The ultimate honeymoon planning guide for 2025

Honeymoon planning can feel intense—it’s that one special trip you want to make perfect because it marks the beginning of forever with your partner. It’s normal to feel a little pressure! After all, you want the memories of your honeymoon to be magical. That\’s why we\’ve curated a comprehensive honeymoon planning guide for 2025!

You probably have a ton of questions: Where should we go? What’s the best time for a honeymoon? How do we balance different travel preferences? Which hotels or resorts are worth it? How do we avoid spending more time travelling than actually enjoying each other’s company? The list is endless, but don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through every step and help you plan the perfect honeymoon.

At Lery Hago, we’ve planned hundreds of honeymoons for couples across the globe, so trust us—we know how to get it right. Let\’s dive into the details and help you plan a honeymoon you’ll remember forever!

“At Lery Hago, we’ve planned hundreds of honeymoons for couples across the globe, so trust us—we know how to get it right.”

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What to expect from this honeymoon planning guide

We are covering all the important stuff to help you plan the perfect honeymoon. Click to jump to the sections

How and when to start planning your honeymoon
Where to go on your honeymoon
Popular honeymoon destinations by type (beach, city, cultural, outdoor adventure)
When to go on your honeymoon
How long should your honeymoon be
What to do on your honeymoon
How much to budget for your honeymoon
What to pack for your honeymoon
Creating the best honeymoon experience
Mistakes to avoid on your honeymoon
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How and when to start planning your honeymoon

Planning a honeymoon can take a bit of time, so the earlier you start, the better deals you’ll snag and the more options you’ll have. We recommend starting at least 6 months before your wedding. Here\’s why you should plan ahead:

Lock in the best prices for flights, accommodations, and experiences.
Sort visas and passport prep on time.
Grab the resort or suite you want while it’s available.

Where to go on your honeymoon

The perfect honeymoon starts with figuring out what kind of experience you and your partner want to have.

Ask yourselves: \”Where do we imagine our dream honeymoon?\” This can be a fun and bonding activity for you and your partner.

Picture it: do you envision sunny or chilly weather? Lazy days in a cosy hotel room, being out and about or both? What kind of clothes do you see yourselves wearing? Will you spend your days exploring or just soaking in each other’s company?

As you answer these questions, your ideal destination will take shape and you’ll have a better idea of the kind of honeymoon experience you want.

Below are some ideas to get you started.

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Popular honeymoon destinations by type (beach, city, cultural, outdoor adventure)

Choosing your destination is one of the most exciting parts of honeymoon planning. In this honeymoon planning guide, we’ve curated a list of the most popular honeymoon spots based on different travel preferences

1. Beach honeymoon destinations

Tropical paradises that offer the perfect escape.

Maldives
- Budget: $5,000 – $8,000
- Best time to visit: November to April
- Highlights: Overwater bungalows, snorkelling with sea turtles, private sunset dinners.
Mauritius
- Budget: $4,000 – $6,000
- Best time to visit: May to December
- Highlights: Beach resorts, Black River Gorges National Park, catamaran cruises.
Seychelles
- Budget: $6,800 – $8,000
- Best time to visit: April, May, October, November
- Highlights: Island-hopping, scuba diving, romantic beachside dinners.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Budget: $4,000 – $4,800
- Best time to visit: June to October
- Highlights: Spice tours, Stone Town, stunning beaches, and dhow cruises.
Mombasa & Diani, Kenya
- Budget: $2,800 – $5,000
- Best time to visit: December to March, July to October
- Highlights: Gorgeous beaches, water sports, safari day trips, romantic dinners by the ocean.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Budget: $3,500 – $5,500
- Best time to visit: March to May
- Highlights: Luxury beach resorts, snorkelling, couples spa treatments.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
- Budget: $8,000 – $15,000
- Best time to visit: May to October
- Highlights: Crystal-clear lagoons, luxurious overwater villas, island hopping.

2. City honeymoon destinations

Vibrant cities full of culture and iconic landmarks.

Paris, France
- Budget: $4,000 – $5,500
- Best time to visit: April to June, September to November
- Highlights: Eiffel Tower, Seine River cruises, art museums, gourmet dining.
Singapore
- Budget: $5,000 – $6,000
- Best time to visit: February to April
- Highlights: Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, world-class dining, rooftop pools.
Rome, Italy
- Budget: $4,500 – $5,500
- Best time to visit: April to June, September to October
- Highlights: Colosseum, Vatican City, charming streets, and romantic piazzas.
Thailand
- Budget: $2,850 – $3,500
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Highlights: Floating markets, temples, rooftop bars, and street food tours.
Tokyo, Japan
- Budget: $4,900 – $6,500
- Best time to visit: March to May, October to December
- Highlights: Shibuya Crossing, ancient temples, cherry blossoms, world-class shopping.
Istanbul, Turkey
- Budget: $2,000 – $4,500
- Best time to visit: April to May, September to November
- Highlights: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, romantic Bosphorus cruises, rich culture.

3. Cultural honeymoon destinations

Explore rich histories and unique traditions.

Egypt
- Budget: $3800 – $4,500
- Best time to visit: October to April
- Highlights: Nile River cruises, pyramids, ancient temples, hot air balloon rides in Luxor.
Morocco
- Budget: $4,300 – $5,500
- Best time to visit: March to May, September to November
- Highlights: Marrakech’s bustling markets, camel rides in the Sahara, desert camps.
Vietnam
- Budget: $3,200 – $4,000
- Best time to visit: March to May, September to November
- Highlights: Ha Long Bay cruises, ancient temples, traditional markets, Vietnamese cuisine.
Greece
- Budget: $3,000 – $4,000
- Best time to visit: May to October
- Highlights: Santorini’s whitewashed houses, Athens’ ancient ruins, island hopping in Mykonos.
Italy
- Budget: $3,500 – $4,000
- Best time to visit: April to June, September to October
- Highlights: Renaissance art in Florence, gondola rides in Venice, vineyards in Tuscany.

4. Outdoor adventure honeymoon destinations

Adrenaline-pumping and stunning outdoor landscapes.

Iceland
- Budget: $8,000 – $10,000
- Best time to visit: June to August for hiking, September to April for Northern Lights
- Highlights: Hot springs, volcanic landscapes, glacier hiking, and Northern Lights.
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
- Budget: $8,000 – $10,000
- Best time to visit: June to September for hiking, December to March for skiing
- Highlights: Ski resorts, hiking, mountain chalets, scenic train rides.
Tanzania
- Budget: $4,000 – $4,800
- Best time to visit: June to October
- Highlights: Serengeti safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro hikes, wildlife spotting, Zanzibar beaches.
South Africa
- Budget: $3,000 – $4,500
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Highlights: Cape Town’s Table Mountain, safaris in Kruger National Park, vineyard tours.
Namibia
- Budget: $4,000 – $6,000
- Best time to visit: April to October
- Highlights: Desert safaris in the Namib, hot air ballooning over the dunes, spotting wildlife in Etosha National Park.
Indonesia (Bali)
- Budget: $2,000 – $2,600
- Best time to visit: April to October
- Highlights: Waterfalls, temple tours, surfing, volcano hikes, and spa retreats.
Thailand
- Budget: $2000- $3000
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Highlights: Island hopping in Phuket, jungle trekking in Chiang Mai, elephant sanctuaries.

When to go on your honeymoon

Traditionally, couples head out on their honeymoon right after the wedding, but that\’s not your only option.

More and more couples are opting for \”latermoons\”—honeymoons taken a few months (or even a year) after the wedding. This is perfect if you want to go during the best season for your dream destination, you need more time for visa processing, or don’t have enough leave from work right after the wedding.

If you still want to commemorate your wedding without diving straight into a full honeymoon, consider a \”minimoon\”—a short 2-3 night trip nearby to hold you over until your big adventure.

Honeymoon destinations in Nigeria

Consider the seasons as well. Every destination has its peak season that attracts large crowds and higher prices. On the other hand, off-season often means lower costs but can come with a less favourable experience.

For example, visiting the Maldives during the monsoon season might mean rain and fewer activities, while Tanzania during off-season means fewer wildlife sightings.

Shoulder seasons, which are just before or after peak times are a sweet spot: you can enjoy decent weather with fewer tourists and more affordable prices.

How long should your honeymoon be

One of the first things to figure out is how many days you can devote to your honeymoon. This will influence your destination, travel time, and budget.

On average, Lery Hago couples spend 5 nights on their honeymoon, but it really depends on your schedule and what you want. If your work or life commitments don’t allow for a long trip, don’t stress, a short getaway can be just as memorable, or you can plan for a latermoon.

What to do on your honeymoon

Make babies! Jokes aside, every destination offers something different, so it’s all about what kind of experience you and your partner are after. On average, the activities you want determine your destination. But on a granular level, some resorts and suites offer certain activities you can choose from.

If you’re planning a super active honeymoon with lots of sightseeing or outdoor adventures, we recommend including some down days toward the end. That way, you’ll come home relaxed and not needing a vacation from your vacation.

How much to budget for your honeymoon

Your honeymoon budget is as personal as the trip itself, but there are a few key things to factor in:

Visa: Check if your destination requires one, and budget for the cost and processing time.
Flights: Consider the time of travel, layovers, and the convenience of departure airports.
Accommodation: Where will you stay? And for how long? What’s your ideal balance between comfort and cost?
Food: Are you going to use an all-inclusive resort or will you be handling your feeding costs on the go?
Activities: Plan for excursions, tours, and experiences.
Insurance: Always a good idea, especially for international travel.
Local transportation: Will you rent a car, public transport, or ride services like Uber?
Shopping and souvenirs: Leave room in your budget for shopping!
Miscellaneous: Hidden costs like excess baggage fees or service tips can sneak up on you, so accommodate this in your budget.

If this feels overwhelming, we recommend reaching out to a travel agency. At Lery Hago, we’ve helped plan hundreds of honeymoons, so you can trust that we know our stuff! We consider your budget and preferences to create a travel package tailored just for you that gives great value for money.

What to pack for your honeymoon

Make sure you’ve packed everything including these basics you need to make your honeymoon smooth and stress-free:

Passport
Charger adapters suitable for destination country
Cash and bank cards
Printed and e-copies of travel documents such as your passport ID, visa, flights, insurance, and emergency contact details. Keep copies in both your carry-on and checked luggage.
Toiletries
Destination-specific clothing (swimsuits, hiking gear, etc.)
Phone and portable charger
Medications or first-aid items

Creating the best honeymoon experience

This is your honeymoon, so make it really special. Add personal touches like a surprise gift for your partner, plan a romantic candlelit dinner, or even book a private tour. Take a lot of photos to preserve the memories and remember not to sweat the little stuff.

Mistakes to avoid on your honeymoon

Overpacking your itinerary: Give yourselves downtime to just relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Skipping travel insurance: It’s worth the peace of mind.
Not setting a budget: Stick to a budget to avoid post-honeymoon financial stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What last name should I use when booking flights if I’m changing my name?: Use your current legal name. Name changes can take time to process, and your passport must match your ticket.
Can we have a multi-destination honeymoon?: Sure! Many couples enjoy combining different locations for a well-rounded experience—just make sure the logistics and travel times make sense for your schedule.

The ultimate guide to honeymoon planning in 2025