It's been more than 6 years since I was on my honeymoon. But I remember it as if it was yesterday. I remember the powdery sand and the crystal clear waters of the Maldives. I remember the incredible food — the pad thai and Turkish delight, in particular. And if I close my eyes, I can still feel the powerful sun beating down on my face and the salty smell of the Indian Ocean.
I also remember searching for luggage carts in tiny airports, waiting in a separate line to pay excess baggage fees, and nearly missing our flight. Honeymoons are special. They're one of the most incredible trips you'll ever take, whether you're exploring Southeast Asia, relaxing on an exotic beach or eating your way through Italy. By planning ahead and packing smarter, you can truly relax and enjoy every moment of your trip — without agonizing over what to wear or experiencing the “I know I forgot something” feeling on your way to the airport.
5 Game-Changing Packing Tips Every Couple Needs for Their Honeymoon
Assign responsibilities 2 weeks before your departure
'Divide and conquer' is perhaps the best advice, when it comes to traveling with your spouse. In our home, my husband takes care of the laundry and dry cleaning while I make sure our toiletries are ordered and our luggage is in good condition. Well before your departure, sit down and decide who's going to be responsible for what. It's also a good time to make sure the last few honeymoon logistics (hotel transfers, money exchange, calling the credit card companies) are taken care of.
'Divide and conquer' is perhaps the best advice, when it comes to traveling with your spouse. In our home, my husband takes care of the laundry and dry cleaning while I make sure our toiletries are ordered and our luggage is in good condition. Well before your departure, sit down and decide who's going to be responsible for what. It's also a good time to make sure the last few honeymoon logistics (hotel transfers, money exchange, calling the credit card companies) are taken care of.
Write your packing lists - together
My honeymoon suitcase was filled with pretty dresses and a pair of high heels to wear to dinner. I didn't wear any of them. My husband had packed casual clothing only, and a floral silk dress didn't complement with the shorts/polo combination that filled his suitcase. Play some music, pour a glass of wine, and review your itinerary. Is there a special dinner one evening, or an early morning hike you have planned? Decide what you both need, and pre-plan your outfits to make sure they're suitable - and stylish - for everything you have planned.
My honeymoon suitcase was filled with pretty dresses and a pair of high heels to wear to dinner. I didn't wear any of them. My husband had packed casual clothing only, and a floral silk dress didn't complement with the shorts/polo combination that filled his suitcase. Play some music, pour a glass of wine, and review your itinerary. Is there a special dinner one evening, or an early morning hike you have planned? Decide what you both need, and pre-plan your outfits to make sure they're suitable - and stylish - for everything you have planned.
Stick to the accessory math rule
In order to maximize the space in your suitcase (for clothes and for souvenirs), limit the accessories you pack. For women, it's 3 pairs of shoes, 2 bags, 1 hat, scarf, and sunglasses each. For men, it's 2 pairs of shoes and 1 bag, sunglasses, and hat each. Don't worry - flip flops don't count as a pair of shoes. I know this rule is intimidating, but select these items BEFORE planning your outfits. By doing so, you end up selecting the items that are as functional as stylish. Nude or metallic sandals and heels go with virtually everything and elevate your look. A roomy leather tote will hold everything you need in flight and while exploring a new city. Cotton scarves can double as a sarong for the pool.
In order to maximize the space in your suitcase (for clothes and for souvenirs), limit the accessories you pack. For women, it's 3 pairs of shoes, 2 bags, 1 hat, scarf, and sunglasses each. For men, it's 2 pairs of shoes and 1 bag, sunglasses, and hat each. Don't worry - flip flops don't count as a pair of shoes. I know this rule is intimidating, but select these items BEFORE planning your outfits. By doing so, you end up selecting the items that are as functional as stylish. Nude or metallic sandals and heels go with virtually everything and elevate your look. A roomy leather tote will hold everything you need in flight and while exploring a new city. Cotton scarves can double as a sarong for the pool.
Pack your suitcase according to your timeline
By writing out your outfits for each day, you'll know exactly what you're wearing, and when you're wearing it. Pack the items you'll be wearing later in the trip first, so the items you'll wear early are easy to find and grab (without unpacking your luggage entirely). This comes in handy if you're visiting multiple destinations in a single trip, as it saves a ton of time in unpacking and repacking. That means more time to explore, relax on the beach, or enjoy one last delicious meal. More time to honeymoon!
By writing out your outfits for each day, you'll know exactly what you're wearing, and when you're wearing it. Pack the items you'll be wearing later in the trip first, so the items you'll wear early are easy to find and grab (without unpacking your luggage entirely). This comes in handy if you're visiting multiple destinations in a single trip, as it saves a ton of time in unpacking and repacking. That means more time to explore, relax on the beach, or enjoy one last delicious meal. More time to honeymoon!
Use your personal item wisely
It can seem tempting to throw the 'just in case' items in the tote or backpack you're traveling with. You may need an extra book, or you could wear that hat you keep meaning to while traveling. Here's the truth — you won't get around to reading that book, and you may forget that hat in a hotel room. And you'll (literally) be weighed down by all that excess stuff. Think about your actual trip - the various flights and trains, and the time you'll be spending dragging your suitcase and carrying your bag. By packing only the items you need (your travel-sized toiletries, a tablet loaded with the latest season of Riverdale, a Mophie to recharge dead devices), you're freeing up energy and space for the incredible trip you're about to enjoy. Bonus - you'll also have space to bring home souvenirs.
It can seem tempting to throw the 'just in case' items in the tote or backpack you're traveling with. You may need an extra book, or you could wear that hat you keep meaning to while traveling. Here's the truth — you won't get around to reading that book, and you may forget that hat in a hotel room. And you'll (literally) be weighed down by all that excess stuff. Think about your actual trip - the various flights and trains, and the time you'll be spending dragging your suitcase and carrying your bag. By packing only the items you need (your travel-sized toiletries, a tablet loaded with the latest season of Riverdale, a Mophie to recharge dead devices), you're freeing up energy and space for the incredible trip you're about to enjoy. Bonus - you'll also have space to bring home souvenirs.
Hitha Palepu is an entrepreneur, author of How To Pack and founder of the blog HithaOnTheGo.com, where she shares smart solutions to help you live your best life. For more tips on packing perfectly, check out How To Pack and Hitha On The Go. Keep calm, and always carry on!