Step 1: CLOSE YOUR EYES AND DREAM
Complete by:

Take some to time to think about what you really want from your honeymoon. In an ideal world, would you rather spend your first married week laying on a beach or touring a city? If you know where you want to go, you are already ahead of the game.

• List the types of destinations and activities that interest both of you (see Choosing a Destination for assistance)
  
• Ask friends and family for recommendations
  
• Browse through travel guides and surf the Internet
  
• Start formulating your budget (see the Honeymoon Budget Guide for assistance)

• Dig deeper on the destinations of interest from Step 1. Take into account accommodation, activity and dining options.
  
• Gather additional information by using guidebooks, magazine articles, Internet sites and people you know.
  
• Do a rough prioritization of your destination possibilities
  
• Start thinking about itinerary specifics, including individual hotels, activities and restaurants
  
• Start thinking about how you would like to book your trip-with a travel consultant, through the Internet, direct with hotels and other service providers
  
• Make sure your destination preferences and budget are reasonably aligned

• Choose a #1 destination, along with a backup (just in case)
  
• Determine exact dates of travel
  
• Decide how you will book your trip (e.g., trough a travel consultant)
  
• Build an ideal itinerary around accommodation and flight availability

• In addition to transportation and lodging, don't forget to make reservations for key destination activities, such as special restaurants, theater tickets, specific tour guides or anything else that might be difficult to arrange on the spot
  
• Regardless of how you book your trip, try to take advantage of special opportunities. For example, when making hotel reservations, ask for recommendations on specific rooms that might be more secluded or have a better view (they are not all the same)
  
• Trace your final itinerary from door-to-door to make sure nothing has been overlooked
  
• Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment

• If you need a passport, make sure you apply for one or renew an old one
  
• Determine if you need inoculations, and make an appointment with your doctor to have them done at the appropriate time
  
• Prepare for any activities you might like to do while on vacation - this could include obtaining scuba certification, learning some of the local language, or taking a short course on the art and culture of your destination

• Double-check your travel documents to make sure everything is correct - flights, dates, connections, hotels, etc. Also, confirm all flights, hotels and transfers right before leaving. This will help prevent surprises upon your arrival at the airport or hotel.
  
• Compile a list of important telephone numbers and confirmation numbers. Often your travel consultant will do this for you.
  
• Arrange for any pet care, house sitting, plant care or mail stoppage (including wedding gifts)
  
• If traveling to another country, order travelers checks and purchase a small amount of foreign currency for your arrival
  
• Pay your bills or prepay any that may come due while you are gone
  
• Leave a copy of your itinerary and contact numbers with a friend or family member
  
• Fill medical prescriptions you will need while away
  
• Do a little honeymoon shopping!
  
• Start packing your bags

• If flying, get to the airport with plenty of time to spare - one hour for domestic flights, two hours for international flights. No need to stress yourself unnecessarily.
  
• Tell everyone you are on your honeymoon - you are likely to receive special treatment.