Are you overwhelmed by all the details of your wedding planning that you can barely wrap your head around the fact that you also have to pack for a vacation?? This article, that I wrote for the October 2010 issue of Las Vegas Bride (www.lasvegasbride.com), offers some helpful tips and ideas.

1. Know
before
you
No matter where your honeymoon takes
you: a cruise ship, an exotic beach or to Eu-
rope, packing for a honeymoon is no easy
task. With a few tips, you will be breezing
by security and on your way to paradise.
The adage rings true: pack, then unpack and leave about half behind. As
harmony, just what we wanted, and needed. Just already worn that
go By Melissa A. IntVeldt Dutton
Luggage photos courtesy of
Heys Luggage
advise that there will be foreign charges and get your foreign currency
you lay out your wardrobe,to Webster’s,what you travelis “a period as an of stateside or from an ATM at your destination.
According think about a honeymoon in—it counts course
of harmony immediately following marriage.” Ahh, all day long. You have
your meal,
outfit. Consider wearing leggings and a tunic that you can later wear as a • A cell phone or calling card to call a cab or the airline.
cover-up, or a cozy pair of yoga pants with a camisole and cardigan—all • If you are traveling out of the country, check what electric voltage is
think of how wonderful it will be to finally be married beautiful gown, now is
pieces you canwhile enjoying remainder of your trip.in a romantic notinthe time to worry
wear for the your newlywed status Pack necessities used and if your appliances are dual voltage. You may need a voltage
your carry-on. This means having enough toenvironment where day or your converter in addition to a plug adapter.
and tranquil environment. An get you through a about waistline!
two, if your luggage is lost or delayed. make will be, “do I want an
the hardest decision to • Sunglasses and sunscreen—even if it is wintertime or you are not go-
umbrella in my cocktail or not?” So, you might be Now that the weddinging to a beach.
Now that your wondering, where candon’t find this harmony? An planning isYour camera, and don’t forget the battery charger.
suitcase is packed, you forget: • over, how
all-inclusive resort will provide you with all of your magnificent will it be
• Airline and hotel confirmation numbers, phone numbers and addresses. • Packing inventory list. Sounds silly, right? In the event your luggage is
answers…
• Your passport, visa and driver’s license. ALL of your travel documents having to forever, you will need to file an insurance claim, based off of the
not lost worry
and travel reservations must have the same name. Unless you delay the little details?
about
lost items—and their value!
One of the great things about an all-inclusive is No incessant exercise
your honeymoon, and have legally changed your name, you will need • Insure your engagement ring and wedding bands prior to your depar-
just that, all is included; which is ideal for a couple to fit into your dress,
to travel with your maiden name.budget. You know the total no place settings, no
looking to stay on ture. You never know what could happen!
• These days, we upfront, so you never need to carryby heart. Bring a • Your honeymoon is a great place to wear your wedding lingerie again,
cost don’t remember many numbers any cash in-laws, just you and your new spouse, enjoying
printout of important numbers: doctors, relatives, vet,everyone the newlywed life. You can stay in bed fewday, sit
during your stay. Accustomed to tipping house sitter, etc. and a perfect time to add a all new pieces to your collection!
• Two photocopies of all documents. bartender, ouryour carry-on on the beach, go to get honeymooner of the water upgrades—bring a copy of your
from the bellman to the Place one in tips were and • You may the pool, try one freebies or
one in your checked baggage. honeymoon, as they were sports, play a round license or a wedding invite or proof of
turned away on our marriage of golf, soak in the hot tub as
included. Your all-inclusive stay will also offer you relax
• At your destination, always keep one set of copies in the room and in the your recent at your finger tips and easily
spa. It’s all nuptials. ■
one with you at all times. & beverage, ample entertainment, accessible at an all-inclusive.
endless food
and countless activities from snorkeling and Melissa IntVeldt Dutton is the Owner and Operator of My Traveling Panda, a
• If you require any medicines, it is best to keep them in your carry-on, full-service travel agency specializing in offering affordable luxury to group
kayaking to scuba diving and beyond. These days, most couples already have a fully
along with a doctor’s note, just in case. and individual travelers. Melissa spent years working as a Destination Wed-
stockedding Coordinator in Las Vegas, providing her with years of experience in Las
linen closet and kitchen. If you are having
• Cash or credit? Yes, please. Only take what you need. Otherwise, you Vegas weddings and honeymoons. And, yes, there really is a traveling panda
The term “all-inclusive” may stir up connotations a hard time adding items onto your wedding
may blow your wild college your bank anduntil the break of registry, named Staffield, visit www.mytravelingpanda.com to learn more.
of budget. Call kids partying credit card companies to there is now a wonderful alternative, the
dawn or families on holiday with their young honeymoon registry. You can register for various
Melissa IntVeldt Dutton is the
224 | “Like us” on Facebookan abundant selection of all- aspects of your honeymoon such as a couples
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inclusive resorts that cater only to adults. Many massage, a private dinner on the beach, a Owner and Operator of My

2. When in Rome…
Europe: The romance, the history, the stunning architecture and delicious food. Packing
for Europe is a bit more complex than a day at the beach: varied weather, lots of walking
and dress codes.
D
ressing euro chic is simple and fun—wear solid colors and do buildings and historical monuments do not permit visitors to wear
not be afraid to accessorize. Few European ladies wear shorts, shorts, open-toe shoes or have bare shoulders.
making this is a great time to wear your favorite pants, skirts • A few casual shirts for layering. Think: camisoles, t-shirts, tank tops and
and dresses. Europe offers many amazing locales and activi- button-downs.
ties, pack specific to your destination and activity schedule. • One pair shorts for hiking or outdoor activities.
• Two casual skirts and leggings. They are great for the key rule: mix and
What should you pack for this perfect holiday? Here are some sugges- match.
tions on clothing and accessories: • A pair of comfortable, broken-in walking shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of
• A pair or two of your favorite jeans. This staple is so versatile; you can wear walking and chances are you’ll encounter uneven roads and cobble-
it while sightseeing, shopping or travel- stones.
ing from one location to another. • A pair of evening shoes or sandals. If you bring a low heel or flats, you
• A lightweight jacket or pullover that can wear them during the day while out shopping.
can be stuffed in a backpack. • A small evening purse or clutch.
• A little black dress that can be • Extra socks and underwear. It is a good idea to put a few extras in your
dressed up with a wrap and sandals or carry-on, in case your luggage is lost or delayed. It is also nice to have a
a bit more casual with flats and a fun pair of comfy socks to wear while relaxing on the flight.
necklace. A cute sundress works well, • Accessories to stretch your wardrobe. But save room in your suitcase
too. for your new treasures, as you will surely find new accessories while in
• A cardigan or wrap is great for lay- Europe.
ering when in a restaurant or visiting • Backpack—this doubles as a great carry-on for the flight and as a carry-all
religious monuments. Some religious while sight-seeing. ■
LasVegasBride.com | 225

3. beach…
Married life’s a
Ahhh, the gentle sea breeze, the smell of
the salty air, the sound of crashing waves!
Y
ou are headed for a blissfully beachy honeymoon and chances Dresses, skirts, shorts and pants
are you won’t be wearing much…much more than some swim- • A pair of shorts or leggings for the
suits and cover-ups, that is. But for the nights out and the lazy days of adventure.
afternoons in a lounge chair, it is imperative that you are appro- • A pair of pants for cool evenings. Be
priately attired. If you pack too little, you end up buying pricey boutique wear sure to tell your husband to pack a
or tacky tourist attire. And, let’s face it; none of those are looks you want on pair of khakis or non-denim slacks,
your honeymoon. as many resorts and dining options
onboard cruise ships do not permit
As you pack, keep these things in mind: men to wear denim or shorts.
• It’s best to pick versatile mix and match pieces. The casual sundress you • A couple of casual skirts that can
will wear for a walk on the beach can double as your dressy dinner outfit be worn over your swimsuit or with
with a few accessories. a cute top.
• Use a cute tote bag as a carry-on that can also double as your beach bag. • Dresses that can also be cover-ups, and chose fabrics that do not wrinkle.
• It’s your honeymoon, designate white as the theme of your attire. Pack Other good options include a little black dress or a trendy maxi dress.
a few white tops to wear with a white skirt or pants or bring a white sun- • A few cotton shirts to match your pants, skirts or shorts.
dress.
Accessories
Here are some other necessities for your week in the sun: • A straw hat to keep the sun out of your face. Pack one that can easily
Shoes fold-up into your suitcase.
• A pair of versatile sandals that can be dressed up or down. • Take at least two, maybe more, bathing suits. A bikini that has mix-and-
• One pair of comfortable walking shoes for days spent sightseeing, hiking match tops and bottoms works out perfectly: you get four different looks
or climbing waterfalls. out of two suits! You may also want a one piece for any water sports.
• Beach shoes or flip flops. • A light sweater, wrap or other cover-up for cool evenings. ■
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