Essential Tips For Cheap Honeymoons

The time is right for you to get married, but between the wedding, the reception, and the bridal party gifts, you're not sure how you're going to afford the honeymoon. The post-wedding celebration can often be quite expensive, but you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a great time. The cheap honeymoons can be just as memorable and enjoyable as an expensive one.

How can you have wonderful cheap honeymoons? Well, the easiest way to save money on this trip is to stay somewhere close to home. If you do this, you can save money on:

* Airfare

* Shuttle to and from the airport

* Parking fees if you park at the lot

* Passport application fees

Staying close to home on cheap honeymoons also means that you'll be much more likely to find a great deal. You have a better chance of knowing what prices are reasonable in your area and what so-called deals are little more than marketing. Another inexpensive honeymoons idea is to go on a road trip instead of flying. If you are the outdoorsy type, camping or even renting a cabin can be less expensive than many other types of honeymoon options.

Consider taking the train for the cheap honeymoons . This romantic mode of travel is also very comfortable and quite affordable. It gives the whole trip a kind of glamour that simply is not available with flying. You can take a sleeper train and save the money you would have spent on a night in a hotel. That means you could splurge and get a nicer room the next night.

Travel in the off-season for the cheap honeymoons . If you are getting married in February, don't honeymoon in Hawaii. Plan for a cozy week in a snug bed and breakfast rather than a beach trip to Hawaii. However, if you are getting married in September, check the rates for Hawaii. That's actually the off-season there, and you might find a good deal.

Keep your eyes open for spectacular package deals. They do still exist and can be a great way to the cheap honeymoons . Sometimes you can save big on a cruise or with an all-inclusive package. Get an interior cabin for your cruise. They cost a lot less, and have many of the same amenities.

An all-inclusive resort may be able to bundle your wedding ceremony, reception and honeymoon into one fee, which could be a lot lower than what you would pay separately. A wonderful, economical honeymoon can be yours, with just a little legwork.

Peter Morgan is the CEO and founder of JV Members Ltd a new home business which enables anyone to make money from writing freelance articles and membership is totally free! No technical knowledge is required. Or, if you would like to view more information on Honeymoons and Weddings then please click the link.

Tips for Safe Honeymooning Abroad

After reviewing international honeymoon packages online, you can begin planning your romantic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure as man and wife. Most countries, states and cities will gladly send you free information. Most likely your chosen destination will have their own website to give you details about weather, traffic, language, money, sites of interest, shopping and lodging.

These are some safety precautions that will give peace of mind to overseas travel:

? Read the Public Announcements, regarding travel warnings, on the U.S. State Department's website at www.state.gov.

? Make 2 copies of your passport identification page in case it is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with relatives and carry the other in a separate place from your passport.

? Familiarize yourself with local customs and laws of the countries to which you are traveling.

? Leave a copy of your itinerary, including hotel names, addresses, and phone numbers with family so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

? Carry as little currency as possible. Instead use travelers checks, ATM cards and credit cards for your spending needs.

? Invest in a money belt that sits on your waist under your clothes. Don't tempt purse snatchers or pickpockets-keep your cash well concealed at all times.

? Some countries require an international driver's license or permit. An American driver's license is valid in most of Europe. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles.

? To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear expensive jewelry, conspicuous clothing, or carry excessive amounts of money.

? If you get into trouble, or need more information about the area, contact the nearest U.S. embassy upon arrival.

? When choosing a hotel, make safety, not price or location your main priority.

Kathleen Terrana is the previous owner of Elegant Rentals and the current owner of Beautiful Bridal.

Second Honeymoon - Don't Wait Till You Need One

Hey, remember that honeymoon you and your new spouse took oh so many years ago? Wasn't it wonderful? The romance? The walks on the beach? The kisses under the moonlight?

Now, if you're thinking, "yeah, those were the days," then you and your beloved are due for a second honeymoon. That's right, a second honeymoon. Who said romance and spontaneity has to go away just because you've been married for awhile. Newlyweds don't corner the market on romance, you know.

So, now that you're warm to the idea of a second honeymoon, it's time to pick a place. Let's see, where shall it be? Now, if you're steering towards packing up the kids and taking off to the Grand Canyon, stop right there. This is not a family vacation. It's a second honeymoon, and one unofficial rule of a second honeymoon is NO KIDS! Not that there's anything wrong with kids. And yours are probably cute and adorable, especially in their little footie pajamas. But, cute, adorable and footie pajamas don't belong on a honeymoon. They belong back home with grandma and grandpa.

One spot you might consider for your second honeymoon is probably one you and the family wouldn't consider for your family vacation, which makes it even more perfect for your honeymoon. May I suggest St. Thomas, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Well, of course, being an island, St. Thomas can't help but be a romantic place to stay for your second honeymoon. And, if you want to be pampered, you might consider staying at one of the fine Spa Resorts on St. Thomas. Below are a couple of Resort Spas of note:

The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa

340-777-7100

The award-winning Wyndham is one of St. Thomas' most popular all-inclusive resort spas. What does all-inclusive mean? It means that many amenities are included in one package, which usually helps cut down on costs. Amenities like:

*All Meals and Snacks

*All Beverages - including premium liquor and house wine

*All activities, recreation, entertainment and non-motorized watersports, which includes tennis, basketball, beach volleyball, windsurfing, kayaks and snorkeling.

*Access to the Fitness Center

*Taxes and Gratuities - that's right, no tipping required.

There is an additional Spa Package for those who wish to avail themselves of the spa facilities.

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

340-775-3333

Another great resort on St. Thomas is the Ritz-Carlton, undergoing a $40 million renovation and enhancement project, to be completed in December 2006. The Ritz-Carlton is located on a 30-acre estate overlooks the water and white-sand beaches of the eastern tip of St. Thomas.

Those going on second honeymoons might be interested in their "Reconnect Package" which includes ocean front accommodations, daily breakfast for two, and one half-day Lady Lynsey sail for two guests per stay.

No matter where you stay on St. Thomas, do venture out and explore the wonderful beaches that St. Thomas has to offer. While your resort probably has its own private beach, you should take the opportunity and explore all the other public beaches as well.

Coki Point

A small, yet popular beach with calm waters. Coki Point is great for boat, jet skiing, scuba diving and snorkeling, with onsite beach rentals of equipment.

Magens Bay

A very popular beach, often thought of as the best beach in all of St. Thomas. You have to pay for its popularity, however. There is a small entry fee. Another place for sailing, snorkeling and kayaking.

Secret Harbor

Interested in diving? Then head out to Secret Harbor, which is considered ideal for diving. An onsite dive rental shop can assist you with equipment.

Lindquist Beach

An undeveloped beach with no equipment rental or food stands. If you want to get away from the commercial beaches, this is the place.

Wherever you stay, or beaches you visit, take time to relax and rediscover one another. Who knows, maybe you'll decide to renew your vows at the same time. Does that mean you then will go on a third honeymoon? Hm, well, there's an idea.

Why Half of All Mergers Fail after the Honeymoon End

Marriages and corporate mergers in America have at least one thing in common, more than 50 percent end up on the rocks. In fact, according to a McKinsey study, only 23 percent ever recover the costs of walking down the corporate aisle. Another study showed that over 40 percent actually lose shareholder value.

These statistics should quell the corporate urge to merge, but, like young lovers, logic seldom gets in the way of romance.

A merger between families illustrates the difficulty of creating an ideal marriage. Two single parents, each with their own children, pets, and old habits, decide to marry and join their families into one.

Because mom and dad are so in love, they fail to see that the kids don't get along, the cat hates the dog, and their single TV can only handle one show at a time. Reality slowly begins to creep into paradise.

The cover of the February 7, 2005 issue of Fortune reads "Why Carly's Big Bet is Failing, referring to Hewlett Packers acquisition of Compaq. And the list goes on:

Take Bell Atlantic and Nynex. They are already experiencing resistance to change from some of their family. The Communications Workers of America have voiced concerns about this merger. Both companies appear to have different approaches to unions. Bell Atlantic appears more confrontational, while Nynex in recent years has tried to build stronger ties to the CWA. How this gets handled, might be the first test of who holds the remote control during prime time in this new family. Will the telecommunications giants work together to develop a strategy for working with the union? Or, will they leave things to chance?

Bell Atlantic and Nynex, was not the only engagement announced recently. Time Warner and Turner, Aetna and US Healthcare, SBC Communications and Pacific Telesis Group have promised to join hands as well. In each instance, the decision to merge makes good business sense. Bright people using sound data, keeping the interests of shareholders in mind, made these decisions. Unfortunately most of the attention will be on regulatory issue, finances, and grand organizational designs. The subtle and seemingly soft issues like how decisions get made may be left to chance. If so, this could be disastrous.

The betrothed companies will need to pay attention to the fact that they are attempting to blend different ways of working. I urge these companies to consider the following as they work on their wedding vows. How are decisions made? Do they come down from on high like lightning bolts from Zeus, or do people engage in a more democratic and slower process?

How do people get things done? When an accountant needs to talk with her counterpart in marketing, must she go to her boss, who in turn talks to his peer, who in turn relays the message to her subordinate? Or do people just move freely in and out of departments with little formal regard for rank?

What do communications systems look like? Does one company have an integrated management information system complete with e-mail and sophisticated intranet linkages, while its counterpart relies on pneumatic tubes, bulletin boards, and face-to-face contact?

How are people rewarded in the two companies? Who gets bonuses, promotions, and coveted assignments? Does one company applaud risk taking and initiative while the other reveres people who play by the rules?

What's punished? Is telling the truth like the child in the emperor's new clothes appreciated or does the speaker find he has just become a pariah?

Since each company believes that its way of operating is how God intended life to be in corporate America, major differences in culture could be difficult issues to face. It will important to persist. Typically, the more powerful partner prevails, but only at a cost. The Aweaker@ partner resists being told to change and this leads to subtle or profound resistance that hinders or stops efforts to merge operations. AT&T's purchase of National Cash Register was a disaster, in large part, because the far-larger parent company tried to inflict its culture on a company that was proud of its rich heritage.

There is a choice. The two companies can identify these differences. Recognize what's good about each culture and then determine jointly how they will face the future as a unified force. All these proposed mergers will face many tests to their cultures over the coming months. They can use these incidents as opportunities to examine differences and consciously select a way of working that fits the challenges they will face in coming years, or they can just hope they will live happily ever after.

Rick Maurer is an advisor to organizations on ways to lead Change without Migraines?. He is author of many books on change including Beyond the Wall of Resistance. His web site offers over 100 free tips and tools for leading change successfully. www.beyondresistance.com

5 Honeymoon Money Saving Tips

The honeymoon will always be an important aspect in every wedding plan no matter how tight the budget is. While the wedding ceremony is the highlight of every relationship ending up in the altar, the couple will always look forward to the honeymoon.

Every newly- wedded couple will always feel the stress of wedding preparations. Even couples who are wise enough and who are capable of getting a wedding planner will not be exempt from the after- wedding desire to be stress- free. Thus, almost all couples will always consider their honeymoon the best part of getting married.

Honeymoon is a time to rest after all the wedding- related stress; it is a time to enjoy the company of each other away from the peering eyes of friends and relatives. It is a time for the couple to get to know each other better and intimately.

While majority of couples want their honeymoon to be wonderful, there is always the financial aspect that they have to contend with. The wedding ceremony may be the focal point of the whole preparation but the preparation itself requires a budget. The bride and groom and the entourage has to pay for their wedding dresses and tuxedos. The couple has to pay for the wedding services, the license, the wedding cake, the dinner and all wedding requirements.

What usually happens is that the couple spends too much on the wedding preparation that they end up having little and sometimes no budget for the honeymoon. But who said a couple could not have a romantic honeymoon if they o not have a large budget?

A honeymoon is basically already a romantic event because it is the time when the newly- wedded couple bond with each other. This alone should make the honeymoon romantic and memorable. Of course, there are at least five ways to make honeymoon a memorable event, even for a meager budget.

Every couple should take note of these five honeymoon money saving tips so they can have a fabulous time on their honeymoon without worrying about large financial requirements.

1. Avail of the services of a honeymoon registry so the guests will know what you need and want as a wedding gift

Gone are the days when a couple has to suffer in silence while opening the fifth identical wedding gift they have received; a dinnerware set. Through the wedding registry, the couple can inform the guests that they want or that they are in need of a honeymoon package. Guests who can afford such package can give them a free honeymoon instead of giving a gift that the couple does not need or a gift that they already have. Some of their friends may pool their resources together and gift them with a honeymoon package. This would mean great savings for the couple as well as a fabulous and free honeymoon.

2. Plan the honeymoon ahead of time and avail of promotions offered by resorts as early as one year away from the wedding date

Planning is till the best way to keep your resources intact and become more cost effective in your expenditures. With proper planning, the couple can take advantage of honeymoon packages or resort promotions offered by resort owners. There are honeymoon destinations that are offering big discounts for reservations made ahead of time. Some even offer as much as fifty percent discount for couples who book their honeymoon months before their wedding. This is to ensure the future income of the resorts. By availing of these promotions, the couple will not only be able to save on their finances but will also be able to plan their honeymoon itinerary ahead of time.

3. Spend your honeymoon in a fabulous tourist island but take advantage of home- stay programs offered by some areas

Some areas offer home- stay programs to promote their tourism at a lower cost. Local governments sometimes promote their tourism by gathering responsible folks and training them to become home- stay partners. Under this scheme, the homes of respected locals are accredited by the tourism officials and they become official tourist h9ome- hotels. Home stay accommodations are generally less expensive than hotels. Availing of this package can save the couple thousands of dollars that would have been spent for hotel accommodation alone.

4. Why not try being one with nature and go camping for your honeymoon instead of staying in an expensive hotel?

Couples who are nature lovers can go backpacking for their honeymoon and enjoy others company with only the moon and the stars as witnesses. His could be the best and the most romantic idea for a non- expensive honeymoon. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for hotel accommodations save the money for other important matters and take a nice trip to a deserted island.

5. Timing is important so plan your honeymoon, if not the wedding during off season

Tourist and honeymoon facilities offer as much as fifty percent discount for tourists who would visit their establishments during non- peak seasons. Do not time the honeymoon with summer or other dates when tourists would be flocking to the islands or resorts because this would be very expensive. Visit these areas during the off- peak season can mean less cost and more privacy.

For more great honeymoon related articles and resources check out http://qualityhoneymoons.info

The Honeymoon Hotspot: Hawai

Compared to Mexico or Tahiti, what makes Hawaii a special desination?

Hawaii is an exotic Polynesian destination that is a part of the United States. For American travelers, the demands of a foreign country such as a passport, currency exchange, a different language and culture are not found in Hawaii. The diversity of Hawaii with its great beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, sea cliffs, and the friendly mix of people make it a unique and exotic destination.

Hawaii is perfect for a short or long vacation with a flying time of about six hours to most islands from the west coast of the United States.

The Hawaiian Islands have many people that return to visit due to the stunning beauty of the islands, the diverse culture, and its rich history.

Where do celebrities like to go?

Hawaii is a favorite of celebrities for the great beaches, the warm tropical weather, and great natural beauty of the islands.

The Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay was the honeymoon destination of Bill Gates and Melinda French. The Kona Village on the Big Island of Hawaii was the honeymoon choice of Christie Brinkley and Peter Cook.

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii was the site of Lisa Marie Presley's wedding to Nicolas Cage.

The Princeville Resort on Kauai is a favorite of celebrities such as Matt Leblanc.

When is the best time to go to Hawaii?

Hawaii is a great destination with warm and balmy weather most of the year. Rainfall varies with the location more than the season. The western and southern regions of the islands, the leeward side, have the driest and sunniest conditions with the calmest waters. The rainy season is from November to April. You will find stormy weather at times during the winter, but much of the rain consists of short daytime showers followed by rainbows.

Hawaii has several peak travel seasons, January - March, June - August, the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. The highest prices and greatest travel demand are found during these peak travel seasons.

What are you favorite "hidden gems" of Hawaii?

You can find hidden gems on most of the Hawaiian Islands. The Outrigger Royal Kahana on Maui is good value that is located just north of the more expensive hotels on Kaanapali Beach. It is a condominium with a full kitchen in all units and is close to shopping, fine restaurants, and golf courses.

The Miramar at Waikiki is a moderate hotel on the island of Oahu with a great location. It is a few blocks from the beach and in the heart of Waikiki near shopping, restaurants, and public transportation.

The Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort on The Big Island of Hawaii is a moderate hotel with a great location. Turtles and fish can be found in the tide pools and coral formations at the resort and it is a great place to snorkel. A replica of King David Kalakaua's beach cottage and the remains of three heiau, ancient Hawaiian temples, can be found at the resort.

Hawaii has a number of smaller luxury hotels if you want to splurge for your honeymoon. The Whalers Cove on Kauai is small, secluded oceanfront hideaway located in the sunny Poipu area of the island. It is a condominium resort with spacious units and a cove that is perfect for snorkeling and diving.

The Hotel Hana Maui is a small, luxurious hotel in a remote town on the island of Maui. A private deck hot tub is offered in many of the Sea Ranch Plantation style cottages. The hotel offers yoga classes, horseback riding along the Hana Coast, a spa and much more.

The Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay Resort on the private island of Lanai is a secluded retreat of pristine natural beauty. The resort is perched above a white-sand beach that borders a protected marine preserve and features spectacular views of the ocean and Lanai's dramatic coastline. The resort has an exclusive spa, outstanding dining venues, and luxury guest rooms.

Where in Hawaii can you get the most for your money?

Hawaii has a wide variety of accommodations in all price ranges including bed & breakfasts, hotels, and condominiums. The city of Waikiki has more hotels than condominiums and you can find a number of moderate hotels if you don't mind staying three or four block from the beach. Maui, on the other hand, has more condominiums than hotel rooms. The moderately priced hotels and condominiums can be found in the southern region of Kihei. The Kihei properties are conveniently located across the street from the public beaches. Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii have fewer choices for moderate hotels and condominiums. The moderate hotels on Kauai can be found north of the airport in Lihue along the coconut coast of Kapaa. The moderate hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii can be found in the Kailua Kona area on the western side of the island.

Ed Lee, one of the top Hawaii travel specialists at TheBigDay Travel, gives the inside scoop on Hawaii travel in the following interview.

Cruising For Your Honeymoon

Taking a cruise for your honeymoon provides an opportunity for you to start your married life in a state of relaxation by exploring the unknown and enjoying all the amenities a cruise has to offer.

Cruising presents the comfort of five star luxury accommodations and provides unending excitement, adventure, the opportunity to get to know each other and to make new friends aboard your sea adventure.

A honeymoon cruise package may include:

1. Champagne and Strawberries in your Stateroom upon boarding
2. Canap?s or other treat delivered to your cabin on the evening of your choice
3. An exclusive Honeymooner?s party for you and the other newlyweds aboard the ship
4. Honeymoon Photographs
5. Champagne breakfast in bed on the morning of your choice

Destination options are limitless and depend upon your taste ? be it the romantic hills, historical monuments, beaches, tropical rain forests, foreign history, the list is endless. All cruise lines offering honeymoon packages have exquisitely appointed suites, gyms, swimming pools, spas, salons, shopping and casinos to pamper the cruiser and energize the mind, body and spirit.

You have the option to take a short weekend honeymoon with a three or four night cruise, or extending it to a long and luxurious getaway aboard a seven, 12 or even 30+ night cruise!

There?s no need to be concerned that you won?t know what to do or what to bring on a cruise, there are many resources available online and directly with the cruise line to assist you in packing, activities planning and leisure options. And fear not, should you forget to pack an item for your honeymoon, the cruise ship will have shops onboard at which you can purchase anything from basic necessities to luxury items and souvenirs for friends back home.

Considering the option of only having to unpack once, visiting multiple locations, and being able to spend some quality time with your new spouse aboard a self-sufficient floating city, you can?t go wrong planning a cruise for your honeymoon!
Rebecca Sherman is an editor at ModernWeddingPlanner.com Our Free Wedding Planner and Wedding Planning Guide has sections to track guest information, RSVP?s, budgets, shower and wedding gifts and More! Plus export your data to Excel.

Honeymoon Trends

 by: Paris Permenter & John Bigley

While the traditional vows endure, the ways to celebrate a marriage have changed right along with the travel industry. Today's honeymooner may be looking for value, adventure, or variety and searching for a getaway that's as exotic as a stay in a private European castle or nearby as a local bed-and-breakfast inn.

One constant is that couples are willing to spend money on a honeymoon - an average of $1,402 per couple compared to $421 spent annually on regular trips according to the Travel Industry Association of America. Young couples, age 18 to 24 years, spend the most on honeymoons, averaging $1,873. And as many as one-third of all honeymooners spend over $2,500 for that once-in-a-lifetime trip.

And while the move is back toward the traditional wedding and honeymoon associated with earlier generations, today's newlyweds are a far cry from the travelers of earlier days. "They're looking more for luxurious and romantic places, like the little out-of-the-way small hotels and inns and private castles," points out Sylvie del Giudice, spokeswoman for Les Romantiques Hotels. "They're ready for a different experience. It's the experience of a lifetime. They are choosing to go further away on their honeymoon to a different environment and that includes everything: a different language, culture, and food."

Today's couples are finding new ways to celebrate their union, creating honeymoon trends that are being felt throughout the industry.

ALL-INCLUSIVE FUN

Started in Jamaica but spread throughout the Caribbean and Mexico and into some other regions as well, the all-inclusive vacation is becoming ever more popular with honeymooners - and their families. Their "one price pays all" policy makes the all-inclusive trip more and more convenient for parents purchasing a honeymoon package as a gift for newlyweds. Air, transfers, meals, drinks, watersports, and even tips are included in the tab at all-inclusive resorts.

GETTING MARRIED ON YOUR HONEYMOON

Getting married on your honeymoon is also an increasingly popular concept in the Caribbean, where resort packages provide everything from wedding cake to music. At some properties like SuperClubs (http://www.superclubs.com), guests can enjoy a free wedding, including the minister's fee and marriage license.

MEXICO AND CANADA

The devaluation of Canada and Mexico's currencies mean an increase in honeymoon business for financial reasons. Canada is also gaining popularity as a honeymoon hotspot. Couples looking for a white honeymoon find it in ski areas such as Banff, Whistler, and Jasper, and those seeking big city culture seek out cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. The current strength of the American dollar against the Canadian also makes our northern neighbor an attractive honeymoon destination. "Canada is extremely popular as a honeymoon destination," explains Judy Love Rondeau from the office of the Canadian Consulate General in Dallas. "Your money goes 40% further in Canada. Also, honeymooners like the cities of Montreal and Quebec City because they are like going to Paris without going so far and spending so much money."

CITY DESTINATIONS

For some couples, a chance to enjoy the romance of a big city and the elegance of fine dining makes major cities a honeymoon destination. A recent study by the American Society of Travel Agents showed that the most popular city was Las Vegas. Orlando, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles were other top choices.

OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS

While some couples choose to vacation close to home, conserving both time and money, others see a honeymoon as a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. For these travelers, it's the time for a fantasy journey to destinations whose very names mean romance. For these lucky honeymooners, the American Society of Travel Agents has found that Great Britain is the top European destination, followed by France and Germany.

"We see more and more honeymooners going to Europe versus the Caribbean," says Les Romantiques Hotels' Sylvie del Giudice. "People are getting married older, and they're more interested in the culture and the experience and the discovery of Europe. Or they want to go back to Europe. I deal a lot with people who went to Paris once and now want to show it to their spouse.

"They usually combine romantic cities like Paris, Florence, or Rome with a resort escape like the Riviera or Normandy or the Amalfi coast of Italy so they have the best of both worlds," explains del Giudice. "We have also noticed that honeymooners are becoming more and more adventurous and discovering new areas."

Looking for new European experiences is also bringing more honeymooners to less traditional destinations. Destinations like Portugal, Malta, and Turkey are gaining popularity.

ADVENTURE HONEYMOONS

The current trend toward adventure and eco-tourism vacations hasn't overlooked the honeymoon industry. "We have seen a number of newlyweds go on dude ranch vacations as well as our other trips like the cattle drives," says Dave Wiggins, president of Boulder, Colorado-based American Wilderness Experience. "It's the kind of thing for couples who are looking for something inspiring, something they can come back and say 'guess what we did on our honeymoon.'"

Although Wiggins has sold many honeymooners rugged adventure packages, ranging from a 10-day safari in Alaska to sea kayaking in Baja Mexico to river rafting along Idaho's Salmon River, many honeymooners favor soft adventure. "The lodge-based vacations tend to be more popular with honeymooners because they have a bed and roof over their head and a hot shower," points out Wiggins.

"We're seeing more and more soft adventure travel so we have more deluxe lodge-based options," points out Wiggins. Whether honeymooners overnight in a mountain cabin or in a seaside tent, however, he explains the popularity of adventure travel with today's travelers. "At a resort there's a lot to pick and choose, but you can find yourself being a spectator and watching the action go around. On an adventure trip, you're smack dab in the action. There's no sitting back and watching the action go by in front of you - you are the action on an adventure tour."

Finding that special quality is up to the individual honeymooners themselves. With the myriad of choices and a selection of atmosphere that ranges from white-knuckle adventure to hedonistic laziness, there's something for everybody.

Husband and wife team Paris Permenter and John Bigley edit the award-winning Lovetripper.com (www.lovetripper.com), a romantic travel magazine and resource featuring honeymoons, destination weddings, and romantic getaways worldwide.editors@lovetripper.com