In the months leading up to your big day, you’ll have lots on your mind – planning this and double-checking that, confirming this and outlining that, so the last thing you’d want to have to deal with is planning your honeymoon at the same time! Getting everything taken care of in advance will make all the difference, and once the celebrations are over, all you’ll have to do is head off on your well-earned reward! Here’s how to tackle it:

SIX MONTHS BEFORE

Decide on how much you’d like to spend and start discussing destinations with your fiancé. Research your options – roping in friends and even a travel agent to help you along. If your perfect honeymoon is over your budget, think of ways you can save money, or consider honeymoon registry options (like a gift list that instead lets your guests gift money toward your travels.)

Book your flights and accommodation, making sure to double check luggage allowance if you’re carrying things like skis or scuba gear. Rent a car if you’re planning on driving around, and check whether there are any vaccines you’ll need to take before your trip – be warned, some programs will need to start months before you travel.

THREE MONTHS BEFORE

Make sure your passports are valid and obtain visas if necessary. Set up travel insurance, particularly if you have any health issues – always better to be safe than sorry!

TWO MONTHS BEFORE

Research and book any tours or excursions, event tickets and reservations at popular spots before they get snapped up, particularly if you’re travelling during peak season.

ONE MONTH BEFORE

Prepare packing and shopping lists for your trips to help get you organised, and reconfirm all your reservations, just to be safe. If you have pets that need looking after, make the necessary arrangements for a kennel or pet-sitter for your furry friend while you’re away.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE

Make sure you have all your travel documentation sorted (this includes all tickets and vouchers) and make sure everything is clear and correct.

ONE WEEK BEFORE

While it might seem a little extreme, you may want to make a few copies of documents like your passport, credit cards and insurance, just in case any of these get stolen. Pass a copy on to a trusted friend or relative, and pack another into your suitcase.

Download any helpful travel or guide apps to your phone and prepare what you’re going to pack, both from home and what you need to buy. Inform your bank and mobile phone provider that you’ll be travelling, and make sure you know the details of what you can expect when travelling from your mobile plan.

THREE DAYS BEFORE

Double check and reconfirm flights, buy or download reading material for the journey, and make transport arrangements to and from the airport.

ONE DAY BEFORE

Reconfirm flights one last time (even if it’s just checking that there are no delays etc, and make sure your luggage is properly packed, locked and labelled with your name and contact details. And before you know it, you’re all set and ready to go for the honeymoon of a lifetime!