Nowadays couples seem to be opting for a number of different preferences. Honeymoons no longer seem to exclusively involve ‘Leave the next day’ travel arrangements. Some couples prefer to wait a while (days, weeks, even months perhaps) so as to ensure that all the necessary requirements will be in place – leave from work (where applicable), finances, events in the destination/s selected etc. There is no cut-and-dry rule. One simply has to select the options that best suit the both of you.

Nevertheless, be it traveling on the day after the wedding or quite some time later, there are a number of formalities and preparations that one has to take into consideration.

PASSPORT

(In the case of newly-married women who opt to change their surname, the passport and ID card might also require changing, vis-à-vis surname, address etc. In the same circumstances, the same procedures apply for credit cards with new names and new signatures on them. Be sure to have all these taken care of well in advance.

VISAS

Honeymoons to destinations off the beaten track are becoming more and more popular. If the country you are visiting is outside the E.U., however, you might require an entry visa. Your travel agent will be in a position to indicate whether or not you do require a visa. Visas are obtained either from the embassies or the consular offices of the countries concerned.

INNOCULATIONS and VACCINATIONS

Apart from Visas you might also be required to possess vaccination certificates to enter particular countries. Your travel agent should also indicate whether or not these are necessary for the country or countries you will be visiting. If you do require vaccines and immunization you may call the Immunisation Clinic at the Floriana Health Centre on Tel 21 243314 Ext 222 for more information.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Although no-one likes to think about mishaps or ill-health occurring on one’s honeymoon, the possibility is always there. Therefore it’s always wise to buy travel and health insurance beforehand, especially when traveling to non-E.U. countries. Your travel- or insurance agent will be able to issue you with an insurance policy to suit your specific needs.

DRIVING LICENCE

If you’re planning on driving whilst on honeymoon don’t forget to take a VALID driving licence with you. It’s also a good idea to book a car or vehicle beforehand, either through the local agents of reputable car hire firms or else via the internet.

PHONING HOME

When abroad most people phone home regularly. The mobile phone is an obvious asset in this regard. However the roaming capabilities differ from country to country. It would be a good idea to consult beforehand with your mobile phone operator to verify whether there are any roaming restrictions within the country you are traveling to. Those who use top-up services would do well to top-up their account with a generous amount of credit before traveling. It would also be wise to check whether the actual phone you use is valid for the country you are visiting. The USA, for example, uses a mobile telephony system completely different to ours, meaning that your mobile handset won’t function there.

Upon arrival in the country of your destination you would also do well to enquire about telephone cards: Either those that you insert into telephone sets in kiosks or else those that use VoIP (the cheaper calls).

GUIDE BOOKS

It’s never a bad idea to read up beforehand and become more acquainted with the places you’re traveling to. There are many good guide books available, especially those like the Rough Guide books and Lonely Planet guides that give very frank, practical and detailed information on all that you should expect at your destination – The good, the bad and the ugly.

LUGGAGE AND PACKING

Ensure that your suitcases are in good condition and not liable to break open at the first bump they encounter. Don’t pack too much either. Make certain that you pack clothing and footwear that is appropriate for the places you are traveling to, but don’t go overboard. Hauling cumbersome luggage around is not a good idea, especially on honeymoon. The weather conditions and forecasts for your destination may be viewed beforehand by accessing any number of internet sites. Some of these sites also give indications as to what the ‘typical’ clothing is for that time of year. It’s also a good idea to pack some other, smaller luggage or bags for the return home. One always buys stuff when on holiday and, naturally, you’ll need somewhere to pack it.

BOOKING HOTELS, TOURS AND INTERNAL TRAVEL

Whether you book your travel arrangements through an agency or via the internet, it makes sense to determine a budget well in advance and see what is the best that’s on offer. Having said that, however, one shouldn’t be too ‘careful’ when it comes to accommodation. Although there are people who’s idea of enjoyment is ‘roughing it up’, for the most part couples on honeymoon prefer comfort and pleasant surroundings. So, saving a few pennies on accommodation isn’t recommended. Neither is planning an itinerary that will leave you breathless and exhausted for the duration of your honeymoon. Internal travel and tours are fine… as long as one doesn’t overdo it. Too much rushing around is not conducive to serenity.

MONEY

Apart from ‘Making the world go around’, as the song says, you also need money to go around the world. Petty theft is on the increase everywhere so you need to be very careful. Credit cards are ideal in that, more often than not, you won’t need to exchange money before traveling, just take what you need from the ATMs at your destination. If the place you are traveling to might have a problem with ATMs…the Amazon rain forest, for example… you would always do well to take travelers’ cheques with you rather than only cash. Even then, one shouldn’t go out and about with too much cash or cheques on you. Many hotels have lock-up safes within the rooms specifically for that purpose.

CAMERAS AND VIDEOS

Most people like to take cameras or video cameras when going abroad. A honeymoon is no exception. If you are planning to take any photographic equipment abroad with you, apart from the obvious memory cards, rechargeable batteries, batteries, film cassettes and film…it might also be wise to include the equipment on your travel insurance policy.

MISCELLANEOUS

** Most countries DO NOT use the three pin electricity socket that is commonly used in Malta and the UK. Try to find out beforehand what sort of adapter is required for electrical goods.

** Different countries have different rules regarding the purchase of medicines. In the UK, for example, you’ll be hard-pressed to get anything from a pharmacy without a valid UK practitioner’s prescription. To be on the safe side, carry a generous supply of any and all medicines you might be requiring while on your honeymoon.

** It’s always helpful to lean basic words and phrases in the language of the country you are visiting. ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ are a good start.