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 Weddings Q & A
Are there advantages to hiring a travel agent?
Are
there advantages/disadvantages to honeymoon cruises?
Are
there updated passport requirements for traveling?
Is
there a standard length of time for a honeymoon?
Which
U.S.
resorts offer the most sought-after spas for honeymooners?
Where
can you find ultra-romantic beaches?
What
are considered the most romantic destinations in Europe?
Which
resorts in Mexico
offer the best golf courses?
What
basics should you consider before booking your travel?
How
can you have a fabulous honeymoon on a budget?
What
areas of Mexico
are most favored by newlyweds?
Are
there basics you should know before booking a cruise?
What
exciting activities are offered in the Cayman
islands?
Where
are the most romantic sites in Paris?
What
are the most romantic hotspots on the Hawaiian
islands?
Are
there essentials to include in your honeymoon packing?
Do
resorts have special offers just for newlyweds?
How
do the Hawaiian islands differ
from each other?
How
do you decide what type of destination you'd like to visit?
What
are some top honeymoon locations in the U.S.?
Should
you honeymoon in the same area as your destination wedding?
Q: Are There Advantages To Hiring A Travel Agent?
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A: There are many advantages to hiring a travel agent.
A travel agent can help you decide on the right destination for
your personality and needs, as well as have up to the minute information
on travel deals and places to avoid. Her professional
skills will guide through all the must-knows such as vaccinations
and documentation to travel to your chosen locale. Also, travel
agents receive special discounts and/or deals that a regular
consumer is not eligible for. An agent will also make all of your
arrangements, so you can spend more time planning your big day and less
time stressing about travel details. She will keep you informed on
currency exchange rate information, airport transportation, and amazing
activities and other services that you might want to participate in. To find
a reputable travel agent, ask friends and relatives for a referral,
go to your local Auto Club, or check with your city hall for local
reliable agencies.
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Q: Are There Advantages/Disadvantages To Honeymoon Cruises?
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A: The advantages to honeymoon cruises are that every couple is
there for the same thing: an incredible time with their new spouse. Since
you all aspire for the same memorable time you will find that your
privacy will be respected, the activities will be focused on couples, and
you will have personnel attending to your every need to ensure a perfect
honeymoon. The downside of it is that inevitably you are all still on the
same ship together and will never completely gain private time
except when inside your cabin – where most newlyweds spend a lot of their
time anyway – in their hotel room. You might also have to eat meals in
groups, which will leave you little room to have an intimate dinner. Keep
in mind though, you might dock at a couple of different locales and this
will give you some ample time to explore alone, maybe even finding a
secluded spot on a sunny beach.
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Q: Are There Updated Passport Requirements For Traveling?
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A: It's advisable to start planning your honeymoon trip early
and to apply for a passport as soon as you realize you'll be traveling
outside of the U.S.
territories. Below is the most updated information at the time of this
publication.
Beginning January 23, 2007,
ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United
States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and
Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or
U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration
Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
As early as January 1, 2008,
ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and
Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including
ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents
as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent
legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and
Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as
possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to
obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.
New Information
On June 8, 2007, the Departments of State and Homeland Security
announced U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or
countries in the Caribbean region who have applied for, but not yet
received passports, can re-enter the United States by air by
presentation of a government issued photo identification and Department
of State official proof of application for a passport through September
30, 2007. The federal government is making this accommodation for
air travel due to longer than expected processing times for passport
applications in the face of record-breaking demand. (For details, see: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.)
This accommodation does not affect entry requirements to other countries.
For more information, visit http://travel.state.gov/index.html.
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Q:
Is There A Standard Length Of Time For A Honeymoon?
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A: A honeymoon can
be as long or short as the two of you would like. The average honeymoon
is about a week, but can range from a couple of days to a month long.
Factors to consider before booking your honeymoon are: budget, time off
(from work), sitters for children (if any), and boarding for animals (if
any). When deciding on where to go, you should both think of places
you have longed to visit and the reasons why. You can begin eliminating
destinations due to weather, climate, if one of you has already been
there, or if it’s a place that you’d rather visit for an anniversary.
Honeymoons can range from a night in an amazing Las
Vegas suite to trekking through the streets of Italy for a couple of weeks, or going on a
month long journey through Africa –
safaris and all. Just like your wedding, your honeymoon should be all
about the two of you.
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Q:
Which U.S.
Resorts Offer The Most Sought-After Spas For Honeymooners?
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A: Some of the best
spas are nestled in gorgeous resorts. These are some of the most
sought-after spas in the United
States we love.
Mandarin
Oriental, Miami
Head
to the three-story, full-service spa, awarded “Best Spa in the USA” by
readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. Imagine you and your sweetie
side-by-side receiving sensuous massages, while gazing out
floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water.
St. Regis
Resort, Aspen
The
spa promotes more than just the typical therapies and treatments, the new
Remčde Spa offers vapor caves, movement studios, and a warm and cold
waterfall room known as the Confluence.
Viceroy, Palm Springs
On
your gateway to heaven, you will also stumble upon the Estrella Spa, where
you’ll literally be treated like a star. Not only does The Estrella Spa
offer a serene indoor/outdoor setting while you enjoy your massage,
facial, or botanical bath, but there's also a fitness center, yoga
training, walking and hiking trails, shopping, and golf all within an
angel’s reach.
Four Seasons
Resort Aviara, Carlsbad
The
European-style spa features an eloquent couple’s suite designed with the
utmost of intimacy in mind. The lounge area with marble fireplace
and shower for two provides the perfect setting for romance.
The Peninsula,
Beverly Hills
Grab
your honey and head off to the only hotel in southern California to earn
the distinction of an AAA Five-Diamond and Mobil Five-Star rating for 12
consecutive years. Immerse yourself in the spa’s treatments like Delice
de Tahiti, the Peninsula Pleasure, or a Grapeseed Body Scrub, it's no
wonder why the stars call The Peninsula home.
Auberge Du
Soleil, Rutherford
Relax
in Spa Du Soleil’s treatment facilities for twosomes such as the Melissa
Suite, featuring a fireplace, private tanning deck, and heated private
pool. Gaze at your favorite person in total privacy, while
appreciating the stunning views and sipping on dreamy elixirs.
Enchantment
Resort, Sedona
Head
to the Mii amo Spa, which boasts unforgettable experiences that venture
far beyond mere treatments. While you can nab the basics (baths, facials,
and massages), it's a sweet treat to opt for a different delight like an
Ayurvedic Treatment (a 5000-year-old Science of Life established in India)
or Spirit Treatment.
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Q:
Where Can You Find Ultra-Romantic Beaches?
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A: Our favorite,
completely romantic beaches for you to spend your first days as Mr. &
Mrs.
Matira
Beach, Bora Bora, Tahitian Islands
The
calm, warm, crystal-clear water -- the perfect playground for dolphins,
ray, vibrant tropical fish and you! The island of Bora Bora
is completely encircled by reefs and smaller islands, creating a shallow,
protected lagoon that offers the best swimming and snorkeling around.
Pink Beach, Harbour Island,
Bahamas
No list is complete without the Bahamas
famous Pink
Beach. Wide, lined
with palms, and made up of fine-grained sand in a glorious shell-pink, Pink Beach
would be stunning even without the warm and welcoming Caribbean
lapping at its edge. Spend a day there, and we bet you decide to come
back for your first anniversary -- and maybe your second and third.
Promenade
des Anglais, Nice, France
Picture
a wide promenade lined with stylish boutiques and cafes just steps away
from the azure waters of the Mediterranean.
Jaunty blue and white umbrellas dot what must be the world's most chic
beach -- the Promenade des Anglais on the glamorous French Riviera. The
Promenade des Anglais offers beautiful sand and swimming to rival other
top beaches, but with an aura of pampered sophistication that can only be
found in France.
If you're looking for the romance of pure delight, turn your attention to
Nice and the Promenade des Anglais.
Green
Sand Beach, Hawaii, USA
Only on the geological wonderland that is the Big Island of Hawaii can
you find the rarest of them all -- a beach made of deep green crystals.
The sand is formed almost entirely of olivine, a crystal found in the
nearby volcano. The memory of standing with your new spouse, watching the
blue waters of the Pacific pound glowing green sand, will fill your
dreams for a lifetime.
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Q:
What Are Considered The Most Romantic Destinations In Europe?
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A: Europe is filled with
romantic resorts. Check out our favorite five.
Hotel Palafitte, Switzerland
Built on
piles in the open Swiss countryside; Hotel Palafitte is made up of 40
luxury pavilions in total, 24 of which are built directly over the lake
for a truly unique honeymooning experience. Hotel Palafitte is a great spot
for golfing, swimming, sailing, and admiring the awe-worthy Alps.
Capri Palace
Hotel & Spa, Italy
Resting
on the slopes of Monte Solaro, in the most exclusive and unspoiled part
of Capri, reigns the contemporary Capri Palace. Offering
sublime views of the Bay of Naples and on a clear day, smoking Mt. Vesuvius,
Capri Palace sparkles with 81 guest
rooms and suites (some with their own private heated swimming pools and
gardens), lush landscaped gardens, a fabulous spa, and gorgeous
restaurants.
Le Manoir aux
Quat'Saisons, England
At
Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, which lies just eight miles southeast of
Oxford in a fold of low hills overlooking the rich water meadows of the
Thames Valley, the marriage of food, comfort, and service live in perfect
harmony. A two-acre vegetable garden on the grounds provides all the
herbs used by the restaurant's kitchen eight months out of the year, so
prepare to have your tastebuds tantalized.
Four Seasons
Hotel George V, France
A
few fashionable steps from the Champs-Elysées, with private terraces that
look out over all of Paris, the Four Seasons intoxicate with glitz,
glamour, and full-service luxury. The hotel caters to honeymooners with
some indulgent options like private limousine tours to the river banks, Versailles, or Loire Valley,
night cruises on the Yachts de Paris, and even private after-hours tours
of the Lourve.
Mardavall Hotel
and Spa, Spain
Surrounded
by the glittering Mediterranean and
peaks of the Tramunta mountains, Mardavall's location is stunning.
All 133 of the hotel's guestrooms offer dazzling views of the sea from
your own private terrace. The AltiraSPA, taking its name from Greek
healing goddess Althea and Saphira, the personification of beauty, offers
couples a wide range of relaxing holistic treatments.
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Q:
Which Resorts In Mexico
Offer The Best Golf Courses?
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A: Mexico has beautiful
beaches, scrumptious food, and a great round of gold at one of
these ultimate golf resorts. Here’s why they’ll get your heart racing.
Casa Del Mar
Beach Golf & Spa Resort, San
Jose Del Cabo
It's
been named one of the "Top 10 Mexican Golf Resorts" by Conde
Nast Traveller and singled out for its superior food, service and
rooms. Not only can you spend days hitting the Robert Trent
Jones-designed links -- one of the finest courses in all of Mexico,
but you can unwind afterwards at the luxurious Sueńos del Mar spa with
your sweetie.
Dreams Los Cabos
Golf and Spa Resort, Los Cabos
Link-loving
couples will revel in being able to keep score on eight championship golf
courses nearby, designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Roy Dye, Tom
Weiskopf, and Robert Trent Jones Jr., to name a few. After a good round
with your numero uno, you can sit and admire the glittering Sea of Cortez.
Four Seasons
Resort, Punta Mita
Spend
your days golfing along the Pacific, then go for a dip in the large,
free-form infinity pool, complete with private conversation areas, an
expansive deck, and a large hot tub to help heat things up -- not that
you'll need it.
Fairmont
Acapulco Princess, Acapulco
Looming
over 480 acres of legendary scenery, the 15-story Aztec pyramid-shaped
Fairmont Acapulco Princess caters to discriminating honeymooners and
golfers. Named one of Golf Digest's Top 25 Golf Resorts, the Fairmont's Ted
Robinson-designed course is challenging while still being enjoyable --
ensuring you'll stay in the good mood you should be in -- after all, this
is your honeymoon.
One and Only
Palmilla, Los Cabos
A
favorite retreat for the likes of Hemingway and Harlow, the One &
Only Palmilla offers the quaintness and elegance of Old Mexico with its
red-tiled roofs, and swaying palms. Hit the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf
course for some fairway frolicking, and then soak in the deep bathtubs
with your honey.
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Q:
What Basics Should You Consider Before Booking Your Travel?
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A: Our tips for
booking your honeymoon will help you plan the ultimate dream vacation for
two.
Budget
Have
a budget in mind, as well as a few destinations and the date for your
honeymoon, then do some research. Be sure to find out about the
following:
-Airline travel (or other preferred transportation)
-Car rental
-Cruises
-Lodging
-Promotions
-Special rates
-Tour packages
-All-inclusive resorts
The Documents
Once
you choose the location be sure to determine the identification you will
need, such as a passport. Also, check with your doctor to determine
required medical clearances, or strange diseases to be wary of, as well
as any shots you will need. Finally, it is also a smart precaution to
photocopy your identification (passport, driver's license), travel
itinerary, airline tickets, and credit cards in case of theft or loss.
Travel
Advisories
Now
and then, the U.S. State Department issues travel warnings and advisories
for countries deemed unsafe for travel by American citizens. If you are
traveling abroad, be sure to gain access to this information and plan
accordingly. Also, it is important to know the location and contact
information of the local U.S. Embassy in case of emergency.
The Territory
When
booking your trip, contact the local tourism bureau and request a map,
brochures, and any details regarding special events in the area. If
available, purchase a travel guide such as a Frommer's Guide and read
over the details before you arrive at your destination. Having this
knowledge and a rough plan can save time and put you more at ease when
you arrive. Also, inquire about the expected seasonal weather in the area
during the time you will be there.
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Q:
How Can You Have A Fabulous Honeymoon On A Budget?
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A: Choosing a
honeymoon destination can often be cause for consternation, but there are
plenty of options for the honeymooning couple on a budget, especially if
you start to plan early.
Stay in the
country.
The United States
is replete with places of natural beauty and man-made excitement. If you
set your mind on finding a destination within the continental U.S.,
you’ll have a better chance of cutting the budget.
Take to the
road.
If you live in a state where you have easy access to the Canadian or
Mexican border, you can even honeymoon abroad without breaking the bank.
If you plan a trip to a distant destination, check out airfares before
you pull out the road maps. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to find
a reasonable deal.
Island hopping. Cottages and
bed & breakfasts dot the coastline of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The
windswept beaches and rolling surf make an ideal honeymoon destination.
You may wish to look into the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia and Alabama such as the Golden Isles. For
an even more tropical vacation, try the Florida Keys.
If you are closer to the west coast, California’s
Catalina Island with its old-fashioned
hotels and lovely harbor make a romantic honeymoon destination.
Appeal to their
romantic souls. Chances are you know someone who has a vacation
home or time-share at the beach, a cabin by a lake, a condo in the
mountains. If they’re close friends, they may be willing to rent you
their house, or better still, loan it to you for a honeymoon getaway.
Register for
your honeymoon. Let it be known through your attendants that
family and friends have the option of contributing to a fund for your
honeymoon. In lieu of a physical wedding gift, they can be a part of the
trip you’ll remember for a lifetime.
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Q:
What Areas Of Mexico
Are Most Favored By Newlyweds?
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A: Honeymoons are
made for romance, and couples who are all about the love and lapping it
up will enthrall in Mexico's
romance-infused resorts.
Las Ventanas,
San Jose Del Cabo
Where
the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea
of Cortez, Las
Ventanas al Paraiso (windows to paradise) lives up to its name in every
respect. Every suite has a wood-burning fireplace and a telescope for
whale-watching and star-viewing. Some rooms even have hot tubs. Small but
important touches, like aromatherapy candles in your room at night, make
the experience unforgettable.
Las Brisas, Acapulco
Hidden
on 40 acres on a hillside looking over spectacular Acapulco
Bay, all 263 casitas have both a
private or shared pool and the most jaw-dropping views of Acapulco. The
attention to detail is microscopic: fresh hibiscus floats in your pool
and pink and white jeeps whisk you away to your casita as well as to the
private La Concha Beach Club, and complimentary continental breakfast is
delivered to your casita each morning.
Hotel
Villa Del
Sol, Zihuatanejo
Treat
yourself to the decadently luxurious Honeymoon in Paradise
package, which begins with fresh chilled towels, a fruit basket, and a
welcome bottle of champagne upon your arrival. Hole up in your spacious
lagoon suite, complete with your own private infinity-edge mini-pool and
living room. Or wrap up in your personalized bathrobes and cool
330-thread count sheets for a quick nap. The package also includes daily
breakfast and dinner and a day at the spa for two.
Secrets
Excellence Riviera Cancun, Riviera Maya
Resting
along the sugar-white beaches of the Mexican coast and the sparkling
turquoise Caribbean Sea, Secrets soothes guests with its natural beauty, yet
is only a few short minutes from party-loving Cancun and hip Playa del
Carmen, so you can satiate your private side and your wild side. A slew
of land and water activities abound for when you're feeling active, from
kayaking to snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, and
diving to beach volleyball, tennis, billiards, water aerobics, and more.
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Q:
Are There Basics You Should Know Before Booking A Cruise?
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A: Before booking a
honeymoon cruise, you should be clear about basic details such as:
- Providing
your correct full names. Use your maiden name if passports or
identification will not be changed in time of your departure.
- Selecting a
ship that provides all the amenities and activities you are looking
for.
- Confirming
any pre or post-cruise activities that you are booking through the
Cruise Line.
- Booking any
air packages to the city of the port that you will be departing
from.
- Checking on
shuttle services and/or parking policies.
- Cabin
choices. Do you want something away from the hustle and bustle? Do
you want an ocean view cabin? Look at a floor plan of the ship to
help you decide.
- Find out if
there are any additional shore excursions. Are they optional or
required? Is there an additional cost?
- Inquire
about trip insurance
- You’ll want
to verify payment schedules and when final payment is due.
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Q:
What Exciting Activities Are Offered In The Cayman
Islands?
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A: Besides
top-notch dining and incredible accommodations, Grand Cayman and the Cayman Islands have every exciting activity under the
sun. While in the 80-degree gleaming waters, you can snorkel with amazing
schools of fish, come face to face with Southern and Atlantic Stingrays
at the infamous Stingray
City. You can also
try something (or old) with your honey – deep sea diving, parasailing, or
jet skiing. If something a little more calm and serene is of more
interest to, you can always sail above the waters on a chartered boat or
dynamic sunset cruise.
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Q:
Where Are The Most Romantic Sites In Paris?
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A: Paris is the capital
of romance for lovers -- making it a prime spot to honeymoon. Here are
some of the ways you can make your honey swoon.
*Of course you
can venture up the Eiffel Tower, but how about visiting the Arc de
Triomphe where you can also get a great view of Champs
Elysees. Or Notre Dame, that way you can see the fabulous
sights of the city side-by-side famous gargoyles.
*Chateau de
Versaille is a great place to picnic with your new spouse. While gazing
at the elaborate palace you can toast to your new life together.
*Don’t forget to
take your sweetie aboard a boat to cruise the romantic Seine River.
Or you can always stand and kiss on the bridge above and admire the grace
of the river.
*One stop you
shouldn’t miss is the Louvre
Museum. It might
not be the most romantic of this list, but it certainly is remarkable.
It’s a wonderful sight for the two of you to experience together while
marveling at the amazing architecture and all that magic that it holds
inside.
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Q:
What Are The Most Romantic Hotspots On The Hawaiian
Islands?
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A: Your sweet
honeymoon days run by quickly, so make sure to appreciate each
golden moment. Here's our list of Hawaii's most romantic hideaways.
Catch
The Sunset At Hanalei Beach
Hanalei Beach,
an arching crest of golden sand, is a favorite of Kauai
residents for its warm, placid water and stunning scenery. Take a walk
out on Hanalei pier, sit next to each other with your legs dangling over
the edge, and watch the sun set.
Swim Under A
Waterfall
Oahu
is most famous for the hectic glitter of Waikiki,
but if you take the time to look, you'll discover the island is dotted
with secret getaways. For an afternoon of utter bliss, pack a picnic and
stroll down the Manoa Falls Trail. After a gentle mile, the bright green
ferns open up to reveal a sparkling white waterfall and a freshwater
pool.
Hold
Hands On The Na Pali
Coast
Picture
bright blue waves sending up spires of spray against plunging black
cliffs. Kauai's Na Pali Coast shares its
rugged beauty with only the most intrepid visitors. Because there's no road,
the only way to experience Na Pali is by boat, by foot, or by air. It's a
splurge, but treat yourself.
Experience Hawaii On
Horseback
Schedule
a day-long private ride, and meander along trails that take you through
rain forests, along the coast line, and even to freshwater ponds and
waterfalls. Our favorite ride takes you past Maui's
Haleakala mountains for a picnic next to a tropical stream.
Take
A Boat To Molokini
Off
the coast of Maui, there's a semi-circular
ridge peeking above the waves. It's Molokini, a partially submerged
volcano that attracts snorkelers, divers and those who simply want to
take a dip in the ocean. Take an early morning boat trip to Molokini when
the sun is just coming up and the crowds are thin. Being alone in warm
water with just your husband and school after school of bright tropical
fish is an experience you'll never forget.
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Q:
Are There Essentials To Include In Your Honeymoon Packing?
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A: Planning your
wedding may seem to consume your every waking moment. Don't worry, the
finish line isn't far away, and then you're headed to a honeymoon of rest
and relaxation. There is, however, one additional task you will have to
accomplish before racing off to that balmy beach resort with your new
husband: packing. Consider the lists below as guides, but take your
locales weather and activities into consideration.
If you're headed
to the tropics, you will be wearing very little. For a weeklong trip you
should include essentials such as:
*2 pairs of shoes/sandals
*2-3 pairs of shorts
*2 pairs of pants
*2-3 skirts or dresses
*2-3 swimsuits and a cover up
*4-5 t-shirts
*2 blouses
*Lingerie
*A hat
*A lightweight sweater
*Sleepwear
*Personal toiletries
*Small evening bag
*Camera/maps/books
If you’re
honeymooning somewhere faster paced, these are the items you shouldn’t
forget:
*2-3 pairs of shoes, at least one pair should be a good walking shoe.
*2-3 pairs of shorts (if location is warm weathered)
*2 pairs of pants (four if location is cold)
*2-3 skirts or dresses
*4-5 t-shirts
*2 blouses
*Lingerie
*A hat
*A lightweight sweater
*Sleepwear
*Personal toiletries
*Small evening bag
*Camera/maps/books
Aim to mix and
match your wardrobe, so you’re not burdened with an abundance of luggage.
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Q:
Do Resorts Have Special Offers Just For Newlyweds?
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A: Many resorts do have special room
rates or packages meant just for newlyweds. Try checking online with well
respected travel companies, stop by your local Auto Club, visit a travel
agent, or simply call a desired resort to inquire about any packages or
bonus services that are offered to the newly married. You might also try
contacting a locale’s tourist bureau for ideas and specials.
Some common
treats for newlyweds are:
*An upgraded room or suite
*A bottle of champagne
*A fruit basket
*A dinner cruise
*Free drinks
*Discount on activities
*Flowers or lei’s
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Q:
How Do The Hawaiian Islands Differ From
Each Other?
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A: Although all of
the Hawaiian Islands are gorgeous in
their own right, they each offer something unique as well. Read on to
find out the specifics.
Hawaii (the Big Island) is
characterized by black sand beaches and lush fern forests, although you
can also find rocky, barren deserts and snow-capped mountains. The island
is famous for its active Kilauea
volcano where you can still see molten lava flow. For fun with your
new spouse, hike through WaipioValley, explore the largest
restored ancient Hawiian temple, Puukohola Heiau. Or, simply revel
in the entertainment, culture, and cuisine of locations like Hilo and Kailua-Kona.
Maui, Molokai
and Lani
are referred to as the “magical isles” because of their infinite
natural beauty. You can opt for an uplifting hike through Haleakala Crater, snorkeling in incredibly clear
waters or whale watching for the day. You might also want to take a helicopter
ride over the island to capture all of the island’s essence. Perfect
for nature lovers that would relish visiting lush waterfalls and exotic
bamboo forests.
While in Kauai you can bask in the sun, culture,
and sparkling beaches of the serene island. Kauai
also boasts some of the best golf courses in the world with
awesome views of the ocean. This almost perfectly circular shaped isle
offers many beaches, extravagant views, and a remarkable hike up the
famous Waimea Canyon dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
The island of Oahu has something to offer
every type of personality and interest. For a honeymoon filled with luxurious
accommodations, culture, remarkable beauty, and an array of
activities for two, Oahu may be the
locale for you. Gaze at the dolphins dancing in the waters, sip on
cocktails on your dinner cruise, or take in the sights like Pearl
Harbor and the North
Shore.
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Q:
How Do You Decide What Type Of Destination You'd Like To Visit?
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A: After months of
making decisions about your wedding, the question of where in the world
to honeymoon may seem like one decision too many. But once you figure out
what type of honeymoon you want, narrowing down a location becomes much
easier.
Weather. Are you a sun
worshipper, or do you love the cold? Do extreme temperatures in either
direction make you miserable? Tropical vacations are known for their
fabulous warm weather. European vacations can go either way: Scotland,
for instance, has cool temperatures year-round, while the French Riviera
is sunny and warm. If moderate temperatures are more your bag, England
is usually not too hot or too cold.
Sights. If lazy days of
lying on the sand and frolicking in the water are your idea of a heavenly
honeymoon, a trip to the tropics is the ticket. But if your idea of
romance is a whirlwind of amazing restaurants, fantastic museums, and
visiting incredible historic landmarks, a trip to Europe
is a must.
Style. You should
definitely consider how you feel most comfortable when traveling. There
are a variety of European countries where adjusting isn't hard. However,
if you're open to tackling a language barrier and are open to trying
different foods, there's no reason why you shouldn't enjoy the wonders of
France, Africa, or another exciting country.
Vibe. Easy going or
high energy? Laid back, or fast paced? The pace on a tropical vacation
can be whatever you want it to be: lazy if you want to loll and go-go-go
if you want to hike, parasail, dive, and explore. If the idea of taking
it easy doesn't appeal, consider checking out areas where the pace of the
people is electric and there's so much to see and do you won't want to
slow down.
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Q:
What Are Some Top Honeymoon Locations In The U.S.?
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A: San
Francisco is nestled among rolling hills and offering an
epic view of the Pacific, San Francisco
features more recognizable landmarks than any other city in the world:
the famous cable cars, Golden Gate
Bridge, Alcatraz
Island, Lombard Street (the
"crookedness street in the world"), Chinatown,
and Fisherman's Wharf, to name just a few.
Southern
California
is, of course, home to the city of Los Angeles
and its most famous district, Hollywood.
Close by is the original Universal Studios, with famous tours of
the stages. If you're eager to spot stars, you may have more luck out at
the beach in Malibu.
In the city of Anaheim, visit the
best theme park in the world to many -- Disneyland.
Continue on south to idyllic San Diego,
home to the world-famous zoo, the best regional theater in the U.S., and
the famous, red-roofed Hotel del Coronado. Or head east to the
desert oasis of Palm Springs
-- home to dozens of four star resorts and PGA-class golf courses.
For the bride
and groom who are still kids at heart, a honeymoon in Central Florida
is the ultimate adventure Disney company turned miles of swampland into Walt
Disney World, and the once quiet, rural community of Orlando
soon became a vacation Mecca,
filled with hotels and restaurants. Other theme parks and attractions were
soon added, including Universal Studios Florida, the Disney-MGM
Studios, Disney's EPCOT and Animal Kingdom, and Sea
World.
If your idea of
adventure is a little more adult, travel to Southern
Florida. To party like the jet-setting crowd, you've
got to visit Miami, and its
sizzling South
Beach.
By day, you can troll the streets of South Beach's
Art Deco District and enjoy the stylish architecture. By night,
head out on the town, sampling the outstanding Caribbean
and Cuban-inspired cuisine.
Drawn by the Great Smoky Mountains -- the perfect
destination for a generation of young couples into outdoor activities.
Hiking, white-water rafting, camping, mountain-biking, backpacking,
fishing, and rock-climbing are just some of the possibilities offered in
this mountain range on the Tennessee/North Carolina border, which has been
designated an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations.
Located in the
central part of the state, you can’t miss Nashville, the country music capital,
and features such famous music landmarks as the Ryman Auditorium and
Museum from which the famous "Grand Ole Opry" program was
broadcast. A visit to Memphis must include
a pilgrimage to the kitsch castle of rock, Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion.
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Q:
Should You Honeymoon In The Same Area As Your Destination Wedding?
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A: The decision to
honeymoon in the same area as your destination wedding is a personal
preference. It can be nice to wander the city and create a warm
connection to the locale where you said your “I dos” or you may want to
make a short trip to another area nearby for a change of pace. If you do
decide to honeymoon in the same spot, try to let guests know that you
will be beginning your honeymoon on a certain date so they know not to pester
if they too choose to vacation a while longer. Or, you can make sure that
all guest’s activities and vacationing is prior to the wedding, that way
you’ll feel comfortable knowing they’re taking off soon after the
nuptials and you can get to canoodling with your new spouse…alone.
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