Taking A Honeymoon Cruise Can Be Magical

Many couples are finding that an all-inclusive honeymoon cruise can make their special getaway after marriage even more special. When they climb on board, they cannot believe the joy and simplicity of their vacation, with no worries and no stress! Taking a honeymoon cruise can make for one of the most memorable vacations you will ever experience and it all occurs on a single cruise ship! In the last several years, millions of couples have enjoyed honeymoon vacations on cruise ships, and with all the perks that you can find on a cruise ship it is not hard to see why.

When you think of a honeymoon cruise, you can think automatically of romance. When you watch movies, many of the most romantic moments you can think of are a couple on a ship sailing into the sunset. When you are on the deck of a cruise ship, you will have several opportunities to take advantage of this romantic situation! You will sail off into the sunset for however many nights your vacation lasts, while also getting romantic, moonlit nights and fun, sun-filled days. When you take a honeymoon cruise, you will also get the enjoyment and intimacy of secluded beaches and exotic locations. These events will make the memories of your honeymoon cruise very special for the rest of your lives together.

The reason it is so easy to see why so many people choose a honeymoon cruise is the simplicity of your whole vacation. When you purchase the fare for a honeymoon cruise, you are purchasing everything you could possibly need on your entire vacation. Included in that one cruise fare are your meals, snacks, accommodations, entertainment and any on-board activities. This in addition to the exciting destinations you visit all over the world! What could be easier than a cruise for all of that? You dont have to make your own dinner reservations or purchase theatre tickets when you are on a cruise. Its already done for you!

How you enjoy your honeymoon cruise is also up to you. You can sit back and relax, enjoying the sunny days by the pool or on the beach without exerting yourself. Or you can be on the go constantly, going from one show to the next, one activity to another, and exploring each and every exotic location you visit in detail. All of this between delicious dining experiences youve only ever dreamed of. Again, there are no worries or stresses, as all of these wonderful things are included in the cruise package!

Booking a cruise is easy, whether it is for your honeymoon or a special getaway. Look online or call a travel agent near you today.
Sintilia Miecevole is the webmaster of Furst Cruise that is an expert resource for information about cruises. If you have questions or comments about this article, please visit: http://www.furstcruise.com

Great Exuma Island is the Perfect Caribbean Honeymoon Destination

For many newlyweds, deciding on where to spend their honeymoon vacation is as important as the wedding itself. A Caribbean honeymoon is a popular choice, but which one of the islands will make your "dream come true"? Each one is different in what it has to offer. Much like contemplating between hiring a DJ or a band, you need to know exactly what it is you are looking for. Great Exuma Island in the Bahamas is able to appeal to many tastes. Whether you are looking for relaxation, culture or adventure, this island has it all. Moreover, Great Exuma is a Caribbean island famous for perfect weather, stunning scenery and above all-romance.



Great Exuma Island has a population of fewer than 4,000 people and offers peace and serenity. In comparison to other Caribbean islands, Great Exuma is not overrun by tourists and cruise ships. On the contrary, the island is relatively secluded and offers you the chance to hide away on a pristine white sand beach, or enjoy a picnic in a private cay.

If culture is what you are looking for, Great Exuma has it in abundance. Visit the remains of cotton growing and salt farming plantations at Williams Town. Or, take a trip to the fascinating ancient salt ponds. History comes alive at Elizabeth Harbor which was once a favorite haunt for pirates. The harbor is home to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the first land and sea park in the world to be declared a national park.

Adventure seekers will be enticed by the endless amount of activities available on Great Exuma Island. Sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing are popular. Experienced guides are available for hire and they are most happy to inject extra adrenaline into your Caribbean honeymoon. For the more daring types, rent a boat or a sea kayak and explore the island on your own. Whatever your taste, Great Exuma can certainly cater to it.

The time spent on your romantic Caribbean honeymoon should be memorable. Every couple should be able to look back on that vacation and wish that they could do it again. The island of Great Exuma in the Bahamas guarantees lasting memories and days and nights of sun, fun and romance!
Fred Coolridge is the content manager and author for the website Great Exuma Island, Bahamas - www.exumabahamas.org

China As A Honeymoon Or Romantic Getaway?

Today Norm Goldman, Editor SKETCHANDTRAVEL.COM and BOOKPLEASURES.COM is pleased to have as a guest Shelley Jiang, editor of LETS GO CHINA, 6th Edition, one of 57 guidebooks published by the bestselling budget series from LET'S GO PUBLICATIONS.

Today Norm Goldman, Editor SKETCHANDTRAVEL.COM and BOOKPLEASURES.COM is pleased to have as a guest Shelley Jiang, editor of LETS GO CHINA, 6th Edition, one of 57 guidebooks published by the bestselling budget series from LET'S GO PUBLICATIONS.


Good Day Shelley and thank you for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.

NORM:

Please tell our readers something about yourself and your expertise pertaining to China.

SHELLEY:

Born in China, I spent the first six years of my life in Beijing, the city that I will always think of as my first home. Though I moved to America and attended school there, I remain deeply connected with China through books, news, movies, family, and spending summers there every two or three years. During these summer trips, I often travel around the country and have visited many of the places in Lets Go: China.


NORM:

Would you consider China a good choice for a romantic getaway or wedding and honeymoon destination? Why?


SHELLEY:

China is vast enough to offer something for everyone, whether youre looking for a fast-paced weekend in Shanghai, a trip into Chinas gorgeous outdoors, or an immersion in centuries of tradition and history. But dont come expecting Paris or the CaribbeanChina isnt your average romantic getaway, but a destination for the free-spirited and adventurous. No resorts or pampering herepart of the excitement and romance of a vacation in China is experiencing a new culture and taking in the grit as well as the beauty.

For those willing to ditch the conventional and leave the beaten path, breathtaking natural sights and unique cultural experiences await. Otherworldly landscapes familiar from many a martial arts film (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero) can serve as the backdrop for your personal love story as well. Ancient palaces, pagodas, and temples invites travelers to step back into a past that stretches more than 5000 years. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai proudly showcase their past alongside their future, with skyscrapers rising one after another and an urban culture to rival those of any American or European city.


NORM:

What is the best time to visit China from the point of view of weather, costs, crowds, and the availability of flights from the USA, Canada and Europe and Australia, etc?

SHELLEY:

Chinas peak travel times are around Chinese New Year (some time in Jan.-Feb., depending on lunar calendar), May 1st, July-August, and the first week of October. The best time to visit would be from late-April through June, when the weather is warm, students are still in school, and many establishments are still on low season pricing. The fall is also a pleasant time to travel without the crowds (but avoid the Oct. 1st holiday week) and see beautiful foliage, especially in the north.

Airfares to China are most expensive between June and September. Even flying on May 31 instead of Jun. 1st will get you a cheaper flight. Flying September-May will get you much cheaper flights. Plan aheadthe cheapest tickets for summer flights to China sell out by early March.


NORM:

Could you give our readers an idea of the costs involved if travel originates from the USA, Canada and Europe and Australia?

SHELLEY:

China is a budget travelers dream come truewith the exception of the airfare, which can cost anywhere from US$600-1500. Its cheaper to fly from September-May. The best places to find low-fares are Chinese-run travel agencies in Chinatowncheck the local Chinese newspaper or ask around to find their listings.

The budget-conscious can often spend anywhere from US$2-10 per night for lodgings in a hostel or basic room, depending on destination. Food can cost as little as US$4 per person per day for meals from street vendors and small family-run restaurants.

Of course, splurges and treats are everywhere. A comfortable hotel room will cost around US$25-50 per night, and lavish suites range from US$60-150 per night. For US$8-25, a couple can dine at fancier restaurants serving distinctive, gourmet cuisines.

The cheapest and most convenient way to get around China is via rail. Short journeys can cost around US$5-12 for a one-way ticket, while longer journeys will cost up to US$50. Expect to pay more than US$100, however, for a private sleeper compartment for two people.

The number of domestic flights in China is on the rise. One-way fares range US$90-200; round-trip fares are always double the one-way fare.


NORM:

If you had to choose 3-5 unequalled venues in China for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or wedding destination, what would they be and why?

SHELLEY:

Jiuzhaigou: Nestled deep in the mountains of northern Sichuan, the Valley of the Nine Tibetan Villages is known for its pristine lakes and waterfalls that sparkle a spectrum of shades under the sunshine. You may remember the impossibly blue lakes from the fight sequence filmed here in Hero. Nature lovers can hike beneath the shadow of snowy peaks, experience local Tibetan culture, and in nearby Songpan, embark upon horse treks into the wild. Convenient tourist services are nearby, offering everything from budget lodgings to five-star hotels.

Hangzhou: Those in love with classical China can head to this graceful city of the south and historic dynastic capital. Willows, gardens, pavilions, and delicately arched bridges dot the shores of the West Lake, the setting for ancient Chinas most famous love stories. Sip fragrant Dragon Well tea while dining at one of Chinas oldest restaurants that once served emperors. The misty waters and city pleasures are enough to captivate anyone; if not nearby Shanghai promises a plunge back into modernity.

Yunnan: This province on the border with Vietnam and Myanmar is the ideal destination for the adventurous, with its 22 colorful ethnic minority cultures and diverse natural scenery. Its capital, Kunming, City of Eternal Spring, enchants travelers with flowers on every street, but the true attractions lie in the countryside. Pack your gear for a trek south into tropical rainforests and rice paddies, dotted by Dai villages and gleaming Buddhist stupas. Northern Yunnan is better known as Shangri-La, where red-robed monks walk the streets of mountain villages and snowy peaks beckon in the distance.

Xinjiang: Xinjiang takes romance and writes it large upon vast expanses of deserts and horizons. Experience the exoticism of a nomadic lifestyle with camel rides across the dunes and nights under the stars upon Chinas last frontier. Or trek up to the legendary Tianshan Mountains overlooking the Heavenly Pool. Friendly Uighur musicians will be happy to play at Uighur-style wedding celebrations, filled with tasty food, fresh grapes and melons, and plenty of singing and dancing.

Hong Kong: Hong Kong offers a vacation as sophisticated and exciting as it is expensive. From luxury malls to teeming street markets, Hong Kong easily combines class and chaos. Dinner cruises on Victoria Harbour, stylish hotels and restaurants, and endless clubs, bars, and entertainment options ensure that youll never run out of things to do. Macau lures travelers away with its many casinos and Portuguese-influenced cuisine and architecture, but youll find yourself back in Hong Kong before long.


NORM:

What should people know about celebrating a wedding in China from the point of view of requirements, experience of the various hotels, etc.

SHELLEY:

Large fancy hotels are readily available, with the best and widest selection obviously being in Beijing and Shanghai. Restaurants make another good venue, and Lets Go: China lists many of the best restaurants in Beijing. Book months in advance for celebrations in June and August, popular wedding months in China.

China also excels in gorgeously done wedding photo shoots, often involving lavish sets and costumes, professional make-up artists, and more. Popular options include traditional Chinese wedding garb, emperor and empress outfits, and turn of the century cheongsam robes. A full set often includes an entire albums worth of photos, the cost of which averages US125-300.


NORM:

How far in advance should a couple prepare themselves for their honeymoon, romantic getaway or wedding in China?

SHELLEY:

For the cheapest airfares, its best to start planning at least four or five months in advance. Unless you are familiar with the country, its best not to leave a trip to China to the last minute.


NORM:

What resources are available on the Internet pertaining to weddings and honeymoon vacations in China?

SHELLEY:

CTRIP offers a great destination guide, often with photographs. Their flight search is helpful for planning, but only those with Chinese credit cards can make reservations.


CHINA TOUR COM provides a wealth of practical information, from visas to currency to vaccines. They also collect news stories related to travel in China, provide information on organized tours, and offer brief guides on Chinese culture.

TRAVEL CHINA GUIDE is another good resource for destination guides.

TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE is a forum for those traveling to China.
Thanks Shelley

Norm Goldman is editor of sketchandtravel.com and bookpleasures.com. Norm and his artist wife Lily meld art and words in order to create an unusual travel story, which generates interest, particularly because of the fact that each painting appears to have been custom-made for the story-original story and original art. Combining the watercolors with travel writing provides a softer, more romantic look at the places we visit. Their main focus is on romantic and wedding destinations. As they specialize in web-based content, their articles are featured on their own site, SKETCHANDTRAVEL.COM, where you can find out more about them. They are also regular contributors to some of the most popular Internet Travel Sites: LOVETRIPPER.COM:THETIMESHAREBEAT.COM:TRAVELLADY.COM:BOOTSNALL.COM: Visit Florida Online: Tropical Island Weddings Norm and Lily are always open to suggestions as to romantic and wedding destinations to visit, write and paint about.

Honeymoon Destinations

Your big day is now over all the stress of preparing for that one day is a fond memory, now its time to enjoy the best part of the whole celebration, which is of course the honeymoon. Whether it be a skiing trip in Angola or a Caribbean cruise this is going to be the best holiday of your life so make room in your budget and splash out.

The Relaxing honeymoon

If you are drawn towards lounging on a silver beach all day with hotel waiters offering infinite margaritas and the most stunning scenery you will ever see the Maldives is the place for you. The Maldives is the most magnificent place of natural beauty on earth; it has the essential elements of sun, sand and sea. The area is made up of thousands of deserted islands, vast lagoons with infinite shades of blue and turquoise, and beautiful underwater coral gardens, a natural paradise for a tropical honeymoon.

The religion is mainly Islamic and the people are a mixture of Sri Lankan, South East Asian and Aryan origin, Dhivehi being the native language. The Maldives has always been a busy maritime route for the African, Arab and South East Asian mariners, and the sea now plays a major roll in tourism by providing exciting water activities.

Snorkeling, diving, underwater photography, are major activities here with one of the highest underwater visibility distance of 50 meters. New to the list is surfing but its a growing one with the O Neill Deep Blue contest being held here this year.

If you prefer doing nothing at all the luxurious resorts will cater to your every need, with the majority containing relaxing spas and stunning scenery there is no need to move from your resort, although a spot of late night fishing relaxing under the night sky sounds like a treat you might want to enjoy.

Go and Have some fun

If you cant stand the idea of long lazy days and nights why not take a trip to the premier entertainment destination of the world, Las Vegas. Within reasonable distance from most states in the US Vegas the city that never sleeps has everything a couple who are young at heart and looking for fun can enjoy.

Famously known as the play ground of the rich and famous Vegas has something for everyone with its concerts, nightclubs, comedy headliners, art and its famous productions shows, no one will be bored. For the gamblers at heart there are plenty of casinos to hang out in and maybe even strike it rich, who knows! The hotels in Vegas are very impressive with some of the most original and luxurious around The Venetian and Mirage are just two to mention. There is also the option to visit the grand canon which isnt too far, you can take a helicopter ride straight from Vegas to the Grand Canyon and see one of the most beautiful natural terrain there is, or why not hire a car and take the 5 hour drive, you stay over night in a log cabin.

There is plenty to do when you get there, if you want to get down and dirty you can take a trip down into the floor of the canyon which will take about 5 to 6 hours on horse back or mule, there you can spend the night sleeping around a campfire covered by a blanket of stars. If thats not adventurous enough why not go water rafting down the Colorado River that should put some wind in your sails.

Slippery Slopes

Why not whisk off to a winter wonderland on the white snow capped mountains of Canada. From the mighty Rockies to the alluring Laurentains Canadas mountains are perfect for winter sports. With its natural topography and perfect snow accumulation the Canadians have created some of the best ski resorts world wide since the 1960s.The diversity of the resorts is one of its best attractions, from the champion slopes of whistler to the laid back hangouts of Red Mountain there is a little something for everyone.

Tremblant is a popular resort described as a cross between a cute Quebecois village and a theme park there is lots of fun to be had here and you dont have to be a professional skier to enjoy yourself. The groups are of mixed ability and you can have fun learning to ski, but prepare to get wet.

Tremblant is a beautiful quaint village with brightly colored buildings knitted together along the main street of boutiques and restaurants. There are plenty of cozy wood cabin bistros and cafes to relax and enjoy after the ski day. In the evening the village comes to life with open-air theaters of fire-eaters, clowns on stilts, and live music. There are also other activities such as skating on lac Miroir and the fun water slides of La Source. You will be very busy during the day and all cozy and loved up at night.

Trip around Europe

For those culture seekers among you this would be a perfect honeymoon, this is the perfect chance to see all the historical sites youve dreamed of. To see the beautiful and romantic city of Paris for the first time together, late night strolls along the champs Elises and whispering sweet nothings under the Eiffel tower. Stop off in Venice and take an evening gondola ride down the famous canals before dining in the fabulous Venetian restaurants.

Visit London the home of William Shakespeare and The Great Queen Elizabeth I you can do a historical tour around the streets of London and be brought back in time to the streets of the gruesome Jack the Ripper and the famous burning of London bridge. Then see the beautiful Westminster abbey and stop of at Buckingham Palace to visit the queens home maybe have some tea and scones if youre lucky.

Not forgetting the diverse provinces of Ireland, the stunning west of Ireland with its ancient cultures and Gaelic speaking natives of Connemara take a currach ride over to the nearly deserted Aryan Island and see how the ancient Celts once lived. You can also visit the city of Dublin, which is drenched in culture and history the place to go to have the craic as always the Irish know how to have a good time.

The best thing about this type of Honeymoon is you can cater it to fulfill your desires the continent is your oyster.

Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice on purchasing a variety of Wedding Dresses which includes Wedding gowns, Designer wedding gowns, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information for all of your wedding interests. http://www.no1-in-wedding-dresses.com.

All Inclusive Honeymoons

Are you interested in an all inclusive honeymoon? When you hear all inclusive honeymoon you just might think of the many options in the Caribbean, but there is a honeymoon package company in California that offers many all inclusive plans. Michelle OConnor, Honeymoon Vacation Packages, offers her tips on planning the honeymoon of your dreams with a minimum amount of fuss and a whole lot of fun!

The Difference
What makes an all inclusive honeymoon different than a traditional honeymoon?

Truly all inclusive honeymoons include all pieces required for the trip, coordinating, and handling the details of the trip from the day the couple books, until they return. Many all inclusive honeymoon companies work with their couples for up to one year prior to their wedding. An all inclusive honeymoon package should include coordination of the entire trip and all the travel vendors for a successful honeymoon (hotel, food, activites, entertainment, flight, rental car, honeymoon insurance, photos, cruise booking, lists of what to bring, travel tips for the area you are visiting, getting you the best price possible, etc.).

Depending on the time of year, many all inclusive honeymoon companies will run promotions offering free services with the packages. Such promotions may include a free professional portraits, a free gourmet dinner, or off-season discounts. The power of all inclusive honeymoons is that the couple gets all the best travel vendors at steep discounts. It would cost more for the couple to go out and put the honeymoon together themselves than it would to buy a complete honeymoon package, plus they get full travel planning with a professional staff and crew. The newlyweds just finished enjoying the excitement and details of putting a wedding together! Now its time for them to relax and let someone else do the hard part!

The couple should beware of extra hidden fees. Make sure your honeymoon company does not tack on additional fees at the last minute without telling you ask up front. Having to deal with surprise fees as the wedding day and honeymoon approach can be a nightmare. Many complete honeymoon package prices even have the tax included.

Popular Honeymoon Packages
Where can couples get information on all inclusive honeymoon packages?

Couples may visit the All Inclusive Honeymoon web page to receive more information on a variety of all inclusive honeymoon packages. Plus these packages are customizable! Let us do the hard part you make all the fun decisions!

Personalization and Custom Honeymoons
What special touches can couples add to an all inclusive honeymoon to personalize the package?

The beauty of all inclusive honeymoon packages is that the couple customizes the package. The couple does not have specific selections they must adhere to; they bring their ideas and dreams and the perfect honeymoon is created. The honeymoon company should be there to offer suggestions and help guide them through all that is involved in planning the full-scale adventure that is a honeymoon.

Simplification You Will Have Just Gotten Married! Now Its Time To Relax And Enjoy Your Time Together!
How do all inclusive honeymoon packages simplify a couples work in setting up the trip?

All inclusive honeymoon packages save couples countless hours of work! Planning and putting together the specifics of a full-scale event, which a honeymoon is, takes numerous hours and travel event expertise. The couple should meet (in person or via phone) with their all inclusive honeymoon company, tell them their wishes, and the company should make it happen.
With many honeymoon vacation packages the couple gets the best professional travel vendors at steep discounts. All inclusive honeymoon companies represent volume business for travel vendors. The couple is a one-time client and does not have the bargaining power that a volume client does. Many all inclusive honeymoon companies use their bargaining power to save couples money and time.

With an all inclusive honeymoon you dont have to worry about:
Performing endless travel vendor interviews.
Mailing out several different deposits and contracts.
The timing of flights, car rentals, hotel check ins, train rides
Pricing each vendor, then pricing again, then double checking one more time.
Who will setup the flight?
Who will advise you of what to watch out for at your destination?
Who will tell you what not to miss out on?
Triple confirming arrival times, services, activities, flights, etc.

Trends
Are you seeing any trends in all inclusive honeymoons?

More couples are choosing all inclusive honeymoon packages. With todays busy lifestyles, buying a complete honeymoon package you can customize to your own tastes and desireswhile getting a better price than if you did it yourself cant be beat. Couples should shop around to see what it would cost them to piece together their own honeymoon (not to mention their time, usually over 50 hours), then compare it to the all inclusive honeymoon packages that are available. Even if you already have a travel company you are working with, we welcome you to examine these complete honeymoon packages as a reference of what you might expect from a comparable company. Your complete honeymoon package company should offer you discounted pricing and a stress free trip that is designed around your own wishes and dreams!
Michelle OConnor
All Inclusive Honeymoons

http://www.lake-arrowhead-weddings.com/honeymoon_package.shtml

All Inclusive Vacations and discount airfare can be your best choice for a pampered vacation.Mike Yeager Imagine choosing from several all inclusive vacations and discount airfare where everything is taken care of for you. Once you board the airplane you'll be pampered and cared for as you start the most wonderful trip of your life. That's because when you choose from one of many all inclusive vacations and discount airfare, you'll find that to the staff and professionals who attend to your every need, you're the most important person on that trip.

Whether you're planning a wedding, a honeymoon or the perfect family vacation, you'll find that choosing from the many all inclusive vacations and discount airfare that are available will be just what you need to settle down and relax.

all inclusive vacations and discount airfare can take you anywhere in the World.

Whether you're looking for white, sandy beaches in Hawaii or warm, tropical breezes as you travel Mexico, you'll find that purchasing a package that includes your airfare, hotel and sightseeing, is the easy, affordable, and fun way to forget about everything and simply enjoy.

With so many all inclusive vacations and discount airfare to choose from, it's important that when planning your vacation you take the time to consider where and when you want to travel. Winter time can be especially dreary if you live in a cold, wet climate. Why not get away from it all for a few weeks and soak up some sun, surf and sand with a vacation that includes it all.

Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-travel-4u.com/productpage/cheapcruises.html