Wintertime Honeymoon Vacation Ideas in Yellowstone

Yellowstone area is a big draw for honeymooners. If you're looking for ideas, check out our Top Ten Activities and Winter Activities pages at www.yellowstone-area-guide.com. My son and his wife spent their honeymoon in West Yellowstone and the surrounding area just last December (2005). They absolutely loved it.

When most people go on their honeymoon they don't particularly want a set agenda where they need to keep a schedule. Still, there are some that want to squeeze as many activities as they can. I've put together several sample agendas that take the work out of planning your honeymoon. My wife, being the romantic that she is, has helped me put this article together. So here are some great honeymoon vacation ideas.

West Yellowstone Honeymoon

Sample Agenda #1

Wakeup, eat breakfast at your hotel or eat at the Running Bear Pancake House. It's located at 538 Madison Avenue. It's easy to find and they serve an excellent breakfast.

After breakfast drive or walk on over to #208 Electric Street. Once there, find Yellowstone Arctic Yamaha, go inside and rent 2 snowmobiles. Get a good map of the trails in the West Yellowstone and Island Park area, and go have a blast. Another option; call beforehand and make reservations (406 646-9636) to take a guided snowmobile tour inside Yellowstone Park. There is really nothing like seeing Yellowstone with a blanket of snow covering everything. Make it a half-day or full-day excursion. Take a lunch.

After eating, go to the Yellowstone IMAX. Each show starts on the hour beginning at 9 am and running until 9 pm.

When the show is over, if you haven't had dinner, go to Bullwinkles Saloon and Eatery. They are at #19 Madison.

Go back to your room and relax. Winter Sample Agenda #2

Wake up and get breakfast.

Go cross country skiing on the Rendezvous Trail System. It's an olympic class trail. You can rent skis at Bud Lillys Trout Shop or FreeHeel and Wheel. If you're a novice, they can give you some basic instruction. It's an activity that you can do for an hour or all day long.

Jackson Hole Honeymoon

Winter Sample Agenda #3

Get breakfast.

Spend the rest of the day downhill skiing. You have 2 resorts to choose from; Snow King right in Jackson or Jackson Hole Mountain Resort at Teton Village. Both offer great skiing.

In the afternoon or evening when you get done with your hike, instead of driving straight back to Jackson, swing around to the west and stop at the Mangy Moose in Teton Village. They have a restaurant as well as a bar. After dinner, head back to your hotel for some R & R.

Winter Sample Agenda #4

Get breakfast.

Drive to the elk refuge and take a sleigh ride out to feed the elk. Rides are on a first come first served basis. They depart 3 or 4 times every hour.

Get some lunch.

In the afternoon go to Teton Village and take a tram ride up the hill and back. Remember, though, that the tram will be closed until 2008. Even though the main aerial tram is being replaced, you can still get up the mountain on the Bridger Gondola.

In the evening take a Solitude Cabin sleigh ride and dinner. They serve roast prime rib au jus, filet of broiled salmon, or vegetarian entree. Good stuff. Call their phone number at (307) 739-2603 to make reservations.

These are some good honeymoon vacation ideas for you to look over. If you don't like a set agenda, you can still glean from these ideas and do what you want at your leisure.

Roger Turner is the webmaster of Yellowstone-area-guide.com. He also teaches music and loves the outdoors.

How To Plan A Romantic, Yet Affordable Honeymoon

Getting married is one of the biggest moments in anyone?s life. It?s the harmonious union of two people in love. However, that love can quickly start to fizzle if the honeymoon is too costly and turns into a travel nightmare. Anytime you travel or attempt to book travel plans, there is the possibility of something going wrong. And when you?re traveling for the first time as a married couple, you want your getaway to be as enjoyable and trouble-free as possible.

If you?re getting married soon and want to book a romantic AND trouble-free honeymoon to an international destination without leaving you broke, you need to think ahead and establish your travel budget, choose your destination carefully, and find international travel deals.

Establish Your Honeymoon Travel Budget

One thing that many couples don?t do before they start planning their honeymoon is establish what they can afford to spend on the trip. When dealing with international travel, travel expenses such as international airfare, car rentals, hotel rooms, and other items can add up very quickly. And since it?s a honeymoon rather than a student travel trip, you don?t want to end up staying in a hostel because you ran out of money. So, before you even select a destination, establish exactly how much you have to spend on all items involved in your honeymoon. This includes meals, travel expenses, souvenirs, and any other high-priced items. Remember, traveling internationally can be costly; so if you don?t want to end up sleeping on a park bench on your honeymoon, establish your travel budget before you choose a destination.

Choose Your Honeymoon Destination Wisely

Once you have established your honeymoon travel budget, the next step is to choose your destination. When selecting a honeymoon destination, it?s a good idea to first list what activities you?d like to do. Are you interested in scuba diving? Do you want to visit museums? If so, what types of museums? After you?ve created your list, compare it to your spouse?s list; see what activities you both have in common, and create a final list.

After your list is finalized, decide when you?re going to go. The time of year you travel will dictate what countries/cities you can visit to complete as many items on your list as possible. For example, if you want to layout on the beach every day during your honeymoon, but you?re getting married in February, you want to find a honeymoon destination that is sunny and warm in February. The key to choosing the ideal honeymoon destination is selecting a location that satisfies your travel activities, offers the optimal climate to complete those activities, and is within your travel budget.

Find International Travel Deals

Most newly wed couples don?t have a fortune to spend on their honeymoon. However, many couples still want to have a honeymoon that?s exotic, international, and romantic. So the solution to having the most romantic, yet affordable honeymoon possible is to find international travel deals. The Internet is a great place to look for international travel deals and discounts on airfare. Discounted travel rates and cheap airfare deals can be found online on travel web sites and through online travel consolidators, like cFares. These travel sites contract with the different airlines and use airfare search engine technology to get the best international travel deals on flights around the world. So if you?re looking for a way to save a bundle on your honeymoon, search the Internet for international travel deals.

Top International Travel Deals and Destinations for Your Honeymoon

Discount Travel to Milan
There are few places in the world where shopping and eating could be considered religious experiences. Milan's boutique-lined streets offer some of the world's most exquisite and exclusive styles, dominating the cutting-edge of design. Travel to Milan to pamper yourself, but keep a keen eye for how you might redecorate your outdated (by Milan standards) living room. Brera is the most sophisticated and elite shopping area, centrally located and also home to the Pinacoteca de Brera, one of the most coveted museum collections in Europe. Read more about travel to Milan and find international travel deals to Milan at http://www.cfares.com/milan/.

Discount Travel to Brazil
Brazil is the largest and most dynamic South American country, bordering all but two of the continent's other nations. In Brazil, wild Amazon adventures can be coupled with stimulating city sights and leisurely beach escapades. Read more about travel to Brazil and find international travel deals to Brazil at http://www.cfares.com/brazil/.

cFares is the first choice thousands of knowledgeable travelers are using right now to save hundreds of dollars on low airfares. For more information on international travel deals, visit www.cfares.com

Newlywed's Check-Out of Gift Return Lines And Check-In To ForTheMoon.com Online Honeymoon Registry Service.

Release announces forthemoon.com the premier interactive honeymoon registry service as an alternative to traditional wedding gift registries, with company background.

(PRWEB) January 17, 2005- Many newlyweds-to-be already have all of the toasters and TV's they need and are moving into a new gift registry era where helicopter tours, candlelight dinners and romantic honeymoon suites fill their online shopping carts. By choosing forthemoon.com online honeymoon registry service, there are no last minute dashes to the store or unwanted gifts for couples to return. For The Moon was designed by newlyweds for newlyweds and offers travel planning, personal service and convenience for both busy couples and their guests.

Wedding costs are on the rise and many couples find themselves unable to afford a honeymoon after the expense of the wedding. By helping couples to replace unwanted and un-needed gifts, For The Moon and her sister company Alderman Travel have linked couples and guests together for a unique online experience that is convenient, fun and economical for all. "For The Moon has given me the opportunity to help couples build the honeymoon of their dreams and pay for it", says Owner/Creator of For The Moon and Alderman Travel, Tana Alderman, "I always hear couples talking about wanting to do something creative and original for their wedding and guests. I really feel that honeymoon registries are helping to meet the emotional and economic needs of today's couple and that this industry will continue to grow".

Whether couples choose to book travel on their own or through Alderman Travel, For The Moon is the perfect service to use in place of traditional house-ware registries. For those couples who have it all and want to try something new or need help stretching the honeymoon dollar just a bit further, this service is exactly what they are looking for.

About For The Moon

Newlyweds and owners of forthemoon.com, Tana & Derick Alderman began in 1999 planning unique weddings and events in Colorado and have expanded into a successful nationwide honeymoon registry, travel and destination wedding service. With over 18 years of combined experience the Alderman's and their knowledgeable honeymoon specialists personally assist couples to create memorable weddings and honeymoons. Through the website www.forthemoon.com couples can create a custom online honeymoon registry that is available to family and friends for gift purchases and wedding information.

For The Moon Contact: Tana & Derick Alderman 1-800-990-4008 www.forthemoon.com or www.aldermantravel.com

Hawaii Honeymoon Vacations - Feel The Difference In Romance

Hawaii honeymoon vacations are ideal for any newly wed couples. The exotic beaches of Hawaii with its captivating beauty will make your trip a memorable one. The enchanting beaches have the air of romanticism that transcends you to a different world with your partner.

There are many beaches all around the world but none to match the ecstasy of the Hawaiian beaches. The island of Hawaii has special attractions with scuba diving and snorkeling that act as a bonus to visiting the place. The famous beaches lie at the Hilo District, Kona District, Kohala coast, Kau and Puna districts. Then there are other beaches that are equally bewitching and exotic like Kauai beaches, Oahu beaches, Maui beaches etc.

Let Hawaii be your first choice of honeymoon if you love beaches and seas. You will get the best deals with Hawaii honeymoon packages. There are also special offers if you book online. Please do a little bit of homework to get the best deal on Hawaii honeymoon packages.

The majestic beaches of Hawaii are perfect to drink life to the lees. The scenic beauty will inspire you for a better loved life and you will find contentment in your partner's arm - something that you have been longing for. Hawaii honeymoon vacation resorts and hotels have much more to offer. There are different types of accommodation to suit your budget and make you enjoy very moment of your stay in Hawaii.

The Hawaii honeymoon package comes in a combination of meals, guided tours along with other entertainment options like car rental etc. You can get accommodation in a five star, 3 star or 2 star hotels depending on your budget. Hyatt Regency Maui, the famous hotel also provides golf courses for golf lovers along with other benefits. Another hotel worth mentioning that is perfect for honeymoon couple is Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani (with terrace view accommodation and a Hertz car rental). Termed as America's jewels in the Pacific, Hawaii is a picaresque land with a culture of its own.

The resorts in the Hawaii Island also provide for partying options when you stay there. It makes you feel you are in the seventh heaven with your loved one. The beauty of the islands with its natural landscape and the memorable time spent at the sea beaches signify the start of a new romantic life.

Ignacio Silverstones writes about hawaii honeymoons and other interesting topics. For more information on a hawaiian honeymoon visit us today

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.