Honeymoon on a Budget

Everyone is looking for ways to cut their wedding costs these days, and the honeymoon is no exception. Happily, there are plenty of ideas that can help you have a memorable romantic getaway without spending a fortune. Here are some great ways to honeymoon on a budget.

First of all, consider the season. If you can visit a destination in its off-season, you will save a bundle over the peak prices. In addition, you will not have to battle crowds at every popular tourist spot. This strategy works better for certain locations than others. For instance, if you visit Italy in the winter, the weather will be cool, but all of the wonderful museums, shops, restaurants, and other attractions will still be as incredible as ever. On the other hand, if you are a serious sunbather, it won’t do you much good to book a trip to a beach that is likely to be cold or rainy.

Another money saving option is to vacation closer to home. It is all about your priorities. If you and your future spouse love fine cuisine, forget about a trip to a far-flung locale and book a hotel in a city within driving distance of your wedding. With the money you save on airfare, you can treat yourselves to dinner in a top-notch hotel. It is a great excuse to get all dressed up in a fancy dress and to wear your wedding jewelry again! Then for the rest of the trip, check out local and neighborhood favorites that might be less elegant, but where you can find affordable and delicious meals.

All-inclusive resorts can be another money-saving option for some couples. It really depends on your vacation style. These resorts will often be expensive up front, but if you plan to spend your trip celebrating with many tropical cocktails, an all-inclusive that includes alcohol may end up being a good deal. The types of amenities that are part of the package price will vary considerably from one resort to the next, so do some research into which activities and services are a part of the deal. Some resorts will include access to sailboats, jetskis, and the like for no additional fee, but others will charge extra for certain sports. If luxury is your top priority, and you want a hotel where you can dress for dinner in a gorgeous dress and your wedding jewelry every night, look into booking at a really fancy resort at a less glamorous island like Jamaica or Puerto Rico, which may be less costly than a similar resort in a place like Bermuda or Grand Cayman.

Finally, wherever you decide to go for your honeymoon, make sure to spread the news that you are newlyweds. People love honeymooners, and it can result in free upgrades for anything from your plane seats to hotel rooms to free Champagne or dessert at dinner. With these tips in mind, you will be able to plan your dream vacation at a price that gives you peace of mind.

Romantic Italian Honeymoons

There are a number of excellent reasons to choose Italy for your honeymoon destination. For one thing, it is exotic enough to feel like you are really trying something new, but it is also a very easy place for Americans to get around. The people are very friendly, and at least in the metropolitan areas, most speak English (but they do still appreciate it when tourists make an effort to learn at least a few Italian phrases). And then there is the food, the art, the culture, the countryside, and the shopping; need I say more?

Each part of Italy has something interesting and unique to see. The breathtaking beauty of Tuscany makes it one of the top destinations for newlyweds. You can spend leisurely afternoons enjoying the Tuscan countryside and visiting world class vineyards. A cooking class is a fun way to spend an afternoon in Tuscany, as well.

Pay a visit to the Duomo, the impressive cathedral that is a central feature of Florence. Then hop over to the Ponte Vecchio, a famous shop-lined bridge. This is the perfect place to pick up romantic jewelry gifts for your new bride, perhaps something to complement her wedding set. If her wedding jewelry was created in gold, you will find it especially easy to buy coordinating gifts at this iconic shopping district. Speaking of shopping, no trip to Florence would be complete without a trip to the flagship Ferragamo store.

Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world, making it a perfect stop for an Italian honeymoon. Stroll arm in arm alongside the famous canals, and take a ride in a gondola. Sip an espresso in St. Mark’s Square. There are beautiful hotels and inns in every corner of Venice, but for the ultimate experience, book a room overlooking the splendid Grand Canal. Music lovers will enjoy an evening spent at La Fenice, the famous grand opera house. And for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, head over to the island of Murano for hand-blown glass.

Rome is another popular destination for honeymooners. It offers incredible architecture and ruins dating back thousands of years. Many of the most famous sites in the world are here, including the Colosseum and the Pantheon. While in Rome, also take a side trip to the Vatican to view St. Peter’s Square and the Sistine Chapel.Italy is such a romantic and fascinating place to take a honeymoon that the only hard part will be leaving!

Florida Destination Weddings

Brides and grooms have always loved warm weather destination weddings. Many couples today, though, are not interested in the expense or hassle of getting married in a far-flung exotic island. For a warm and sunny wedding destination that is close to home, why not think about Florida, the Sunshine State?

Couples who are looking for a beach town that is all about having a good time can consider Key West. This little paradise on the Southern tip of Florida is known for its laid back vibe, tolerant attitude, and fascinating locals. Oh yeah, and don’t forget the key lime pie – yum! For a Key West wedding, a simple chiffon or organza wedding gown with unique handcrafted bridal jewelry would be ideal. Plan your wedding to take place during one of the legendary Key West sunsets.

If an urban beat is more your style, then you will love the chic flavor of a Miami wedding. This is the perfect spot for couples who love the nightlife. Serve up local Cuban-inspired food at your wedding and hire a great dance band with a Latin flair to give your guests the full Miami experience. For your honeymoon, stay at one of the renowned Art Deco or modern boutique style hotels. You can spend your days sunning yourself on South Beach, and your nights dancing at fabulous clubs.

And finally, no discussion about Florida wedding destinations would be complete without mentioning Disneyworld. This is a popular wedding destination for brides and grooms from around the world. If it has always been your fantasy to feel like a princess on your wedding day, then Disney is for you. Choose a Cinderella-inspired ballgown and top it off with fabulous handmade crystal bridal jewelry for a fantasy look as you marry your Prince Charming. A Disneyworld wedding is sure to be a dream come true.

Tips for Honeymooning in Europe

The honeymoon is one of the most eagerly anticipated parts of the wedding. When you are planning a post wedding getaway to Europe, it is especially exciting. These are some tips to keep in mind to make your European honeymoon as enjoyable as possible.

The first thing that you will need to decide when planning your honeymoon is exactly where you would like to go. Do you prefer to visit one country (perhaps seeing a few of the different cities and main attractions), or would you rather hop around and see as much of Europe as possible? Whichever you decide, there are great resources to help you plan your trip.

Couples who would like to visit some of the major capitals of Europe, such as London, Paris, and Rome, for instance, will find that there are a variety of tour groups and cruises designed to guide you along the way. If you would rather take things at your own pace, it is quite easy to get around Europe by rail; the choice is yours.

If you are planning to honeymoon in a country where English is not the first language, take the time to pick up at least a few key words and phrases in their native tongue. Sure everyone might speak English in the major cities of Germany and Italy, but it is arrogant to make the assumption. Even if you mangle the language, people will be charmed that you have at least made an effort to learn to communicate with them.

What to bring is another key thing to think about for your honeymoon.  Europeans are known for their effortless style and panache; you may not be able to duplicate that certain je ne sais quoi, but at least try to look your best. A few basic pieces, like black trousers, a pretty skirt, a white blouse, and a twinset can be made to go a long way. You don’t want to overpack, but do bring some accessories to help you complete the outfits. For instance, if you wore pearl bridal jewelry for your wedding, definitely plan to bring it. Classic bridal jewelry, such as a great strand of pearls, can be used for much more than the wedding.

With these tips in mind, you are sure to have a relaxed and romantic honeymoon. There are few destinations more memorable than the great cities and towns of Europe, especially if it will be your first time seeing them with your significant other. Bon Voyage!

European Honeymoon Tips: Part Deux

To make the most of your honeymoon in Europe, it is a good idea to do some advance research and planning, both in books and on the internet. Even if you and your fiance are laid-back people who like to let your adventures unfold naturally, you will find your honeymoon will be much more relaxing and pleasant if you arrange a few things beforehand.

It is great fun to pore through the guidebooks together deciding on the places and events that you definitely want to see. Once you have your list in hand, it is worth it to check out a few important details. For instance, it is often possible to buy admission tickets to museums long before your honeymoon. If you are planning to visit a popular destination such as the Uffizi in Florence, you can save yourself from wasting precious honeymoon hours by having pre-arranged tickets waiting for you when you get there.

Passports can take a long time to order, so plan ahead. If you will be needing a new passport, allow yourself several months or longer for it to arrive. You can check with your local government passport office for the exact time frame. Whatever that is, allow yourself a minimum of one extra month’s cushion. You certainly wouldn’t want to be forced to cancel your honeymoon due to a delayed passport!

When you are traveling for your honeymoon, you will want to bring some special outfits to wear for all of those romantic dinners. At the same time, it is unwise to travel with a lot of valuables, such as diamonds. This is where the crystal jewelry that you wore for your wedding can come in handy. The sparkle of crystal wedding jewelry will add just the right amount of sparkle to your favorite dress.

Your honeymoon will be the most romantic and special vacation that you will ever take. With all that is involved in planning a wedding, it can be tempting to let the honeymoon details slip to the back burner; however, you will discover that if you devote a little extra time to planning your honeymoon that it will be even more relaxing and fun than you had dreamed.

Honeymoon by Train

When most people think of travel, they think of cars and planes. We forget about taking a trip by train. Traveling by train is great for people who not only want to get from Point A to Point B, but who also want to enjoy the trip along the way.

There are a variety of things that can make riding a train a pleasant way to travel for your honeymoon. For one thing, neither of you will have to drive. This means no arguments over asking for directions, no backseat driving, no disagreements over when to stop, and therefore, no stress! When you travel together by train, the honeymooners can actually spend time enjoying each other’s company. You can get meals, play cards, or just relax and talk.

Since you are planning a honeymoon, you want to take a few steps to make your train trip as pleasant as possible. Definitely plan to reserve seats in first class or business class. Depending on the train, this can mean that you get your own little private cabin. Much more romantic than being stuffed in with everyone else. For longer journeys, such as cross-country, you will want to have a sleeping cabin (you are on your honeymoon, after all – you can’t spend your wedding night sleeping in seats!).

Since the dining car on many trains isn’t anything special, it would be nice to break up your train trip with some overnight stays in the cities along the way. Call ahead, and book a romantic dinner at the fanciest restaurant in town. Be sure to bring along some nice clothes and jewelry so that you can dress up for the occasion. The bride can bring along the wedding jewelry gifts that her husband gave her when they got married. If the new husband wants to make a very romantic gesture on the honeymoon, he could pick out another piece of jewelry that matches the wedding gifts he gave her. That would make a fabulous surprise on either the first or last night of the honeymoon.

When planning your honeymoon, look for trips that will allow you to relax and take it easy with your new spouse. Taking a honeymoon by train can be a very nice way to travel at a more relaxed pace and to see the country at the same time. All Aboard!

Honeymoons for Birdwatchers

Planning a honeymoon is one of the most fun parts of the wedding. It is a chance to do your favorite things together as a couple, or to explore new places and activities together. For a unique honeymoon idea, why not consider a birdwatching expedition?

There are magnificent places to birdwatch around the country and around the world. Internationally, some of the best sites are found in China and the United Kingdom. You can choose your location based on the part of the world that you most want to visit, or a particular type of bird that most interests you.

Domestic birdwatchers may want to plan a trip based on one of the Audubon Society’s birding trails. These paths are found in more than half of the states, and are a terrific way to combine seeing the countryside with top-notch birdwatching. Special maps provide you with information about the best places to look for birds, as well as details on local attraction, hotels, restaurants, and more.

After an afternoon of enjoying nature together, a perfect ending would be a soak in a bubble bath followed by a tasty dinner. Wear a pretty dress and your wedding jewelry to make the evening feel elegant and romantic. (Or you can wear just your wedding jewelry if you really want to spice things up!)

More and more couples are looking for unique and interesting things that they can do together on their honeymoon. Why not forgo the typical beach vacation in favor of something a little different? If you love nature and bring outdoors, you might find that birdwatching would be perfect for your special trip.

Big Apple Brides

New York City is a true American landmark. It is beloved not only by its millions of residents, but also by the millions of people who visit the Big Apple each year. New York is a fun and exciting spot to have a destination wedding.

There are many iconic New York locations from which to choose, and just as many others that are unique and lesser-known. If famous and fabulous is your dream New York City wedding, then plan to pull out all the stops.Weather permitting, the bride and groom could arrive at the reception in one of New York’s famous horse-drawn carriages.

And of course, since New York is one of the greatest fashion centers in the world, you will want to be dressed to the nines. Picture a chic and sophisticated silk gown accented by an elegant long veil and spectacular custom bridal jewelry.

Of course, there are as many approaches to take in planning a New York wedding as there are skyscrapers in the city. If big and glitzy is not your style, take an insider’s approach to designing your wedding. Hire a top notch planner to help guide you to the offbeat spots where the locals have their ceremonies and receptions. Private clubs, cool lofts, and harbor cruises would all be intriguing possibilities.

The great thing about having a destination wedding in a world-class city like New York is that you won’t even need to travel for your honeymoon. Spend a week or so taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of New York. A New York honeymoon would be the perfect ending to the wedding for a Big Apple bride and groom.

Honeymoon Cruises

There are so many wonderful places you can visit on your honeymoon. It can be hard to decide on just one destination when they all sound do exciting. If you want to explore different places during your trip, taking a cruise is a great way to do it.

Caribbean cruises are always very popular. It is fun to hop from port to port, relaxing on beautiful beaches along the way. However, the Caribbean is certainly not the only great destination for a honeymoon cruise. If you enjoy warm weather, but would like to try something a little more exotic, what about cruising the Greek Isles? You will return home from your honeymoon with a taste for ouzo and bacalava!

If you and your fiance are not sun-worshippers, there still may be a cruise that is perfect for you. Northern cruise routes include Alaska and Norway. How incredible would it be to see the fjords or glaciers on your vacation?

If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then maybe you would prefer a European cruise. You can take in some of the Continent’s most historic and incredible cites, such as Paris and London. The cruise boat essentially acts as a floating hotel, so that you can get a flavor of many different locales without the hassle of changing hotels every night.

Your honeymoon will be the most romantic and memorable vacation that you will ever take. Make it special by choosing a really great trip. Cruises can offer honeymooners the chance to easily explore many wonderful destinations all in one marvelous vacation.