The Essential Packing List for Your Honeymoon

As your wedding weekend comes to a close, there’s nothing more romantic than jetting off on your honeymoon with your new spouse. Whether you’re off to the mountains, the beach, or a chain of islands, you’re probably more than ready to soak in the beautiful sights and activities of your location.

In all the excitement of the wedding planning, though, you may not have given too much thought to what to bring beyond the basics. With that in mind, we've put together the ultimate honeymoon packing list. It covers all the essentials you’ll need for the plane ride, dinners at the resort restaurant, exciting adventures, romantic nights in your suite, and more.

Below is everything you’ll need to pack in your checked luggage and carry-on for throughout your getaway. Plus, checklists inspired by different locations and honeymoon activities.

Note: Be sure to adjust the amounts of each item depending on the length of your stay. Also, consider the style of your accommodation and check for any dress code requirements.

Photo Credit // Stocksy

Tips for Making Your Packing List

Before diving head-first into our pre-made packing list, there are a few things you should be reminded of. We know, packing is generally very straightforward. However, since your honeymoon will likely take place soon after your wedding, planning and packing for it can end up being a bit more stressful. To ensure that you're best prepared, review the following before making your packing list.

• Start by looking at a comprehensive honeymoon packing list. Lucky for you, we've created that just below! You'll find packing essentials not only for your carry-on and checked luggage, but for specific locations and activities.

• That being said, try not to go overboard. You probably won't require every single item on this (or any other) packing list. Treat this packing list as a jumping off point, meant to be personalized and trimmed down for you and your trip.

• Pack items that are versatile. Rather than packing multiple outfits per day (or even one per day) to be worn once, most of your clothing should be able to be washed and worn at least a couple times. This should prevent some hassle and save you a decent amount of luggage space.

• Triple check that you included crucial items. Especially things that can't be easily replaced when you reach your destination. We're talking any and all medications (including over-the-counter), personal hygiene products, contact lenses, and the like.

• Although it's probably the part you're least looking forward to, get your documents in order early. We recommend doing this before your wedding, so nothing gets lost in post-party exhaustion or the flurry of packing everything else you'll need. Don't forget copies of important documents and cards, all of which are listed just below.

Important Documents

Whether you're planning on traveling domestically or internationally, there are at least a couple important documents you're going to need. Try to start getting these together a few months before you're set to leave for your honeymoon (new passports take around 18 weeks to receive). As you put them together, keep them in a special folder that you'll be able to fit in your carry-on.

• Airline tickets (printed or mobile boarding pass)
• Driver's licenses (and printed copies)
• Passports, if necessary (as well as printed copies), visas, REAL-ID, or other TSA-accepted document
• Car rental, hotel, restaurant, theatre, and other reservation confirmations (plus printed copies)
• Travel insurance card
• Important wallet contents (ID or driver’s license, ATM card, credit card, cash, traveler's checks)
• Photocopies of all cards, travel documents, vaccination documents, health insurance card, prescriptions, and similar
• Calling cards with the phone numbers of emergency contacts, your doctor(s), and your bank
• List of prescribed medications in case of emergencies, preferably documented by your doctor

In Your Carry-On (All Destinations)

Your carry-on bag should contain small items you may want to access while on the plane (or train, or automobile), as well as medications and valuables you want on-hand. This lowers your chances of losing them in transit and ensures you're comfortable on the way to your vacation spot.

• Hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes
• Prescription medications (in original containers)
• Contraception (birth control, condoms)
• Over the counter medications (Tylenol or Advil, anti-histamines, antacids, etc.)
• Brush or comb
• Small skincare or makeup bag (if desired)
• In-flight reading/entertainment (books, magazines, Kindle, iPad, laptop)
• Chargers (phone, iPad, Kindle, camera, etc.)
• Adapters/converters (if needed)
• Headphones
• Camera (plus film, memory cards)
• Any valuables you want on hand (jewelry, etc.)
• A light jacket, cardigan, or sweater
• A change of clothing (underwear, top, bottoms)
• Travel pillow and blanket
• Eye mask
• Travel sewing kit

In Your Checked Luggage (All Destinations)

Your checked luggage should include everything else you want and need to pack for your trip. This includes clothing and shoes, as well as hair tools, guidebooks, toiletries (more specifics on those after), and more.

• Luggage tags
• Packing cubes (if you prefer to pack using them)
• Underwear (multiple pairs of underwear, bras, etc.)
• Lingerie
• Swimwear
• Comfortable socks (multiple pairs)
• Pajamas and loungewear
• Slippers
• Casual tops (tank tops, t-shirts)
• Dressy tops (blouses, button-downs, etc.)
• Casual bottoms (jeans, leggings, shorts, etc.)
• Dressy bottoms (trousers, dress pants, skirts, etc.)
• Other outfit options (dresses, jumpsuits, etc.)
• Outerwear (wrap, jacket, coat, raincoat)
• Activewear
• Shoes - multiple pairs, broken in (flats, sandals, sneakers, boots, etc.)
• Backpack or purse (plus evening bag or clutch, if needed)
• Travel umbrella or rain poncho/parka
• Hair tools (curling iron, straightening iron, hair dryer, etc.)
• Translation dictionary, guidebook(s), maps (if needed)

In Your Toiletries Bag (All Destinations)

Arguably, this is the hardest bag to pack. There's a lot to remember that—if you do end up forgetting—can be quite the bummer. Triple check this list as you create your own, then take special care to make sure you packed all you need.

• Travel med kit (band-aids, antihistamines, antacids, bandages, etc.)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Tampons or other favorite hygiene products
• Skincare (face wash, cleanser, moisturizer, lotion, etc.)
• Makeup bag
• Makeup remover
• Travel fragrances (body spray, perfume, cologne)
• Hair products (hairspray, dry shampoo, etc.)
• Hair elastics
• Lip balm
• Sunscreen
• Aloe Vera
• Insect repellent
• Deodorant
• Shampoo, conditioner
• Mouthwash
• Body wash or soap
• Small bathroom tools (tweezers, nail clippers, etc.)
• Razors, shaving cream, aftershave
• Contact lenses, contact solution, eye glasses
• Eye drops
• Cotton balls or swabs (disposable or reusable)
• Tide pen
• Re-sealable ziplock bags in varying sizes
• Massage oil (optional)
• Bubble bath or salts (optional)

What to Pack According to Location

Your packing list should be highly curated around your honeymoon destinations. Below we add some extras that will come in handy at the beach, in the snowy mountains, and out on adventures.

Beach Vacation

• Aloe vera, after-sun cream
• Sunglasses
• Hat (sunhat, baseball hat, etc.)
• Beach bag or tote
• Flip-flops, water shoes
• Bathing suits (bikinis, one-pieces, swim trunks)
• Swimsuit cover-ups
• Over-swimwear outfit (tank top, shorts, sundress)
• Beach towels (if not provided by accommodations)

Photo Credit // Pexels via Pixabay

Snowy Cold Weather Trip

• Thick, waterproof socks (multiple pairs)
• Waterproof boots
• Ski goggles
• Gloves, mittens
• Winter hat, beanie, warm headband, earmuffs
• Scarves, neck warmers
• Underlayers (long underwear, leggings, other thermal layers)
• Turtlenecks, heavy sweaters, and other warm layers
• Ski apparel (waterproof ski pants, ski jacket, snowsuit)
• Winter sports equipment (consider mailing ahead or renting)
• Ski bag, ski lock
• Hand/foot warmers
• Rich face and body moisturizer or cream
• Rich lip balm

Adventurous Getaway

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hiking boots
• Athletic socks (multiple pairs)
• Hats (safari, sunhat, baseball cap)
• Activity-appropriate clothing (sports bra, short- and long-sleeves, shorts, long outdoor pants, wetsuits, activewear, etc.)
• Binoculars
• Hiking or wildlife guides

What to Pack According to Activity

Last, but not least, we've gathered some essentials for various activities you may partake in while on your honeymoon trip. Take a look (or three) in preparation for all of the fun you have lined up.

For Everyday

• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Loungewear
• Comfortable shoes
• Slippers

For Outdoors

• Band-aids
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen (waterproof, if needed)
• Sunglasses
• Goggles
• Appropriate shoes (hiking boots, water shoes, etc.)
• Activewear (plus layers)
• Athletic socks
• Wetsuit or swimwear
• Headbands, hair ties
• Athletic or waterproof bag
• Waterproof phone case

For Nights Out

• Outing-appropriate clothing (sundress, formal dress, button-down shirts, blazer or sport coat, dress pants, suit, coat or jacket)
• Accessories (belt, tie,
• Nice shoes (heels, flats, dress shoes)
• Evening bag or clutch
• Favorite jewelry and accessories

For Intimate Nights In

• Contraception (condoms)
• Lubricant
• Lingerie (bonus points if they're kept in a lingerie or laundry bag to prevent rips)
• Alternatively, sexy underwear
• Robes (silk, plush)
• Massage oil (or massage oil candle)
• Bath salts
• Toys, if preferred (though some countries don't allow them, so check with your destination)

What to Leave Behind

Last, but not least, you need to prepare a few key things to leave behind. This may seem counterintuitive, but trust us, each makes perfect sense. These ensure that you stay safe and loved ones can get in contact with you during your trip, if need be.

• List of emergency contacts and contact information
• Photocopies of driver's licenses and passports, confirmation numbers, travel documents, traveler's check receipts, bank information
• Documents with the name, phone numbers, and addresses of where you will be staying, complete with check-in and check-out dates
• Optional: Consider leaving your engagement ring at home. This may prevent you from losing it throughout your travels. Many newlyweds opt to wear just their wedding bands or purchase a less valuable, faux engagement ring to wear when traveling.

We may sound repetitive, but it's worth noting once more: Be sure to keep your honeymoon's specific location, accommodations, trip duration, and any other important travel details top of mind as you pack for your honeymoon. Consider the places you'll be going, activities you'll be taking part in, and what you'll spend your time doing when putting your luggage together.