electronic devices
- Chargers for cameras and digital devices
- Extra batteries
- Empty re-closable plastic bags
- Hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes
- Guidebooks and maps
- Addresses for postcards
- First aid kit
- Backpack, beach bag or tote
- Travel alarm clock
- Hat for sun or wind protection
- Cold weather accessories, if needed
- Binoculars
- Special activity and adventure gear
It’s also wise to make photocopies of your IDs, insurance and credit cards just in case they are lost or stolen. Put these in your room safe or concierge safe with any other valuables as soon as possible.
Cultural Tips
If you’re traveling to a foreign country or a faraway place you’ve never been before, be sure to do some research and learn about the culture before you go.
Travel Documents – It’s critical to find out about the rules for travel in and out of the country. In Costa Rica, for example, travelers from the U.S. must have a passport, but don’t need a visa unless they stay in the country more than 90 days. Proof of departure dates may be requested upon arrival.
Language – If you don’t speak the language, try to learn some basics before you go. Also pick up two pocket dictionaries. Locals are more likely to work with you and the language barrier if they see that you’re at least trying.
Moral and Legal – Read up on moral, legal and religious codes. Be respectful. Not all cultures are accepting of certain types of dress and behavior, so be aware and be prepared. Find out if you’ll be in the country during any special holidays and plan accordingly.
Best Honeymoon Photo Ops
Don’t forget your cameras. Take some photos of memorable places and events. You’ll want to create a scrapbook or digital frame that tells a story about your trip, from the moment you leave to the moment you get back. Here are some fun shots you might like to include.
- Leaving the reception or house before embarking on our honeymoon
- Our arrival
- A sunset/sunrise
- Scenic postcard-worthy shot for every destination
- Aerial view from a mountain, helicopter, balcony or rooftop
- Where we stayed
- What we drove
- Local culture
- Local cuisine
- Daily activities
- The sights
- Our guides
- New friends
- Action and adventure – before, during and after
- Local wildlife
- Seeing is believing
- Final departure
Planning a honeymoon can be an adventure in itself. Give yourselves plenty of time to nail down the details and don’t be surprised if everything doesn’t go exactly according to plan. Factor in some quality time for rest and relaxation where you don’t have to be anywhere in particular. The most important part is to enjoy yourselves as you begin the adventure of the rest of your lives together.
Make your honeymoon something special to remember for years to come. Costa Rica is a vacation destination full of romantic, exhilarating and fun things to see and do. All-inclusive packages can make your trip both exciting and affordable. To discover how and adventure honeymoon in Costa Rica can be the right place for you to begin your life-long journey together.