Planning an overseas honeymoon can be an exciting and romantic time for newlyweds. However, while it’s important to focus on the logistics and details of your trip, it’s equally important to cultivate a certain state of mind that will help you fully enjoy and appreciate the experience. A super important thing to remember is to have the ability to be kind to yourself – you’ve just planned a major event in your life. Maybe what you need is a more restorative experience. The essentials that you need for a successful overseas honeymoon aren’t just physical items, but also a positive attitude, an open mind, and sometimes a sense of adventure. So the lovely Lisa Perkovic has put together “The Must-Have Overseas Honeymoon Essentials” for The Planning Issue.

Whether you’re packing bags for Europe’s greatest hits or heading straight to the swim-up bar, I’m sharing the top ways you can supercharge your honeymoon before you’ve even set foot on the plane. Most of these tips are solutions to mistakes I’ve made, so you’re in good hands!

Pull Back The Pressure

First things first, a lot of people put a lot of pressure on the honeymoon being the ‘perfect trip’. It won’t be. It’s a trip, so something will always go wrong, or at least awry. It might be rain when you wanted sun, flight delays when you’re on tight turnarounds, or a squabble while you’re sightseeing. All of the above is okay and happens to honeymooners all over the world. The important thing to remember is this time is really just about spending time together. Hopefully, that’s not on the floor of an airport instead of your overwater bungalow, but hey, life happens, even on a honeymoon. You’ll be happier from the get-go if you let the idea of perfection go.

Pack A Travel Candle

Not every moment on the honeymoon will be magical, but a sized travel candle (usually in a tin) can certainly add a little atmosphere. Case in point, on our Maldives honeymoon we arrived too late to make it to the island, spending the night in a very basic room on the mainland. There was not a rose petal in sight and a letdown we laugh about now. Remember, always use candles safely and appropriately.

Bonus tip – buy full-sized versions of the same scent to light on your anniversary and you’ll be taken right back to those special days.

Make Time For Jet Lag

Jet lag is a sly beast. It comes at you when you’ve just sat down at a West End show or as the second course of your degustation is served. I have literally fallen asleep in both scenarios and let me tell you, snoozing through dessert is devastating! The easy solution is to bake in time for jet lag. Start your trip with a slow burn, whether that’s a stopover in an airport hotel or a day with a no-sightseeing rule. This way, you’ll be able to remember what you ate, and the second act!

Cocktail Kits For The Win

If you’re not up at the pointy end of the plane but still want to travel in style, get your hands on a few mini cocktail kits before you fly. The Cocktail Box Co makes these adorable tins with a mini muddler, margarita syrup, lime juice, orange bitters, cocktail picks, and even a linen coaster. All you need is your base from the drinks cart – tequila – and you are good to go. Remember, drink responsibly in the air, where altitude can accelerate inebriation.

First Aid Kits Come In Handy

Paracetamol for hangovers – I mean headaches – is a must. It never hurts to have other medications at hand. Don’t forget the good old faithful Imodium for gastro. It might be your worst nightmare, but if you prepare for it, you can nip it in the bud.

Plan A “Yes” Day

Yes, like the movie. Leave time free for spontaneity, where you say yes to wherever the day might take you. You’ve likely just planned a wedding so your default is Excel and run sheets. Slow things down, and embrace the freedom. Remember, you’ve just said “I Do”, so also don’t forget this trip is about the two of you. Take turns picking activities, or choose a special day for something you know your special someone will love.

Whether it’s trimming down the itinerary or adding a few packing essentials, don’t be afraid to help your honeymoon get off to a great start.

About Lisa Perkovic: Lisa has spent the past decade travelling the world writing for Australia’s leading newspapers, magazines, and blogs about all things travel. Her own honeymoon was her pièce de résistance – an epic journey to the Maldives and South Africa. Now she loves nothing more than sharing destinations and tips to help other newlyweds work out how to have the honeymoon of their dreams.