5 Tips for Planning Your Honeymoon During the Pandemic

Planning your honeymoon is meant to be an exciting and joyful experience, but for those doing this in the middle of a global pandemic, it could feel anything but that. Take heart though—with an open mind and a bit of creativity, you can drift on cloud nine from your wedding to an unforgettable honeymoon with your soulmate by your side.

To get you inspired, we spoke to Blue Nile, the world's leading online retailer of diamond engagement rings, to share our best advice for planning a memorable honeymoon during the pandemic.

Do Your Homework

Research is key to any couple looking to take a honeymoon within the next 12 months. Whether the couple is traveling to a city within their country or another country entirely, the couple needs to monitor the local coronavirus situation closely.

Some countries, like Spain and France, are introducing new lockdowns, while others like the U.S. are facing record-breaking daily case totals. The situation can change from month to month, so the sooner a couple decides on where to go and when they want to go, the better.

best way to monitor the coronavirus pandemic in another city or country is to scope out the local news sources. Many are publishing new daily coronavirus cases and deaths every day, and they'll be covering local politicians and public health officials who will impose lockdowns and restrictions on indoor dining and non-essential businesses.

Consider Your Destination Carefully

Couples can choose honeymoons with fewer risk options. Driving is safer than flying or riding a train and renting a home on Airbnb is safer than a hotel room. Of course, having a staycation is easily the safest option, but even then, couples should be wearing masks and washing their hands when coming home.

With a road trip or staycation, couples will limit their chances of virus exposure, but steering wheels and doorknobs could always use a disinfectant wipe.

Finally, couples need to think about what the return strategy might be. Many countries, and even some states and cities, require residents to quarantine for 14 days following a return from a COVID-19 hotspot. For those working from home, this probably won't make a difference, but for those who must return to work immediately, quarantining for two weeks won't be an option.

Safety First

Cleanliness should be a top priority for couples planning a honeymoon, whether that's a trip abroad, a road trip, or a staycation. Masks are a must, of course, but for road trips or trips abroad, couples need to pack hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes so they can frequently wipe down common surfaces.

Many theaters and tour groups may be shut down, so couples should be looking for outdoor activities. Couples have a lower chance of catching the virus outdoors, so if outdoor dining isn't an option, couples should order takeout from restaurants instead of eating indoors.

Take the Time to Disconnect

For couples doing a staycation or even a road trip to a nearby city, it's important to disconnect from technology. Avoid answering calls or text messages, and set phones on airplane mode when not in use. This helps create the disconnect feeling that couples would get if they were abroad.

Fund Your Honeymoon the Right Way

Finally, any honeymoon, be it a staycation or on a one-year anniversary, will need to be funded, and for couples looking to plan that dream honeymoon, a honeymoon registry can make it happen. Honeymoon registries or funds allow wedding guests to contribute to the couples' vacation of a lifetime, and they make great alternatives for couples who don't need another blender or toaster!

Whichever way you choose to mark this special time, remember why you’re there. This is a chance to spend quality time with each other—no stress and no daily demands—just the two of you. Regardless of where you are, with a few romantic touches, you can still make this an experience you’ll both cherish for a lifetime.

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