An essential honeymoon packing list for every type of getaway
If you're reading this, chances are you are engaged, planning a wedding or newly married and getting ready for a fantastic getaway.
A honeymoon is one of those travel moments you've most likely been planning for a while, not a spur-of-the-moment trip. Regardless of where you're headed, this is a trip you have time to pack for, and maybe even splash out a bit on what you're going to bring and wear.
Which leads to the inevitable question: What should you pack for a honeymoon?
First, a question, though — where are you headed? A tropical warm weather retreat, an all-inclusive cruise, an adventurous wildlife safari or a winter wonderland ski vacation?
Related: TPG beginner's guide to planning a honeymoon of a lifetime
Here are some packing ideas to get you started on your special honeymoon journey.
What to pack in your carry-on
Whether you're checking a bag or bringing everything with you as carry-on luggage, there are a few essentials we recommend including:
- TSA-approved snacks. With the whirlwind of a wedding, you may have skipped a meal or two, and you never know what the food on board your flight might be. Since it's a special trip, consider bringing some gourmet treats such as hard cheeses and crackers, crudites and sliced prosciutto, or some dry-packed olives and nuts.
- Bathing suit and a change of clothing. (Headed to a warm-weather destination and checking a bag? Having a bathing suit in your carry-on means you can start the vacation even if your checked bag goes astray. The same thing goes for having another outfit on hand.)
- Medications.
- Birth control.
- House keys (never pack these in checked luggage).
- Eyeglasses and contact lenses.
- Toiletries that follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule (one, one-quart bag with toiletries no more than 3.4 ounces in size).
- Anything breakable or valuable, including cameras, binoculars and laptops, plus important jewelry and handbags (but please leave anything irreplaceable, like vintage jewelry or heirlooms, at home).
- Reading material.
- Headphones and digital entertainment.
- Charging cords and a power pack.
Related: 5 clear toiletry bags for travel that are TSA compliant
Honeymoon essentials to pack
The first essentials to pack are identification documents, including your driver's license and passport if you will be traveling internationally. Remember that the name on your ticket must match your photo identification if you're flying.
If you're changing your name after getting married but have not changed your driver's license by the time you're leaving for your honeymoon, do not book your ticket under your new married name. Again, the name on your identification must match your ticket — or you'll be denied boarding.
Also, pack anything you need that you can't get at your destination. This includes prescription medications, which should be in their original labeled containers with your name (especially if you're flying internationally). If birth control is part of your immediate post-marital plans, you should also make sure to have this on hand.
Other "musts" include glasses and contacts if this is something you use and need.
Since this is your honeymoon, don't forget to add romantic extras to your "must-pack" list. This could include anything such as candles, bubble bath, silky nightwear, a book of favorite poems or even notes to leave under your beloved's pillow.
Related: The best honeymoon destinations for every month of the year
Tips for packing for two
Regardless of your destination, start to pack by doing your homework. A little research will go a long way to helping you know what to bring. First, check the weather at your destination. Knowing the actual temperatures (and not just what you hope they'll be) can help you edit out the "just in case" clothes and only pack what you need.
Next, check the website of your honeymoon hotel or resort to see what in-room amenities it offers. For example, you can expect most full-service properties to have hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, so there is no need to pile those into your bag.
Look at the list of activities and get a sense of what you might be doing when you get to your destination. Want to work out or hike? Make sure you have appropriate shoes. Going on a cruise with a formal night? You'll want to have an appropriately dressy outfit.
If you're both checking a bag, this is the time to let your clothes get intimate and cross-pack. Cross-packing means putting some of each person's items into each suitcase.
In other words, we're not going to put all of your stuff in one bag and all of your partner's stuff in another. By mixing items in each suitcase, you'll be covered in case one bag gets delayed or goes missing. You'll still have clothing for both of you to get by for a few days.
One easy way to do this is by using packing cubes. Make sure to include an outfit in each bag that would get each of you by in an emergency. For example, if you heading to a beach destination, make sure each suitcase has bathing suits, a change of clothes for dinner and underwear — for both of you.
Clothing for her
Beach honeymoon packing list
Whether you're headed to the Bahamas or Bali, the Maldives or Mexico, there are some common packing necessities for a beach getaway for two.
- Bathing suits.
- Beach bag.
- Flips flops.
- Beach cover-up.
- Casual sundresses.
- Dressy "date night" dress or jumpsuit.
- Sandals.
- Sunglasses.
- Suntan lotion.
- Fabulous beach hat.
Adventure honeymoon packing list
Whether you're heading on an African safari or a trek through Bhutan, you'll need some specific weather and adventure items, so check your itinerary and destination. Pack these basics to get you started.
- Rugged footwear.
- Liner socks, hiking socks.
- Bug spray.
- Sunscreen.
- UV-blocking clothing.
- Hat.
- Day pack.
- Rain gear.
- Insulated water bottle.
- Bandanna.
- Waterproof phone bag.
Cruise honeymoon packing list
If you're going on a warm-weather cruise, your day-to-day dress needs will be different from an Alaska or Arctic sailing, but these basic guidelines are a good place to start.
- Casual day clothes: Shorts or jeans and T-shirts and sweaters (depending on the climate).
- Bathing suits, flip flops and cover-ups (even if you're not doing a warm-weather cruise, there may be an indoor pool or a spa with saunas).
- Cardigans and wraps for air-conditioned ships, even in warm weather locales (add coats, scarves and warm layers for Alaska and other cooler weather destinations).
- Workout gear and sneakers.
- Lightweight robe for lounging (great to answer the door for breakfast in bed or to sit on your balcony).
- Casual/chic dinner clothes: casual dresses, jumpsuits, skirts and blouses, nice pants and tops.
- Formal night dinner options: Cocktail dress or elegant jumpsuit, higher heels, dressy wrap or scarf, blingy jewelry.
Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
Winter honeymoon packing list
Whether the two of you are heading to Aspen, Colorado, or Zermatt, Switzerland, you'll need to decide if you're bringing your skis, snowboards, boots and other gear or renting at your destination. Then add these items to your honeymoon luggage.
- Ski jacket.
- Ski pants.
- Base layers.
- Ski hat.
- Goggles.
- Wool and cashmere sweaters.
- Evening wear — leather pants, chic sweater or other stylish apres ski options.
- Fun hat.
- Non-ski boot.
- Polarized sunglasses.
- Scarf.
Related: What are the best travel shoes? TPG staff share their must-haves
Clothing for him
Beach honeymoon packing list
- Swim trunks.
- Beach shirt.
- Hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Flip-flops.
- Sandals.
- Sneakers.
- Dress shorts.
- Collared shirts.
- T-shirts and casual shorts.
- Suntan lotion.
Adventure honeymoon packing list
As noted above, depending on your honeymoon destination, you'll need specific weather and adventure-related gear, but pack these basics to get you started.
- Rugged footwear.
- Liner socks, hiking socks.
- Bug spray.
- Sunscreen.
- UV-blocking clothing.
- Hat.
- Day pack.
- Rain gear.
- Insulated water bottle.
- Bandanna.
- Waterproof phone bag.
Cruise honeymoon packing list
Depending on your cruise itinerary, your cruise packing needs will vary depending on whether you're heading to see beaches or glaciers, but these basic cruise packing guidelines are a good place to start.
- Casual day clothes: shorts or jeans and T-shirts and sweaters (depending on the climate).
- Bathing suits and cover-ups (even if you're not doing a warm-weather cruise, there may be an indoor pool or a spa with saunas).
- Hooded sweatshirt or sweater, even in warm weather locales for air-conditioned ships (add coats, scarves, and warm layers for Alaska and other cooler weather destinations).
- Workout gear.
- Everyday dinner clothes: jeans or dressy shorts, collared or button-down shirts.
- Formal night dinner options: suit or jacket and dress pants, dress shoes (for some high-end lines, a tuxedo may be an option as well).
Related: 20 must-have cruise items — including a roll of duct tape
Winter honeymoon packing list
- Ski jacket.
- Ski pants.
- Base layers.
- Ski hat.
- Goggles.
- Wool and cashmere sweaters.
- Apres ski wear — jeans or other pants and sweaters.
- Hat.
- Non-ski shoes or boots.
- Polarized sunglasses.
- Scarf.
Want more honeymoon planning tips and information? Start with these stories:
- 11 of the best honeymoon destinations for any budget
- Maximizing points and miles when planning your wedding and honeymoon
- From a Napa winery to the Maldives: 9 new hotels perfect for a honeymoon
- 8 all-inclusive resorts perfect for honeymooners
- The best honeymoon destinations on every continent
- 5 best honeymoon cruises for newlywed bliss
- 7 unique honeymoon destinations
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