1. Concentrate on where you’re going

First things first, pick a location that both of you will enjoy. This is a quick tip you can use even before your honeymoon starts! Think long and hard, because unless you’re in a relationship with your Siamese twin or one of you is lying to the other, there’s no way you’re going to agree about everything. Make sure you pick a location, activities and even stay that is carefully created for both of you. That way, you’ll both enjoy every moment of it.

2. Plan surprises

Your honeymoon is one of the only times in your life when you will get to be this free, with this much time for each other and life far from getting in the way. Enjoy the phase by being extra romantic (even if you’re not the romantic type!). We’re not telling you to pack a special suitcase of treats to greet your loved one with every morning that you’re on vacation, but little surprises here and there will help. Pick a restaurant you know has your partner’s favourite dish, get some chocolates delivered to the room or organize a candle-lit dinner as a dinner surprise – the little things all matter on a honeymoon.

3. Pack in secret

Alright, this sounds strange, but it really will help. If you’ve been dating for a while you’ve probably already seen each other’s wardrobes. Buy some new clothing and lingerie to surprise your partner with on your honeymoon – and don’t show it to them before wearing any of the pieces. This way, seeing each other every day will feel like the beginning of your relationship, which can be new and exciting.

4. Tell everyone around you

If you’ve watched the TV show, FRIENDS, you will know what we’re talking about. Remember the annoying couple in front of Monica and Chandler, so ridiculously in love? We’re not telling you to expect the same types of freebies, but it will help make your experience more romantic. Be open about the fact that you’re on your honeymoon and you will get an entirely different service experience, whether it’s from an airhostess or in your hotel. Just make sure you’re not that annoying couple who can’t keep their hands off each other in public. A little goes a long way with PDA.

5. Take it easy

Here’s a tip you really should live by. When you’re on your honeymoon, make sure that your itinerary is easy, relaxing and flexible. Anything that makes you travel up and down will ruin any chance of a romantic evening spent in each other’s company. Keep things fluid, make travel easy and save the adrenaline rush for an adventure sport.

6. Shut everything out

One of the easiest ways to make your trip more romantic is to say goodbye to all the distractions that stop you from being mushy on a daily basis. Create a no technology rule and carry a camera (instead of your phone) so that you’re not tempted to check your messages in between picture taking sessions when you’re sight-seeing.

7. Sleep in

While you shouldn’t do this through the honeymoon, spend the first day with each other rather than exploring sights and sounds outside. After you’ve spent the day cuddling, whispering sweet nothings to one another in bed and watching the sun rise and set from the same position, you’ll be ready to face the rest of your honeymoon with a renewed vigour.

8. Don’t make a list

Sure, it’s good to have an itinerary. But if you pack too many things to do in it, you’ll miss out on exploring the area together – which can be one of the most romantic parts of a honeymoon! Take a stroll through the city or town that you visit and explore things spontaneously rather than following a set list.

9. Take pictures!

We’re usually big fans of enjoying what’s around you instead of going shutter crazy, but when you’re on your honeymoon, you can afford to be a little more involved with each other. Take lots of pictures – whether it’s secret shots of your partner caught in a candid moment or selfies (yes, we said it) together at cultural attractions. The memories will help you re-live your honeymoon later.

10. Pick a bed and breakfast

Instead of staying in a conventional, fancy hotel, try this on for size. Hotels may have amazing honeymoon packages and romantic room service, but you will be surprised about how sweet people at a bed and breakfast can be too, especially is they know you’re on your honeymoon. You will not only feel pampered, the best part is that because it’s small and intimate, you’ll feel more loving towards one another as well.

11. Go all out

Even if you’re on a very tight budget, you have to have at least one, truly all-out night together. Pick the fanciest restaurant, dress in all your finery and act like the fanciest couple you know. You will feel like a celebrity and pretending together will make your honeymoon more exciting – not to mention a lot more fun!

12. Try something new

You may not have a bucket list, but we’re sure you have something in mind that you’ve always wanted to try, but never had the courage to before. Whether it’s bungee jumping or something as simple as getting over your fear of roller coasters, both you and your partner should pick one thing to get your adrenaline going. The feeling of overcoming your fears will make you feel exhilarated.

13. Make a diary

No, we don’t mean write all your thoughts and feelings about your partner in a journal. Keep a honeymoon diary or create a scrapbook. Make it a point to fill in each day – one from his point of view and one from yours. Don’t read any of them till the end of the trip. You can then put them together to make a really fun honeymoon memory! Add pictures, captions, souvenirs and keepsakes and it will be a honeymoon you will never forget.

14. Make it musical

Here’s a really fun tip that we’re particularly fond of. It’s an innovative way to make yourself a romantic playlist without thinking too hard about what songs the two of you identify with. Every time you have a really great moment at a restaurant, club or bar when you’re on your honeymoon, note down the song that’s playing in the background (this is one area where you can use your phone to find out what it is, or simply ask someone around you!). Make a list and by the time your honeymoon is done, you’ll have memories, music and nights you will never forget.

15. Share something every day

This is something that’s so simple to do, but will mean so much in the long run. Share a little something with each other at the end of every day. A secret dream, a life ambition or something as small as an insecurity or what made you first fall in love with your partner. It’s a bonding experience that can be fulfilling and very romantic.

16. Have a massage

Couples massages may be written about so much that you’re tired of them, but they’re really romantic – and your honeymoon is the best time to convince your partner to head over for one with you. You can book a long session so that it takes up the entire evening, and then cuddle up together once you’re both relaxed and rejuvenated.

17. Plan a picnic

Romantic dinners and dates aside, nothing is more memorable or romantic than a picnic in a foreign city. Choose one of the most romantic spots in the area, pick out local food and drink and have a picnic like the locals would. You can sit together and watch people, experience a little bit of local culture and spend time together – all at the same time.

18. Spend a day apart

This sounds counter productive when you’re on your honeymoon, but it really works! There’s probably something you want to do that your partner doesn’t, so dedicate a few hours to a little me-time. Pick some places for you to sightsee separately and then pick a meeting point. After all, they do say absence makes the heart grow fonder!

19. Form a routine

If your holiday is longer than three or four days, forming a routine together is a memorable bonding experience. Even if it’s something as simple of having a glass of wine together while watching the sun set, or taking a walk after dinner every night, it’s something that you will remember and cherish long after your honeymoon is done.

20. Make ordering fun

This is a quirky, fun way to get to know one another and help your partner try new things. Instead of ordering your own meals, order dishes for one another based on what you think they would like to eat. Don’t go all out and try to force your tastes on them though! This well help you learn more about their preferences and could lead to some fun conversations at meal time.

Nicole

A poet with a penchant for prose and the itch to travel, Nicole Reed is an assistant editor and features writer for a daily newspaper, struggling to find a way out of the concrete mess by dreaming of one day living and breathing off words in an idyllic country setting somewhere. Having been editor of her college magazine, written for a number of publications including Shamiana’s short film newsletter and as a current student of Literature from the University of London, Nicole sees writing like travel - an adventure – a journey to find her place, to define and redefine who she is over and over again and to live and learn through the process.