Information on Long Haul Honeymoons

A long-haul honeymoon opens up a much wider choice of destinations than a short flight within Europe. On many routes you can also break the journey with a planned stopover, spending a few nights in a second city on the way out or back.

What counts as long-haul?

There is no single official definition. Airlines and travel companies usually describe a flight of around six or seven hours or more as long-haul, though the exact cut-off varies.

As a rough guide, most destinations beyond Europe, North Africa and parts of the Middle East involve a long-haul flight from the UK. Geography is only an approximation, though. Some eastern Canadian destinations take under six hours, some Middle Eastern routes take longer, and times vary by departure airport. Flight duration is the more useful measure.

Choosing where to go

You can start with what you both want, whether that is beaches and rest, history, cities, wildlife or a road trip. Or you can start with a place you have always wanted to see, such as Japan's temples, Peru's archaeological sites or a well-known driving route in the United States.

When comparing destinations, think about:

• the weather when you plan to travel, as rainy or hurricane seasons affect some regions
• how much time off goes on travel, including overnight flights and your actual arrival date
• jet lag, which depends mainly on how many time zones you cross
• entry requirements, such as visas, electronic travel authorisations or passport validity rules
• vaccinations, malaria prevention and any vaccination certificate requirements
• the full cost, including flights, accommodation, day-to-day spending, visas, vaccinations, insurance, transfers, baggage charges and activities

The FCDO publishes country-by-country travel advice on GOV.UK. Travelling against FCDO advice can affect your insurance, so check your policy. NHS fitfortravel and TravelHealthPro cover health precautions. Not all GP practices offer a full travel-health service, so you may need a private clinic. Ideally seek advice six to eight weeks before departure, though later advice is still worthwhile.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Adding a stopover

Many routes to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific involve a connection, although non-stop services between the UK and Australia are available. Some airlines offer stopovers at little or no additional airfare on eligible tickets, but a connecting ticket does not automatically allow an extended stop without repricing. Check the fare rules and total cost, as hotels, transfers and meals add up.

Some couples find a stopover makes a very long journey easier. Others find the extra hotel changes add effort. Check both transit and entry requirements for your passport nationality, since some apply even when you only change planes. Most eligible British citizens transiting the US need an ESTA, for example. Confirm arrangements with your airline.

Separately booked flights may not protect you if a delay causes a missed connection. Allow time for baggage, immigration and changing terminals or airports.

Booking and protecting your trip

For a flight-inclusive package, check that your booking is ATOL protected and that you receive an ATOL Certificate. ATOL, run by the Civil Aviation Authority, protects you if the travel business fails. It is not cancellation insurance. ABTA members must follow its code of conduct, but an ABTA logo alone does not mean every booking is financially protected.

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act can protect credit card payments where the cash price is more than £100 and no more than £30,000. Paying only a deposit by card can qualify, though intermediaries can affect protection. MoneyHelper explains the details.

Arrange suitable travel insurance when you book. Check when cancellation cover begins, which reasons are covered and whether the limit covers the full trip. Changing your mind or the wedding being cancelled will not necessarily be covered. Check cover for your destination, activities and existing medical conditions too.

Tickets must match the name on the passport you travel with. A post-dated married-name passport cannot be used before the ceremony, and visas and electronic authorisations must match the passport you use. HM Passport Office guidance on GOV.UK explains the options.