Planning a Honeymoon? Read these points before you book.
Planning your honeymoon should feel just as exciting as your wedding—but it can
quickly turn stressful if you fall into the same traps many couples do. Your honeymoon
is not just a vacation—it’s the first big adventure you’ll take together as newlyweds.
After helping countless couples plan theirs, I’ve seen what works… and what ruins the
vibe fast. In this post, I’m spilling the 5 biggest honeymoon planning mistakes that can
turn your romantic getaway into a disappointment. If you’re about to start planning—or
feel like you’re already in over your head—this is for you.
Let’s dive into the top honeymoon planning mistakes (and how to make sure they don’t
happen to you).
Trusting Online Reviews Too Much
We’ve all been there—scrolling endlessly through reviews trying to decide if a hotel
is worth booking. One person calls it “a tropical paradise,” while another says they
“wouldn’t send their worst enemy.” So… who do you believe?
Here’s the deal: reviews can offer helpful insight—but they’re only one piece of the
puzzle. Many bad reviews come from unrealistic expectations or one-off situations
that were actually resolved on-site. Some people are just determined to be upset.
Instead of obsessing over reviews, rely on expert recommendations from someone
who’s actually been there—or who knows the properties inside and out. A
honeymoon travel advisor (like me!) can help you cut through the noise and choose
what’s actually best for you.
Expecting Perfection (and Setting Yourself Up for Disappointment)
Let’s talk about expectations. Between Instagram filters and overly polished resort
websites, it’s easy to assume your honeymoon will look like a luxury travel ad. But
real life doesn’t come with a preset.
It’s not that your resort won’t be beautiful—it’s just that you may encounter a little
rain, a delayed room check-in, or a less-than-warm server. And when your
expectations are sky-high, even a small hiccup can feel like a huge letdown.
Here’s my advice: go in expecting the experience, not perfection. Decide ahead of
time that you’re going to enjoy your time—no matter what. The couples who have
the best honeymoons are the ones who focus on each other, not every single detail
being flawless.
Choosing the Wrong Location Based on Activities You Want
This is a big one—especially for adventurous couples. Say you’ve got a bucket list
excursion in mind, like visiting Dunn’s River Falls or zip-lining through the jungle. But
then you book a resort on the opposite side of the island.
Now you’re stuck in a 3-hour round trip transfer just to get there. Not exactly the
relaxing start you were hoping for.
Before you commit to a resort, make sure it’s in close proximity to the activities you
want to experience. And don’t forget to check whether transportation is included—or
if you’ll need to arrange that separately.
Working with a honeymoon specialist means you’ll get this kind of logistical support
upfront—so you’re not wasting precious honeymoon hours in transit.
Leaving the Day After Your Wedding
This one makes me cringe every time: couples staying up all night celebrating, then
dragging themselves to a 5 a.m. flight the next morning. Exhausted, stressed, and
already starting their honeymoon off on the wrong foot.
Trust me—build in a buffer day.
Give yourselves at least 24 hours after your wedding to rest, regroup, and repack.
Not only does this make travel more enjoyable, but it also ensures you don’t forget
anything important (like passports or chargers!) in the post-wedding fog.
Your honeymoon should begin with excitement—not total burnout.
Missing Out on Honeymoon Amenities
Did you know many all-inclusive resorts offer special honeymoon perks—but only if
you meet the fine print?
This might include a candlelit dinner, complimentary spa service, or breakfast in
bed… but you often have to provide proof of marriage, or travel within a certain time
frame to qualify.
So many couples miss out on these upgrades simply because they didn’t read the
requirements—or worse, didn’t even know to ask!
Here’s a pro tip: make sure your travel advisor registers your honeymoon in advance.
And always double-check the resort’s guidelines to make sure you’re eligible. These
perks are a fun and romantic bonus, and you deserve them!
BONUS PRO TIPS
✔ Don’t Cheap Out
This is your honeymoon, not a last-minute weekend trip. If you can’t afford the
experience you want, it’s better to wait and do it right than settle for something
underwhelming, as it leads to more stress, surprise costs, and missed opportunities
for upgrades and perks.
✔ Get the Insurance
Trip insurance can protect your investment if plans change. Look into coverage
options that offer vouchers or cash refunds, depending on your comfort level.
Learn More: 6 Things Newly Engaged Couples Should Know About Planning Their
Honeymoon.
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to honeymoon planning. By staying
realistic, doing a bit of homework, and getting expert advice, you’ll avoid common
pitfalls and have a trip you’ll never forget. Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Let’s
chat—schedule your complimentary honeymoon strategy session now and let me help
you bring your vision to life.
