Honeymoon Destinations: Where to Go

Michael Cottam, one of the founders of TheBigDay, offers advice on how to go about choosing where to go on your honeymoon.

So you're engaged...congratulations! One of the most fun parts about getting married is planning that honeymoon trip of a lifetime. And if you haven't even narrowed it down to a country, much less an island or a resort, don't worry-many (if not most!) honeymoon couples are in the same boat.

Some couples start by leafing through travel or bridal magazines and looking for pictures that are appealing and romantic-you can do this, but you're more likely to settle on the best-MARKETED destination rather than the best destination for your wants, needs, and style.

The following are questions you should ask yourself-it'll help you figure out what your options are, and help you ask better questions of your travel agent...which will help you plan that perfect honeymoon.

When are you going?
Every destination has its high and low seasons-and this is typically a combination of weather and the times of the year that their tourists typically take vacations. Some destinations, such as Hawaii, have very little variance in their weather year-round; others, like the Caribbean have a definite hurricane season. Yet it's important to know that the Caribbean is a very big place-and different parts have different hurricane seasons, and some parts of the western Caribbean really aren't hurricane prone at all. Other destinations--such as Central America and Southeast Asia-have rainy or monsoon seasons. You really need to know the specific destination in order to have a feel for whether or not their "green" season is too "green" (rainy!) for you.

Also, ask yourself if you're willing to delay the start of your honeymoon a couple of weeks or months. Summer months are very popular for weddings, as it tends to be easier for family and friends to get to the wedding; plus, if you're having an outdoor wedding, the odds of good weather are more in your favor. However, this also tends to be the expensive (and sometimes more crowded) season for many honeymoon destinations. Giving yourself a month off after the wedding before leaving on your honeymoon can give you time to relax and wind down from the wedding, write your thank-you notes, and take advantage of the lower prices of what's known as the "shoulder season" (between high and low season).

Travel time/vacation time
How much time off work are you going to take? And how much of it are you willing to spend on an airplane?

If you're going on an African safari, you're going to consume about a day and a half traveling each way from the U.S. This is fine if you're going to be there a couple of weeks, but if those days are coming off your total of 7 days on vacation, you might consider someplace closer. And distance isn't the only factor: how many stopovers is it going to take to get where you're going? If you've got to land on a main island, then wait around for 4 to 6 hours for the "island hopper" flight to take you out to your remote private island retreat, that's going to consume your vacation time too.

A great option, if it's available, is a red-eye flight, where you sleep on the plane and wake up at your destination, saving a day of vacation time.

Cost
The big question! First, some statistics: the average U.S. couple spends about $3700 for their honeymoon package...and this doesn't included expenditures once they're at their destination. When considering a resort that's NOT all-inclusive, take some time to research the area and find out what meals cost, what a snorkel trip costs, what taxis cost, etc. Tourist bureau sites are a good place to start.

Costs of excursions and meals can easily add up to much more than your airfare and hotel, and you need to be realistic and prepared for this. Consider staying at multiple hotels on your honeymoon-perhaps one or two nights at someplace really nice to start, then a more moderate property with perhaps less of a view for the remainder.

Language
This is less of a problem than you might think. Unless you're backpacking around some exotic country, you're going to find people in restaurants, hotels, and the activity vendors all speak English. One bit of advice: try to learn a few words and phrases in the local language, as you'll find you're treated differently if you begin conversations with "hello" in their language, and show you're willing to make the effort to get along in their country.

History and culture
Do you enjoy visiting ancient ruins...centuries-old cathedrals...seeing native villages? The beauty of the art, architecture, and history of Greece, Italy, Scotland and Ireland, or Mayan civilizations can make for a fabulous honeymoon experience.

Europe is an obvious destination, but think also about the Mayans and Aztecs in Latin America...Buddhist temples in Bali and Thailand... Angkor Wat in Cambodia...Buddhist and Hindu temples in India. China is becoming a much more popular destination as well: consider visiting the Great Wall and seeing the Terracotta Warriors.

The destinations
Here's a quick look at some of the more popular destinations, and what they're known for.

Fiji- great scuba and snorkeling, very friendly people, mostly villa-style beach bungalow accommodations in widely-separated resorts. Moderately expensive to very expensive. About 9 hours flying time from Los Angeles.

Hawaii- beautiful weather all year round, close to mainland U.S., amazing array of watersports and adventure activities. Not as much of a cultural transition for mainland Americans as many other destinations. Most hotels have 200-400 rooms; hotel density along beaches can be high. Excellent choice for a destination wedding, as prices are very reasonable for high quality and service. Inexpensive to moderately expensive.

Tahiti- great scuba and snorkeling, famous for overwater bungalows and phenomenal views. Resorts tend to be fairly far apart; very secluded and private. Expensive to very expensive; food, drinks, and activities can be very expensive as well. About 8 hours flying time from Los Angeles.

Mexico- Cancun/Cozumel nearly fully recovered from the past summer's hurricanes, and much rebuilding has resulted in many upgraded resorts. High density of resorts on beaches in places like Cancun and Cabo. Great diving, watersports; some areas close to Mayan ruins. Recently, all-inclusive resorts have become common, and there are some terrific bargains to be had, especially at the moderate to more expensive resorts. A new trend we're seeing is combining the traditional beach vacation with a few days inland at one of Mexico's colonial cities, exploring the history and culture of old Mexico. Easy access from the U.S. Inexpensive to moderately expensive.

Caribbean- known for prevalence of all-inclusive resorts, especially in Jamaica. Huge range of cultures, styles, food, music. Great watersports and scenery, and not too long in the air from major U.S. cities. Cruises are a very popular way to explore multiple islands and countries in the Caribbean at a modest cost. Inexpensive to very expensive.

Europe - history, architecture, and great food and wine are big draws here. Airfare is less than you might expect, often sub-$500 per person roundtrip. Less of a beach resort destination, although areas of Italy, France, and Greece on the Mediterranean can provide the sun & surf element. Castles in Ireland and self-drive B&B vacations throughout the UK are popular, as are villa stays in France and Italy. In Greece, the Cyclades islands are very popular: Santorini with its submerged volcano, black sandy beach, and breathtaking sunsets...Mykonos with its blue-domed churches, whitewashed houses and beaches...and Naxos, the largest island with golden sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and the medieval capital of Hora. Honeymooners often combine stays on these islands with a visit to Athens. Many cruise options are available, allowing easy exploration of a number of Mediterranean ports in one vacation. Moderately expensive to very expensive.

Costa Rica & Belize - becoming very popular as eco-tourism destinations, these countries offer terrific beach resorts, watersports, diving and snorkeling, combined with jungle exploration and eco-adventures. Treetop resorts becoming popular here as well; and like Mexico, there are a number of Mayan ruins accessible in Belize. Belize also is famous for its barrier reef, and the scuba diving hotspot known as The Blue Hole. Relatively short flight from mainland U.S., combined with great value for the dollar at many resorts makes these two countries very hot for honeymooners.

Australia & New Zealand - enormous variety of things to do for the adventurous types, from Ayers Rock to the Great Barrier reef, Sydney and its renowned Opera House, Surfers Paradise. New Zealand has everything from geysers in Rotorua to jet-boating; hiking and skiing amongst tremendous scenery, and of course the famous Maori hospitality. We often suggest combining a trip to either of these countries with a stopover in Fiji or Tahiti as well. Long flight times (15 hours+ from Los Angeles) mean you'll probably want to stay 2 weeks at the very least. Moderately expensive to expensive.

The Seychelles, Maldives, and Mauritius are all fabulous honeymoon destinations, although because of the flying time from the U.S. (around 30 hours), they're more commonly visited by Europeans. Truly spectacular diving and scenery, great food and culture, and very friendly people. Hotels are much more spread out than Hawaii or Mexico-more like Fiji or Tahiti. Private island resorts are common, as in Fiji and Tahiti. Seychelles and Mauritius trips are commonly combined with a week or so in Africa on safari. Expensive to very expensive, even without the airfare (roughly $1500 to $2000 per person roundtrip from the U.S.).

Southeast Asia - combines terrific beach resorts with extraordinary culture and historical sites to explore. A relatively long flight from the U.S. (up to 20 hours depending on routing), but a tremendous value once you're there. Thailand, Bali, China, Vietnam and Cambodia are all becoming very popular. Very inexpensive without the airfare; inexpensive to moderate with airfare.

Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Chile are becoming more popular, and offer a great opportunity to experience culture, wilderness and traditional beach resorts all in one vacation. The Amazon is a huge draw, of course, but also the culture and experiences to be had in Rio and Buenos Aires make for a very memorable and exotic honeymoon. The Inca city of Machu Picchu is certainly one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world, perched in the Andes at over 9,000 feet in elevantion. Moderately expensive to very expensive.

Michael and Terry started TheBigDay back in 2001 in Terry's garage. Michael's role is a combination of technology and business development. He's an avid traveler, and recently also became a Big Day customer as well, marrying Melinda in the summer of 2005. In his spare time, Michael enjoys photography, racing motorcycles, and working on interesting and unusual cars.

A Cruise 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. Cruise lines are building bigger ships every year and with the additional ships, they are vastly expanding their ports of call. There are cruise itineraries for all tastes from Alaska to the Caribbean to Europe, cruise lines have it all. 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! If you and your new spouse are the really adventurous types some cruise lines are now offering around the world cruises that last for 3 to fours months. 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.

Disney World - A Romantic Place to Honeymoon

Disneyworld is the absolute best place where you can make you and your spouse's fairy tale come true. Just like Cinderella and her Prince Charming, the two of you can enjoy the magic and romance of Disney. With international cuisine, fun parks, a romantic atmosphere, beautiful accommodations, and excellent nightlife, the two of you will have the best honeymoon ever. In fact, many couples have selected Disney World as the place to visit year after year after year. In this brief article, we will discuss the romance of Disney and why you should consider it for your honeymoon.

Disneyworld- A Place for the Romantics

Although Disney World is typically marketed to people with children, it is a great place to enjoy love and romance. In fact, couples have been honeymooning at Disney World for ages. They are absolutely enthralled with the magical quality that emanates from this romantic and magical place. They are aware that Disney World is more than a great amusement park. It is also a place to enjoy excellent dining, deluxe spas, and beautiful beaches.

Accommodations for Honeymooners

In addition, honeymooners can truly get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life at Disney World. If you want quiet and solitude, all you have to do is inform the reservation desk and they will make sure that you are not disturbed. They will do their best to accommodate you in a room that is far away from elevators, noise and heavily trafficked areas like the pool area. Plus, if you really want to be romantically inclined by the Disney atmosphere, you can even choose to stay in a hotel within the park. Just imagine, you and your spouse can smooch on your private balcony while enjoy beautiful and spectacular park scenery including fireworks over EPCOT.

As an added bonus, you can both enjoy "couple massages" and romantic candlelight dinners. You can also feast on Cuban, Italian, American, or other cuisine while enjoying a variety of mouth-watering culinary delights. For entertainment, you can attend an unforgettable movie experience at AMC 24 Pleasure Island Theaters Complex or a show of daring artistry and acrobatics at Cirque du Soleil that have been astounding couples all over the world. Last but not least, you can enjoy the parade in the Magic Kingdom and a laser show in MGM or simply take a romantic tour around the park on the monorail.

In conclusion, Disney World is a great place for honeymooners. It is romantic and magical place where you can have a blissful time. No wonder, people come back to Disney World to celebrate their honeymoons and anniversaries!

John Murray publishes a Disney World blog filled with helpful articles, ideas and thoughts about Disneyworld vacations.

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.