I recently had the pleasure of meeting Karen Gordon, owner and travel consultant with Tailored Travel at a Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce meeting. Our conversation was so inspiring that I couldn’t resist doing an impromptu interview. Karen shared her expert tips for couples planning their honeymoons, and I’m thrilled to bring her insights to the blog.
WHAT DO COUPLES OFTEN OVERLOOK WHEN PLANNING THEIR HONEYMOON?
WHAT DO COUPLES OFTEN OVERLOOK WHEN PLANNING THEIR HONEYMOON?
KAREN: What interests them as a couple! Some people love beaches, others love mountains. I always ask, “What’s your vision for the perfect honeymoon?”. Sometimes, the answers don’t match! When couples don’t have that same vision, then we have to discuss where we can compromise to allow for both honeymoon dreams!
HOW ABOUT BUDGETING?
KAREN: Budgeting upfront is essential so you can tailor the trip to budget requirements. A caviar experience on a fish-and-chips budget may be hard to do, but knowing in advance helps us tailor the trip realistically.
ARE THERE OTHER STRESS POINTS COUPLES SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?
KAREN: Absolutely!
Travel times are often overlooked. Direct flights save a lot of time on both ends of the trip!
Travel insurance is also key! A lot of health insurance doesn’t cover internationally, so travel insurance can help with health emergencies and evacuation, especially if you are in a remote location or on a cruise ship. Post-departure insurance typically starts at only $60, depending on your age. This can give you a real peace of mind for not much money! Pre-departure insurance will cover your non-refundable deposits. Of course, insurance is complicated so it’s important to research your specific needs in advance.
Pre-arranged transportation at your destination is helpful, especially if you are traveling internationally. Someone will be standing with your name when you exit the plane and help you get to exactly where you need to be. Once in Amsterdam, I had taken the train and went to the wrong location and going in the wrong direction. I ended up having to take a taxi! You don’t want to start your honeymoon with problems like transportation issues!
ANY PACKING TIPS?
KAREN: Pack smart! Layers for different weather circumstances, essentials in your carry-ons, and don’t overpack! Travel insurance can cover replacement items if luggage is lost.
Also, know how many bags you have to get to your destinations so your transportation can accommodate for any extra luggage.
WHEN & WHERE COUPLES SHOULD GO ON THEIR HONEYMOON
WHEN SHOULD COUPLES GO ON THEIR HONEYMOON?
KAREN: I think delaying a honeymoon a week or two after the wedding allows you to decompress from the wedding and go on the honeymoon with fresh feelings!
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD NEWLYWEDS REALISTICALLY START PLANNING THEIR HONEYMOON FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCE AND VALUE?
KAREN: Start about a year out since flights usually aren’t available more than a year out, and hotel reservations are typically not available yet. International airfare is usually best value six months out.
Often, couples start working with me to help research locations. So it’s okay if you don’t know where you want to go yet, I can help show you the options.
If you want to tour and see a lot of things, you can fly into one destination and fly out of another. This is called an “open-jaw reservation”. Keep in mind this may be more expensive in transportation and require more time. You might get a better deal on flights if you book in and out of the same location.
WHAT DESTINATIONS ARE GREAT FOR NEWLYWEDS LOOKING FOR REST AND MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES?
KAREN: It’s all about intention, not trendiness! You can make any destination a restful location. If you don’t want to fill up the days doing things non-stop, then I would recommend a small town in Europe that’s not a tourist destination.
For example, I helped one couple book a private stay at an old castle in the south of France. They were the only ones in the castle!
Another location is Český Krumlov in the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. They have five rooms in the tower of the castle!
Tuscany is another great option. This small town is where to go if you want vineyards and a cooking class!
HOW CAN COUPLES BALANCE THEIR HONEYMOON BUDGET WHILE STILL FEELING LIKE THE TRIP IS TRULY SPECIAL?
KAREN: Locations can impact the amount you end up spending in a honeymoon. Consider focusing on all-inclusive resorts that can accommodate romantic private dinners, excursions and experiences, and often have kid-free spaces. Smaller domestic resorts can be great experiences. For example, Chattanooga, TN has a really unique venue or Charleston, SC has a lot of charm and great restaurants – plus the ocean!
WHAT UPCOMING TRIPS DO YOU HAVE PLANNED?
KAREN: I have a 14-day group African safari coming up in Capetown. We’ll be doing sightseeing, watching penguins, exploring Kruger National Park, enjoying a Victoria Falls river cruise, and going on a Serengeti safari.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE SO FAR?
Antartica because it is untouched and pristine! Photographs don’t do justice to the vibrancy. We even did a polar plunge in the Arctic Circle!
THANK YOU SO MUCH TO TAILORED TRAVEL FOR BEING ON THE BLOG!
We encourage couples to focus on intention, plan early, and prepare for the unexpected as they begin dreaming up their honeymoon trip. Whether it’s a European castle, a Tuscan vineyard, or an African safari, make your honeymoon about your love story, and leave the stress behind!
Want help planning your honeymoon? You can reach out to Tailored Travel on their website!
All photos on this blog post belong to Tailored Travel.