Travel Tips

So, you've chosen the perfect honeymoon destination. Now you have to prepare for the big trip, and once underway, have the best time with the least hassle. Our travel tips can help. For more information about earning a donation by booking your honeymoon with the I Do Foundation, please see our travel services.

1) Do the research. All 50 states have bureaus of tourism to help you choose attractions and special events you might like to visit. When traveling abroad, ask your bank if your ATM card will work in the country you're planning to visit. Find out well in advance if you'll need a passport, as it takes as long as 12 weeks to receive one. Ask your travel agent if there is anything special you need to know.

2) Protect your documents. Invest a few dollars in a small bag that can be carried like a purse or wallet. Choose one that is small enough to carry easily but large enough to keep passports and plane tickets in. If you use travelers checks, record the numbers and amounts on the checks, as well as the date and place of purchase, and keep that information in your document bag. Record the phone numbers for your bank and credit card companies in case your regular wallet or purse is lost or stolen.

3) Take lots of pictures. Make sure the first photo you take at any destination contains the name of the location; that way, you can easily figure out later on which photos are of which attraction. Consider using separate rolls of film (or data cards for digital cameras) for each location.

4) Keep a travel journal. Memories fade over time, and by the end of a trip, it's often hard to remember what you did at the beginning. You can remind yourself by writing down a sentence or two every evening about the day's events. Even a simple phrase like "went shopping" can help, but consider a more detailed account, such as specific attractions and stores you visited, specific purchases, etc.

5) Bring a major credit card. The easiest and best way to change money abroad is to use a major credit card for your purchases. By using a single credit card for all purchases while traveling, you can easily review your bill for errors when you return. Consider leaving many cards at home; charge cards for specific stores are not as useful while traveling.

6) Use the concierge. Consider leaving some of the details of your daily activities, such as restaurant reservations, to the hotel's concierge. Your travel agent can advise you whether your hotel has a concierge, as well as tipping guidelines.

7) Make reservations. You may be able to buy tickets in advance to many of the local attractions and tours. It may be easier to get reservations for many attractions, including popular restaurants, at off-peak times; consider going for lunch instead of dinner, for example.

8) Rent the right size car. When choosing a rental car, pick the smallest that would meet your needs. Remember to include luggage and purchases you might make while on the trip in your consideration. Ask the travel agent or car rental agent for an example of a "midsize" or "economy" car; there is no standard, so these terms will vary from company to company.

9) Time is money. The time you have to spend on vacation is limited, so make the most of it. Consider spending a little more to save a lot of time, such as by taking a taxi instead of public transportation. Since hotels often charge more based on their location, find a balance between the best rates and proximity to your favorite attractions.

10) If something goes wrong, write it down. If the hotel or rental car company loses your reservation, you may end up having to go elsewhere, often at your expense. Write down the dates and locations, as well as the extra expenses you incur, as well as the names and titles of the people you speak with trying to resolve the problem. Upon your return, contact the customer service department of the company that failed to solve your problem and ask to be compensated.

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