Wedding Wednesday Q&A: How To Plan A Honeymoon During COVID

Q: I’m in the midst of planning my 2021 wedding and now I’m starting to think about my honeymoon. But, with everything going on, how do you plan a honeymoon during COVID?

Great question! So, let’s be honest, nothing is easy to plan during COVID.

There is so much uncertainty and the situation keeps changing as do the guidelines and rules.

And this applies to travel and your honeymoon.

You’ll need to take into account a few variables and the answers to the important corresponding (and follow up) questions.

While we don’t have a crystal ball, we can answer the questions we can, given what we know. And it will give you direction so you can understand how to proceed.

So, first…

WILL YOU BE ABLE TO TRAVEL?

Yes, you’ll likely be able to travel come your honeymoon timeframe regardless of the worldwide status of COVID. So, planning your honeymoon now is an ok thing to do.

But, the real question is, where can you travel to?

If you’re hoping to take an international trip, there are more unknowns to deal with. There is a possibility there may be a new outbreak there. Or there might be a travel ban on either country’s end.

So, while you can make whatever decision makes most sense for you, it’s important to know that domestic travel will be easier, no matter what. And if you think about it, it’s easier even without COVID.

Because you don’t have to deal with immigration and customs or potentially getting stuck somewhere. So, picking a domestic location will be safer, easier and less stressful.

In addition, picking an area with less infections will also be less risky. But, be mindful of not only the location you’re going to, but the location you’re coming from to keep people safe.

SHOULD YOU PLAN YOUR HONEYMOON NOW OR WAIT?

There is no right or wrong answer for this.

If you don’t mind waiting or want to wait to plan your honeymoon, that will allow you to better assess the situation at the time.

And with more information you can make a more educated guess.

However, with limits on everything given COVID, you might have some trouble reserving things at a later date. Or you might be fine.

It will really depend on the location, what you’re looking to book and demand.

With that being said, the great thing about planning a vacation now is that every airline and hotel is offering flexible booking. So, if you needed to cancel or reschedule, you can do so very easily.

DO YOU NEED TO BE WORRIED ABOUT COMPANIES GOING OUT OF BUSINESS?

Sadly, yes. There will be many businesses that will have to close over the next year including travel related businesses.

And while we don’t know who will remain, it’s a safer bet to choose a bigger airline or a bigger hotel chain.

These companies typically have more backing and will be able to bounce back more easily than a smaller company.

And if they had to downsize and your flight or hotel got affected, the company would still exist to compensate you.

However, if you want to support the little guy (and they could use some support), make sure you understand their policies regarding booking and what would happen if they were to go out of business.

SHOULD YOU GET TRAVEL INSURANCE?

With the possibility of travel plans going awry and businesses closing, getting travel insurance can help you.

It can also put your mind at ease as you plan your honeymoon.

But as with all insurance, you’ll need to read the fine print to understand what is covered and what isn’t. And make sure you choose the type of insurance that covers you for what you’re concerned about.

Also, it’s important to know that COVID is new for everyone including insurance companies and just like you, they’re trying to figure out how to adapt.

So make sure you talk to an insurance agent to really understand what the situation is and what makes sense for you.

SO… IS PLANNING A HONEYMOON DURING COVID EVEN A GOOD IDEA?

With everything we just went through, this is a legitimate question. Planning a honeymoon during COVID can seem more nerve wracking and stressful than it’s worth.

And I’m not going to lie, it does come with risk.

Travel inevitably will come with risk.

And I’m not just talking about the possibility of getting infected or infecting others. But also, the affects of COVID and how that relates to travel.

Its affects on airlines, hotels, tour operators, sites, museums, activities, beaches, restaurants and more. And what that means for the experience you’re looking for.

So, it’s really important to understand your level of risk tolerance.

Be honest with yourself and take the risk you feel comfortable with. Even if that’s zero risk! You can always wait to take your honeymoon at a later time.

And also of course make sure you think about the community as well, not just the one you’re in, but the one you’ll be traveling to.

So, how do you plan a honeymoon during COVID? Carefully and thoughtfully.

Make sure you’ve assessed the situation fully and how you feel. And then make a decision you feel comfortable with.

Need some help? Or have more questions?

Now is the perfect time to get a wedding advisor especially one with experience in destination weddings and travel!

And guess what?! You’ll have access to one as a Passport to Joy member! Not to mention help through the entire wedding planning process.

Sign up to become a member today, you won’t regret it.