Honeymoon Tips

Honeymoons are a major expense, too, and fraught with expectations. With that in mind, here are six tips to plan a getaway that pleases both of you.

Start planning early. Six months ahead isn't too soon to start.

Share your expectations. Allow time to dream, collect brochures, clip magazine and newspaper articles, and share ideas. Once each knows what the other wants, you can start looking for a compromise.

Create a realistic budget. Because so many honeymooners are novice travelers, they get sticker shock when they find out how much it really costs to travel to exotic destinations. You can stretch your budget by visiting popular destinations or high-end resorts during their low season.

Splurge on special extras. Pay extra for a spectacular ocean view. After all, you'll spend a lot of time in your room.

Respect each other's travel style. He loves to rough it in the wilds, but she'd prefer more civilized surroundings. Both would probably be happy at an eco-lodge in the wilderness.

It's OK to spend some time apart. You don't have to spend every minute gazing into each other's eyes. In fact, you'll probably want a break from each other's company. He can spend the morning on the golf course while she unwinds in the spa, or she can take scuba lessons while he lounges on the beach with the latest John Grisham novel.