Essential Honeymoon Packing List for Couples

Kimberly Miles Avatar
Honeymoon Packing List
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Congrats! The big wedding day has come and gone, and now it’s time for the next best part: The Honeymoon.

As newlyweds, your honeymoon is an unforgettable occasion for both parties. The only thing you want to focus on is the special person you just married. The last thing you want to focus on? That thing you forgot at home.

You’ll have no worries about that with this honeymoon packing list. From what to pack in your carry-on to romantic items to surprise your partner, we’ve got you covered.

Honeymoon Packing List: Carry-On Items
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Honeymoon Packing List: What to Pack in Your Carry-On

These are the things you’ll want easy access to while you’re in transit.

  • Identification and travel documents: This includes your passport, driver’s license, visas, vaccination/immunization documents, travel insurance and reservation confirmations. I like to keep all of these documents organized in one place with a travel wallet such as the Valante Premium Family Travel Document Organizer.
  • Cash/credit cards: Be sure to bring some smaller bills (singles and $5) to tip the doormen, hotel maids and other workers you’ll encounter. And be sure to let your credit card company know where you’re headed to avoid a flagged or declined card!
  • Emergency contact information: Keep this information in your wallet so it can be easily found if needed.
  • Prescription medication: Make sure those important and life-saving prescription medications (i.e. EpiPen, asthma inhaler, diabetes medication) go in your carry-on in case they are needed in-flight. And always bring a few days’ extra meds in case your trip is delayed for any reason.
  • Cell phone charging cables: Bring at least one extra charging cable in case one gets lost.
  • Portable charging battery: I’m a big fan of the powerful Anker PowerCore which can charge three devices at once.
  • Change of clothes: In case of delays or lost luggage (or even unexpected messes), you’ll want at least one complete change of clothes to get you through the day. If you’re headed off on a cruise, include your swimsuit so you can take a dip in the ship pool even if your packed luggage doesn’t arrive at your cabin until late that night.
  • Basic toiletries: Pack basic travel-size toiletries such as your toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, and face creams in one of these TSA-approved Lermende Clear Toiletry Bags.
  • Hand sanitizer and wipes: Keep a small 3oz tube of hand sanitizer and wet wipes handy to clean your hands and wipe down surfaces.

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Honeymoon Packing List: Romantic Touches
It’s time to relax and enjoy one another as newlyweds, not worry about items left at home. Photo credit: Ron Lach from Pexels.com

Honeymoon Packing List: Romantic Touches

  • Lingerie:
  • Gifts: Small gifts are a nice post-wedding surprise for your spouse.
  • Candles and rose petals: Few things say ‘romance’ better than a candlelit room covered in rose petals! There’s no need to blow the hotel budget by ordering them from room service. Just pack these flameless candles and silk rose petals.
  • Perfume/cologne: Safely transport your favorite scents on one of these refillable travel perfume atomizer bottles.
  • Honeymoon memory book: A travel journal that you keep along the way will be a forever reminder of this first trip as a married couple. There are even special journals made for honeymoon travel.
  • Romantic Playlist: Before you hit the road, load up your device with all of your favorite love songs.
Honeymoon Packing List: Clothing
Keep in mind all of the activities that you plan to participate in when packing for your honeymoon. Photo credit: Samson Katt from Pexels

Honeymoon Packing List: Clothing

There are two secrets to packing light: Wear the heaviest and bulkiest items on the plane (jeans, hiking boots, heavy sweaters), and pack clothes you can wear more than once.

Also, check the weather forecast before you pack! Climate change is messing with weather all over, but forecasters do a great job of knowing what the weather will be like several days ahead. You’ll have a good idea of the temperature and precipitation expectations so you can pack accordingly.

Here are clothes you might want to pack:

  • Dress clothes for him: For those nice dinners and special events, pack a blazer/sport coat, button down shirts, a tie, dress pants and comfortable dress shoes or loafers.
  • Dress clothes for her: Pack at least one lightweight dress or dressy outfit, shawl, nice tops, dressy pants, a cardigan or sweater and comfortable heels or dressy flats.
  • Jewelry: Take inexpensive jewelry and watches to dress up an outfit, but leave the expensive or irreplaceable jewelry at home. You don’t want the loss of your family heirloom bracelet to be the memory you bring home from your honeymoon!
  • Underwear: Have you ever packed all of your luggage only to realize you forgot all of your underwear? I sure have! Don’t forget to pack socks, boxers/briefs, t-shirts (for him), panties and bras. Pack at least one bra appropriate for the type of outfit (i.e. lace, strapless, and seamless).
  • Sweatshirt or jacket: For chilly days or nights, pack at least one sweatshirt or a light jacket and/or a rain jacket, depending on the weather forecast at your destination.
  • Hat: Pack a sun hat or baseball cap to protect your face from the sun while out and about or on tours.
  • Specialty gear: Depending on your itinerary, you may need hiking boots for a mountain adventure or more than one bathing suit for days lounging on a Caribbean beach. And, if you’re planning to visit ancient churches in Europe, many require women to cover their shoulders and knees, so pack a shawl and pants or a midi-length dress.
Honeymoon Packing List: Warm-Weather Essentials
If heading somewhere warm, make sure you pack all of your warm-weather essentials. Photo credit: Timur Weber from Pexels.com

Clothing: Warm Weather Essentials

  • Warm-weather clothing: Pack a couple pairs of shorts, sundresses, flip-flops/sandals and long linen pants/tops to protect against mosquitos on warm nights.
  • Bathing suits: In addition to that cute bikini, pack a one-piece swimsuit and swim shoes if you plan to participate in water sports.
  • Beach towels: Check with your hotel to see if beach towels are provided. If not, pack a couple of lightweight microfiber beach towels.
  • Cover-ups/sarongs: Stay stylish at the beach or pool with a cute swimsuit cover-up or sexy sarong.

Clothing: Cold Weather Essentials

  • Cold-weather clothing: Stay warm by packing a heavy coat, sweaters, gloves, hats/earmuffs and scarves.
  • Thermal Layers: Pack layers such as long underwear, leggings and long-sleeved shirts.
  • Snow gear: If snow is in the forecast, be sure to pack waterproof snow pants and snow boots.
  • Ski equipment: Only pack these items if you absolutely must have your own gear. It’s much easier to rent equipment once you get to the ski resort.

Honeymoon Packing List: Toiletries

These must-have travel items should be on every packing list, especially on your honeymoon:

  • Toothpaste and Mouthwash: If the travel-size items aren’t enough to make it through your honeymoon, pack full-size ones in your checked luggage.
  • Contact lenses and solution: In case of ripped or lost lenses, pack a couple of extra pairs of contact lenses. In case of dry eyes, it’s also helpful to pack some eye drops.
  • Lotion/Aloe: Keep your skin soft, healthy and moisturized for those honeymoon cuddles with your spouse!
  • Hair products: Don’t forget your hairbrush and/or hair comb, gel, hair spray, hair ties, shampoo/conditioner and shower cap.
  • Razor and shaving cream: No one wants unwanted stubble, especially on a honeymoon! Don’t forget the aftershave, if needed.
  • Nail care items: For nail touch-ups, pack along nail polish and remover, nail clippers and a nail file.
  • Makeup and makeup remover: Pack it all in a Lay-n-Go Cosmo Drawstring Makeup Organizer Cosmetic & Toiletry Bag.

Honeymoon Packing List: Health and Safety

The last thing you want on your honeymoon is to end up sick, hurt or sunburnt! Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst by by packing these:

  • Portable First-Aid/Medicine Bag: Include pain reliever, anti-diarrhea pills, anti-nausea pills, cold/flu relief, antihistamines, antacids, .Band-Aids, ointments and wipes, gloves.
  • Sunscreen: You may also want to pack some sunburn treatment just in case!
  • Lip balm: Protect your lips from harsh weather and chapping while on your trip.
  • Insect Repellent
  • Feminine Hygiene
  • Birth control
Honeymoon Packing List: Miscellaneous
When packing for your honeymoon, leave the stress and worries at home. Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels.com

Honeymoon Packing List: Miscellaneous

These items won’t make or break your honeymoon, but they’ll certainly make it easier and more enjoyable:

  • Sunglasses/eye glasses
  • Power outlet adapter: This is a must-pack if your honeymoon destination uses a different power outlet. You can buy one when you get there, but it will be much more expensive. We like this compact travel power adapter.
  • Waterproof cell phone case: For underwater photos and phone protection while participating in water activities, a waterproof phone case such as the Migeec Waterproof Phone Case is a must-have.
  • Binoculars: Bring along a small pair of binoculars to make the most out of sightseeing while on your honeymoon.
  • Backpack/fanny pack: A small travel backpack or fanny pack is much easier than carrying around a purse on excursions. A crossbody bag such as the MOSISO Sling Backpack works for both men and women.
  • Beach bag or tote: A beach bag or tote is definitely necessary for the beach days.
  • Umbrella

What To Leave at Home

  • Some toiletries and amenities: Check with the hotel for what is already available in your room or at a store nearby (i.e. toiletries, hair dryer, etc).
  • Travel guidebooks: Unless you’re headed somewhere the internet hasn’t reached, you’ll be able to get everything you need in the palm of your hand!

Did we forget anything on our honeymoon packing checklist? Add it to the comments below!

Kimberly Miles is a mother of one and an experienced solo and single mom traveler. So far, she has traveled to Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Dubai, Bahamas, Aruba, Mexico, and several places in the U.S. Kimberly was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, but in 2018 she took a leap of faith and made the beautiful beach town of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico her home with her young son. In addition to writing for SheBuysTravel, Kimberly ghostwrites blogs on a variety of topics. She also provides marketing consulting services and business guidance to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and corporations via her independent business KNM Virtual Solutions. When she’s not traveling or writing, you can find Kimberly working out, eating tacos, dancing the night away, or spending time at the beach with her son. You can read more of her work at Travel Unapologetically.
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