Pack Your Bags
What to bring on your honeymoon
Can't wait to swap your party for 200 out for a party of two? Most couples enjoy their honeymoon just as much as the wedding -- or even more so. What else do you need to make it perfect besides a romantic destination and your new hubby? Here are some tips on packing your bags -- what to forgo and what you shouldn't leave home without.
To start, take note of these essential rules of honeymoon packing:
1. Pack the clothing you'll need for the climate you're going to.
This tip seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people don't check the weather forecast before they pack. (It's even better to check the average yearly climate before you book a trip -- so you know ahead of time that Mexico has its rainy season in June, or that San Francisco in the summer is going to be significantly colder than other parts of the US.) Consider Weather.com is your packing partner!
As are layers. Pack lots of solid basics that you can mix and match and layer up or un-layer depending on the temperature. Don't forget dressy clothes for your romantic dinners out. (You many want to check with your resort, especially if you're going on a cruise, to see if there is a dress code at any of the restaurants there.) Accessories are a great way to dress your ensemble up or down, and usually don't take up too much space in your bag. Plus, they're going to help you look fabulous -- which you're going to want to do for yourself, for your new husband, and for when you show off all of your photographs when you get back home.
2. Plan for the activities you'll be doing, plus surprises or emergencies.
If you're hitting the beach, you'll want a few swimsuits and cover-ups. Or if you're off on a ski vacation, you'll need all of your gear for that as well. And of course, comfy shoes for sight-seeing, if that's going to be your focus. But keep your thinking broad -- you don't want to have to skip a romantic bike ride down the boardwalk because you only brought skirts and don't have pair of shorts or pants that would do it, or to have to miss a magical hike for two because you didn't pack a sturdy sneaker.
You'll also want your basics in terms of sleepwear, toiletries, cameras, books, games, etc. And try to make sure that you have a few extra items that might be hard to get if you're traveling out of the country (or you don't want to have to take the time to stop for) -- like sun block, bug spray, Aspirin, Benadryl, Imodium and even possibly antibiotics.
3. But still pack as light as you can.
This is not the trip to bring every item in your closet. You don't want to wear your husband out just carrying your suitcase, do you? There's little chance he's going to notice if you repeat your outfits -- he's going to be more interested in your lingerie bag. And the good news about those items is that you can pack a few and they barely weigh anything!
4. Bring your positive attitude.
Even the best laid plans will need room for adjustments, so stay upbeat and ready to go with the flow. So what if your flight is delayed or your expertly-packed luggage gets lost, maybe it will bring you an unexpected detour into a new city to explore -- or the inspiration for a bit of a shopping trip in Paris. This is a time to focus on relaxing, celebrating your new married status, enjoying each other's company and growing closer.


