This article is written by a professional honeymoon travel consultant.

While weddings are frequently a collaborative effort with family and friends, a honeymoon is often the first big decision you make together AS A COUPLE. Not all newlyweds take a honeymoon after the wedding, but if you can, do so. It'll help you recover from the wedding and give you a few much-needed days alone before real life intrudes. If you are having your wedding in San Diego, a honeymoon using San Diego as a start, middle, or end point can also be an option.

Here are some tips to ensure your honeymoon is everything you hope for and more...

1. Decide on a budget. Does your budget allow for a 2-night local get away, a 7-night all-inclusive package, a round-the-world tour, or something in between? Figure out how much you have to spend beforehand and perhaps count on some wedding-gift money you receive through a Honeymoon gift registry. Ask your travel consultant for details.
2. Discuss your idea of the perfect vacation. What kind of destination are you looking for? What kind of activities would you like to do? Who wants to explore an exotic destination? Make a list of the things that mean the most to you and compare notes. Marriage is going to call for lots of compromise and this is the place to start.
3. Pick your destination. Keep in mind the distance it will take you to get there and what it has to offer you once you arrive. A travel specialist has substantial experience and knowledge regarding different destinations. They know why you should or shouldn't go there due to weather or local activities that may or may not be available to you.
4. Use a honeymoon travel specialist. It doesn't cost any more and he or she can assist with all the arrangements without you having to worry about them.
5. If you're going abroad, leave plenty of time to make sure your passport is current and you have the visas needed. If inoculations are required, get them well before the wedding. As of December 31, 2006, all US citizens must have a current passport to travel outside the USA. Birth certificates and a photo ID will no longer be valid proof of citizenship. You will be denied boarding without one.
6. When you arrive at the hotel, let them know you're honeymooning. The hotel staff will want to please you (in the hope that you'll return). You may get upgraded to a higher room category at no charge or receive a welcome bottle of champagne. Who knows what other kind of surprises you may receive.
7. Protect your privacy. This is especially important if you have a destination wedding, where the guests tend to hang around. A honeymoon is for the two of you, period. Consider a "couples only" resort; they tend to be more romantic without kids or singles games.
8. Take more money than you think you'll need. (To make things uncomplicated, you may want to pre-pay for everything and select a resort that offers an "all-inclusive" rate, which usually covers your room, all meals, activities, drinks, transfers, tips and more.)
9. Schedule time to do nothing at all. While it's great to know you have plenty of options in terms of things to see and do, this is, after all, a honeymoon.
10. Be considerate of your spouse's wishes. This is a dream trip that should be designed to cater to both of you. Deny yourselves nothing and reach for your dreams.

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