Congratulations on tying the knot! Now it’s time for the honeymoon. Getting ready for this special trip can be a whirlwind amid all the wedding preparations, and packing often gets pushed to the last minute. Striking the right balance between packing everything you need and avoiding overpacking is crucial—no one wants to face hefty baggage fees! So, what exactly should you pack for your honeymoon? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re lounging on a tropical beach, exploring vibrant cityscapes, or venturing into snowy mountains, our comprehensive guide and essential checklist will cover everything you need for every destination. We’ll break down what to pack based on your location and honeymoon style, and stick with us until the end for expert packing tips to help you pack like a pro!
Packing for a Tropical Honeymoon
Essentials to Pack
- Swimwear: Pack multiple swimsuits and cover-ups. Consider bringing a mix of bikinis, one-pieces, and a few sarongs or kaftans for beachside lounging.
- Beachwear: Include beach towels, sunscreen, bug spray, and a sun hat. A beach bag and flip-flops are also essential.
- Lightweight Clothing: Opt for breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen. Pack sundresses, shorts, and tank tops.
- Evening Wear: A couple of casual evening outfits for dinners or drinks. Lightweight, elegant dresses or shirts and trousers are ideal.
Toiletries
- Sun Care: High-SPF sunscreen, after-sun lotion, and aloe vera.
- Hair Care: Anti-frizz products and leave-in conditioner.
- Skin Care: Lightweight moisturiser and facial mist to combat humidity.
- Other Essentials: Bug repellent, hand sanitizer, and a small first-aid kit.
Miscellaneous Items
- Snorkelling Gear: If you plan to explore underwater, consider bringing your own mask and snorkel.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Protect your device from sand and water.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated in the heat.
Planning a Honeymoon? Explore Our Extensive Library of Articles on the Best Tropical Escapes for Your Perfect Beach and Island Retreat!
Packing for an Urban Honeymoon
Essentials to Pack
- City Wear: Stylish yet comfortable outfits for exploring. Pack a few chic dresses or tailored outfits, comfortable walking shoes, and a smart jacket or blazer.
- Evening Attire: For upscale dinners and nightlife, include elegant outfits and accessories.
- Accessories: Sunglasses, a fashionable hat, and a versatile handbag.
Toiletries
- Skin Care: City air can be harsh, so bring along a good cleanser, moisturiser, and facial mist.
- Hair Care: Travel-sized styling products and a compact hairbrush.
- Makeup: Compact makeup kit with essentials for both daytime and evening looks.
- Other Essentials: Travel-sized deodorant and hand sanitizer.
Miscellaneous Items
- Portable Charger: Keep your devices powered while on the go.
- City Map or Guide: Useful for navigating and discovering local attractions.
- Reusable Tote Bag: Handy for shopping or carrying essentials.
Explore Our Extensive Collection of City Breaks for Two – Find Your Ideal Urban Honeymoon Escape!
Packing for a Safari Honeymoon
Essentials to Pack
- Safari Wear: Neutral-coloured, lightweight, and breathable clothing. Include long-sleeve shirts, trousers, and a wide-brimmed hat. Pack layers for varying temperatures.
- Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots or shoes.
- Binoculars: Essential for wildlife spotting.
- Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Toiletries
- Skin Care: Strong mosquito repellent, anti-itch cream, and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Hair Care: Moisturising products to combat dust and sun.
- Other Essentials: Hand sanitizer, insect bite relief, and travel-size first-aid kit.
Miscellaneous Items
- Camera: For capturing wildlife and scenery.
- Flashlight or Headlamp: Useful for nighttime safaris or walks.
- Dry Bags: Protect your belongings from dust and moisture.
Packing for a Ski Honeymoon
Essentials to Pack
- Ski Gear: Pack your ski or snowboard equipment if not renting. Include ski jacket, pants, gloves, and thermal wear.
- Warm Clothing: Layering is key. Bring thermal underwear, sweaters, and a heavy coat.
- Accessories: Ski goggles, a helmet, and a beanie or hat.
- Footwear: Waterproof boots for après-ski activities and comfortable shoes for indoor wear.
Toiletries
- Skin Care: High-moisture face cream and lip balm to protect against windburn.
- Hair Care: Hydrating shampoo and conditioner.
- Other Essentials: Sunscreen (even in the snow) and hand cream.
Miscellaneous Items
- Ski Pass Holder: Keep your lift pass handy and secure.
- Snow-Proof Bags: To protect your gear from snow and moisture.
- Hot Hands: Disposable hand warmers for extra comfort.
Related: Newlyweds in New York City: Your Comprehensive Honeymoon Guide
Smart Packing Strategies: Essential Tips for Packing Like a Pro
Now that we’ve covered what to pack, the actual process of packing a suitcase can often feel far more stressful than necessary. Dreading the task? Here are ten clever tips for mastering the art of packing…
Plan out your outfits
Before you even drag out your suitcase, think ahead and loosely plan out what you’re going to wear for each day of your trip. It pays to write out a basic list of the items you’ll wear, but be realistic – you really won’t need stilettos if you’re trekking Machu Picchu. This will help you work out exactly what shoes and accessories deserve a place in your pack.
Think about the fabrics you’re taking
You might need to wear certain fabrics depending on where you’re going, but try to avoid those that wrinkle easily. Natural materials like merino wool and bamboo viscose are wrinkle-resistant, and there are some great synthetic options (stay with us) too. If you’re taking rolling luggage, packing Lyocell, polyester-elastane blends and (dare we say it?) lycra are all great at resisting suitcase creases.
Pack heavy items at the bottom of your rolling suitcase
If you’re taking rolling luggage, packing your heavier items at the bottom is crucial to avoid crushing your more delicate ones. As soon as you pick up your luggage the basic laws of gravity will apply, so pack your sneakers down the bottom, along with any other weighty pieces: think boots, books and toiletries.
Know what to roll and what to fold
This is always a controversial question. Our advice? A little bit of both. Roll softer garments (like T-shirts and knitwear) and fold stiffer ones (such as starched cotton shirts or blazers) to save space. Anything tailored should be folded or packed in a separate garment bag – especially if you’re heading off to a wedding or a special function where your appearance counts.
Related: The Ultimate Morocco Honeymoon Guide [2024]
Have a backup outfit in your carry-on
Pack an extra set of clothes in your carry-on just in case, heaven forbid, your suitcase is misplaced. The outfit doesn’t have to be glamorous: jeans, a simple T-shirt and clean underwear will do the trick. Another useful tip is to include an outfit for your partner in your suitcase and vice versa. This way, if one of the suitcases doesn’t arrive, you’ll both have essential clothing to get you through until your luggage is recovered.
Roll up your wires
To make sure your electronics’ cords don’t form a frustrating tangle en route, roll them up (be careful not to snag them!) and pack them in a sunglasses or glasses case. Easy to open and close, the case will protect the wires and stop them from moving around and developing knots when you’re on the go.
Utilise as much space as possible
Is there a bulky handbag you absolutely have to take? Is it one you can’t flatten or roll up (like a tote)? Utilise it and put ‘scrunchy’ items inside, like swimsuits, singlet tops or coin purses. And it has to be the oldest trick in the book, but the same goes for the insides of your shoes – stuff with socks or small items to make the most of every space possible.
Decant liquids into smaller bottles
If you absolutely have to take your favourite shampoo or liquid soap, decant it into reusable plastic bottles. Be sure to only fill them three-quarters of the way though, as the cargo area on a plane is not pressurised and liquids can expand in-flight – definitely not the kind of surprise you want to find at your destination.
Use zip-lock bags for precious toiletries
Put any toiletries that are in bottles (like perfume or cologne) in zip-lock bags, just in case they leak. Or, wrap them in thick socks to prevent breakage. And make sure you keep your liquids well away from any electronics – unless you want your (now useless) iPad to smell like Chanel No. 5, of course.
Related: The Ultimate Honeymoon Guide to Koh Samui
Seperate your worn and clean clothes
Don’t forget to pack a lightweight tote bag to separate your clean and dirty clothes while you’re on the go. Whether you get your laundry done while you’re away or save it for when you get back, sorting your clothes in this way will make life simpler and more hygienic.
BONUS TIP: Provide a trusted family member or friend with photocopies of important documents, including:
- Your driver’s license and passport
- Travel confirmation numbers and details
- Essential documents such as travel insurance, credit card numbers, and traveler’s cheque receipts
- Contact information for the hotels you’ll be staying at, along with check-in and check-out dates
- A list of emergency contacts and other important contact details
Depending on where you are travelling to, you might consider leaving your engagement ring at home if you’re worried about losing it during your travels. Some choose to wear just their wedding band or use faux rings while on the move.
Planning a romantic getaway? Find amazing destinations and beautiful accommodation here…
