Destination weddings are a whirlwind of fun. Not only do you get to celebrate your loved ones, but the added excitement of traveling to a new destination is invigorating. Maybe you’re headed to Mexico for an oceanside ceremony, or maybe you’re journeying into the Colorado mountains. Wherever you're headed to celebrate the nuptial, here are a few things to consider besides 'what to pack.'

RSVP and Book ASAP

If you're invited to a destination wedding, it's likely that you'll receive an invitation several months in advance. Be sure to RSVP to the bride and groom as soon as possible, if you plan to attend, and book your travel and accommodations shortly after. The bride and groom may be working with a travel agent or resort and both of these services can help you secure special discounts for traveling and less expensive room rates. Unlike planning one of your family vacations, these dates are not flexible - waiting around to make flight, hotel, or rental car reservations could mean not being able to attend the wedding or jumping through hoops to find alternate arrangements. Plus, if the couple has chosen to wed during a high tourism season, accommodations can book up quickly.

Travel Insurance

When you book a trip several months in advance, travel insurance should be a no-brainer. A lot of things can happen in the months leading up to the wedding from minor events to major events, such as job loss or a death in the family. IMG’s iTravelInsured travel protection plans offer trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage, while the iTravelInsured LX plan also offers an optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) upgrade.* This extra layer of protection allows you to cancel or interrupt your trip for any reason, and be reimbursed for up to 75% of your non-refundable insured trip costs. This benefit could come in handy even in the worst case scenarios such as the bride and groom deciding to cancel or postpone their wedding. In order to be eligible for CFAR coverage, you must purchase your iTravelInsured LX plan within 20 days of making your first non-refundable payment towards you trip that you would like to insure, such as your flight, hotel, or rental car.

Check Local Requirements and Restrictions

If you are traveling internationally to attend a destination wedding, check out the travel state department website to see if there are any travel restrictions, travel advisories, or political unrest. Some destinations require travelers to be up to date on their vaccines, or even require additional ones. The CDC website offers a destination guide to check before you go. Once you receive any necessary vaccinations for your destination, you will receive a yellow international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis. You will present this to the border agents in customs in order to enter the country.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing

If you are traveling internationally or domestically, there may be testing, quarantine, or vaccine requirements depending on your destination. Some wedding venues even require proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to attending, so make sure to stay updated on the restrictions and requirements before traveling to the wedding.

Enjoy it as a vacation

While traditional weddings are over within 24 hours, try to turn this trip into a vacation. By arriving a day or two early or staying a few days after the wedding, you can take some time to yourself to explore the destination and maybe even cross a few items off of your bucket list. If you're looking for advice on what to do, the destination is likely special to the couple, so they may have some recommendations of activities to book or sites to see in your downtime. For more travel destination guides and tips, search all of our articles on our blog, Global Connect.