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You are about to embark on one of the most important partnerships of your life, shouldn’t your first journey as a couple be perfect?  Travel Associates has a list of top tips for planning your dream honeymoon.

• Make the choice together -  Make a list of both your preferences by imagining what your perfect honeymoon would be and then compare lists, taking each others’ dreams into account.

• Read up -  Your Travel Associates consultant will be more than happy to provide you with reference material on your desired honeymoon and their website is also a great means of sourcing information about your destination.

• Experts know best -   It may look tempting to book your honeymoon over the internet but couples who use a specialist travel agent like Travel Associates are less likely to experience problems with their booking and more likely to benefit from special upgrades and extras.

• Are you ready to be stamped? -  If your dream honeymoon takes you out of South Africa’s borders then you’ll need a passport. If you already have one then check that it is current (valid for at least six months after your scheduled departure). If you don’t have a passport then apply for one now. It can take up to three months for a passport to be issued (sometimes longer) so don’t be caught napping.

• Get your jabs -  Certain destinations will require proof of immunisation for certain endemic diseases such as yellow fever and typhoid. It is highly advisable to visit a travel clinic before you travel to check which immunisations (if any) are needed and to get expert advice on the health recommendations for your destination.

• Pack it all in -  Research shows that the item most left behind is the humble toothbrush. Make sure that you set aside plenty of time to pack your bits and bobs.

• Make the most of it -  Maximise your honeymoon enjoyment by spending your hard-earned cash on the right things. It is well worth spending a little extra on a room upgrade if it means a more secluded spot or arranging a private dinner just for the two of you.

• Before you put it in your mouth -  Be very aware whether you are able to drink the water at your destination as an upset tummy is the last thing you want on your honeymoon. Food and water in foreign countries is not always subject to the same standards here at home. Be sure of what you’re eating. It’s always a good idea to drink bottled water and most hotels provide this service.

• Keep the cash safe -  Yes, you’re on honeymoon but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Pick pockets abound the world over and it is just silly to let your honeymoon be ruined when common sense should prevail. Before you leave for an outing take unnecessary items out of your wallet/purse. Use the room safe to store valuables (i.e. your beautiful engagement ring) and make sure your luggage is secured.

• Enjoy it -  This is the start of your life as a couple, when you get the chance to build memories and your future, enjoy every moment of this special time together.

For more information about honeymoon planning speak to Travel Associates on 0860 400 500.