Sole survivor: sightseeing, whether in France (above) or Fiji will be a major component of any honeymoon, so pack something sturdier than flip-flops and less fashion-centric than high-heels. Image Credit: stockXCHANGE

By Matthew M. F. Miller

Pack light, but pack smart for your post-nuptial adventure. A sensible suitcase is worth its weight in antihistamines.

Before you pack a fourth pair of flip-flops for your Hawaiian honeymoon, you might want to consider packing something a bit more important – something that will prepare you for the unexpected. "It depends on where you’re going and the duration of your trip, but there are things you’re going to wish you had brought," says Renee Duane-Meyer, owner of Portland, Ore.-based Unforgettable Honeymoons. Here are her five essentials for your suitcase:

1. Walk this way

Never leave home without a comfortable pair of shoes. Walking down the cobblestone streets is what Paris is all about says Duane-Meyer, who learned that lesson the hard way. "I went to Paris with only a big pair of high-heels. Not smart!" Sightseeing will be a major component of your trip, whether heading to France or Fiji. "Go without a good pair of shoes and you’ll end up buying a pair while you’re there."

2. Doctor, doctor!

What’s the fastest way home from your honeymoon? A bladder infection, according to Duane-Meyer, who has planned over 5,000 honeymoons since 1994. Known as the "honeymoon disease," it’s the number one reason her newlywed clients abandon their romantic getaways for a stateside retreat. "If somebody’s flying to Fiji or a secluded island, there are not the same medicines available. Good luck finding Uristat (an over-the-counter bladder infection remedy) in the Caribbean." Other Duane-Meyer suggestions are: antihistamines to battle allergic reactions to unfamiliar vegetation; topical anti-itch creams for various bug bites; and anti-diarrhea medication to combat unfamiliar foods and water.

3. Sharp-dressed man

Casual destination or not, grooms should make suitcase space for an outfit upgrade. "Just about anywhere you go there’s a restaurant that requires men to wear a collared shirt and closed-toed shoes," says Duane-Meyer, whose Web site, unforgettablehoney-moons.com, offers worldwide arrangements for newlyweds. "Not being prepared for that could keep you out of nice restaurants, which can be a disaster on your honeymoon."

4. Photocopy fever

A photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and birth certificate can help you out of a jam if the originals are lost or stolen. "I’ve also had people leave airline tickets on the dashboard of a car, which of course turn black in the sun. That’s why photocopies can be so helpful, when you’re trying to get duplicates." Also, pack your driver’s license, in case you want to rent a car.

5.  Operator, could you help me place this call?

Calling cards are essential, but they’re not all created equal. "Call the customer service number on the back of the card to make sure it works in your destination," says the honeymoon expert. Cards have designated calling regions, which could place you in a lurch when it comes to dialing home. "Don’t buy it until you know for sure," says Duane-Meyer.

World’s 10 best honeymoons

New couples will spend an average of $3,700 on their honeymoon, according to the Fairchild Bridal Infobank, publisher of Modern Bride magazine. Where should you jet? Here are the top ten overall destinations as picked by 6,000 travel agents throughout the U.S.:

1. Hawaii
2. Italy
3. Tahiti
4. Anguilla
5. Fiji
6. St. Lucia
7. Mexico
8. St. Barths
9. Jamaica
10. France