An essential honeymoon packing list for every type of getaway

March 02, 2023

•

9 min read

Beautiful beach background for summer travel with sun,coconut tree and beach wooden bed on sand with beautiful blue sea and blue sky. Summer mood sun beach background concept.

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

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?

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.

Daily Newsletter

Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

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.

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.

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.

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).

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:

Featured image by LEVENTE BODO/GETTY IMAGES

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

4 / 5

Go to review

Apply now

at American Express's secure site

Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.

Rewards rate

4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual fee

$325

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Recommended credit

Excellent to Good

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.