Packing for your honeymoon can be stressful on top of all your wedding details the week before the big day. While you can find full packing lists all over the internet, I’m going to share some of my favorite tips to keep you on track! I have also included an awesome packing list! You will be prepared for your week away with your new husband! Still need help planning your honeymoon? Don’t worry! We’ve got ya covered with some amazing travel agents and honeymoon specialists!
Tip 1: Pack one full change of clothes, any necessary toiletry items, and a swimsuit. This way if your luggage gets lost you’ll still have everything you need to have a great time while you wait on your luggage to arrive.
Tip 2: Slip a piece of paper in each piece of your luggage that includes you travel itinerary: Travel date, your names, flight number, hotel name, your contact info. Do the same for your travel home itinerary too. That way if you luggage is lost on either travel date, the airline will know exactly how to find you quickly.
Tip 3: Buy your tickets in your maiden name. Your passport or id must match your ticket and since you won’t have time to officially change your last name before the wedding, you’ll want to keep your maiden last name for a week longer.
Here is a honeymoon packing list that gives you all you will need without overflowing the suitcase:
- Lingerie/Underwear (sexy AND legitimately comfortable — you will want both); strapless bra OPTIONAL depending on your outfit choices
- A pair of Lightweight Pajamas (but only bring 1 -2 pairs of PJs, max)
- Swimsuits (you only really need 2)
- A few Coverups (this can be a jersey knit dress, just something easy to throw on and off — no jean shorts; this can also be something you wear first to a meal and then to the beach)
- Light Cardigan/Lightweight Jacket (that will match most things – sometimes the restaurants are chilly; bring 1 – 2)
- Nice-ish Dress (knit jersey is great for this if it’s a little fancier in style, otherwise a sundress or casual-nice dress is good — it’s fun to dress up a little for formal dinners but you don’t have to go too fancy)
- Sandals (at least two pairs, one that’s nicer — you’ll wear these everywhere, exclusively)
- Flip-Flops (super casual, easy to wear to the actual beach and back)
- OPTIONAL: Lightweight slip-on close-toed shoes for your flight and back (if you’re traveling in the cooler weather months)
- Comfortable, cute shorts or lightweight capris/pants (2-3 pairs to mix and match)
- Comfortable, lightweight tops (tanks are great! 4 – 5 of these – they can get sweaty or sandy, so make sure you have enough)
- Hat (baseball cap or floppy sunhat to shade you)
- Sunglasses, his and hers
- Small Clutch (OPTIONAL – if you want something to carry around your room key/camera/lipstick when you go to dinner)
- Mousse/Hair Product to best accentuate your natural hair texture (there’s no time or desire to straighten your hair when you’re on tropical vacation)/Bobby Pins/Ponytail Holders
- Curling Iron (only if you want to get fancy a night or two)
- A pair of Statement Earrings that will go with lots of outfits or a Statement Necklace (no need to accessorize too much on vacation!) — a little goes a long way.
- Camera/Memory Card (maybe an extra)/Charger/Batteries
- iPhone/Charger
- iPad (OPTIONAL – only bring if you’ll actually use it on the plane or at the resort)
- Passport
- Marriage License copy, signed (don’t bring the real thing)
- Resort & Flight Confirmations
- Driver’s License (extra ID)
- Credit Card (for emergencies)
- at least $100 in small bills, cash, to tip (even though the resort includes gratuities, they really really appreciate tips and you’ll get better service. Worth it.)
- Emergency Cash
- Advil
- Gas-X or Beano, if you want to avoid any unromantic moments onset by overindulging at the all-you-can-eat dinners
- Deodorant
- Nausea medicine, if you’re prone to getting ill out of the country
- Contacts & a spare pair/Solution/Glasses
- Toothbrush (toothpaste is usually included there)
- A LOT of sunscreen (it’ll be $80 at the resort if you run out)/Sunblock chapstick
- Aloe Vera (small container) if either of you burns easily or if you’re not vigilant about applying SPF
- Razor
- Face Soap, travel size
- Makeup (not your whole kit — just some mascara and eyeliner, maybe a shade of eye shadow, and lipgloss. you don’t need much, you’ll be rocking the ‘newlywed glow!’)
- Makeup Remover, travel size
- Hairbrush
- Contraceptives
- Feminine products (even if you’re not expecting your period, you never know! Better to be safe than have to buy them overpriced at the airport!)
- Bug spray! If you are going somewhere tropical, there are bugs! It’s inevitable!
- Cortisone, in case you slacked on applying the bug spray
- Ziploc bags in varying sizes, in case you want to protect your phone while you’re at the beach, OPTIONAL
- A trash bag to separate your dirty clothes from the clean, OPTIONAL