Showing posts with label Honeymoons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Honeymoons. Show all posts
Friday, January 31, 2014

How to plan an unforgettable Honeymoon!

The vows have been said, the rings have been exchanged, and the guests have said farewell.  You planned an amazing Brides that left you a bit stressed, but also content knowing that it was all completely worth it.  You’re madly in love with your new partner and you can’t wait to get started living life as a married couple. 

 But first it’s time for your hard-earned reward.  The honeymoon! The only draw back?  You have to plan it too!  Unfortunately it’s not as simple as jumping on the  next plane and heading off to a tropical island.  You want your honeymoon to be perfect, just like your Brides, so it’s going to take come time and effort.  But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Our ultimate honeymoon planning timeline will keep you on track to pull off a glitch-free honeymoon. 


  
6 – 9 Months or More Ahead

Once you’ve set your Brides date and picked a venue, the next logical step is to start considering your honeymoon options.  Determine how much time you and your fiancé can take off work.  Can you swing a full 7-10 day honeymoon, or will you need to settle for a long weekend trip?  This is also the ideal time to discuss your budget and general wish list.  Find a honeymoon travel specialist, who will help narrow down your destination options and suggest resorts and activities based on your preferences.

___ Pick your dates of travel
___ Set your budget
___  Make a honeymoon wish list
___ Contact a honeymoon travel specialist
___ Choose your destination
___ Book a honeymoon package: airfare, resort/cruise, rental car, and transfers
___ Buy travel insurance
___ Setup your honeymoon registry

3 – 6 Months Ahead

Now’s the time to add all the details that will make your trip special.  Think about excursions and tours that you’re interested in.  Maybe you’ve always wanted to go zip lining, or take a catamaran tour down the coast.  It’s also important to ensure you’re up to date on any recommended vaccinations before visiting your destination, and you’ve obtained your passports or visa, if necessary.

____ Obtain your passport and/or visa (if necessary)
____ Book excursions, shows, and special dining arrangements
____ Visit the doctor for vaccinations
____ Start scuba or language lessons if interested
____ Purchase any specialized items or luggage needed



1-3 Months Ahead

You’re about to get really busy with the final touches to your Brides planning in the next couple of months. So it’s important that you’ve got everything in place for your honeymoon way ahead of time.  During this time frame you’ll take care of final honeymoon deposits and your travel documents will arrive from your travel agent.  Be sure you verify names and dates, and all details match what you’re expecting.

___ Finish booking any tours and reservations for activities
___ Buy a camera or practice using your current one
___ Make appointments for pre-honeymoon beauty treatments
___ Arrange care for your house and/or pets while away
___ Verify names and details on your passports and travel documents
___ Start a packing and shopping list

1-2 Weeks Ahead

It’s almost here! Can you feel the excitement? Your travel agent will be checking in with you to go over final preparations and travel arrangements.  She will likely provide you with detailed information about your destination including suggestions on exchanging money, plug adaptors, drinking water, and other items to keep you safe on your trip.

___ Plan your honeymoon attire and finish your packing list
___ If you’re not staying at an all-inclusive, check your bank accounts and credit       cards for funds
___ Start packing (use that packing list!)
___ Confirm all reservations with your travel agent
___ Make several copies of your important paper work and give to family members
___ Prepare your home for being away (light timers, stop mail/newspaper, etc)



A Couple Days Ahead

You’ve made it! The Brides is days away and you’re ready to jet off into the sunset to a dreamy tropical island. Take care of the last few details and you’ll be home free with an ideally planned honeymoon.

___ Prepare a carry-on for the trip with magazines, books, etc.
___ Check the weather forecast
___ Leave a copy of your itinerary and house keys with family
___ Arrange for rides to and from the airport
___ Secure all travel documents in your carry-on
___ Check-in online
___ Enjoy an amazing honeymoon!


Guest Author Bio:

Summer Tannhauser is a honeymoon and destination Brides travel specialist with Adventures Planned Honeymoons (www.adventuresplanned.com). She designs uniquely one-of-a-kind trips for the modern newlywed. She's all about luxurious adventures, unforgettable memories, and pure and simple fun! 



Friday, May 24, 2013

Tip Top Honeymoon Destinations!!


Planning a Brides is full of making big decisions, often expensive decisions so you always want to make sure that you have chosen the right thing to do! So when it is all over and done with and you hit the post Brides anti-climax phase, couples really need to have planned a honeymoon of their dreams to keep that rush of adrenaline and sheer happiness going to start their life officially as a married couple.

 

So I took to researching the top places that honeymooners frequent bearing in mind some couples don’t want to sit on a beach and relax for two weeks, some want to make an adventure out of their holiday! I’m going to talk about three relaxing holidays and three more ‘get up and go’ type holidays. Here are my discoveries….reading this will make you want to go abroad and see the world, trust me!

 

Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia, the Caribbean

 

This little gem kept cropping up everywhere I was looking and undoubtedly for a reason! This is UNESCO territory and the resort lies among 100 acres of luscious rainforest. The villas are dotted on the hillside overlooking the stunning golden sands between the Piton Peaks. The Rainforest Spa is located here with tree house treatment rooms!

 

There are a few options for your accommodation from villas between the peaks to beachside bungalows or rooms in the residences themselves. This luxurious destination prides itself in relaxing, mood enhancing and gorgeous décor. With top quality restaurant, bars and lounges on site you have everything you need right on your doorstep.

 

Some things just to bear in mind for this Caribbean island is that rainy season runs from June to December, hurricane season from June to November, these are conditions that you may not desire and high season is from December to April so prices could be higher.
 
 
 

 

 
The Maldives, The Indian Ocean

 
 

For sheer relaxation in utter paradise, the Maldivesboast tranquil and picturesque settings that allow your romance to further blossom. The Maldivesare compromised of a thousand islands grouped together in clear blue crystal water with white sand beaches and that tropical island feel and atmosphere. Picture yourselves lying on a beach lounger, cocktail in hand, warm air and the sound of the little waves hitting the beach, this is what you will find here!

 

There are plenty of things to do on the islands as well as taking it easy on a beach. With coral reefs that will blow you away, there are options to go snorkelling and scuba diving with some of the best schools in the world.

 

Best time of the year to visit the Maldivesis between December and April; you will be guaranteed more sunshine then although it is comfortably warm all year round.

 

 

Greek IslandHopping, Greece




Yet another true place of utter paradise located much closer to Irelandthan other destinations but has just as much beauty, scenery and romantic qualities as its competitors further afield! The beauty of honeymooning in the Greek Islandsis that you are going to want to ‘hop’ literally from one island to the next. So you can obviously relax, unwind and enjoy every bit of each destination for its unique qualities and stunning beaches. Greece is also laced with so much ancient history that their culture is one to be experienced and enjoyed. Fly into Athens and spend a few days there first as it is a must see city in Europe.

 

Being one of the top honeymoon destinations, couples will find that resorts already have packages with the islands best activities, adventure tours, relaxing spa treatments, dinners, trips etc. Some resorts allow couples to tailor make their own packages. It is imperative to check out what all the islands have to offer before you book so that you are getting the best out of your holiday!

 

Best time to visit the Greek Islands…..April to October for the sunny and dry weather you will want. July and August are the hottest months, but the busiest months!

 


 

African Safari, Africa



An African honeymoon can be just as romantic as one of those on a beach in tropical paradise. You can always combine this part of your honeymoon with a week afterwards on an island in the Indian Ocean. Imagine being in the seclusion of the African wilderness, no other people to bother you, just you and your new partner. You may have spent the day trekking around the wilderness, spotting animals you have never seen before in their natural habitat amongst a setting which can only be described as having that mysterious feeling.

 

There are quite a few options for you to choose from when it comes to where you go and what you want to do in Africa. You can combine safaris with the following amazing options: Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Zanzibar, Mozambique, MandaBay and Kruger Parkto name just a few.

 

With magnificent rustic African lodges, ultimate adventure experiences and luxurious island experiences, Africa is a top place to venture on your holiday of a lifetime!

 

 

Australia

 

Probably one of the furthest places you can fly to if you are coming from Europe Australia’s sheer vastness ensures that this country has everything to offer you on your honeymoon from dazzling superb cities to tropical islands to the Australian outback. If you have enough time off your normal daily lives, take a month to explore this country for what it has to offer.


 
 
 

There are very few major cities in Australia and most of them are dotted along the east coast. Sydney is one of the best cities in the world combining the fantastic harbours, skyscrapers, fabulous close to the city beaches and fine dining and drinking experiences. Melbournewith its European ambiance, winding small streets and huge character make it just as appealing as Sydney. Brisbane and Cairnsare cities that you will come across if you choose to drive the east coast, stopping at striking beaches, surfer towns or paradise locations. Stop off along the way and take a trip to the WhitsundayIslands (a popular spot for honeymooning Ozzies) or Fraser Island. To the North of the Country on the east side there is the likes of Daintree Forest, with their tropical climate rainforests comb a lot of the northern tip. To the West is the unforgettable drive from Broome down passing Perth, and swinging around the south west tip to drive along the Great Ocean Rd. You never know what you might see on these drives, kangaroos, huge cliff tops, outstanding beaches, and luscious rainforests. Or if you prefer travel into the centre of the country to Uluru, the mysterious Ayers Rocks where you are literally in the middle of nothing where the true feel for the vastness and reality of the Outback can be appreciated!

 

Australia has opposite seasons to Ireland and most parts of the country apart from the north can get chilly in the winter months. It is important to pick when to go and even when you are in the country when the best times are to visit particular areas such as Queensland as it can experience the tropical rainy season.

 

I can say from personal experience, if I hadn’t been there before Australiawould be on my top list of places to go as it has absolutely everything to offer you!

 

 

Brazil

 

Yet another massive country with so much to offer, Brazilis like lots of small different countries grouped into one. A short flight from Rio to the north will transport you into a totally different realm where you think you boarded a plane to Africa. Brazil has fantastic nightlife, cities, the Amazon rainforest, paradise beaches and oozes culture like you wouldn’t believe! This is one of those types of holidays where you won’t want to stay in just the one destination.

 

Brazil is divided up into many different provinces, where wealth divide is hugely apparent and the influence of different cultures quite evident. The south is the wealthiest with the big cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo but boasts beautiful destinations such as Belo Horizonte. Try organising your honeymoon around carnival, definitely an experience to remember. Further north, it gets more tropical, beautiful and blissful as you approach the equator. There is huge African influence here from the times of the plantation. Head up on a trip to the Amazon or perhaps visit the Pantanal, one of the world’s largest tropical wetland areas that spreads across Boliviaand Paraguay. A must see is Iguazu Falls, magnificent thundering waterfalls that border Argentina and Paraguay. If you have lots of time on your hands there are plenty of South American countries bordering Brazilwaiting to be indulged by honeymooners!


The really is no bad time to visit Brazil, it has a great climate with temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 degrees with the warmest time being December to February. However this is also the busiest time so watch the prices!
 
 
 
I hope that this has given you some insight into what the world has to offer you and your new spouse on that special holiday you will always remember. It is a big decision so definitely make the right one!
 

Images taken from The Guardian, The Viceroy Resort Website, flikr.com, Africansafari.com, shedexpedition.com. asiasociety.
Friday, March 22, 2013

Some celebrity inspiration for your honeymoon destination!

For most newlyweds the honeymoon is almost more important anticipated than the actually Brides itself! After the months and months of planning, they are of course looking forward to their Brides day, but often the lure and exciting destination and chance to relax after all the 'stress & excitement' of planning the Brides is sooo inviting! 

Some of the top honeymoon destination include Mexico, followed by Italy, Figi, Greece, then Hawaii.

Where will you go on yours? 

Will you return to your favourite holiday spot or take some interest from the celebrities? This week SimplyBridal.com has pulled together a list of Hollywood styled destinations for your most important vacation ever!


Monday, February 25, 2013

Recession Proof Honeymoon Ideas


Overspending can be a big problem with Bridess; with that dream Brides in your mind it’s hard to say
no to the extra meal or altering bridesmaid number three’s dress so she is happy. Your budget slowly goes
through the roof.

It’s not all doom and gloom, one area you can save a little of those hard earned pennies is your honeymoon.
Before you groan and think you have to give up on your first holiday as a married couple don’t despair –
believe it or not the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland have some amazing low priced Honeymoon options to offer for a pinch of the cost. Below are various, potentially money saving honeymoon ideas from across our gorgeous lands!

Hotel and Spa getaways

This is by far the most luxurious option for a lovely Honeymoon without going abroad. There are hotels all
over England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales but if you want that honeymoon feel my favourite place is England’s South coast. Beaches to countryside, great shopping and beautiful, historic cities and coastal towns there is so much to see and do.



*The Imperial Hotel in Torquay

Hotels offer all the home comforts you need as well as restaurants, Bars, Spa facilities and if you feel up to
it there is usually a gym or pool too. Most hotels will offer great package deals for Spa treatments - often
including a free drink and canapés.

The south coast of the UK has a lot to offer newlyweds, with fantastic scenery and beaches, at the right time of year you would think you were in Spain Just substitute the Sangria for a glass of bubbly and sit back and watch the sun set your balcony with your new hubby!



*The Imperial Hotel in Torquay

Glamping

Ok, so camping has never been my cup of tea, the mud, the weather and the lack of privacy is just too much, it doesn’t fit in with the idea of a honeymoon I know. Glamping however could just be the thing you need.

All you have to do is Google “Glamping in the UK” and the options are endless.

Cosy log cabins, grand tipis and Urts, Cute little wagons and Shepherds huts – the options are endless. You
can look for the right type of Glamping experience for you and you won’t have to walk a mile with a bucket to fetch some water of bring battery or gas powered straighteners ladies – depending on what you are looking for you can have all the home comforts like electricity and running water.

You can “glamp” anywhere and everywhere, consider the rural highlands of Morayshire, the Welsh Valleys,
Norfolk coast or Londonderry – the options for UK Glamping are as open as you are to the idea.

Your honeymoon doesn’t have to involve flying overseas to an exotic destination when there are so many
different options here on your doorstep all you have to do is look.

Useful websites for UK Honeymoons

www.Pumahotels.co.uk

www.canopyandstars.co.uk

www.centerparcs.co.uk

Author bio: Written by Leslie Harding on behalf of Puma Hotels. Leslie grew up in the RAF and spent much of her childhood moving house around the UK. Her favourite place to Visit is the south coast of England
Unknown Budgets, Honeymoons
Wednesday, January 16, 2013

The Top 3 Honeymoon Destinations in Brazil



Brazil is one of the most beautiful countries in the world but also one of the most versatile for honeymooners. You can experience vibrant nightlife in a number of cities, see amazing wildlife and scenery in rain-forests  visit island paradises or simply relax on some of the most pristine public beaches in the world. So how should you plan your perfect Brazilian honeymoon?

The City



If you want to continue celebrating after your Brides reception then Rio de Janeiro is probably the party capital of the world. Rio has an entertainment and gastronomy scene to rival any major city but if you are planning your honeymoon in February there is the added bonus of the Rio Carnival; a spectacular street festival of music and performance that sees 2 million people line the streets every year.  There are other magnificent cities to visit in Brazil of course, and a great number of Brazil’s nightlife cities are on the coast, meaning you can always wind down from partying on beautiful beaches. One of the biggest benefits of staying in a city is of course the abundance of luxury hotels, boutique hotels and luxury guesthouses.

Island Paradise



Fernando de Noronha is perhaps the most famous island off the coast of Brazil. It has long been renowned for its stunning natural beauty and relaxing sense of isolation. It is this sense of isolation that will be most appealing to honeymooning couples who want to enjoy each other’s company in a beautiful setting. That isn’t to say Fernando de Noronha is without amenities; the island boasts beautiful, luxury, guesthouses such as Pousada Maravilha and Pousada Teju Acu where you can eat delicious food at the restaurants, drink cocktails at the bar or even take a dip in the pool; though the best place to swim is definitely in the sea. Fernando de Noronha is considered one of the best snorkeling beaches on the planet and you can expect to swim with turtles, dolphins and an abundance of tropical fish.


Rainforest



If you want to combine a luxury honeymoon resort with a little bit of adventure then a rain-forest destination like Foz do Iguassu is ideal. Foz do Iguassu is a small city near the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay but the city itself, while perfectly lovely, is not the main attraction here; Foz do Iguassu is the Brazilian gateway to the Iguassu National Park which is a natural world heritage site and home to the spectacular Iguassu Falls. The falls are amongst the most spectacular in the world and can be witnessed by walking alongside them, rafting bellow them or even getting an up-close, airborne look at them in a helicopter ride. You can even find a high quality hotel incredibly close to the falls in the form of the fabulous Hotel das Cataratas. The hotel boasts excellent room service, restaurant, spa and fitness facilities; making it a perfect destination for honeymooners looking to unwind in opulence but remain close to adventure.


Author Bio: Kevin Ball is a writer with a keen interest in travel. In his opinion Brazil has to be one of the most romantic places on the planet; with its idyllic beaches and amazing sights it is the perfect country for those who want to start married life by creating some incredible memories.

Images courtesy of Sunset Visitor


Unknown Honeymoons
Monday, September 17, 2012

Inexpensive Honeymoons: Who says you can't have 'em?


Most people think of honeymoons as the most extravagant vacations you'll ever go on, staying at fancy beach resorts and spending on fancy meals and private excursions. However, many couples just don't have the money to make this type of honeymoon happen, and don't want to borrow the money and start the marriage in debt. There are plenty of ways you can reduce the potential cost of your honeymoon, regardless of where your destination is.

Eat Out Sparingly: You don't have to eat three fancy restaurant meals each day, which can make costs add up quickly. Instead, buy some groceries for breakfast and lunch and use your food budget to go somewhere nice for dinner. You can often find restaurant coupons, too, to help you save even more on these meals you eat out. If you stay somewhere with a kitchen or kitchenette, you can even prepare most of your meals in so you don't have to get too creative with groceries to eat raw or prepare in a hotel room and take out somewhere nice with you to eat! 



Choose Free Excursions: There are plenty of free things to see and places to visit in any city. When you visit landmarks, consider just looking at them from outside, rather than paying to go in. For example, you can see the Eiffel Tower and Empire State Building this way without missing out on much. Many cities have free museums or discount days for their museums so you can see them without having to spend much. And of course, walking around and window shopping is always free, unless you find something you fall in love with and just have to buy.

Take Public Transportation: Rather than hiring a taxi to get you around your destination, opt for public transportation whenever you can. It's usually much less expensive, and in cities with a lot of traffic, you'll get around more quickly and efficiently, too. Another option, if you're up for it, is to walk rather than paying for any sort of transportation. If you walk in a different direction each day, you'll see most of the city by the time your honeymoon is over! You can always hop on the subway to get home at the end of the day if you're too tired to walk back.


Source


Ask the Locals: Sometimes the best way to figure out what to do on the cheap in a new city is to ask the localsWhere travelers' guides often stick to the beaten path and pricier options, the locals know about all the hole-in-the-wall restaurants where you can get a cheap and delicious meal, or picturesque spots for you to sit and people watch. Don't be afraid to ask people on the streets or who you meet in restaurants what spots they recommend. You'll probably get a more authentic experience of your destination, too, if you're sticking to the places the locals know and love.

Rethink Your Lodging: You don't have to stay at a nice hotel to have a great honeymoon. Consider alternative lodging options that won't put as much of a dent in your bank account. Home exchanges are becoming more popular these days, or you can consider camping, which is very inexpensive. When traveling abroad, look into booking a private room at a hostel. Another option, if your parents own a timeshare, is to consider asking them to give you a week of lodging as a Brides gift. Cutting the cost of your lodging can shave a huge chunk off the overall cost of your honeymoon.


Source
Your honeymoon doesn't have to be extravagant to be memorable. The most important thing is that you and your honey get to spend lots of time together, enjoying your newly married life and seeing the sights at the destination you have chosen. Getting creative to come up with inexpensive ideas for your honeymoon can set the stage for your married life, too. The experience can help reconfirm your commitment to living within your means and show you that there are plenty of ways to enjoy time together without focusing on expensive activities or experiences.

Author Bio: Felicia Savage is a content strategist and up-and-coming PR specialist  living in Indianapolis. When she isn’t sharing online content, Felicia loves engaging in Twitter and forum chats, reading science blogs and cartooning with friends.
Unknown Budgets, Honeymoons
Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Packing for your honeymoon: Bringing Back the Lost Art of the Trousseau


Ladies & Gents, me thinks you are just going to adore this post! And like us, you will all definitely be in favour of bringing back the lost art of the trousseau! 

Mollie Lang’s Brides gifts consisted of a plethora of kitchen and housewares. As she looked around her home at all her new gifts, she came to one realization: “I’m going to need to pack for my honeymoon much sooner than my first dinner party.”

Lang, the founder of the online lingerie and loungewear boutique byLangley.comsimultaneously realized she had little to wear on her honeymoon, but it was approaching quickly. An expert in lingerie, it was in this moment that Lang realized the benefit to bringing back the tradition of the trousseau, but in a modern way.

For those who may not know what a trousseau is - and we expect this number to be many, as this is no longer a common practice: A trousseau is a soon-to-be or new bride’s collection of clothing items, particularly lingerie, loungewear and sleepwear, that she can wear at the start of and throughout her marriage. It’s a collection of lovely pieces to make her feel her best, her most feminine, her most beautiful self.

And how does the blushing bride collect these pieces? Clothing items for the trousseau are given to the bride by female friends and family, and traditionally collected in a hope chest (though nobody will tell on you if you’re more prone to just sticking them in your lingerie drawer). In the past, it was common for female
members of a bride’s family to gift overly lacy, frou-frou pieces, but Lang is putting her own modern day spin on the tradition, and frou-frou need not happen anymore (unless you really want it to, then by all means…).

In an effort to bring back this tradition that Mollie Land feels could use a bit of revival, byLangley.com’s founder has put together her top picks for honeymoon- worthy wear, ready to be added to your pre-Brides wishlist. Mollie’s Picks: The Bridal Trousseau Collection showcases a variety of options available to purchase now, and though this wife-mother-lingerie-loving-entrepreneur has based her company out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, international shipping is no problem! Check out a few of byLangley’s trousseau pieces below, then head over to by Langley.com for the full collection.






Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Honeymoon preparation – stay savvy, save money!


First of all, if you’re reading this then in all likelihood you’re either a newlywed or soon-to-be. In which case, congratulations!


After all the turmoil that surrounds Brides preparations, it would be nice to think that you can relax as soon as it’s done so you can enjoy a few days or weeks of relaxation with your new spouse. Well, you’re partly right. Sadly, going on your honeymoon isn’t as simple as just hopping on the next plane that goes to the Bahamas. Some preparation is needed here too, and one of the most important things is making sure that your travel insurancegives you the right amount of cover.

Avoid the word ‘honeymoon’

This applies to almost every part of planning for the honeymoon, not just the travel insurance. You say to a travel agent that you’re going on your honeymoon and you can practically see the £££ signs in their eyes, and you’ll be slapped with a more expensive bill for the privilege. When you think about it, what’s the real difference between a honeymoon and any other trip abroad with your partner? With the exception of Brides rings, there’s little about a honeymoon that should mark it as a different kind of holiday, at least in insurance terms. When looking for travel insurance, treat it as a normal holiday and avoid any specialist ‘honeymoon’ packages.
That being said, mentioning to the airline as you check-in that you’re newlyweds may result in an upgrade, or telling the hotel could mean a complimentary bottle of champagne. Dropping the odd hint here and there could swing things in your favour.

What to look for

Make sure that your travel insurance policy covers personal possessions such as digital cameras, smartphones and (most importantly) your Brides rings. If you have home contents insurance, you might be already covered, as some ‘personal possessions cover’ add-ons to home insurance also cover your personal possessions abroad. If your honeymoon is a little more unique, such as an adventure holiday or a skiing getaway, you’ll need to take out extra cover as they count as ‘high-risk’ activities.

Given how hectic everything can be around the time of Bridess, make sure that your policy covers you for cancellations. Although some insurers will cover you if you cancel ‘for any reason’, many will only cover in specific circumstances, such as if you are too ill to travel. The cover starts from the moment you take out the policy until you depart, so the earlier you get this, the better.
Your honeymoon is the chance for you to spend some time alone with your new husband or wife, enjoying the first moments of married life together. Travel insurance should be the last of your concerns, so if you take a bit of time to look around for the best cover that suits you, and do so before the pre-Brides stress kicks in, you’ll have a fantastic and safe time together.

This article was written by Jamie Gibbs from credit card comparison site Confused.com