The top ten honeymoon destinations

So, the big day was a huge success, you’re now husband and wife and it’s time to relax and enjoy your honeymoon!

Mauritius

It’s meant to be the holiday of a lifetime, so it’s worth splashing out if you can afford it. But don’t break the bank – there are plenty of stunning holiday destinations in the UK and Europe which needn’t cost the earth.

And book in plenty of time before the wedding preparations get too stressful.

Think about how long you will be able to take off work and don’t forget you’ll probably want a few days off before the wedding to get the last minute preparations sorted, so you’ll need to take that into account too.

It’s also worth checking out weather reports for the destinations you have in mind for the time of year you’ll be going. You don’t want to set your heart on a fortnight’s beach holiday in the Caribbean only to find out on arrival that it’s hurricane season (typically June to November, by the way).

Check the dates on your passports well in advance so you have plenty of time to renew it if need be.

And remember not to change the name on your passport if you’ve booked the honeymoon in your maiden name or you’ll be stuck at the airport.

If you’re travelling to a part of the world where you’ll need jabs, make sure you get them done in plenty of time.

Book travel insurance – this is supposed to be the holiday of a lifetime, so make sure you’re covered for every eventuality.

Stuck for ideas? Here are our top ten honeymoon destinations:

1. Dubai: The shopping epicentre of the world, featuring everything from souks to shopping malls.

2. Barbados: “The pearl of the Caribbean” featuring colourful nightlife, friendly people, glorious beaches and fun-filled attractions.

3. Mauritius: Stunning beaches, luxury resorts, deep blue lagoons - the list is endless. A tropical paradise.

4. Maldives: Long sandy beaches fringed by overhanging palm trees, stunning coral reefs and mysterious lagoons. Serene and beautiful.

5. Malaysia: Vibrant, exotic and ethnically diverse with gorgeous beaches, lush vegetation of the rainforests and first class luxury.

6. Seychelles: Decadent top class resorts, private and secluded, perfect for total rest and relaxation.

7. Hawaii: Dazzling sunsets and glorious beaches with wonderful traditions such as midnight picnics, sunset cruises and couples massage.

8. Jamaica: White sandy beaches, sparkling waterfalls and lush vegetation mixed with reggae music and cocktails. Honeymoon heaven.

9. Fiji: Bursting with jungle waterfalls, blooming orchids and palm-fringed beaches, Fiji is a veritable feast for water sports and aquatic wildlife with a thriving nightlife and dining scene.

10. New York: Frenetic nightlife, an abundance of cultural attractions, perfect for city lovers who like to enjoy their entertainment at super speed.

• Information from Travel Counsellor, travelcounsellors.co.uk