Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The Perfect Honeymoon Vacation: Hawaii, Caribbean Islands, Sandals Resort, Greece, Cruising?

How exciting …He just popped the question, you accepted. Congratulations…

The next few months will be very busy making all sorts of arrangements and decisions for that special day. One of the major decisions is "WHERE TO HONEYMOON" and how to go about making sure your vacation is hassle free.

Your Honeymoon is the first step in your new life together. It is more than a pleasant trip to pretty places. It's a chance to come down to earth gently from the rush of the wedding and to discover again what it is like to be very privately and simply in love.

Whether you want a perfect hideaway in the beautiful Caribbean or Hawaii, one of the many wonderfully romantic ships to spoil you, an irresistible adventure in the South Pacific where you won't see the same old faces, or an active resort vacation golfing, playing tennis, sailing,
skiing, dancing- let a professional travel consultant help you make the right decision. Here are a few tips to consider.

If possible, give yourselves at least a 6-month lead for sitting down with your travel professional. Decide ahead of time as to the type of vacation you prefer and don't be afraid to ask questions or discuss any ideas you may have. A good travel agent will listen and will also help steer you in the right direction if you have trouble making up your mind.

Arrange your vacation time with your employer prior to making a final commitment. Try to avoid traveling on weekends, as airfares tend to be higher than midweek, plus giving
yourselves some "breathing time" between the wedding and going back to work.

And now for the big decision, where to honeymoon?

Hawaii - for lovers, Hawaii is paradise with wonderous resorts, unparralled beauty and as much or as little activity as anyone could desire. In Hawaii, romance is in the air- and on land and sea too. Guided tours, sunset cruises, kayak adventures, helicopter tours and horseback rides all exert magnetic appeal. Give yourselves at least 10 days and visit one or two islands at the most unless you have more time. The most popular islands are Kauai and Maui. Resort packages including flights and car rentals are plentiful. Just make sure you take plenty of spending money along, as you will want to participate in many activities. Your travel agent will offer suggestions about hotels that cater to honeymooners with complimentary room upgrades and champagne upon arrival.

Caribbean Islands - Picture an infinite blue sea meeting a pristine beach. Hear the rhythmic roll of the tide and melodic chime of a steel drum. Can you see yourselves in the Caribbean? Each island destination offers its unique enchantment and flavor. For example, Aruba reveals a distinctly Dutch charm with windmills and pastel-hued houses, while snorkeling, windsurfing and diving is a must in the Cayman Islands with it famous coral-encrusted walls and private
lure. Puerto Rico offers a mix of native color and sophistication. Explore Barbados with its old time plantation houses and new time music or unwind on the island of St. Lucia combining
the charm of old-world England with West Indies Style. Antigua, with its yacht-filled harbors, is the island to visit for quiet sophistication and miles of beach. So stop fantasizing and make your Caribbean honeymoon memorable.

Sandals Resort - Sandals is a diverse collection of 10 of the most idyllic resorts on earth, created exclusively for couples in love on four of the Caribbean's most exotic islands. At every Sandals, a spirit of island hospitality is in the air, complimented by an ever- smiley staff that
takes great pride in sensing your every desire. Sandals is a private world where one price covers the best of everything- including the most luxurious rooms and suites, all you can eat and drink, exclusive amenities like watersports and the most spectacular views the Caribbean has to offer.

Greece is a paradise for honeymooners. The crystal clear water of the Aegean and the Ionian seas, the romance of Santorini, the white washed homes of Mykonos, the breathtaking
beauty of the Greek Isles combined with fun loving people and history makes Greece a popular destination.

Cruising - what is your vision of luxury travel? Spacious, well-appointed accommodations with a balcony overlooking the ocean? Your choice of a vast array of daytime diversions ranging from shopping, fitness classes and spa services to scuba instruction, swimming and lounging
by the pool? Gourmet cuisine complemented by an expensive wine list, served in an atmosphere where your every need and whim is tended to? Exciting nightly entertainment, including Broadway-style shows, piano bars, disco dancing or casino gambling? Now imagine experiencing all of these things and more. Cruise vacations afford you the opportunity to surround yourselves in luxury each and every moment while also exporting exotic ports of calls. The best thing about cruising is that all expenses are paid in advance except for drinks, shore excursions and gratuities.

These are but a few ideas to get you excited… but many destinations like Tahiti, Disney World or Pocono's, are at your fingertips. All you need now is a way to figure out how you go about paying for your "dream vacation".

Decide on a honeymoon budget including spending money and meals (if not included in the package). Compare all-inclusive vacations versus other packages. Book early so you have
plenty of time to make decisions as well as get your first choice in hotel accommodations and airlines. Finally, take advantage of a travel agency's Bridal Registry. This allows friends and relatives to purchase gift certificates for the bride and groom to be applied toward the balance
of the honeymoon.

Have fun… but most important, relax and enjoy the experience…

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