One of the biggest questions I get as a honeymoon specialist focusing on all-inclusive resorts in Mexico & the Caribbean is: “When should I start planning my honeymoon?” My answer: as soon as possible. It’s never too early! Your honeymoon isn’t “just” another vacation. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime getaway that deserves as much time and attention you’re lavishing on your wedding. (And hey, if you don’t have the time and attention to plan your own honeymoon, I know a pro—ahem!—who can help!). Read on for the “when” and the “why” of planning your honeymoon early:
So what does “it’s never too soon” REALLY mean?
I’d say it’s not too soon to begin planning your honeymoon as early as a year and a half out. Even if resorts have not released pricing for your dates yet, we can still begin exploring your resort and room options, narrowing down to your favorite pick. That way, when your preferred resort does release pricing, we can quickly pull the trigger. By the way, some resorts release pricing early and allow you to book up to three years out!
What happens if you wait too long to book your honeymoon?
You risk losing out on the resort and room category you really want. And for a vacation as important as a honeymoon, I wouldn’t want you to take that risk! The reason why last-minute planning for a honeymoon is especially perilous is because it’s very common to spring for a special room for this trip. Maybe it’s the honeymoon suite, a room with a swim up or plunge pool, or a room category with butler service.
Whatever the “x factor” is, it’s safe to say this room category is more desirable than entry-level rooms. And, often, there are fewer of these types of rooms at the resort. Taken together, this means that the type of room you’d want for your honeymoon will sell out fast. I recall working with one of my couples who reached out early to begin their honeymoon planning. We homed in on a fantastic swim-up suite option for them … but then, they didn’t pull the trigger on making their reservation for FIVE months. By that time, their preferred room was long gone. I don’t want that to happen to you!
Oh, and one more reason to book early: you’ll receive the best pricing. Because those special resort suites are in high demand, you’re not going to get a sweet “last minute” deal on booking. Instead, prices will continue to rise the longer you wait. It pays to book early (literally!).
The “book early” trick for earning free flights
There’s one more good reason to book your honeymoon early: to employ one of my favorite “tricks” for getting flights practically for free! It involves taking advantage of the massive amount of “points” you get when you open a new travel or airline credit card. Opening one of these cards before you book your honeymoon is a great strategy.
Here’s why: typically, these cards need you to spend a large amount in order to earn the points—for example, “spend $3,000 in the first three months to earn 75,000 points.” That’s a large chunk of change, but between your wedding and honeymoon costs, most couples should reach it! So you “charge” the honeymoon to your card (remember to pay it off in full!), get the points three or so months later, and then use the points to cover the cost of your flights. Of course, this strategy only works if you’re planning your honeymoon far enough in advance—wait too long, and you’ll be playing a risky game with flight costs that only get more expensive the closer you get to your departure date (plus you need enough time for your points to accrue!). I’m no credit card maven, but you can check out some of the best-value travel credit cards according to The Points Guy right here.
Have I convinced you that it pays to start planning your honeymoon early? Then I’d love to help you get started with the planning now—grab your spot to chat with me on your complimentary consultation call!
