Don’t worry! We know packing for a honeymoon is no walk in the park, so we’ve created the ultimate honeymoon packing list for a 1 - 2 week getaway to help you track and simplify things.
Getting married is the most magical (and often most stressful) time in your life.
Once you’ve planned your ceremony to a tee and have lovingly said your ‘I dos’, you’ll be looking forward to the next step - a romantic, relaxing honeymoon. You may have dreamt about flying to The Bahamas to experience the best beaches in the country with your partner. Or perhaps, you’ve thought about visiting Jamaica with your love and enjoying the lush, natural beauty of the island.
A honeymoon isn’t just any trip, so your standard vacation packing procedures may not be as effective. Since you’ll be packing for your first-ever vacation as husband and wife, everything you put into your suitcase should be centered around creating the best experience for you both and enjoying your time away together. Unfortunately, limited luggage space can make honeymoon packing a challenge.
Did you know? Sandals Resorts are specifically geared towards couples in love and are always located on a dreamy Caribbean beach. No other resort in the world includes more than Sandals, offering honeymooning couples up to 16 restaurants to choose from. Food and (alcoholic) drinks at Sandals Resorts are always included, always unlimited.
There are some essential items that you simply cannot forget. Plus, you’ll need to decide what to pack in your carry-on bag and what will go in your checked luggage. On top of that, both the needs of the bride and the needs of the groom will need to be accounted for. There is really a lot to consider.
Don’t worry! We know packing for a honeymoon is no walk in the park, so we’ve created a honeymoon packing list for a 1 - 2 week getaway to help you track and simplify things. You’ll take most of the stress out of packing for your romantic honeymoon getaway by following this ultimate honeymoon packing checklist.
Expert tip: If some time has passed between your nuptials and your honeymoon, a romantic vow renewal ceremony in a beautiful island setting may be a great way to bring the magic of marriage back into your trip.
Honeymoon packing tips:
Preparing for a smooth vacation
Vacations are meant to be relaxing, and honeymoons should be even more so. Here are some helpful tips for honeymoon packing that can help ensure your romantic vacation goes as smoothly and wonderfully as it should:
1. Weigh your luggage before you leave
Avoid delays or extra fees at the airport by weighing your bags beforehand. The last thing you want to do on your honeymoon getaway is to repack an overweight bag in a crowded airport. That’s why it’s a great idea to weigh your bags before you leave for your trip. Knowing before you get to the airport that your bag is overweight gives you the opportunity to redistribute items between bags or leave less important items behind. The more accurate the luggage scale, the better.
2. Make Copies of all your travel documents
It may come in handy to have both paper and digital copies of all your essential travel documents, including your identification, immunization records, visas, flight confirmations, and hotel reservations. This can be useful as a backup just in case you misplace any of your information or run into technical problems retrieving your digital copies. Keep in mind that you should still travel with your original passport and other documents required by your destination.
3. Stash your emergency contact information somewhere safe
Some travel protection plans include a convenient contact number for emergency assistance. You never know when you’ll actually need emergency contact information, so ensure that you keep this information somewhere safe and easy to find. Consider keeping this information somewhere close by, like your wallet, pocket, or backpack.
4. Alert your bank if you’re traveling internationally
Letting your bank know that you will be traveling internationally is critical to avoid financial headaches when you’d rather be enjoying your honeymoon to the fullest. If your banking institution is unaware that you will be out of the country, they may block international transactions to protect you. It’s quite frustrating and time-consuming to get your cards unblocked once you’re already abroad, so avoid this hiccup by advising your bank about your travel plans.
5. Refill (and pack) all essential prescriptions
Don’t wait until the last minute to refill and pack all your important prescriptions. This should be done ahead of your trip and as early as possible so that you’re not scrambling around trying to get things together at the last minute.
6. Read (and pack) guidebooks for your honeymoon destination
You can make the most out of your honeymoon destination by knowing as much as possible about it before you get there. Read and bring along some guidebooks so you have a convenient source of information handy on your trip. Destination guides can help you plan what to see, where to go and how to get there from the airport or your resort.
7. Get a VPN before you leave
A VPN will help you have more private and secure access to the internet while abroad. This comes in handy when traveling internationally as all your online data will be encrypted. This protects your usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, browser cookies, and other identifying information from being stolen should you access the internet in an unfamiliar setting. Streaming services may also work differently outside of the U.S. A VPN will allow you to use these services as though you were still back at home.
What should I pack for my honeymoon?
The ultimate honeymoon packing list:
While there are some items you can leave behind without too much thought, there are others that can cause a serious inconvenience or force you to reschedule your trip if left behind. Here’s a list of everything you will absolutely need to safely travel to and from your honeymoon destination.
The Essentials:
What you absolutely must bring (don’t forget!)
• Driver’s license/ passport - Remember that passports are required for international travel
• Credit cards, debit cards, and/or cash
• Paper and digital copies of all essential travel documents
• Blue or black pen for immigration forms
• The local currency of your destination
• Booking confirmations (hotel & flight)
• Prescription medications
• Phone charger
• Electrical converters/adapters - You can check with your resort to find out if these are needed
Toiletries
Packing toiletries is a vacation must. These are essential items that you’ll need for daily use. The toiletries you bring on your honeymoon will depend on your destination. You may not need to bring every single item on the list below:
• Shampoo/conditioner (often provided by resort/hotel) • Soap/shower gel (often provided by resort/hotel) • Comb/brush • Toothbrush/toothpaste • Floss • Sunscreen • Lotion/oil • Aloe Vera gel • Band-aids • Lip balm • Razors/shaving cream • Aftershave solution • Clippers • Deodorant • Makeup remover • Mosquito repellent • Tweezers • Pain reliever • Earplugs • Sleep mask
Enough clothing for a week (or two!)
It can take a bit of sorting to get your clothing selection just right for your honeymoon. You’ll want to ensure you have the perfect mix of casual and elegant outfits, as well as clothing that’s specific to the destination and the activities you want to participate in. If you’re going for longer than a week, pack for a week and make use of the laundry service at your honeymoon destination so you don’t go over the weight limit.
Here are some of the key things you’ll need to bring:
Grooms: The essentials
• 1 pair of dress shoes
• 1 suit jacket
• 1-3 button-down shirts
• 3-5 t-shirts
• 1-2 pairs of dress pants
• 1 pair of jeans and/or 1 pair of denim shorts
• 1 tie
Brides: The essentials
• 2-4 bras
• 3-5 t-shirts and/or tank tops
• 1-2 pairs of leggings
• 1 cardigan
• 1 sundress
• 1 formal dress
• 1 pair of heels
• Lingerie
Essentials for both brides & grooms
• 8-10 pairs of underwear
• 5-8 pairs of socks
• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• 1-2 pairs of jeans
• 1-3 long-sleeve shirts
• 1 light jacket
• 1 sweatshirt
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
• 1 pair of hiking boots
• Pajamas/loungewear
• Sunglasses
Additional items for warm weather
Warm weather destinations certainly help you pack a bit lighter, but there are still some essential items you won’t want to leave behind. Here are a few of the basics:
• 2-5 swimsuits (for women: a mix of bikinis & one-pieces) • 1 pair of flip flops • 1 - 3 beach cover-ups • 1 sun hat or baseball cap • 1 beach towel (many resorts supply these) • 1 tote or beach bag
Expert tip: Packing for warm weather destinations is much less exasperating. Our Jamaica vacation packing list and our packing list for a vacation in The Bahamas will tell you everything you need to bring for an amazing vacation at either destination.
Additional items for cold weather
When heading to a cold destination, you’ll need clothing that will keep you warm and toasty throughout your trip. Here are some of the items you should have on hand:
• 1 heavy jacket • 1 pair of mittens • 1 scarf • 1 warm hat • Waterproof shoes, pants, and socks • Hand and foot warmers
Pack these honeymoon items in your carry-on bag
A carry-on bag is probably the most important item you’ll have with you during your trip. Use this bag to carry honeymoon vacation essentials like passports, other travel documents, and any items that you want close by. Ahead of your honeymoon, be sure to invest in a good carry-on bag, and create a packing list to ensure you don’t forget anything important. Of all the essential items we’ve mentioned, it’s best to pack the below in your carry-on bag:
• Driver’s license/passport
• Credit cards, debit cards, and/or cash
• Black or blue pen for immigration forms
• Some essential toiletries (toothbrush, hand sanitizer, deodorant, contact lenses). Any liquids or gels that are over 3.4 OZ / 100 ml must be packed in your checked luggage, so you should stow travel-sized items (under 3.4 OZ / 100 ml) in your carry-on.
• Any necessary medications (inhaler, antihistamines, antacids, prescriptions, etc.)
• At least one change of clothes (just in case your luggage is delayed or goes missing)
• 1 swimsuit each (especially useful when you get to your destination before check-in time!)
What’s okay to leave at home when you go on your honeymoon?
While it is important to know what to bring with you on your honeymoon, it is equally important to recognize some of the things that are best left at home. Resist temptation. There are a few things that you probably won’t need to bring:
1. Unnecessary clothing
It’s unlikely that you are going to need every single one of your favorite shorts, even though you’re going to a sunny destination. You also won’t need an excessive amount of bathing suits either. Be critical and avoid overpacking, especially if you’ll only be traveling for a short time. Pack, and then unpack half of it.
2. Expensive tech
It is best to leave some of your more expensive gadgets behind when heading to a foreign destination. This is especially true if you’ll be getting into quite a bit of activity or going on tours. Expensive items can get lost, stolen, or damaged along the way. Those aren’t the kind of memories you want to make on your honeymoon.
3. Thank you cards
Thank you cards are definitely an appreciated token, but if they are taking up more room in your luggage than you have to spare, you should consider leaving them behind.
4. Valuable jewelry
The last thing you want when going on your honeymoon is for a mishap, like losing expensive or sentimental jewelry, to suck the fun out of your time together. Leave your valuable jewelry at home, and consider traveling with low-cost replacement jewelry instead. Wedding rings often get lost during snorkeling trips due to a combination of slippery sunscreen and ocean water.
5. Work
Bringing work on a vacation is a bad idea, and there’s definitely no place for it on a honeymoon! Honeymoons are made for love, so you should disconnect from everyday life and savor romantic moments with your new life partner.
How early should you start packing for your honeymoon?
You can start packing for your honeymoon days or even weeks ahead of your departure date. Before packing, however, you should put together a packing list. The earlier you start packing, the more time you’ll have to purchase any additional items you may be missing for your trip.
For international travel, it is best to start thinking about the things you’ll need to pack weeks or maybe even months ahead of time. If you need new clothing or gear, spend some time shopping around in the weeks ahead of your trip so you can get exactly what you want, and cool deals too.
Lastly, check the validity of passports and other items needed for international travel early as possible. Passports with less than six months of validity will usually need to be renewed before travel and renewals can take weeks or months to be processed.
Bonus: Five special touches to enhance your honeymoon plans!
Your honeymoon will already be one of the most important vacations in your lifetime, but there are lots of ways to make it more memorable. Add some magic to your honeymoon and surprise your new spouse, or make planning a romantic itinerary something you can do together ahead of your trip.
1. Arrange a private, candlelit dinner
Nothing says romance like a private, candlelit dinner, especially if this special dinner is a surprise and the ambiance is just right for love. Underneath the stars, you two will be able to connect even more deeply as you enjoy every bit of your pre-arranged, romantic meal together.
2. Schedule a couple’s massage
Settle down for a couple’s massage and transcend into serenity together. Make sure to book your spa treatments early on in your honeymoon, so you immediately slip into the right state of mind and leave the stress of the wedding behind.
3. Stay in a special honeymoon suite
A honeymoon suite at a luxurious all-inclusive resort will be just the vacation upgrade you need to fully enjoy your honeymoon experience. The best honeymoon suites will make it possible to enjoy things like red rose petals in bed, complimentary drinks, chocolate-covered fruits, and any other indulgences you desire.
4. Try a new activity together
Traveling to a new destination certainly calls for being open to adventure or at least trying something new. Some of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean offer day and night entertainment, land and water sports, and even help you arrange tours so you can explore the island beyond the resort. Trying a new activity with the love of your life will help you two to bond.
5. Let your resort know you’re newlyweds; there may be a free honeymoon package
Feel free to brag about your newlywed status. You never know, it just might earn you a free honeymoon package. Some honeymoon packages include things like a bottle of chilled sparkling wine in the room, a special turndown service that includes flower petals, and a decadent breakfast in bed.
Don’t wait to start planning your perfect honeymoon getaway!
Packing for your honeymoon does not have to be stressful.
The most important thing to consider when packing for your honeymoon is where you are going and what you will be doing once you get there.
When considering the perfect honeymoon locale, remember that a warm-weather destination will allow you to pack lighter. You won’t need bulky coats, sweaters, or scarves on sunny, white-sand shores. Since your wedding will likely be more than enough planning, consider eliminating some of the stresses of honeymoon planning and packing by going to an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean.
In addition to saving yourself time and frustration, you won’t have to worry about the bill at the end of your honeymoon, as you sip on unlimited free cocktails at a swim-up bar and have as much food as you want at any of the amazing restaurants the resort has on offer - all included in your booking price. Make sure to book an adults-only resort to ensure there aren’t any kids running around, disturbing your romantic get together!
There you have it — everything you need to know to make packing for your honeymoon vacation a breeze. We hope this ultimate honeymoon packing checklist will come in handy for your romantic getaway, and that you’ll be ready to enjoy an amazing destination in no time.
Contact Victoria, Your Certified Sandals & Beaches Specialist to begin planning your intimate celebration today!
Victoria Harper Luxury Nuptial Planner & Family Travel Agent | Harper Adventures Travel Agency
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