The same organizational skills and the same careful planning that go into a perfectly orchestrated wedding are needed in planning that all important honeymoon trip. Taking notes, following a plan, setting and keeping to a schedule will help to keep your honeymoon on track and make it that special time that deserves to be.

NINE MONTHS OR MORE BEFORE . . .
1. Start thinking about where you would like to go.
2. Begin with a budget and stick to it. It's best for you to determine your destination before you visit a travel agent or a travel site on-line.
3. Check with reputable travel agents, surf the Internet, read travel magazines and talk to friends. There is an enormous amount of printed material available at no cost.

Once you have decided what you'll spend and where you'll go, including developing a detailed itinerary, it's time to make bookings for accommodations, order airline tickets and make reservations. Do this yourself or through a travel agent. Make certain to keep accurate notes. Ask for confirmation numbers and get cancellation information. Make sure to be specific when making lodging reservations. When booking airline reservations, order special meals, if appropriate. Such details can make or break your stay. Buy travel cancellation insurance if you feel comfortable doing so.

SIX MONTHS OR MORE BEFORE . . .
1. Reserve a rental vehicle if you'll be needing one.
2. Hone up your language skills if you're traveling to a foreign speaking county.
3. Get into shape with a good, regular fitness program. This is a good time to start a sensible diet.

THREE MONTHS OR MORE BEFORE . . .
1. If you're traveling abroad, get your passport updated or apply for one. Your local post office will provide you with the forms. A woman will not be allowed to apply for a passport in her married name, because a marriage certificate is required for the application. Women should apply for their passports using maiden names and all tickets and documents should be in their maiden names as well. Passports can, if they choose, be amended, after the honeymoon.
2. Make sure the names on airline tickets match the names on passports.
3. Update any visas and confirm all your reservations.
4. Get reservation confirmations in writing and carry them with you.

TWO MONTHS OR MORE BEFORE . . .
1. Make a travel list. You'll use many times over in your lives together. Putting such a list on a computer makes it easy to change and easy to run when you need an extra copy.
2. Include all the medications you will need (get new prescriptions filled if needed).
3. Check on any immunizations you may need. Keep your immunization record with you, if you have one.
4. If you wear glasses, carry an extra pair or have a copy of your prescription along.
5. Check to see if you'll need an electric adapter.
6. If you are planning to be in a country with foreign currency, a currency calculator is great to have along.
7. If you need to supplement your wardrobe, now's the time to do it.
8. If you need to buy luggage, do it now.

ONE MONTH OR MORE BEFORE . . .
1. Reconfirm reservations and make your reservations for entertainment (tickets, etc.), tours, transfer vehicles, etc. Your travel agent, on-line sites and the concierge at your hotel can help.
2. If you'll be boarding a pet, make kennel reservations or arrange for in-house coverage.
3. Arrange for someone to check your home or apartment (watering, mail, newspaper, etc.) while you are away.

TWO WEEKS OR MORE BEFORE . . .
1. Pick up and examine all travel materials (e.g., vouchers, tickets, passes, transfers).
2. Purchase traveler's checks and decide how much cash you'll be taking with you.
3. Put together a list of emergency contact numbers, including health insurance, doctors, etc.
4. E-mail addresses are a great bonus if you'll have access to the Net.
5. Put together a list of people to whom you'll be dropping a postcard.
6. Make sure all your bills are up-to-date and arrange, if you can, for someone to cover for you while you're away.
7. Leave a copy of your itinerary with relative(s) or friend(s).

TWO OR THREE DAYS BEFORE . . .
1. Check again to make certain flight times are firm.
2. Pick up reading material for the trip or take addresses and envelopes for thank you notes. Don't forget your gift list.
3. Do a once over so your home is ready for you to leave and in order for you to return.
4. Throw out or give away any food that won't hold in your absence.
5. Change the message on your answering machine and, if you're so inclined, set if for "announcement only."
6. Arrange for the newspaper to be held or temporarily stop subscription.
7. Have mail held at the post office or ask a friend or neighbor to "collect" it for you.
8. Leave keys and emergency contact numbers with a friend or neighbor.
9. Set lights on timers.
10. Set alarm.

The day's arrived. The wedding's over and you're off on your well planned, well-deserved honeymoon. Have a wonderful time!

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