The wedding is over, the car is waiting and the flight leaves in hours. This is when many couples discover they have forgotten something important. A packing list, prepared before the wedding week, avoids that.
Documents
- Passports, valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
- Visas, if needed, and printed copies.
- Flight tickets and hotel confirmations.
- Travel insurance details.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate, often required for travel between African countries.
- Marriage certificate or proof of marriage, which some hotels ask for to apply honeymoon offers.
Money
- Bank cards that work abroad; tell your bank you are travelling.
- Some cash in the local currency or in dollars.
- A way to access mobile money or online banking if needed.
Health
- Any prescription medicine, in original packaging.
- Malaria prevention if travelling to a malaria area, on medical advice.
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, painkillers and a small first-aid kit.
Clothing
Pack for the weather and the activities: beachwear, light clothes, one or two smart outfits for dinners, comfortable shoes for walking and something warmer for cool evenings or air-conditioned rooms.
Check the dress customs of your destination. In Zanzibar, for example, visitors are asked to dress modestly away from the beach.
Electronics
- Phones and chargers.
- A power bank.
- Plug adaptors for your destination.
Extras
Bring a small bag for day trips, a reusable water bottle and anything that will make the trip feel special, such as a favourite playlist, a card for your spouse or a small gift to open on the first night.
Leave room
Leave space in your luggage for souvenirs, gifts for family and anything you buy along the way. Many couples come home with more than they took.
Copies and contacts
Keep digital copies of your passports and bookings on your phone and in email, and note the contacts of your embassy or high commission at your destination. If anything is lost or stolen, these save a lot of time.
Local customs
Read about your destination’s customs, tipping practices and safety advice before you leave. A little preparation makes it easier to relax once you arrive.
Pack before the wedding
Pack at least a few days before the wedding and give the suitcases to someone trustworthy. After the reception, the last thing a tired couple needs is to search for a passport at midnight.
