For a memorable honeymoon, all you need is love. And sunscreen. And a few other things…

Here’s the complete honeymoon packing list for couples, covering everything from absolute essentials to fun romantic extras.

Do I need travel insurance for my honeymoon?

If you’re planning a honeymoon in the U.S. with few or no pre-paid costs — staying at a relative’s nearby lake house, for instance — then you can probably skip travel insurance. For any other kind of trip, however, it’s a must. Why?

Travel insurance protects your travel investment. If you have to cancel your honeymoon at the last minute — due to a sudden illness, a natural disaster, or other reason beyond your control — you could lose all the money you spent. Many hotels, vacation rental companies, tour operators, airlines and cruise lines won’t give you a refund if you cancel too close to your departure date. Trip cancellation benefits can reimburse your pre-paid, non-refundable expenses, up to the maximum benefit in your plan, if you must cancel your trip due to a covered reason.

Travel insurance protects your health. Did you know that medical providers overseas typically don’t accept American health insurance plans? Instead, they require payment up front. Emergency medical evacuations can be even more expensive; the cost can reach six figures in some parts of the world. Emergency medical and dental benefits can cover costs for emergency medical care when traveling.

Travel insurance protects your honeymoon experience. A honeymoon is supposed to be romantic and relaxing… not aggravating and anxiety-inducing. Think of travel insurance as a life vest that helps you float through rough water. Missing bags? Delayed flight? Stolen wallet? Rental car fender bender? Travel insurance can help. When you’re not sure what to do, or need help in an emergency, contact 24-hour assistance by phone or via the Allianz TravelSmart app.

Here’s a tip: The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after making your honeymoon travel arrangements. The earlier you buy insurance, the longer your coverage window. Not sure which plan to buy? OneTrip Prime is a popular choice for protecting international trips and special vacations (like honeymoons).

Honeymoon Packing List: What to pack for a romantic honeymoon

Whether your honeymoon is a three-night cruise or a two-week trek, it’ll be a trip you’ll always remember. So make it special! Sure, you can pay to have the resort dump some rose petals on your bed — or, you can plan ahead and pack a few things to make your honeymoon extra special. Ideas include:

• Tealight candles (real or battery-operated)
• Massage oils/essential oils
• Corkscrew
• Lingerie
• A honeymoon playlist with special songs and a portable Bluetooth speaker
• A heartfelt love note for your new spouse — or even several little notes to leave for them to find during your honeymoon
• Small gifts for each other
• A journal to write down your memories

Honeymoon Packing List: What to put in your carry-on

Remember, your checked luggage doesn’t always show up when planned (that’s why travel insurance is so important). Pack all your honeymoon essentials in your carry-on.

• Passport/driver’s license
• Credit cards: Did you call your bank to say you’ll be traveling overseas?
• Cash: If you’re honeymooning on a cruise or at a resort destination, bring lots of small bills for tips.
• Copies of all crucial travel documents: passports, visas, immunization records, cruise documents, travel reservations, etc. You can take pictures of these items with your phone, but we like having hard copies as well.
• All documents required to meet COVID-19 travel rules: Many popular honeymoon destinations now require health authorization forms, vaccination cards, specialized travel insurance, and more. Check our interactive map for the latest requirements for your destination.
• Travel insurance documents: Look for a travel insurance plan with coverage for common honeymoon mishaps, such as lost luggage, trip delays, trip cancellation/interruption and medical emergencies.
• Emergency contact information: On a card in your wallet, or in some other format that’s easy for people to find, write down how to contact your family, as well as useful numbers like your credit-card provider and the nearest American embassy (dial +1 202-501-4444 from anywhere overseas).
• Prescription medications and a copy of the prescription
• At least one change of clothes
• Basic toiletries (face wash, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant)
• Cell phone and charger
• Books and magazines
• Wedding thank-you notes: The airport boarding area is a great place to get these done.

Honeymoon Packing List: What clothes to pack for your honeymoon

Wherever you’re headed, aim to pack clothes and shoes that are both comfortable and chic. This means travel shoes that can dress up or down, and dresses that can be worn on the plane or to a five-star restaurant. If you want to travel light, limit yourself to four or five tops and two to three bottoms (pants/shorts/skirts), then pack individual packets of laundry detergent so you can wash your dirty clothes.

• For him:
  • Button-down shirts
  • Tie
  • Blazer or sport coat
  • One pair of dressy pants
  • Dressy (but still comfortable) shoes
  • T-shirts
  • Casual shorts/pants
  • 1-2 bathing suits
  • Pajamas/sleepwear
  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • At least one sweatshirt, sweater or light jacket
  • Rain jacket
  • Cold-weather outerwear, if needed
  • One pair flip-flops or sandals
  • One pair walking shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Prescription or reading glasses
  • Hat

• For her:
  • At least one dressy outfit for dining with matching sweater/shawl
  • At least one nice top
  • Nice pants or capris
  • One pair of heels or dressy flats
  • Clutch or small handbag
  • A few pieces of inexpensive jewelry: You may want to leave your engagement ring at home, if it will attract thieves’ attention
• Casual T-shirts/tops
• Casual shorts/pants/skirts/dresses
• 1-2 bathing suits
• Cover-up
• Pajamas/sleepwear
• Socks
• Bras and underwear
• At least one sweatshirt, sweater or light jacket
• Rain jacket
• Cold-weather outerwear, if needed
• One pair flip-flops or sandals
• One pair walking shoes
• Sunglasses
• Prescription or reading glasses
• Hat

Honeymoon Packing List: Gear, Safety and Toiletries

No one wants a honeymoon marred by sickness or sunburn, but these things happen. Prepare for every eventuality by packing first-aid and safety gear.

• Backpack or beach bag for excursions
• Power outlet adapter, if you're traveling abroad
• Sunblock and sunburn treatment
• SPF 15 lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Face and body lotion
• Deodorant
• Perfume
• Earplugs
• Comb and brush
• Hair products
• Shower cap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Contact lenses and solution
• Makeup
• Sanitary pads or tampons
• Floss
• Razor
• Nail file and clippers
• Tweezers
• Small first aid kit with Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment
• Baby wipes for quick cleanup
• Travel packs of tissues
• Pain reliever
• Cold medication
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Anti-nausea medication
• Sleep aid
• Hand sanitizer
• Travel clothesline
• Small flashlight
• Pocketknife or multi-tool (remember to stash this in your checked luggage)

Our last tip for your honeymoon packing checklist? Leave your work, financial and relationship stresses at home. You only get to enjoy one honeymoon together, so don’t let conflict spoil your vacation. Enjoy every moment!

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