HONEYMOONS: THE
"HOW-TO" AFTER "I DO"
So you’re planning your
honeymoon? Congratulations! The honeymoon is an important part of the
wedding experience, and a much-needed escape after months of exciting,
yet exhausting, wedding planning.
To unlock the secrets of
honeymoon bliss that will make all your friends envious, check out these
tips from the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Some of the most
travel-wise people in the world, ASTA members know that planning your
honeymoon should be as relaxing as the honeymoon itself.
First Things First – Let’s Define Ideal
Most people grow up with a preconceived notion of what an ideal
honeymoon should involve. However, a bride’s idea of tropical paradise
and a groom’s idea of a ski resort could conflict.
Communication
and compromise are needed from the start (and preferably the duration)
of the marriage, with the goal to make your honeymoon romantic,
memorable and stress-free. Consider these questions as soon as honeymoon
talks begin:
› What is most important? Suntan lotion, sand and
surf or the privacy and seclusion a cozy mountain retreat?
› Are you
looking to experience new cultures in distant lands or do you just want
to get away from it all?
› Are you more interested in going around
the corner or around the world?
› Do you want to spend more on the
wedding or the honeymoon?
› Niagara Falls like your parents? The
Caribbean like your friends? Europe like your ancestors?
› What
sounds better: a cruise, a package vacation or an all-inclusive resort?
Paradise Comes in Many Guises –Types
of Honeymoons
When it comes to honeymoon planning,
most couples try to select the destination first, yet travel agents
suggest a more productive way to begin. Unless your dream destination
has already been set in stone, first decide what type of vacation you
want and then narrow down your list of destinations accordingly.
Resorts are the most popular honeymoon destinations, for they
transport you into another world for a miraculous escape from the daily
grind. Often set in the most picturesque places in the world, they
include pools, private beaches and golf courses, as well as culinary
delights and relaxing spas.
All-inclusive resorts streamline the
enjoyment process by including everything — your room, transfers,
recreational facilities, meals and drinks — all in one price. Without
the worries of wondering how much everything little thing will cost, you
are free to live the high life and experience everything you want as
often as you want it.
If an all-inclusive resort sounds tempting
but too stationary, consider taking a cruise. Cruises are floating
resorts that whisk you away to one exotic port after another. Whether
you want a cultural cruise to the Mexican Riviera or a wildlife
adventure up the Alaskan coast, your travel agent will match you and
your betrothed to the perfect floating experience.
If the idea
of lying on beach sounds about as exciting as a nap, then shift to a
higher gear and take an adventure vacation, especially if you and your
fiancé share a kindred spirit for outdoor exhilaration. Whether it’s
white-water rafting in Colorado, hiking through the Alps or taking an
African safari, sharing the experience will become a vital bond you both
will share forever.
Cultural and historical trips are
fascinating and romantic ways to reconnect with the past. Visit a famous
European city — Paris, London, Rome…the list goes on — and inhale the
culture, soak in the sights and experience the art of living. Or dive
into the rich history of the old world country from which your family
originated. The unique perspective you gain will become a central root
for your future family tree.
Want
Stress Free? Leave it to a Professional
After “I do,”
your two favorite words will be “stress free,” and we can’t stress that
enough. Planning for the most important day of your life will be a
wonderfully crazy time for you, so finding someone you trust to aid in
your decision making will be a welcomed relief.
Would you try and
bake your wedding cake yourself or ask a professional for help? For
stress-free travel plans — especially those with multiple steps like a
honeymoon — seek out the expert advice of a travel agent.
A good
travel agent can save you money as well as time — two enormous factors
for a couple trying to plan a wedding and a honeymoon simultaneously.
Through incomparable experience and valuable resources, travel agents
specialize in providing personalized suggestions to suit your interests
and your budget. And visiting their office for a chat is absolutely
free!
From Their Lips to Your
Ears—Travel Agent Tips
Begin early and share the
planning. To ensure that you both enjoy the honeymoon, make all the
decisions together.
Make time for yourselves. Pad your honeymoon
schedule with generous amounts of free time, for a rushed and overly
organized honeymoon might feel too much like your wedding. Instead, plan
a few enjoyable activities and leave lots of opportunities to just enjoy
each other's company.
Set a tentative budget. Talk about your
expectations and priorities from the very beginning and decide what you
might splurge on and where you might cut corners.
Splurge on
whatever accommodations you choose. No matter what type of vacation
package you choose, you will spend an enormous amount of time in your
room or cabin. Make it special — make it unforgettable.
Use your
maiden name. Unless you’re taking a delayed honeymoon, you won’t have
time to change the name on your passport and driver’s license. Use your
maiden name on visas, airline tickets, etc., so they match as it appears
on your official documents.
Tell the world you’re on your
honeymoon. Stand up on every chair, on every rock and shout, “We’re on
our honeymoon!” Everyone from strangers to airlines to hotels will take
notice and cheerfully offer you such special treatment such as
complimentary champagne in-flight or a gift basket in your room. Go
ahead, it’s your honeymoon.
Starting Your New Life
Marriages should start out on
the right foot, and there’s no better right foot than the perfect
honeymoon that’s romantic, stress free and unforgettable.
Wherever you spend your honeymoon, ASTA members want you to remember to
pack a good attitude and simply enjoy your time together. With a little
TravelSense, a few guidelines and some helpful tips, your honeymoon will
be love at first night.
