Choosing your honeymoon destination

Deciding where to go for your honeymoon can really be a difficult choice. There are so many options to choose from! Here's how to choose one that you and your spouse-to-be will love:

Ask yourself what kind of honeymoon experience you want. Do you want relaxation, culture or an adventure? Whichever you choose, you should also consider the distance and how long you plan to stay; these aspects might affect your final decision. If you and your partner are having a hard time agreeing on the perfect place to go, try to compromise.

Create a budget. And be realistic. Many couples want a little luxury when it comes to their honeymoons. However, if an entire vacation at a five-star resort or hotel is too expensive, consider staying only a few days, and then move to a less expensive location. Additionally, you can register for a honeymoon; this will allow your loved ones to give toward your vacation. One other tip: Pass up pre-packaged honeymoon deals-- they're usually not as flexible and aren't customized to fit your choices.

Consider using a travel agent. They are skilled time-savers that can assist you in simplifying this process. Get recommendations from family and friends, or look for agents who are bonded and members of the American Society of Travel Agents.

Make sure the names on your passports are the same as the ones on your plane tickets. Also, get immunization shots or any needed medication ahead of time, and remember, you may experience jet lag. If you aren't accustomed to traveling, don't plan a day of sight-seeing immediately after getting to your destination. Finally, don't overplan; give yourself enough time to rest and explore.

Source; Photo Credit

Tips for planning your honeymoon

Budgeting & Brainstorming. Don't get in debt trying to finance your honeymoon. Determine how much money you have (or what you can save), and use that as your guideline. After you do that, you can begin talking about where to go. Try to predict what you and your spouse's state of mind will be after the wedding. Yes, all couples are thrilled, but some feel physically and emotionally exhausted after experiencing this life-changing event. Keep in mind that you'll want to make time to enjoy each other on your honeymoon.

Research. One Saturday, visit the bookstore, peruse travel books and magazines, and jot down names of places that seem interesting. Also, Surf the web, and get tons of info on places to stay and things to do. Several countries and states have official websites, and many times you can request maps and brochures. However, you shouldn't anticipate deciding where you'll go overnight; take a few weeks, and have fun thinking about it.

When you've narrowed your search, begin checking prices and determining transportation availability and accommodations for each trip. To do this, you can continue your search online, begin making calls, or utilize a travel agent. The good thing about a travel agent is that he or she can deal with the details of the trip: booking flights, lodging and any needed ground transportation.

Confirming your plans. When you're ready to reserve plane tickets, hotel rooms, a car and other necessities, think about making reservations for activities like going to a theater or museum or even scuba diving. If you plan to stay in a hotel or resort, contact the location a couple of months before you get there and ask if there is a concierge.

For more tips, check out our source, Planning Your Honeymoon.

Photo Credit: Honeymoonallinclusive.com

Destination Weddings - Are They For You?

Would you like to get married on your honeymoon? Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular with couples who are eager to skip the fuss of a traditional wedding and jump right into the fun. Around the world, you'll find hotels and resorts that offer on-site help to plan your wedding, from details like the wedding license to extras such as music and photos. Whether the special day involves just the two of you or whether you'll be inviting friends and relatives to join in the occasion, a destination wedding can be a way to create wonderful memories.

But, first, the down side. Destination weddings aren't for everyone. If you're in love with the idea of a large wedding with all your friends and family, skip this idea. Even with a year of planning, it's just about impossible to get everyone's schedules coordinated for this kind of event.

But many couples are saying "I do" to the idea of destination weddings not only as a way to make the occasion more special, but also as a means of simplifying the whole process. "Just say the word, and we'll take care of everything," explains Ava Burke-Thompson, Director of Guest Services at the Sheraton Grand Resort Paradise Island, Bahamas. "We can arrange for the marriage license; minister, priest or rabbi; the florist and the photographer; the wedding cake and champagne; and the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception."

At resorts like the Sheraton Grand, on site wedding coordinators take care of every last detail, some with just a one day notice. "We do it all the time," says Burke-Thompson. "It's now legally possible to get married in the Bahamas with 24 hours' notice."

POPULARITY OF DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Destination weddings have caught on for several reasons. According to hotels and resorts around the world, they're especially popular with:

* couples on a budget who don't want the expense of an elaborate wedding.
* couples who don't want the fuss of a wedding and all that goes with it at home.
* couples on their second marriage looking for something a little different.
* those on their second marriage who'll need to bring along children on the honeymoon. The children's programs at many resorts offer privacy for the couple and a chance to enjoy a vacation with their new family.
* couples who are bringing a small wedding party. Sometimes the bride and groom stay at one resort and the wedding party at a neighboring resort, giving everyone privacy.
* couples who are bringing a sizable wedding party and would like to take over a resort.


Many small resorts like Florida's Little Palm Island offer groups the option of taking over the entire property. This type of stay must be arranged far in advance. The wedding party has the run of the resort for their stay, with plenty of room to party and play. "Little Palm Island is a really private, secluded getaway for wedding groups," explains Susan Belanski, Director of Sales. "We close off the entire island." When wedding parties take over an entire property like Little Palm Island, regular house rules, such as no guests under age 16, are suspended so wedding parties can invite anyone of their choice.

DETAILS, DETAILS

Before you say "I do," plan to do a little research into the "do"s --and "don't"s -- of the local marriage laws. Many countries have loosened their marriage regulations, making it easier for foreigners to tie the knot. Even so, you'll need to do some research.

"The reason some couples have problems with their overseas wedding is that they are unfamiliar with the marriage laws, rules and regulations of where they want to be wed," explains Ruth Keusch, co-owner of Ottley's Plantation Inn, located in Caribbean federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. In researching your destination wedding, Keusch recommends that couples make sure they learn:

* if their home country will recognize a wedding in the designated country as valid.
* the minimum residency period before the marriage can be performed.
* what paperwork you'll need to bring from your hometown house of worship if you're planning a religious ceremony
* what proof is required if you're divorced or widowed
* if blood tests are required and, if so, if you can bring them from your home doctor or if must they be performed locally
* if there will be English-speaking staff members available to assist you
* costs and fees
* typical weather during the month of your wedding
* special hotel rates for members of the wedding party
* what previous experience the hotel or resort has in planning foreign weddings


Destination weddings can also lead to another joyous celebration: destination anniversaries. Couples who wed on their honeymoon can revisit the very spot where they married and share the memories of that occasion.

Honeymoon Hot Find

It's easy to forget about the details regarding your honeymoon when you have napkin folds and signature drinks to design for your wedding day. Your honeymoon wardrobe should not be overlooked, and thinking about it also gives your mind a nice break from the wedding planning process.

We absolutely love the clutches from http://www.kaijany.com/

They are small enough for travel and the selection is vast enough that you can find bags for the evening or for daytime sightseeing. What's even better is that they are made from organic, natural, eco-friendly materials. And a portion of all purchases goes to UNICEF's program for orphan children.

Who said you can't look good while saving the earth ?