Even before exchanging vows, my wife and I made a pact of Shakespearean proportions. A you-jump-I-jump scenario with a much happier ending. Once we tied the knot, we would leave our jobs and take off on the honeymoon of a lifetime. After nearly six months and 30,000 miles on the road, I’m proud to report that we have zero regrets about putting our careers on pause and embarking on an R&R marathon.

It was a bold move considering the state of our respective industries – media and book publishing aren’t known for their stability – and an extended journey through foreign countries can test the limits of any relationship, regardless of marital status. But we were determined to ditch the suffocating grip of high-stress careers so we could explore the far reaches of the world together.

Our first stop was Thailand, where we began to decompress on the stunning beaches, via out-of-this-world spa treatments and by consuming some incredible street food. Then we hopscotched around Bali, Singapore and Cambodia, and travelled the length of Vietnam before jetting over to Japan and South Korea. A brief sojourn in sunny Florida to see our parents led to a spontaneous fortnight in Mexico City and Tulum, followed by a trip to Cartagena. Our grand tour culminated with a road trip through the heartland of the US and a million lifelong memories.

I’ll be the first to admit that we were extremely lucky to be in a position to be able to enjoy a honeymoon like this. It was all possible due to careful preparation, supportive families and arriving at a point in our careers where it made sense to take a break. Taking an extended honeymoon may not be the norm in a world that is so plugged in and work driven, but it should be. If you’re sceptical, consider some of the lessons I picked up along the way as they may ease your worries and help you prepare for your own post-wedding adventure, no matter the length. Why should newlyweds limit themselves to a glorified spring break? In theory, you’re adults now, not college students.

As with any holiday, good planning is the key to avoiding any hiccups along the way. First things first: budget. You’ll need to set aside a good amount of money to cover air fares, board and lodging, which will most likely be your biggest expense, recreational activities and any recurring bills back home. A sudden stop in cash flow is a scary prospect, but the good news is that you’re getting married. Ditch the traditional wedding gift list for a honeymoon fund. You don’t need more cutlery. Write your thank you notes, then brush up on those spreadsheet skills. A solid budget can make or break your extended honeymoon.

When it comes to taking time off work, frank conversations with your manager are encouraged. If you’ve been with the company for several years, ask your boss about taking a sabbatical. If you’re planning being away for six months or more, perhaps this is a sign that you’re not particularly happy with your job anyway. Pull the plaster off, hand in your notice and have a job strategy in place for when you return.

Plotting out an itinerary may seem intimidating, especially when you’re venturing into uncharted waters. The easiest thing to do is stick to a specific region, whether it be southeast Asia, the Mediterranean or Polynesia, and then branch out depending on which flight deals catch your eye (a little spontaneity will keep things interesting). It’s also a good idea to opt for cities where you can get more for your money. Touristy areas aren’t your best bet because prices tend to be inflated. Going off on your own is a much better option (think secluded Thai islands rather than Pattaya, or Maui over Oahu). Be adventurous and try to cover some ground. Camping out in a villa for a month sounds tempting, but there’s a big, beautiful world out there. Save the slouching for retirement. Live it up and tick some countries off your bucket list.

This is a critical. Before you even bring up the idea of an extensive honeymoon, make sure your relationship has been thoroughly road tested. Long weekends together in the countryside don’t count. Think back to those holidays abroad when things didn’t go to plan. Mishaps are bound to happen and will certainly be compounded by other stressors (if you let them get the better of you). The last thing you want is a premature end to those freshly exchanged vows because of a missed flight or a string of sub-par sleeping arrangements. If your relationship leans more towards the volatile side of the spectrum, then maybe a sojourn in a luxurious bungalow in Bora Bora is a better option.

Travel insurance is essential, especially for backpackers on a budget and anyone taking time off between jobs. Even if you have private health insurance, you may not be covered when you go overseas, so check the fine print before departing. A survey of just about every travel blog out there will indicate World Nomads as the gold standard. Its coverage is what’s known as secondary insurance, which means it will directly reimburse out-of-pocket costs (once a claim is approved) as opposed to absorbing bills upfront and paying third parties. It’s not meant to replace primary insurance and isn’t a substitute for healthcare, but it’s better than nothing. Most travel insurance companies cover trip-related emergencies, accidents, lost luggage, stolen passports or credit cards, and natural disasters. Get a quote before you go, to find out what coverage looks like in the destinations you’ll be visiting. When you’re travelling, an unlimited number of things can, and often do, go wrong. Even if the price tag seems steep, the peace of mind alone is worth it.

This may be an adventure, but it’s still a honeymoon. Even if things don’t always go to plan, you’re on the same team. As long as you bear this in mind, you’re guaranteed to have a trip you’ll still be talking about when your golden wedding anniversary rolls around.